Crime: 10 January 2014 

RE THE FLOODING:
River levels are still predicted to rise, as a result of water draining away, further up river.  Additional police and Borough patrols have been organised in flooded areas.
 
I have been involved in a very interesting meeting with our new Area Commander, Supt. Kate Ford and the head of Local CID Insp. Stuart Bosley, to discuss the issue of the current Courier Fraud Scam.
 
On Wednesday, we had a call from an aggrieved, after I have publicised it so heavily, to say that he had fallen victim to this scam, last November.
 
After the preliminary scam call from a bogus police officer – to gain his trust – about someone, having used his credit cards, when he phoned back to verify the call was genuine, he was asked if he would help them with a potentially fraudulent bank teller, who they believed, was passing forged bank notes.  Would he please withdraw £10,000 from his account ?  The bogus police officer would then arrange for a courier, to collect the ‘forged notes’.  The aggrieved did this and parted with the £10,000.  Needless to say, he has heard nothing since.
 
We need this message spread, as far and wide as possible, to protect everyone in the Borough.  There have been a huge number cases of this scam reported in the Met Pol area and we – the Royal Borough are also receiving many bogus calls – this is organised crime.
 
Stuart has prepared a handout for me to circulate.  As soon as it has been approved, I will send it out.
 
We need your help, to make sure this is circulated as widely as possible, to everyone you know – to every potential victim.
 
Supt Kate Ford has suggested, that if anyone gets a suspicious call and are not sure if the line has been disconnected – the scammers can now play the sound of a dial tone down the line - before calling ‘the police’ / credit card company back:
dial a friend or relative, to make sure the line is clear
 
If you cannot get through – you know you are being scammed.
 
I have received quite a few emails from members to say they have had these calls, but just hung up because they realised, it was this scam.  We need everyone to do the same.  We are very grateful for your help.
 
DODGY BUILDER – IN MAIDENHEAD – PLEASE BE AWARE:
 
9/1  Thursday 11.30 a.m. Balmoral, Furze Platt.  Two men knocked on the door of a house and told the elderly owner that she had some urgent repairs that needed doing to her roof.  It would cost £4,000.  If she would go to the bank and withdraw this sum, they would be back later to carry out the repairs.
 
She went to her bank and tried to withdraw the money.  The cashier became suspicious and – we are really grateful to them – phoned the police.  The police went to the house and waited.  One of the men did return and was arrested for possible Fraud.  A brilliant result and this may be connected, to several other similar jobs in the Borough.  Everyone must keep their eyes and ears open and warn their neighbours about anyone calling at the door –
PLEASE DRUM OUR MANTRA INTO THEM:
 
WE DO NOT BUY GOODS AND SERVICES AT THE DOOR !
If anyone of pensionable age needs work done of any kind – they need to phone Louise Tyson at REPAIR WITH CARE on 0800 876 6060.  I have attached their leaflet explaining the service and their list of Trustworthy Tradesmen.
 
We have had reports from areas of Maidenhead that fliers have been pushed through doors advertising gutters cleaned and moss removed from roofs.  This has 2 implications:

1.  It enables people to walk up and down driveways legitimately and without causing suspicion.  They can have a good look around your house and security while doing this and as we are so used to this happening – they are invisible
2. People may ring the number and employ them.  You have no idea who they are – and – whether or not they are legitimate.

• Walk in well lit areas, during the hours of darkness.
• Try to walk with other people.
• Be aware of your surroundings and who is walking near to you.  If you want to listen to music, try and only use one earphone, so that you can still hear what is happening around you.
• If you suspect you’re being followed, cross over the road.  If they follow, cross back, to see if they follow.  If you’re still worried, go into a shop or crowded place and call the Police on 101 or 999.
• Try to keep any valuables out of view.  Don’t walk along the street with your mobile phone in your hand – particularly, if it is an iPhone / smartphone.  It is very simple to snatch them.
• Keep handbags closed, zipped up and buckled, worn across your body, not dangling from one shoulder and warn under your coat.
• Be extra careful with rucksacks. If someone grabs it, let go.  Bags and their contents can be replaced.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY - Walk confidently, wherever you are / go.

• When approaching your front door, have your keys ready in your hand with your door key ready to go - before you reach your car or door.  Call out to ‘someone’ at home, to say you are back.
• Tell people where you are going and let them know what time you expect to be back.