North Wales Community Alert

[SteveH]

Watch out for FAKE Amazon emails.

Action Fraud have received over 2,000 reports about these e-mails in one week.

Received an email you're not quite sure about? Forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk

#NWPCyberSafe

Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)

[SteveH]

Watch out for FAKE emails claiming to be from Tesco.

The emails ask the recipient to click on the link provided in order to win "free groceries" but actually leads to a malicious website.

 Action Fraud have received nearly 200 reports about this in one week. #NWPCyberSafe

Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)

[SteveH]

Our research shows two thirds (67%) of people are worried about their home being broken into, yet there are simple, proven measures we can all take to reduce our chances of becoming a victim of burglary by up to 50%.
   
To help you be and feel safer at home, we are running our Think WIDE(N)  https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/thinkwiden  burglary prevention campaign (1st-31st March), highlighting the simple, evidence-based WIDE measures which can be taken in any home on a variety of budgets.

At Neighbourhood Watch, we also believe neighbours keeping an eye out for each other is key to reducing burglary, so we've extended the WIDE acronym to WIDE(N):

W: WINDOWS: Keep your windows locked
I: INTERIOR: Put inside lights on a timer/smart bulb
D: DOORS: Double or deadlock your doors
E: EXTERIOR: Put outside lights on a sensor
(N): NEIGHBOURS: Keep an eye out for your neighbours
 
To learn more about WIDE(N) and burglary prevention measures, visit ourwatch.org.uk/thinkwiden.

 

[SteveH]

Ukrainian Crisis Warning – We have begun to hear about scams using the Ukrainian Crisis to extort or scam money. Please be mindful of this and check the origins of requests to support the crisis. If you come across scams please report them. Visit our REPORTING SCAMS page for more information........... https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/crime-prevention/crime-types/scams/reporting-scams

[SteveH]

Beware of scams where criminals attempt to impersonate Police. There have been reports of this happening in the North West Region and in many other areas in England and Wales recently.

The police will never ask you to move money to secure it or to assist them with a bank fraud investigation and will never call you to ask you to verify your PIN or make arrangements to pick up cash or your bank card by courier for safe keeping.

If unsure about any Police contact call back on 101 to confirm that the contact is genuine.

#NWPCyberSafe

Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)

[SteveH]

Recently there have been several reports of Mercedes Sprinter vans being stolen in North Wales. In each case the keys have not been used by the perpetrators.

 In view of this we would advise owners of such vehicles to take all reasonable precautions to safeguard their vans. Blocking your vehicle in with another vehicle or fitting a steering lock or pedal box are great ways of keeping your van safe from thieves.

Message Sent By
christopher livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)

[SteveH]

We have recently received an increase in the report of the theft of motorbikes in the Llandudno and Colwyn Bay areas.  I wanted to make you aware of this so that you will be more vigilant to this type of crime and to also offer you if you are a motorbike owner some crime prevention advice to deter you from becoming a victim to this crime. 

Motorbikes, scooters and mopeds can be stolen in seconds and are commonly stolen and broken down in to parts, this is why fitting security devices can help stop thieves from stealing your motorbike. 

Here are some of the best security devices to use:

GROUND ANCHOR - Using a ground anchor in your home can stop your motorcycle being stolen by acting as an immovable object.  It can be fixed to the floor or wall and will allow you to fit a chain and lock from it to your motorcycle.

SECURITY CHAIN & PADLOCK - Using a motorcycle chain and lock is a good way to lock your motorcycle as it stop thieves from picking up your motorcycle if it is attached to an immovable object.  They are commonly fitted around the motorcycle frame or around the wheel.

GARAGE DOOR DEFENDER - If you store your motorcycle in the garage then garage door security is the best way to prevent thieves entering.  A garage defender can be fitted to most garage doors including up and over garage doors and roller shutters.

DISC LOCKS - These are portable devices so can be taken on the move and easily fitted to your motorcycle wheel. 

In addition to security devices you can fit and alarm and/or tracking device.  A motorcycle alarm/tracker will not on their own physically prevent your motorcycle from being stolen so should be used in conjunction with other physical security devices.  They can act as a deterrent though.

You can also register your motorbike vehicle identification on the Immobilise website.  By marking parts of your motorbike it makes it hard to sell if stolen.

When parking your motorbike in the community you should also try to park in areas which are likely to be covered CCTV or high footfall.

If you have any concerns about this then please do not hesitate in making contact with me or your own local Community Beat Manager or Community Support Office.

Message Sent By
Kelly Evans
(North Wales Police, NPT Constable, West Conwy)

[SteveH]

We are pleased to confirm that following on from our security alert on Wednesday about thefts of motorcycles in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay officers have now arrested several people in relation to these offences. The investigation is ongoing and these suspects are currently on bail.

The previous security advice continues. Please do not rely only on factory fitted security devices. Use atleast two layers of security with quality disc locks, heavy duty chains and good quality padlocks along with ground anchors and you are significantly less likely to become a victim of this type of crime.

Message Sent By
PS 2678 Dan Ball
(North Wales Police, NPT Sergeant, West Conwy Coastal)


Three arrests as police target motorbike gang in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay
There have been a spate of thefts and attempted thefts of motorcycles in recent days

cont/video https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/three-arrests-police-target-motorbike-23435697?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

[SteveH]

In the last year the HMRC has responded to 572,423 referrals of suspicious contact. 219,740 of these offered bogus tax rebates.  

It’s important to beware of impersonation scams where criminals pretend to represent trusted organisations such as HMRC.

Any phone calls, emails or texts purporting to be from HMRC informing you of your eligibility to claim financial help, are due a tax refund or owe tax, or that ask for your personal or financial details could be a scam.

If you have any suspicions, forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and text messages to 60599.

#StopChallengeProtect #NWPCyberSafe

Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)

[SteveH]

Over recent days we’ve received reports of a scam whereby flats have been advertised for rent on Facebook in the Flintshire/Wrexham area. Victims have transferred deposits only to find that the advertiser has then ceased contact with them.

This is likely to be the latest scam, especially with a shortage of rental properties on the market.

Although reports so far have been in the Flintshire/Wrexham area it’s possible that the criminals may target victims anywhere in North Wales.

Please share this information with your family and friends.

#NWPCyberSafe

Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)

[SteveH]

With the increase in fuel prices now might be a good time to change your fuel cap to a lockable one.

If you already have a fuel cap that locks then check it is locking fine, if so, then no need to change it.

If you don't have a fuel cap that locks now might be a good time to change to one that does.  Just make sure you get one that is compatible with your vehicle.

This could prevent you waking up one morning to find your fuel has been siphoned.   (or tampered with)

Message Sent By
christopher livesey
(North Wales Police, Community Safety PCSO, Central)

[SteveH]

Overnight Monday/Tuesday this week BM Mobiles & Computers in St George's Place, Llandudno was broken into. Along with a gaming console and a laptop, the thieves took a large quantity of VAPE products/e-cigarettes.

There is CCTV of the incident which shows three offenders were involved.

Or reference number is B043381 if you have any information.

Message Sent By
David Williams
(North Wales Police,Crime Officer, Central)

[SteveH]

Remember – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

The WhatsApp free Cadbury Easter chocolate basket message doing the rounds at the moment is a scam!

Please don’t click on it or share any of your information via the page.

Read more here - The WhatsApp free Cadbury Easter chocolate basket is a scam

#NWPCyberSafe

 Message Sent By
Dewi Owen
(North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales)

[SteveH]

A youth has been arrested and suspects identified after two schools in Llandudno were vandalised. North Wales Police say further arrests are likely after "significant damage" was caused to Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn and Ysgol Tudno.

Further youth arrests have also been made in connection with vehicles and businesses vandalised in Mochdre and the theft of vape products following a Llandudno store burglary, police said.

Yobs smashed 35 windows and trashed the playground at Ysgol Tudno, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. It was the second time in a week that the school was targeted by vandals, with 24 windows smashed and playground equipment destroyed. The weekend before, 12 windows were smashed.

A spokesman for police in the West Conwy Coastal area said: "Over the last few days youths have caused significant damage to both Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn and Ysgol Tudno in Llandudno. As a result of this several suspects have been identified and one youth was been arrested yesterday for these offences and it is likely that further arrests will be made.

"We have also been investigating an incident of significant damage having been caused to a number of vehicles at a business in Mochdre. Again another youth was arrested yesterday for this offence, as well as for separate offences of public order and assault.

"Finally after a report of a burglary of a business in Llandudno where a large quantity of Vape products were stolen we are able to confirm that three suspects, again all youths, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and are also currently in custody.

"This is all in addition to another youth who was arrested and remanded in custody to Llandudno Magistrates court on Tuesday for a theft offence and breach of previously imposed bail conditions."

Sgt Ball from the Colwyn Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team added: “We are aware that our community has suffered significantly due to the utterly unacceptable behaviour of a small minority of youths from the local area who seem to have no regard for others or for the misery they are causing to the communities they live within.

[SteveH]

More than £50 million was lost last year to scams where victims are tricked into handing over control of their computer or smartphone to criminals.

New data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, reveals that 20,144 people fell victim to scams where they were persuaded to grant criminals remote access to their device.

Victims reported losing a total of £57,790,384 – an average loss of £2,868 per victim.

What are remote access scams
Remote Access scams will often begin with a browser pop-up saying that your computer is infected with a virus, or maybe a call from someone claiming to be from your bank saying that they need to connect to your computer in order to cancel a fraudulent transaction on your account. Regardless of the narrative the fraudster’s use, their goal is to steal your money or access your financial information by tricking you into allowing them to remotely connect to your computer.

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Mullish, from the City of London Police, said:
"While remote access tools are safe when used legitimately, we want the public to be aware that they can be misused by criminals to perpetrate fraud. We often see criminals posing as legitimate businesses in order to trick people into handing over control of their computer or smartphone.

How to protect yourself
 Only install software or grant remote access to your computer if you’re asked by someone you know and trust, such as a friend or family member, and never as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop up, or text message.
Remember, a bank or service provider will never contact you out of the blue requesting remote access to your device.
If you believe your laptop, PC, tablet or phone has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware, follow the NCSC’s guidance on recovering an infected device.

Protect your money by contacting your bank immediately on a different device from the one the scammer contacted you on.
Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk. If you are in Scotland, please report to Police Scotland directly by calling 101.

Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National)