Please report any suspicious circumstances to Greater
Manchester Police on
101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Wendy Warburton
PCSO 65374
J Div. East NPT
Marple & High Lane
Greater Manchester Police
0161 427 0115
Ext: 69792
Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/@GMPStockEast
Index - click on a
date
Jan 10 Courier Fraud & Impersonation of
Police Officers Feb 25
Recent Incidents Feb 28
Incidents and Advice
Message
Received: 10 Jan 2014, 15:51 [Operation Hamilton
- Courier Fraud & Impersonation of Police Officers]
In June Greater Manchester Police's Volume Fraud Team received
the first report of this particular ‘courier fraud’ crime.
Since that date across Greater Manchester there has been 178 reports of
‘courier fraud’, 20% of those have lost money, total value
approximately £100,000.
The Modus Operandi (MO) can vary slightly but essentially involves a
victim being telephoned at his / her home address on the landline
telephone, by the suspect who states he is a Police Officer usually
identifying himself as a Detective either from the Metropolitan Police
or Leeds (West Yorkshire).
The suspect informs the victim that there is a problem with their bank
account and that they have arrested someone who has used the
victim’s details to commit fraud and convinces the vicitm that
they need to seize the original Bank card(s) for evidence which the
vicitm still has in his / her possession.
If the victim is unconvinced that the call is genuine they are
instructed to hang up and call a genuine number to verify the
caller’s details but the suspect keeps the line open then deals
with any subsequent call, convincing the victim of their authenticity.
The victim reveals to the suspect caller their bank details, including
the PIN.
An often unwitting courier or taxi driver is sent to collect the
victim’s card(s) The card(s) are then delivered to the
offender(s).
Once in possession of the vicitm’s card(s) the offender then
completes a transaction enquiry at a local cash machine (ATM) machine
to establish a balance, prior to committing frauds and removing cash
from the account.
Message
Received: 25
February 2014 14:04 Hazel Grove - Recent
Incidents
Burglary:
Peter Street - Offenders have attempted to gain entry to property
through patio doors. They have been disturbed by dog and made off
empty handed.
Burglary - Garage/Shed:
Co-operative Street - Offenders have gained access to detached garage
and stolen high value pedal cycle.
Stokesay Drive - Offenders have gained access to garage and stolen food
produce within.
Stokesay Drive - Offenders attempt to break into shed but are disturbed
by homeowners.
Criminal Damage:
Peter Street - Unknown offenders have smashed side window of motor
vehicle parked on the road and made off.
Message
Received: 28 February
2014 13:35 Distraction Burglary
When did it happen: 11/2/14 approx 2pm
Where: North Reddish
General Information: The householder opens the door to a male offender
and asks him ‘Have you come to fix the gate?’. The offender
says ‘Yes’ and enters the property. Victim asks how much
the work will cost and offender says ‘£70’. The
householder leaves the offender alone in the front room and returns
approx 10 minutes later with £65. Victim hands over the money and
the offender leaves. The victim informs son later, who informs the
Police. No work has been carried out at the address.
Offender/Vehicle Description: Male aged approx 50 years, wearing a
beige jacket.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
• When answering the door, always use a door chain, check who is
there by looking through a window or door viewer and always ask for
identification – IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT!
• Don’t do business or accept services from a cold caller on
the telephone or at the door.
• Lock all doors and windows securely.
Vehicle Crime Alert
This is a reminder to residents to remove all valuables and make sure
their vehicles are secure as over the last two nights we have had a
rise in theft from motor vehicles due to offenders trying door handles
and becoming lucky when the owners have left them unlocked overnight.
Car crime can be a big worry for motorists. Protect your car by
following our simple advice - it might just be enough to deter thieves
from targeting your car.
Lock the doors and close the windows when you leave your car, however
long you are leaving it for.
When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one and lock
both your vehicle and your garage
If you don't have a garage, try to park in a well-lit, open place.
When parking outside, always try to park your car in an attended car
park.
Look for a public car park which is part of the police approved Park
Mark scheme and displays the Park Mark® brand.
Don't leave anything on display.
Even an old coat or plastic bag can be a tempting target for a thief.
Remove the stereo if you can.
Don't keep valuables or important documents in the glove box.
Leave the glove box open to show there's nothing inside.
NHWN Crime Prevention & Safety
Booklet
The Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (England & Wales) (NHWN)
has produced a Crime Prevention & Safty Booklet (see link below).
NHWN is a national charity and umbrella body which represents all
Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch members across England and Wales. It
is the organisation that engages with the government, partners and
like-minded organisations at a strategic level. Their website is
www.ourwatch.org.uk.
The overall aim of the Neighbourhood & Home Watch movement is to
bring neighbours together to create strong, friendly, active
communities where crime and anti-social behaviour are less likely to
happen. Crime cannot flourish in a community that cares. For more
information about Neighbourhood & Home Watch, including how you can
join or set up a scheme in your area, see pages 34-35 of the booklet or
or visit www.ourwatch.org.uk.
They also recommend that you contact your local Neighbourhood or Home
Watch Association, who may be able to help you access further support,
including in some cases security products. You can find them by
contacting your Regional Representative, details of whom can be found
at: www.ourwatch.org.uk/get_involved/in_the_regions.
As always if you see a crime in progress, call 999. If you see
something suspicious or want to report information about a crime that
has taken place, call the police non-emergency number 101 or
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.