Vale Watch recruitment - fighting Rural Crime

 We received the following email from the Vale Watch group who are seeking new members in our area. message reads;

"Hello

I'm writing to provide your Parish Council members with some details of ValeWatch - the farm watch group which covers Bielby.

ValeWatch is the largest farm watch and rural crime group in the East Riding and has a strong working relationship with Humberside Police and covers all the Western reaches of the Humberside Police area.

We have 225 existing subscribers and information is shared directly with police officers who cover this area and also with co-ordinators of all the neighbouring farm watch groups.  

We have strong links with the Humberside Police Rural Taskforce and Neighbourhood Policing Teams and details of activity can be shared in real time with officers giving them more opportunity to identify and catch criminals.  And, unlike many other groups, we have 25 Humberside Police officers in our intelligence sharing database so every piece of information we receive is sent direct to the e-mails addresses and phones of our local policing teams.

Membership costs just £15 per year per mobile phone registered to our group.   We have a designated number for calling in any reports of crime of suspicious activity and we communicate out through bulk text messaging and e-mails.  

How we work

ValeWatch enables individuals to be part of a group dedicated to sharing intelligence about rural crime and suspicious activity throughout our local community. 

We cover a wide range of criminality including:

• poaching and hare coursing;
• theft of equipment and fuel;
• burglary; or
• suspicious individuals (e.g. cold callers looking for scrap metal, offering tarmac or trying to selling items from back of vans).

We rely on the vigilance and co-operation of our members to provide us with details of crimes suffered or any suspicious activity observed.  Its not an alternative to reporting to the Police on 101 but means we can share information rapidly and we can forward photos and video evidence obtained by our members direct to officers' mobile phones.

Humberside Police also pass on messages when there’s information they want to share or individuals or vehicles they’re trying to locate.

Working Together

We also help our members by co-ordinating exercises such as marking of valuable GPS systems, trailers and other property which are commonly targeted by thieves.  

We've recently purchased over £10,000 worth of DataTag trailer kits which we're fitting free of charge to our member's flatbed trailers, cattle trailers and horse boxes in conjunction with the Humberside Police Rural Task Force.  Trailer theft is one of the most prevalent rural crimes so we're trying to help our members protect their property and avoid becoming a victim.

Our formal structure and profile means we can access grant funding to bring these types of resources to our area.

We're officially recognised by Humberside Police and even have the ability to pass some information direct into the Force Intelligence Bureau - by-passing 101 -  the only farm watch group allowed this privileged level of access.

I've attached a copy of a slide deck which provides a little more detail around what kind of things we're involved with and the information we share as well as copies of recent newsletters

We currently have only two ValeWatch subscribers in Bielby despite having much higher numbers in all surrounding villages.

It would be great if you could promote our existence to anyone in and around Bielby who may benefit from membership.   

Kind regards.

David

ValeWatch Committee"

I have kept personal contact details out of this but contact David on valewatch@gmail.com if you are interested or via me on bielbypmsecretary@gmail.com and I'll pass it on.

• Slides here
• September bulletin here
• Dec Bulletin here

Burglaries In The Area

In the last 10 days, there have been 8 residential burglaries reported across rural towns and villages in our area, all when occupants are out, and often when residents are away on holiday, the MO is usually that rear doors are being smashed to gain entry and an untidy search being carried out with jewellery being stolen. On a couple of occasions rear ground floor windows have been jemmied, and one was a garage door being forced and quad bike & go cart stolen.

If you are going away from home then consider crime prevention measures such as ensuring valuables are kept out of sight and somewhere secure, asking a friend / neighbour you know and trust to house sit or conduct regular visits to check on your property for you or to use your drive. Crime prevention advice is available on the Humberside Police Website, and if you notice any suspicious activity in your area please contact Humberside Police Non-Emergency number 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.

Council Tax scam warning

Below is a message via ERNLLCA from the Pocklington Town Council clerk with a warning about a Council Tax scam.

Good Afternoon

Please be aware that Pocklington Town Council have received several calls today from residents saying that  a male called “Dave” or “George” is ringing on behalf of the council and is either telling them that they are due a Council tax refund or have underpaid and need to pay the difference (the figures that have been quoted to residents are approx. £80- £100) 

The male is then asking for bank details to make the refund or to take a payment for what is owed.   This is a SCAM,  Pocklington Town Council would never ring you and ask for your bank details or discuss your  council tax payments  with you.  Please do not give any bank /personal details to this male who can become abusive on the phone if he is challenged. 

If you have any concerns then please call into the Council offices  or report to Action Fraud or 0300 123 2040

Regards,

Gordon Scaife

Town Clerk

Pocklington Town Council

Number Of Break Ins In The Area

This was on the Melbourne Facebook page yesterday. ALERT!
There have been 4 residential burglaries reported in the last 5 days, at Pocklington, Barmby Moor, Seaton Ross and Market Weighton and a further attempted break in at Allerthorpe, where damage was caused to a rear patio door lock.

Often when residents are away on holiday, the reported MO is that rear doors are being smashed to gain entry and an untidy search being carried out with jewellery being stolen.

If you are going away from home then consider crime prevention measures such as ensuring valuables are kept out of sight and somewhere secure, asking a friend / neighbour you know and trust to house sit, or conduct regulars visits to check on your property for you.

If you notice any suspicious activity in your area please contact Humberside Police Non-Emergency number 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress. Thank you.

I also know of another break in in the Melbourne/Ellerton area where tools and bikes were taken, so please be vigilant and safety conscious.

Email Scam

The following was reported to the Community and Crime Reduction Resilience Officer for East Riding Council today by an East Riding  NHW Coordinator.

An email was sent regarding a 'Notice to appear in Court' There is a date (in this case 28th October) on the email for appearance and an instruction to open the attachment.

The return email address is eddie.pearson@pfygentlemanvideo.com.

If you receive this email do not open the attachment, do not reply and report it on 101

Crime Prevention Leaflets, Libraries Public Consultation & October Edition of the E. R. Parish News

Libraries Public Consultation.

The East Riding of Yorkshire Council are holding a public consultation between 29th September and 21st December. You can complete an online questionnaire at eastriding.gov.uk/libraryconsultation. Hard copies are available at Libraries, Leisure Centres, Customer Service Centres and Children’s Centres.

 

Here are links to some Crime Prevention Leaflets we have been sent.

 

Police Poster - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1P5DEqM5L8YSDdMWVlwSmpyXzJXU0FvTWtRaDZ3N1E1U0Yw/view?usp=sharing

Not Sure Don't Open the Door - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1P5DEqM5L8YN3lJVXRfSl9UUDg3Zi1ZOThLSW1ST0VWUnhV/view?usp=sharing

Dark Nights Burglaries - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1P5DEqM5L8YQkxyb2dlS3NPOUdOM2NMWnN6ZllqOWU5NmE4/view?usp=sharing

 

Here is the link to the October Edition of the East Riding Parish News.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1P5DEqM5L8YWm9fb0xRcWxMT2FzV3pHVUF1YVRyaVg2VldZ/view?usp=sharing

 

 

Bogus Callers

Please be aware that we have had a report of a male (the only description we have of the suspect is that he was white, medium build with black hair)

attending a property in Howden claiming to be a police officer working in CID , the male then asked  the home owner to check his wallet as he believed that cash had been stolen from the victims address.  The elderly victim then checked his wallet and put it down.  The suspect then reached inside and stole it.

As a result of the above incident her are some guidance notes relating to bogus callers . 

Also a  secure garden shed in Seaton Ross has been broken into and an electric lawn mower stolen.

Please remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Police on 101 or 999 if its an emergency.

Beware of Bogus Callers and Telephone Scams!

Bogus callers

Most people who come to your door may be genuine callers, but sometimes, you can't be sure and so you need to "think security" before opening your door to them!

Bogus callers can be very persuasive people: they very often prey on the elderly or vulnerable. They can claim to be from the local authority, health services, gas, electric or water companies, or simply claim to be trades people calling to carry out repairs. Sometimes they can even pretend to be from the police!

So we all need to beware!

Here's some simple advice when somebody knocks on your door or rings your doorbell:

- Look to see who it is outside before opening up.

- Fit a chain on your door so you can open your door to talk to people with the chain engaged.

- Always lock your doors. Sometimes bogus officials work in pairs, and whilst you're distracted at the front door, another may be coming through your back door!

- Check the caller's identity before you let them in. If in doubt shut the door and call the company or organisation they represent. Remember to use the phone book, not the number on their identity card! If the person is genuine, they'll understand and wait.

- If still in doubt, ask the caller to leave and tell them to write and make an appointment so that someone else can be with you.

If in doubt, don't let them in!

In addition to bogus callers, "cold callers" are another problem, particularly in the spring and summer months when people turn up unannounced asking if you want your trees pruning, your guttering mending/cleaning or your drive tarmaccing. Whilst some do operate legitimately, others take advantage, do shoddy work and then charge exorbitant amounts in payment. If payment is refused they can become intimidating.   The simple solution is to say “No Thanks".

Telephone / Cold Call Scams

These ‘cold call’ scams typically involve fraudsters deceiving victims into believing they are speaking to a police officer, a member of bank staff, or a representative of another trusted organisation, such as a computer company in order to steal money. 

Always be on your guard if you receive a cold call and are asked for any of the following:

• Personal or financial information, eg full name, date of birth, address, passwords, bank details, security numbers etc.
• You are asked to transfer or withdraw money.
• You are asked to hand over your credit / debit card or cash to someone eg a courier who will call and collect it.

The bank or the police will never tell you to take such actions or ask you for financial information.  If you are asked to do any of these things, someone is trying to con you!!.  If in doubt, call back the organisation on a number you trust, but do it on another phone or leave it at least five minutes before you make the call. This is important because criminals are able to keep the line open for two minutes after you put down the phone, which means you could end up inadvertently talking to the criminal or their accomplice again.

There are many different scams, some of which are listed below:

• “We believe there is a fault on your computer but we can fix this now if you give us your card details to make a payment” – say no thank you and put the telephone down. Do not engage in further conversation as these people can be very persuasive and before you know it they will have access to your computer and can freeze it!  Whatever happens do not give out your bank or any personal details. 

• “We are ringing on behalf of the bank and believe that someone is trying to access your bank account, so we will create you a new account now over the phone and then if you give me your current bank details I will transfer your money over into your new account immediately.” Do not give out any information, inform the caller that you will go to your own bank to speak to someone face to face and put the phone down.

For other hints and tips log onto the www.actionfraud.police.uk website, which lists an A – Z of different fraud types as well as tips on how to protect yourself from fraud.

Burglaries Be Aware

Please be aware of the following thefts/burglaries that have occurred in the past few days:

A secure silver Nissan Navara was stolen from a county lane near Bolton Lane and Belthorpe Lane near Bishop Wilton.

Entry was gained in a secure property in Stonebridge Drive, Wilberfoss  and car keys and a wallet were taken , this resulted  in a blue Ford Ranger and a black Volvo V50 being stolen.

Entry was gained into a bungalow in Seaton Ross via a bedroom window, nothing was taken as its believed that the suspects were disturbed as the home owners were in at the time

Please remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Police on 101 or 999 if its an emergency.

Scam Warning

Hi All,

Alex has sent another scam warning to make you all aware of.

Please share with your neighbours and remind them not to give their bank details over the phone to anyone regardless of who they say they are.

"We had a call last night from one of our members who told us they had received a call from a man calling himself "Jim".  He told them that he was from Sky and that they needed to change their banking details, he wanted to take their banking details over the phone, so they told him they don't give details like that over the phone and hung up.  He then phoned straight back so they immediately hung up on him and left the phone off the hook for half an hour so that he couldn't get back in touch.

Please let other areas know as we don't want anyone to get caught out."

Crime In The Area

We have been notified of the following incidents in the area. Please be vigilant.

There has been a burglary in Sancton which occurred overnight on Sunday and was discovered Monday morning.  A pane of glass  was removed from a ground floor window frame and unknown person/s have reached inside and stolen various things including an IPhone, I Pad and a wallet.

Please remain vigilant and ensure that all valuables are kept out of sight and not left near doors or windows where they can easily be seen.

 --------------------------------

At approx. 12 noon last Tuesday on Clayfield Road 2 girls, aged approx. 18/20 years,  both wearing trousers, one was wearing a white/cream body warmer with a white t shirt underneath and  one was carrying a large white carrier bag  and also a large map stopped a lady on a mobility scooter to ask for directions. (one of the girls also spoke with an East European accent.)

The victim’s bag which was on the  handle of the scooter was taken; This has since been found on a driveway and up to £20 cash and a bank card have been taken, further cash has since been stolen from the I/P’s bank account .

The females were last seen walking towards the Oval area.

If you see anything suspicious or any females matching this description then please call the police on 101 and quote the log number 255 04/08/15

 

June 2015 Pocklington Town Bulletin

Pocklington Provincial Update for June 2015.

1.    Priority

Issue: Pocklington Town Centre area (Evenings):

Throughout June, we are to continue our High Visibility patrols of the Pocklington Town Centre area to deter potential anti-social behaviour. These patrols include regular checks on peripheral areas at Pocklington Infants’ School, Maxwell Road (periodic reports of criminal damage and youths causing annoyance), Broadmanor Play Park (periodic reports of anti-social behaviour on an evening), Waterloo Lane (reports of low level anti-social behaviour and criminal damage), All Saints Church yard (reports of periodic anti-social behaviour), and Union Street (reports of criminal damage).

 In addition, recent complaints of youths causing annoyance with vehicles on the Station Road car park will result in this location being targeted and consideration made of offences under Section 59 of the Police Act, which can result in vehicles being used to cause harassment, alarm or distress being seized. 

Criminal offenders will be challenged robustly, arrested or reported for summons. Penalty Notices for Disorder or warning letters may be used in appropriate cases however, those who offend should expect to be arrested and dealt with if their anti social behaviour amounts to criminal offending.  The exercise of discretion should not be expected.

2    Priority

Issue: Youths causing damage / annoyance with Vehicles, Stamford Bridge (Evenings):

Following reports of anti-social behaviour by groups of youths congregating with vehicles in the vicinity of the Viking Road car park on an evening, Patrols will be regularly checking this location during June.  Consideration will be given to the issue of £90 Penalty Notices for Disorder and arrest where appropriate, in addition to lower level offenders being dealt with under the FAIRWAY process jointly with East Riding of Yorkshire Council. It is unlikely that any discretion will be shown.  Drivers using their cars to cause alarm or distress will be considered for warnings and possible seizure of their vehicles under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.  

3.    Priority

Issue: Youths Causing Annoyance, area of Sherbuttgate, Pocklington (Evenings):

Officers will continue to patrol the area regularly throughout June.

4. Meetings

Market Patrol, Pocklington Market Place, Pocklington

PCSO Matschke will be patrolling the Market and will be available from 10:00am to 12 noon on Tuesday 2nd June to discuss community issues and offer crime prevention advice.

Police “Drop In surgery” at Lob Lane Sheltered Housing Coffee Morning, Stamford Bridge:

PCSO Gareth Ludlow has arranged a Drop In Surgery from 09:30 -11:00 at the above location to discuss community issues and offer crime prevention advice on the 26th June 2015.

Street Patrol –Wilberfoss

PCSO Gareth Ludlow will be patrolling around Wilberfoss from 8:30am to 9:30am on the 13th July.

5. Crimes in your area

• Front and rear number plates were stolen from a vehicle parked on a driveway.
• Entry was gained into a secure farm workshop and various tools were stolen.
• A front door of a property has been damaged by a sharp instrument.
• Glass from the passenger side wing mirror was stolen from a vehicle.
• A garage door was damaged but entry wasn’t gained.
• A window at Pocklington C of E Infant School was damaged by a golf ball.
• A side wing mirror was broken off a vehicle parked outside the owner’s property.
• A secure bike locked to a pole was stolen after the lock was forced off.
• A passenger front window of a vehicle was smashed by unknown means whilst parked in a public car park.
• A car parked in Millington Wood was broken into and access gained into the boot and 3 weekend bags containing clothes, shoes and valuables were stolen.
• Various items were stolen from a local club.
• There was an attempted burglary of a property; the patio doors were damaged as a result but access wasn’t gained.
• A picnic table at the cricket club was vandalised.
• A seesaw in Victoria Park was snapped off its spring and damaged.
• A UPVC front door was damaged as a result of an unknown person/s kicking it.

6. News and Appeals

“CLICK BEFORE YOU CALL”

At Humberside Police more than one in four calls received on the 999 system are inappropriate, either because they simply are not emergencies requiring immediate police assistance or they are not police matters at all. 

People opt for 999 because they have no credit left on their phones or because they wrongly assume they will get dealt with more speedily if they ring 999 rather than 101.

Now, call takers are taking a stand and rather than simply sending a police officer to every incident, they will re-direct people to the most appropriate route.

And the public are being urged to “click before you call” and instead of ringing the police, unless it’s a real emergency, visit the website. Over the coming weeks a number of messages will be sent via our force Twitter (@Humberbeat) and Facebook Page using the #tag:  #ClickB4Ucall to highlight the different areas of information which are available on the website.

The recently launched new force website www.humberside.police.uk offers a wealth of information and is available to the public at the click of a button with details about everything from neighbourhood teams, police meetings and crime prevention advice through to the ability to report a minor crime online, complain or simply say thank you.

People who are not in urgent need of the police are being encouraged to first visit the website and see whether the answer they are looking for is there.

Crime Prevention Meeting

Paul has let me know that there is a Crime Prevention Meeting to be held on Tuesday 28th July 2015 - Council Offices, George St, Pocklington - 7.30pm

If there is anything you would like them to discuss, can you let me know via the contact form, thanks.