August 2015 – Stourpaine Matters

PR 4250 – C13 – Growing support for HGV one-way system

Growing support for HGV one-way system

The trial of an unofficial, voluntary HGV one-way system directing HGVs to travel north towards Shaftesbury on the A350 and south towards Blandford on the C13 is being supported by local and national firms

Dorset County Council implemented this scheme following feedback from haulage firms and residents along both roads. It will lessen the likelihood of two HGV’s travelling in opposite directions trying to pass each other at a pinch point. This situation, when it happens, can cause disruption and delays to all highway users and impacts on local communities.

The voluntary one-way system started on 20 July and has gained support from haulage companies including the county council’s business partners Hanson and the Dorset Waste Partnership. The Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association have informed their members of this scheme and have asked them to make a measurable impact on the way HGV’s and coaches travel these routes.

Cllr Peter Finney, the county council’s Cabinet member for environment, said:

“This trial of a one-way system is down to the hard work of officers negotiating with the relevant organisations to find a solution that would work.

“This is a voluntary scheme and we are unable to enforce it, but if it can reduce the number of HGVs meeting than it has to be good for everyone.

“We will continue to monitor this arrangement, keeping an eye on the situation.”

The trial will continue until the C13 at Melbury Abbas is closed again when work will start on stabilising Dinah’s Hollow. The road had been closed for over a year due to the risk to road users from the unstable slopes. A date for this work has not been set.

For more information about the Dinah’s Hollow project visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dinahs-hollow.

Issued By:
Fiona King, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01305 224725
Email: f.e.king@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Stourpaine Parish Council – Meeting 20th August 2015

Please follow the link below to see a copy of the agenda for the meeting of Stourpaine Parish Council to be held on the 20th August 2015 at 7.00pm in the Sports Pavilion.

Agenda 20150820

Please note that the Parish Council will be discussing the following planning applications as part of proceedings –

2/2015/1087/OUT– Norton View, Shaston Road, Stourpaine, DT11 8TA – Demolish outbuildings and develop land by the erection of 4 No. dwellings (outline application to determine layout)

2/2014/0876/FUL – Land at E386023 N109671, Havelins, Stourpaine – Erect 5 No. dwellings (including 2 No.affordable dwellings) and 6 No.garages/carports, form vehicular and pedestrian access – Appeal lodged with the Planning Inspectorate ref APP/N1215/W/15/312.

Further information on both these applications can be found at dorsetforyou.com

Dorset Police – Warning of Phone Scams in Dorset

Dorset Police are warning the public after reports of phone scams, with offenders claiming to be from Microsoft, in the county and are appealing for other victims to come forward.

One incident occurred, Wednesday 5 August 2015, in the Weymouth area.

A male offender called the victim, a local man in his 40s, claiming he was from Microsoft and could assist with a virus on the victim’s computer.

The fraudster tried to trick the victim into paying an amount of money into a foreign bank account for the services and requested his bank account details.

A similar incident occurred on Tuesday 4 August 2015 in the Bournemouth area.

The victim, a local man in his 80s who had recently bought a new laptop, received a call from a man also claiming to be from Microsoft.

In this incident, the offender gained remote access to the victim’s computer and said he would help with the setting up process. He then requested a significant sum of money from the victim for the services. This was paid in to a foreign bank.

Professional analysis of the victim’s laptop, after the incident, showed that it had been attacked maliciously by the offender.

On both occasions the offender is said to have spoken with an Indian accent.

Detective Sergeant Alan Marks, of Dorset Police’s Force Intelligence Bureau, said:

“I would like to bring these incidents to the public’s awareness.

“As with all phone scams, offenders can be highly convincing and I ask people to remain vigilant and ensure friends and family are also aware of such offences.

“I am also appealing to anyone in the county who has been targeted by these scams to report them to the police.”

Anyone with information about such scams should call us on 101 quoting incident number 5:85. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Urgent messages from Dorset Police

Report of a theft

we have had a report of theft from a secure motor vehicle between 05082015 2300 hours and 06082015 1400 hours, Pepper Hill Shillingstone , Offenders have taken a Garmin Sat Nav, some cds and a torch
crime occurrence number 55150064194
Any information please contact Dorset Police 101 or crime stoppers 0800 555 111

Rogue traders targeting the elderly
Dorset Police and Trading Standards Officers are warning householders in Dorset, particularly pensioners, to be extra vigilant after receiving a large number of calls from across the county relating to suspected rogue traders going door to door.

The offenders offer services including; power washing driveways, cutting down trees and tending gardens and selling chainsaws and generators. They also carry out general building work including tarmacking, in exchange for cash.
Police believe that criminals who carry out this type of fraud are doing so whilst travelling through the county, but there are also people who live in the area who try to con the elderly.

Dorset Police’s Crime Prevention Advisor, Debbie Oldfield, said: “Reports have come in from all over Dorset, but we are experiencing a higher volume of calls from elderly people in the areas in and around Ferndown, Poole and Bournemouth.

“We ask that the residents of Dorset be vigilant and not forced or coerced into commissioning work, even if you are told it’s urgent. The work is often costly and unnecessary.

“Do not buy tools from people selling them from their vehicles, as they could be stolen or counterfeit. You could get arrested for handling stolen goods if you are found in possession of them.

“Tell the trader ‘no thank you’, shut the door and call the Police on 101, giving as much detail as you can, including descriptions and vehicle registration numbers if possible.

“If the trader won’t leave your house, dial 999.”

Debbie also advises against giving details out to cold callers – a scam where fraudsters pretend to be from a reputable company and then defraud victims.

Ms Oldfield continues: “If someone calls you unexpectedly asking for your bank details – again, say ‘no thank you’, put the phone down, dial 1471 and write down the number. Call the police immediately on 101.

“If you have already bought services and goods at the door and you are not satisfied, call Citizens Advice on 03454 040506. They will be able to give you advice and report the matter to Trading Standards on your behalf.

“We ask friends, family members and neighbours to be mindful that these types of scams are happening and to look out for elderly or vulnerable people they know, especially if they are having work carried out at their property.

“By working together we can try and stop this sort of heinous crime.”

There have been 15 reports of rogue trader type offences, between January 2014 and July 14 and 38 reports for the same period in 2015.

Stickers for doors and telephones are available from libraries across Dorset or by calling Trading Standards on 03454 040506. Further information is available on the Buy With Confidence website.

If you know someone who is committing this crime or you want to report suspicious behaviour, please call Dorset Police on 101, Trading Standards on 03454 040506 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police guidance:

Keep your doors locked, even if you’re in the premises, and put a chain on if you have one
Don’t let anyone into your property that you don’t know
Don’t accept work from people calling at your door, no matter how urgent they say the work is
Never go to the bank with someone you don’t know or trust

Call the police on 101 if you think you have been a victim of a crime or you see any suspicious behaviour

Action Fraud Alert – Advance Fee Fraud

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has been alerted to an Advance Fee Fraud in which individuals believe they are being recruited by Business Loan Scanner who will be moving to 34 Lime Street, London on 24^th August.

Applicants receive a job offer and are then asked to pay an upfront fee for CRB checks etc.

However, please be aware that there is NO such company at this location and this activity is a fraud.

If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

Dorset Police – Safer Neighbourhood Newsletter August 2015

Please click on the link below for a copy of the latest Safer Neighbourhood Team Newsletter from Dorset Police –

SNT NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2015

Action Fraud Alert – Empty properties

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has received several reports of rental fraud whereby empty premises are being targeted and the locks are being changed for the purpose of adding legitimacy to a rental fraud.

The suspect(s) will find and enter an empty property for the purposes of changing the locks and then advertising it on online platforms, such as Gumtree, as a rental property. The suspect(s) then invite interested victims to visit the property for a viewing. Those victims which are interested in renting the property are then requested to pay a deposit and/or rent upfront in cash.

In some instances the victims have moved into the property only to be evicted by the real property owner, or have found that the locks have been changed, once they have received the keys. There are several instances where this fraud has left victims homeless.

Property Owners:

If you or someone you know currently has an empty property, encourage them to visit the property regularly to make sure that the locks have not been changed and no damage has occurred.

Prevention Advice:

Avoid communication with only email or mobile phone, request to see the property owner and ask for valid ID. You can also check ownership of the property using the Land Registry.
The landlord will carry out their own due diligence and should request all of your details, references and proof that you will be able to afford to rent the property. Make sure that these checks are completed prior to paying a deposit / rent.
Always view the property and the tenancy agreement before paying any upfront costs.

If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

Help & Care – Training Workshops for Carers

Are you a carer?

Do you care for a family member of friend?

Caring for a family member or friend can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. However it can also present challenges, especially when faced with new situations. Most carers at some point will need help and advice, so that the best care can continue to be given.

Help & Care in partnership with Dorset Healthcare will be running free informal training workshops during September 2015.

Please follow the link below for more information –

Help & Care Training Workshops 2015 to 2016

Dates for the remainder of 2015/16 are to follow

Action Fraud Alert – Bogus Student Accommodation

Seasonal rental fraud is an emerging trend with students looking for suitable accommodation around August, before the start of the new term.

Fraudsters use a variety of websites to advertise available properties to rent. often at attractive rates and convenient locations. Adverts will seem genuine, accompanied by a number of photos and contact information to discuss your interest.

Due to demand, students will often agree to pay upfront fees to secure the property quickly, without viewing the property, only to discover that the fraudster posing as the landlord does not have ownership of the property, or often there are already tenants living there.

Protect Yourself

Only use reputable letting companies.
Do some online research such as using Google maps to check the property does exist.
Make an appointment to view the property in person.
Always view the property prior to paying any advance fees.
Look out for warning signs, such as landlords requesting a ‘holding deposit’ due to the property being in high demand.
A landlord will usually conduct some due diligence on any successful applicant. Be wary of handing over cash without the landlord requesting employment or character references.

Message from Dorset Police

Theft of tack and equipment – 31st July 2015

It is with regret, I am informing you all of a burglary to premises in Beacon Hill/Lytchett area of Poole in the very early hours of this morning.

Items stolen include tack, clippers, propane gas cylinders and other items of value.

Although this type of crime is rare, can we please remind all horse owners that your equipment is valuable and of interest to thieves.

Please have a look at how much you have spent on your equine friends and work out how much it would all cost to replace. I can bet it won’t be cheap!
Check your yards security measures. Are there lightbulbs that need replacing? Do you lock up properly every evening (or when you go out for 5 minutes in the afternoon)? Is there any more you can be doing to prevent yourself becoming a victim?
Have you got your tack marked so if we can get it back, we can link it to your crime?
Please, please, please DON’T be an easy target.
For any help or assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us or have a look on the North Dorset Horsewatch facebook page for more information on how to keep yourselves and your equipment safe.

Many thanks,
Kate Hann
PCSO 6268
Sturminster Newton Rural
North Dorset Horsewatch

Theft from a vehicle – 30th July 2015

we have had a report of theft from a believed secure motor vehicle which has occurred sometime 29th July 2015 1230 hours and 30th July 2015 1030 hours in the Bozley Hill area of Cann Shaftesbury the offenders gained entry unknown and stolen a Dewalt Impact Driver and a Dewalt combi drill
If you have any information please contact Dorset Police 101 or crime stoppers 0800 555 111 the crime occurrence number 55150058479
Please do not leave valuables in your vehicles