Month: April 2016

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has recently received an influx of reports that fraudsters are targeting the public, via social media, in relation to football tickets.

Fraudsters are posting pictures or statuses online telling members of the public to contact them via Direct Message for football tickets. This then leads to a mobile messaging conversation. During the conversation, bank details are provided by the suspect so that the tickets can be purchased.

After the victim has paid for the ticket the fraudster blocks them to stop further conversation, leaving victims without the tickets and out of pocket.

Protect yourself:

• Check the security of the website and validity of the post
• Avoid taking the conversation offline to private messages
• When purchasing any products over the internet always try to make the payment via PayPal or a credit card where you have some sort of payment cover

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.

Fraudsters are targeting members of the public who are expecting to make a payment for property repairs. The fraudsters, via email, will purport to be a tradesman who has recently completed work at the property and use a similar email address to that of the genuine tradesman. They will ask for funds to be transferred via bank transfer and once payment is made the victims of the fraud soon realise they have been deceived when the genuine tradesman requests payment for their services.

Protect Yourself:

• Always check the email address is exactly the same as previous correspondence with the genuine contact.
• For any request of payment via email verify the validity of the request with a phone call to the person who carried out the work.
• Check the email for spelling and grammar as these signs can indicate that the email is not genuine.
• Payments via bank transfer offer no financial protection; consider using alternative methods such as a credit card or PayPal which offer some protection and avenue for recompense.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online at:  http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone on: 0300 123 2040.

Keep your vehicle safe.

In recent weeks the Blandford area has suffered several breaks to motor vehicle whilst parked unattended. Please make sure you do not leave any valuable in your vehicle or leave any items visible through the windows. Vehicle should be left secure and windows fully closed.

Further crime prevention advice can be found at  http://www.dorset.police.uk/default.aspx?page=6272

Blandford NPT

Please follow the link below to see the April 2016 edition of the Dorset Police Neighbourhood Policing Team Newsletter –

Neighbourhood Policing Team Newsletter April 2016

Burglaries in the Shroton area.

Between the evening of the 2nd April and the morning of the 3rd April, two Burglaries and an attempt break have occurred in the area of Shroton. A trailer, Quad Bike, power tools and jewellery were stolen. If you saw or heard anything suspicious, please contact Dorset Police. We are looking to trace the owner of a dark coloured 4×4 with a silver front and/or bull bars seen in the area at the time of the offences. Please contact Dorset Police on 101 or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting Occurrence number 55160052882.

Thank You

Blandford Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT)