Enquiries about dental appointments, seagulls causing a nuisance or requests for bus timetables are not appropriate calls for the police. Below are some calls we have received recently on the 101 line:

1. My BT landline is not working and I can’t get through on the fault line
2. Reporting there is a Frisbee in a field
3. My front door won’t shut
4. When does the Natwest bank open?
5. Mobile phone company asking what mobiles Police Officers use trying to make a sale
6. My printer was delivered from Argos today but no warranty with it
7. Can I have the details of a locksmith as my key won’t turn in the lock anymore?
8. Why has the traffic slowed down?
9. Can you get me the talk talk contact number?
10. Who should I vote for in the upcoming election?
11. Found roller skate in back garden and wanted police to collect it
12. Seagull going to toilet on my car as neighbour feeds them
13. I need help with crossword something a policeman holds, t something s something, something, taser!
14. I want a sign up to say bull in field as a warning to ramblers
15. 118 not working so thought to try 101
16. Cannot find my dental appointment and can’t get through to dentist
17. Wanting travel updates for Ringwood
18. Complaint that the google car is going around the streets
19. Complaint taxi was waiting outside and the fumes were annoying her
20. My mum won’t give me any money
21. Male wanting to report his wife for making him pay for her taxi
22. Wanting a lift from Dorchester to Bournemouth
23. A cat has caught a bat
24. New to area wants directions to B&Q
25. Caller unhappy with service of NHS & wanted to know what the police can do to help
26. We had a séance and now Dorset Police won’t answer the phones
27. My cat has got into neighbours garden and I’m worried their dog will attack it
28. Who should I pay my car insurance to?
29. How do I donate my car to the fire brigade to use for cutting?

Please think before you call. Only call Dorset Police if you need police assistance

People selling their items on online platforms are falling victim to a new type of advance fee fraud. This involves a fraudster, posing as a buyer, sending an email to the seller (victim), agreeing to the full asking price of the item. They state that they are unable to collect the item themselves and will arrange for a courier to pick it up instead.

The fraudster then sends a fake payment confirmation email from a different email address, one which falsely purports to be from a payment platform. In the course of the email exchange, the seller/victim is requested to pay the courier fee. Once the payment is made the contact is broken, the item is not picked up and the money paid for the ‘courier’ is gone.

An example of the most recent emails received by the victim/seller, from the ‘Buyer’, read:

“I want you to consider this a deal as i am willing to pay your full asking price! i actually want to buy it for a family member who is urgently in need of it, i have checked through your posting and i’m fully satisfied with it. Unfortunately, i would not be able to come personally to view/collect, i work offshore as an instructor on a oil rig so i dont have time at all, but like i said i am 100% OK with the advert”
Protect Yourself:

• Be wary when buyers wish to purchase items at the full asking price without viewing them.
• Check the validity of the payment receipt confirmation
• Avoid paying an advanced fee if you are a seller; should you choose to use a courier, arrange your own.
• Check feedback online by searching the associated phone numbers or email addresses of the seller/buyer. Feedback will give you useful information about recent transactions other buyers/sellers have made.

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.

Did you know that many services are available through the website?

Do It Online is a contact portal that can be found on the front page of our website www.dorset.police.uk. Here you can select the service most appropriate to your enquiry and complete the form as directed. Please give as much information as you can to help us answer your enquiry.

The Do It Online function enables you to make enquiries without the need of calling 101, therefore saving your time and any unnecessary expense.

Unfortunately, yesterday between the hours of 1330 and 1700, a property on Blandford Road, Iwerne Minster was broken into and an untidy search was conducted. Entry was gained via a side window and electrical items taken. It is a similar MO to recent breaks in the areas between Blandford and Shaftesbury and it is being considered that they may be linked.

Anyone with any information with regards to this is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting Occ No.55160116247. Thank you

We have received several reports recently of an HMRC scam whereby people are getting automated messages, supposedly from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, stating monies need to be paid and law suits are being filed.

We are aware of this scam and are encouraging residents not to give out any personal details and not to call back where messages have been left. If you feel the need to contact HMRC, please only do so through numbers sourced by yourself and to leave a period of time after you have received any contact from possible scammers.

Please spread the word to your friends and family, particularly those who you feel may be vulnerable to this type of scam.