Free Advanced Driving Lectures

Wednesday 13, 20 and 27 April sees the Institute of Advanced Motorists free lectures commence at 6.45 pm with an 8.45 pm finish. The lectures are being held at Committee Room 1, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ.  Entry to Committee Room 1 is through the glass doors at Colliton Corner and parking is free.

The lectures, given by a class one civilian ex-police instructor with many years’ experience and a sense of humour, contain information and advice that could save your life.

As we strive to better ourselves at most things in life, why not driving?  No need to book, just come along and bring your friends.

For further information contact Jane Percy on 01305 820963 or secretary@dorsetiam.org.uk.

Do not reply to this message directly. Alternatively, visit the IAM website for more details: http://www.dorsetiam.org.uk/​

Action Fraud Alert – Timeshare Recovery Room Fraud

 
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning people of the dangers of Recovery Room fraudsters targeting former victims of Timeshare fraud.
Recovery Room Fraud refers to a scam whereby fraudsters contact the victims of previous frauds, often by way of cold calling them, and claim to be able to recover previously lost funds. In July 2014 the Financial Services Authority (FSA) estimated that 30% of people who had lost money through Investment fraud would also fall victim to a Recovery Room fraud.

When Recovery Room fraudsters target victims of timeshare frauds they usually claim to be a legal professional or a representative of a government agency (normally within the country where the original timeshare property was based) in order to legitimise the scam. The fraudsters know personal details about the victim and their previous investment which gives them credibility. They claim that the advanced fees requested are for ‘local taxes’ or ‘litigation costs’ incurred during the recovery of the funds. It is suspected that the persons behind Recovery Room frauds are often the same people involved in the original scams even though these crimes may have occurred years earlier.

Initially, a small fee, typically in the region of £200-400, is requested by the fraudsters which they often claim is refundable as part of a ‘no-win no-fee’ basis.  The fraudsters rely on the victims seeing this as a nominal fee compared to the amounts lost, which often run into the tens-of-thousands of pounds, and therefore worth paying if it facilitates the return of their money. Once paid, various excuses are made by the fraudsters to explain delays in the recovery of the funds.  Subsequently, further larger amounts are then requested by the fraudsters.  Needless to say, no refunds ever materialise and no money is ever recovered.

 

Protect Yourself

  • Never respond to unsolicited phone calls – if in doubt, hang up.
  • Always check that the details of the organisation or company contacting you (such as website, address and phone number) are correct – the fraudsters may be masquerading as a legitimate organisation.
  • Don’t be fooled by a professional looking website as nowadays the cost of creating a professional website is easily affordable.
  • Be wary of any firms or individuals asking for advanced fees.
  • Consider seeking independent legal and/or financial advice before making a decision.

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

Published
Categorised as Crimewatch

Dorset Police Alert – Rogue Traders

We are getting increased reports of males attending rural addresses stating they have generators for sale.

At this time, there are no offences disclosed however, we feel that the items for sale may be sub standard and/or copies of renowned makes.

Trading standards have been made aware that these males are in the area again but we would like to ask residents to be careful before making purchases.

Regards,

North Dorset Neighbourhood Policing Teams

Published
Categorised as Crimewatch

Dorset Police’s Top 20 Prolific Offenders Behind Bars

Message sent by
Amy Crowfoot (Dorset Police, Communications and Engagement Department, Dorset)

Some of Dorset’s most prolific offenders have been sentenced to a combined total of over 57 years during 2015, following arrests made during the Force’s Operation Castle campaign.

Offenders from across Dorset have been caught and prosecuted for committing acquisitive crime, including robbery, burglary and vehicle crime as part of the operation.

The latest offenders to be added to the Behind Bars list are brothers Andrew and Colin Fitzpatrick, with Andrew being sentenced to seven years and his younger brother sentenced to four and a half years for burglary related offences in December 2015.

The following people were convicted in 2015:

  • Darren Lane, 38 years old and of Bournemouth, sentenced to four years
  • Christopher Maggs, 40 years old and of Bournemouth, sentenced to three and a half years
  • Khye Porter, 23 years old and of Poole, sentenced to 19 months
  • Michael Bryan Johnson, 29 years old and of Poole, sentenced to two years and five months
  • Toby Roberts, 19 years old and of Bournemouth, sentenced to 12 months
  • Sergio South, 43 years old and of Bournemouth, sentenced to two and a half years
  • Perre Whewell, 24 years old and of Swanage, sentenced to 18 months
  • James Wall, 37 years old and of Poole, sentenced to four and a half years
  • Philip Bright, 40 years old and of Poole, sentenced to two and a half years
  • Peter Bright, 38 years old and of Poole, sentenced to 18 months
  • Peter Turner, 31 years old and of Poole, sentenced to two years
  • Robbie Lyons, 37 years old and of Bournemouth, sentenced to two years
  • Paul Young, 35 years old and of London, sentenced to 15 months
  • Peter Evans, 26 years old and of Bournemouth, sentenced to two and a half years
  • Andrew Millanaise, 38 years old and of Bournemouth, sentenced to two and a half years
  • Gareth Picton, 34 years old and of Bournemouth, sentenced to two and a half years
  • Terrence Cubbin, 32 years old and of Kinson, sentenced to three years
  • Stacey Tutt, 43 years old and of Boscombe, sentenced to four years
  • Andrew Fitzpatrick, 28 years old and of Ferndown, sentenced to seven years
  • Colin Fitzpatrick, 25 years old and of Ferndown, sentenced to four a half years​

Operation Castle is an ongoing initiative, but has even more resources dedicated to it when criminals traditionally increase their activity, such as Christmas and New Year.

Patrol officers and Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) work alongside detectives and plain clothed officers to find out who’s committing crime and prevent them from offending in local communities.

Detective Sergeant Mark White, of Bournemouth Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We are really pleased that the courts have sent these criminals to prison and taken them off the streets of Dorset, especially in the case of the Fitzpatrick brothers.

“These men broke into people’s homes without a second thought for the home owner. In one case, the victim was bed bound and only left the house two days in the year. The brothers struck on one of those days and the victim returned home to find a horrifying situation.

“Burglary affects victims beyond the physical loss of items and damage to property – it makes people feel uneasy for weeks and even months after the offence, which is why it’s vitally important that burglars and other criminals are placed behind bars and serve their time in prison.

“We hope this sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate this kind of activity and we will do everything in our powers to apprehend people who think they are above the law.

“Residents can help prevent becoming a target of thieves by taking simple precautions and following our Who’s Locked Up? Advice. This includes locking doors and windows and using a light timer switch if you’re going to be out for a reasonable period of time.

“I’d like to reassure members of the public that burglary is reducing year-on-year, but we still need the community to report suspicious behaviour and criminality, so I would encourage anyone with information to call Dorset Police so that we can help make their area a safer place to live, work and socialise.

“If you are aware of someone handling stolen goods or being involved in criminal activity, please call the police. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, an independent charity, for free on 0800 555 111. You will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward.”

CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE

  • Always keep your doors and windows shut and locked where possible, even if you’re in your property
  • Use a light switch timer
  • Keep shopping bags out of view, whether in the car or in the window of your house
  • If you’re going on holiday, ask a friend or neighbour to park on your driveway and make sure any post is put through your letter box properly
  • Cancel deliveries of milk, newspapers or any other regular delivery items
  • Fit a burglar alarm and make sure it’s set when property is unoccupied
  • Do not leave car, door or window keys on view. Never leave keys within reach of a letterbox or a window.
  • Register valuable property at http://www.immobilise.com or keep an inventory including description, serial number and photograph of each item​
  • Ask your local Neighbourhood Watch to keep an eye on your home while you are away.

 

Attached files
File name File size
Op Castle Rogue Gallery Template 2016.pdf 1,053.0 KB
Published
Categorised as Crimewatch

Weekly Table Tennis

table tennisTABLE TENNIS

Tuesday   7 – 9 pm, weekly
All abilities welcome

Thursday   2 – 4 pm, weekly
All abilities welcome

Friday  4 – 6 pm, weekly
Homework + Reading club + Table Tennis (6-16 years)

Table Tennis Sessions

table tennis…   Just turn up
all bats and balls provided

Indoor trainers only
(non-marking shoes)

Refreshments available

For more information please contact:

  • Sue Atkinson           01258 455 778  (Reading / Homework)
  • Barry Waterman   01258 450 669
  • Peter Jones               07805 242 801

Are you prepared to pay an extra 1p per day for increased policing services in Dorset?

POLICING COUNCIL TAX CONSULTATION

CLICK HERE TO HAVE YOUR SAY

Dear resident

I am keen to hear your views on whether to raise the Policing element of the Council Tax for 2016/17. The consultation can be found here and I would encourage you to take part to ensure your views are taken into account.

Please share this email with friends and family who live in the area – it is vital I hear from as many Dorset residents as possible. The survey will close in six days – Monday 25th January.

Thanks for your time.

Martyn Underhill
Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner

Dorset County Council – Review of rural bus services

Dorset County Council needs to reduce the spend on public transport subsidy by £500,000.
The budget reduction will remove subsidy for services that run once or twice a week. Instead, the County Council will support the ongoing development of community-based transport schemes which can meet local needs better than traditional bus services.
A four-week public consultation asking local people how the changes would affect them will start on Monday 11 January.
You can see a list of affected services and have your say about the proposal by completing the survey at –

www.dorsetforyou.com/2016- rural-bus-review

or by picking up a paper copy from any Dorset library, town or parish council offices.