NEWSFLASH/RINGMASTER MESSAGES

Suspicious Callers

In the past few days Dorset Police have received a large numbers of calls from members of the public across the County advising them of suspicious telephone calls they have received. The callers have been asking occupants questions about their home security and what type of property they live in. A large number of them have also been asked for their age and on some occasions they have been asked for bank details and offered alarm systems for sale. The callers appear to be targeting elderly residents. Please do not give out personal details to callers over the phone. Do not accept offers of alarm fitting over the phone. If you wish to purchase an alarm, wherever possible seek personal recommendations. Some companies operate high pressure selling tactics so do not be bullied into allowing them to visit you at home. If you would like security advice please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood team. Please pass this message on to friends and neighbours. Thank you

"I have today had a phone call from a representative of the above company, who wanted to ask a few questions re local security... is there a neighbourhood watch active, do I have security measures in place etc.

Within a few sentences it became obvious it was a company selling burglar alarms.

The disconcerting statement he made was that 'they had had some alarms donated and were offering to sell them @ £1 each'

It might be that someone more vulnerable than me, might be taken in by his statements, and be drawn into parting with considerably more than £1."

TV Insurance

Dorset Police would like to advice you of a scam two Dorset residents have reported to Trading Standards. Letters or calls are received from persons claiming to be calling on behalf of SKY offering satellite system insurance. Residents are asked for banking details and direct debits amounts are then taken monthly from their accounts. The telephone number provided by the caller and the insurance policies do not exist. If you receive a call please check the callers identity by asking for verification of the company for whom they work before agreeing to anything over the phone. Do not give out personal banking details over the phone; if they are legitimate they should already have your details on record. Please pass this information on to friends and neighbours. Thank you

Advertising Scam

The Association of Dorset Watches and Dorset Police wish to advise you of a recent scam that has been targeting business owners by offering them advertising space in fictitious Home watch, charity or emergency services brochures. Consumer Direct have confirmed this is an on-going scam. The Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network wish to make clear they do not produce local brochures or contract with other companies to do so. Please be aware that this is just one example of the many tricks that scammers try. You are advised to never deal with anyone over the phone until you have confirmed that they are legitimate, however plausible they may seem. Anyone wishing to prevent unsolicited calls may register with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707. If you have received a call of a similar nature it should be reported to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506, and not Dorset Police. Thank you.

22/06/2010.

Burglaries have again risen with the recent warmer weather.

The majority has been as a result of insecure windows and doors. Some offences have occurred both whilst the occupants were asleep at night and also recently whilst the occupants were nearby in their garden. Please remind friends and neighbours to secure windows and doors, even when they are in or around their homes. We also advise against leaving gardening tools unlocked at the end of the day and keys to locks on the inside of property doors, as these can all be used to gain entry. Anyone who witnesses anything suspicious is asked to contact Dorset Police on 222 222 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

21 June 2010

LOTTERY SCAM

A lottery scam is operating in our area and has already tricked an elderly couple out of £395. A personally addressed letter was received advising of £400,000 win on the Euro Millions and that this was the last opportunity to claim it before it was handed over to the Inland Revenue. A mobile number was given as the number to call and bank details were requested. The company advised the caller that she should send cash to pay for a courier from London and that the money would be with her in a few days, needless to say the cheque has not arrived.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF YOU HAVEN'T BOUGHT A TICKET YOU CANNOT HAVE WON A PRIZE.

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Find out if you are eligible for a wide range of benefits from Pension Credit to warm home grants. Contact the Pensions Service on

08456 060265

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Poole Older People's Strategy Group meets regularly to discuss older people's issues with those who are reponsible for older people's services.

Contact 0300 111 0102

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Make sure your home is safe with the help of Dorset Fire and Rescue with a FREE home safelty check and free smoke-alarm fitting service to older people in Poole

Call 01202 538282

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A LINk is a network of individuals, groups and organisations that aims to improve health and social care services for local people. Visist www.makesachange.org.uk

call 0845 4500 418