Block Nuisance Telephone Calls

From a local coordinator

I receive three or four of these calls per week and my feeling is that they are likely to increase.  I have heard of some people receiving three or four per day. These can be stopped and below is a web link to Amazon advertising various types of call blockers.

I have the CPR version and I can say that it works.  Since installation I have received just one nuisance call and there is nothing as therapeutic as pressing the ‘block now’ button and cutting the uninvited caller/pest off in mid-stream; at last I now have control. That number is now permanently blocked along with hundreds of others which have been pre-programmed in.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_12?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=call+blocker&sprefix=call+blocker

Trading Standards Update 20/03/2011 - Latest Scams in Warwickshire

The email alert system is seeking new members.
If you know of any individual/organisation/group/business that would be interested in joining the email alert community, please pass on my details (below) to them.
Thank you

29/03/2011 British Gas Refund Notification
Consumers are warned to beware of a email which falsely claims to offer a refund on £732.80 on your gas bill. The email is a crude attempt at identity theft and requests information including: a legible, colour, digital photograph of your government-issued ID (e.g driver`s permit or passport), your name and address and driver's license number. You are asked to fax this information.

As with all scam email, never respond to them or reveal any personal or financial details about yourself. The criminal gangs who collect this information use it to steal your identity, enabling them to open bank accounts in your name and take out loans and mortgages or claim benefits. Consumers are also reminded that normal email is not secure.

For more information on scams and rogue traders, please visit our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/latestscams

29/03/2011 Government 'Debt Order Settlement'
Warwickshire Trading Standards has received complaints about spam txts. The latest offers recipients the opportunity to 'wipe off' their debts using a 'Debt Settlement Order'. Consumer are advised that this is believed to be a mass marketing approach from debt management companies. Consumers with debt issues can obtain free and independent advice from their local Citizens Advice Bureau. Further information is also available at: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/stoploansharks

Responding to unsolicited email and text messages is likely to lead to you receiving more.

For more information on scams and rogue traders, please visit our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/latestscams

29/03/2011 Unsolicited Phone Calls
A local Neighbourhood Watch has reported to the service that three people in their area received unexpected phone calls from someone asking for personal and financial information. The caller appeared to know the name of the residents and then proceeded to ask for their dates of birth and following that, bank details. Trading Standards urge consumers never to reveal personal or financial details to unsolicited (unexpected) callers.

For more information on scams and rogue traders, please visit our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/latestscams

17/03/2011 Kenilworth Tarmac/Paving Gang

Local residents are warned that rogue traders have been operating door to door in the Kenilworth area offering block paving work and tarmac work. They are using false names and addresses or accommodation addresses to give the impression they are based locally or within the county. Residents are urged not to agree to work from the first person who comes to your door, but rather to shop around, consider local traders and where possible go on recommendation. Keep your door closed to rogue traders.

For more advice, visit our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/doorstep

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• The email alert system is a quick, simple and cost effective means by which Warwickshire Trading Standards can alert interested individuals, community organisations, businesses, charities and others to the latest Trading Standards issues/scams etc.
• Please feel free to cascade this information to whom ever you feel appropriate (including using the information in your newsletters/websites etc.). Please ignore the Restricted Notice on the bottom of this page - this is automatically generated but is not meant to apply to the information in this email.
• The email alert system is designed to work as a two way communications system. Therefore, if you have any information you wish to provide to Warwickshire Trading Standards Service, either for our information, or to appear in future email alerts, please email me.
• To add, amend or remove your details from this email circulation list, again, please email me.
• A list of all the latest email alerts is availbale on our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/latestscams

Simon Cripwell
Senior Information Officer
Trading Standards Service
Environment and Economy Directorate
Warwickshire County Council
tel. 01926 414039
mob. 07771 975570
email. simoncripwell@warwickshire.gov.uk
web. www.warwickshire.gov.uk
My normal working days are Monday to Thursday

Missed the Community Forum - Read the summary

Notes on Forum
SF You Said 16.03.11
Localism Bill
SDC Budget Briefing Note
WCC briefing for community forums

Some Information about Census Colliction

Identifying census field staff
Census field staff will always carry their photo ID, bearing the 2011 Census and ONS logos, and they should automatically show it to residents.

The primary aim of the Census field staff is to take a completed census questionnaire away
with them. Bank account details, passwords or credit card details will not be asked for.

Collectors should never enter the household unless they are asked to do so. Collectors may
need to make several visits to the same address to make sure a questionnaire is returned.

Collecting from residential households (21 March –6 May) Collectors will be working at different times of the day and evening, seven days a week.
Most of the collectors start on 6 April, but we also have some early collectors who will be
visiting communities where extra assistance may be required in advance, such as translated
guidance. The majority of collectors will be working by themselves.

MORE

Trading Standards Alert - Dodgy Drive Merchants in the area

22/03/2011

Urgent Rogue Trader Warning

The Trading Standards Service are issuing another urgent warning to residents living in Cubbington, Lillington and Kenilworth to beware of a gang of rogue traders operating in these areas. The rogue traders are door knocking, leafleting and fly posting offering tarmac, block paving and home maintenance work. The service are dealing with a number of complaints from elderly and vulnerable people who have fallen victim.

The service has carried out a leaflet drop in some of the affected areas and it is attached for your information/further distribution.

* The email alert system is designed to work as a two way communications system. Therefore, if you have any information you wish to provide to Warwickshire Trading Standards Service, either for our information, or to appear in future email alerts, please email me.

Simon Cripwell
Senior Information Officer
Trading Standards Service
Environment and Economy Directorate
Warwickshire County Council
tel. 01926 414039
mob. 07771 975570
email. simoncripwell@warwickshire.gov.uk
web. http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/

Poster if requiredhttp://dl.dropbox.com/u/15092849/SDNHWA/110322%20Rogue%20Trader%20Warning%20Notice.pdf

'Your Community Your Future'

Discover what advice, information and support is available to help your group, organisation or business both now and in the future.

MORE

SpeedAware Initiative

Recently received if anyone would like to pursue the idea.


Dear Neighbourhood Watch Team,
I would like to tell you about our recently re-launched SpeedAware initiative Some of you may already be familiar with the scheme and may have used it in the past. SpeedAware was originally created in 2006 by the Road Safety Unit to provide a proactive response at locations where there was a speeding concern. Previously the scheme was only available on request to MP's, County Councillors and Parish Councils. However the scheme has evolved over the years and is now available for Neighbourhood Watch organisations to participate in.
SpeedAware utilises a mobile flashing sign called a Smiley SID, temporary fixed flashing signs, anti speeding posters and wheelie bin stickers. There are currently two options for accessing the scheme;

Community SpeedAware – FREE, requires local volunteers Ideal for small groups such as Neighbourhood Watch Group/organisations/Council Free loan for up to 2 weeks of a Smiley SID flashing sign to be staffed by local volunteers. Full training given on site to a minimum of 2 volunteers. Volunteers can be members of the local council/organisations & Neighbourhood Watch groups. Signs can be used throughout the community subject to safety checks. Full support of the County Council Road Safety Team.

Latest Newsletters

Southam have exceeded expectations and delivered a Newsletter ahead of time

SOUTHAM

At 01.30pm on Friday 25 February, a male was disturbed attempting to break into a house in Avon Dassett, Incident number 267 of 25 February refers.

At 19:49 hrs on Friday 4 March, two black males and white male entered the Co-op Store in Fenny Compton. They threatened staff and made off with a large quantity of cash. If you where in the area at the time and saw anything unusual please contact Southam police quoting incident 333 of 4 March refers.

THIEVES TARGET CHARITY BAGS COLLECTION

Police are advising residents wishing to make charitable donations to take them to a local charity shop.

Have you had your shed or garage broken into and not reported it to the Police? Southam Police Officers have recovered several stolen items and would like to re-united them with their owners.

WELLESBOURNE

Between 17.00 on Wednesday 16th February 2011 and 08.00 on Thursday 17th February 2011 unknown offender/s have stolen a mini digger from Burton Dassett Country Park, Leamington Spa.
Incident Ref: WK-20110217-0084 Crime Ref: S/11/1826.

Between 17.30 on Saturday 19th February 2011 and 10.45 on Sunday 20th February 2011 unknown offender/s have stolen number plates from a vehicle parked in Church Lane, Lighthorne.
Incident Ref: WK-20110220-0126 Crime Ref: S/11/1978.

Between Tuesday 8th February 2011 and Monday 14th February 2011 there have been a number of reported incidents of damage to telegraph pole wires, telephone and underground internet cables in the Burton Dassett and Warmington area.
Incident Refs: WK-20110214-0097 / 20110209-0029 / 20110209-0249 / 20110209-0239
Crime Refs: S/11/1707 / S/11/1456

Warwickshire Police is advising members of the public to check their shed security following an increase in reported break ins.

Trading Standards Update

17/03/2011 Call Blocker

Some Warwickshire residents have reported receiving cold calls from companies selling call blocker devices! Residents reported receiving silent calls prior to the approach, which may or may not be related.

This is our advice: before embarking on any of these products it is always worth shopping around first and checking to see if your telephone provider (BT or other) can provide similar services as part of the overall service you already pay for.

We would also advise consumers to register with the Telephone Preference Service. This is a free service: www.tpsoline.org.uk
TPS can reduce the number of unwanted sales calls you receive.

Warwickshire Trading Standards Service also has details of other ways in which you can reduce unwanted/silent calls, visit:  

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards

17/03/2011 Lillington Tarmac/Paving Gang

Local residents are warned that rogue traders have been operating door to door in the Lillington area offering block paving work. It is possible that they are using false names and addresses. Residents are urged not to agree to work from the first person who comes to your door, but rather to shop around, consider local traders and where possible go on recommendation.

For more advice, visit our website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/doorstep

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Simon Cripwell
Senior Information Officer
Trading Standards Service
Environment and Economy Directorate
Warwickshire County Council
tel. 01926 414039
mob. 07771 975570
email. simoncripwell@warwickshire.gov.uk
web. www.warwickshire.gov.uk
My normal working days are Monday to Thursday

Theft of scaffolding in Farnborough

Received from the householder via local coordinator

I have been advised by one of our Neighbourhood Watch team (Mark Harrison) that I should notify you (Southam SNT) of a theft from my property that took place in the early hours of Monday (07 March) morning.

I have had scaffold poles, fittings and timber boards stolen from my property, the boards were stacked on the drive (6 No.) but the poles (circa 20 No, of various lengths) and fittings were behind a locked gate. I believe they were stolen in the early hours and did in fact wake at 3 am as I had heard a vehicle, it was pulling off so I didn’t get out of bed to investigate.

The materials are owned by my builder and I have notified him accordingly.

What did you see on Friday evening?

Can you help the police with the Co-op robbery?

MORE

Lead Theft in the Village - Please be vigilant

100m of lead was stolen from the back of the Dassett School in the early hours of Thurs morning.

The Church is another likely target for lead thieves. Would those in the vicinity of either of these buildings please be particularly aware of any suspicious activity and dial 999 if they see a theft in progress. 

Incidents in Harbury and Napton on the Hill

NHW SA Incidents in Harbury and Napton on the Hill INC 51 of 2 March
Please be aware of the following incidents which have occurred in your area over recent days.

At 7pm on 2 March two males called at the address of an elderly person in Leycester Close, Harbury and stated that the utility meters needed reading.
One male asked the resident to turn on the cooker and fill up the kettle whilst the second male entered the property, searched a bedroom and stole quantities of cash from three purses.

The first offender is described as white and in his 50s. he had a thin build and a pointy nose. he wore a dark blue cap and a navy blue top.

The second offender was also white and similar in age. He wore a grey jacket and had light brown hair.

At around 2pm on 28 February offenders stole a Toyota Amazon, with keys, from a farm premises in Chesterton Road, Harbury. The vehicle was found abandoned in a layby on Chesterton Road a little while later.
A witness saw 2 males get out of the vehicle and walk off. One is described as white, in his 40s with a stocky build. He was clean shaven with short grey hair. The second male is described as white, in his early 30s with short dark hair and was wearing a blue donkey jacket.

During the night of 1 into 2 March offenders entered an industrial building at a rural premises in Brickyard Road, Napton on the Hill and stole several items.
If you have information that you believe may be connected to any of these incidents please contact Southam Police quoting incident number 51 of 2 March.

Please also alert elderly neighbours and advise them not to allow anyone they do not know or are not expecting into their homes even if the caller states that it is an emergency. None of the legitimate utility companied would every approach them in this way. Thankyou.
Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator
Community Protection

More Scams to watch out for

03/03/2011
£1.00 Pipe InsuranceWarwickshire Trading Standards Service has been alerted to unsolicited phone calls and doorstep calls from a business (as yet unknown) offering to insure internal pipes for £1.00 per year. The business has no links with the water supplier Severn Trent Water who have confirmed they do not insure internal water pipes. The callers request bank details and in some cases they were provided with them. Warwickshire Trading Standards Service strongly urges consumers not to divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers on the doorstep or over the phone.

'Free' Alarms OfferWarwickshire Trading Standards has again received complaints from consumers who have been receiving calls from an unknown business offering 'free' alarms. The callers offer to fit the alarms within 15 minutes of arrival and may be using scare stories concerning burglary rates etc. In most cases offers of a 'free' alarm are accompanied by charges for installation and monitoring. Alarms are sometimes fitted quickly so that the consumer does not have time to consider the offer properly and cancel (as is their right in law if a contract is signed at their home - they have 7 days in which to cancel).

The business appears also to be contacting people who are on the telephone preference service and in some cases when the phone is answered the recipient may get a dead line or a recorded message. It is possible that the calls are being made from a call centre outside the UK.

For further information, visit our website www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
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* Please feel free to cascade this information to whom ever you feel appropriate (including using the information in your newsletters/websites etc.). Please ignore the Restricted Notice on the bottom of this page - this is automatically generated but is not meant to apply to the information in this email.
* The email alert system is designed to work as a two way communications system. Therefore, if you have any information you wish to provide to Warwickshire Trading Standards Service, either for our information, or to appear in future email alerts, please email me.
* To add, amend or remove your details from this email circulation list, again, please email me.

Simon Cripwell

Senior Information Officer
Trading Standards Service
Environment and Economy Directorate
Warwickshire County Council
tel. 01926 414039
mob. 07771 975570
email. simoncripwell@warwickshire.gov.uk
web. http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/

SNT Newsletters

Southam 18th Feb

Wellesbourne - Not published due to technical difficulties.