Police Message

BCU09 11122014

 This message is sent on behalf of senior officers and our press office at Headquarters.

 1. There is a national campaign to help prevent members of the public becoming the victims of `loan sharks'. Whilst this is a very personal matter for individuals, please remind members that what may seem like a small loan to tide people over for Christmas, could end up costing them well into the New Year and beyond. Advice from agencies including trading standards is that it is much better and safer to use credit unions for such loans.

 2. There has recently been a campaign aiming at reducing the number of victims of doorstep crime and fraud nationwide. As part of this campaign the Home Office are undertaking a survey to see whether the campaign has had any impact on the public. This will take the form of surveyors calling on residents across the Somerset area - the calls will be random across the area so we cannot predict if or when they will be in your vicinity. However surveys will take place until 21 December.

Those undertaking the survey will have identification with them and an explanatory letter with both the Home Office and Police logo on explaining what they are doing and giving details on how to clarify any details.

Please remember however that if you have any concerns over any callers at the door - you should always call the police direct on 101 and if you think it is an emergency then call 999.


If you have information about any crime, phone the police on 101 or you can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website.