Windows Computer Scam
There has been a reported rise in the ‘Microsoft virus on your computer’ telephone scam.
This scam is where the caller is saying your computer has a virus. The caller claims that if the virus is not removed damage will be caused to the computer. The caller will ask the computer owner to access a website provided by the caller and download software to deal with the virus. Doing this will expose the computer to potential risks like; unwanted Malware, computer viruses or allowing remote access to the computer by the caller even after the call has ended.
In a recent case where the software was downloaded as per the caller’s instructions the software reported that there were numerous viruses on the computer. The caller askes the computer owner to provide bank details and personal information so that the viruses could be removed.
The simple solution is, if you receive a call of this nature or similar nature then end the call immediately.
If you have been targeted by a call of this nature and you have followed the caller’s instructions switch off the computer and isolate it from any network and/or the internet. If you have concerns about viruses on your computer consider seeking advice from a trusted computer specialist.
For further advice on cyber-crime visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/.
Vehicle Crime
Thefts from motor vehicles often increase at this time of year and leading up to the Festive period. Many criminals are tempted by items (both large and small) being left on display in vehicles that are unattended. If possible you are advised not to leave anything on display, whether it is coins for the car park, shopping, a spare coat for inclement weather, work tools or paperwork - unfortunately it is all tempting to the criminal.
Even if they do not steal anything of value - there is the inconvenience and expense of reparations to your vehicle.
Always make sure that vehicle windows and doors are kept secure whenever unattended, even when leaving a vehicle open/unlocked when unattended for a short time.
Keep car keys in a safe placed at home - away from windows and doors, preferably in a locked cupboard or cabinet.
Somerset
Message sent on behalf of the Police & Crime Commissioner:
Residents across the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area are being asked whether they are prepared to pay an additional £1 a month towards policing from April, 2019.
Last year the Government unexpectedly gave all Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) across the country the flexibility to raise the policing part of the council tax by £1 a month for the average band D household.
Sue Mountstevens is hoping that PCCs will be given that flexibility again this year, she said: “With last year’s £1 rise we were able to start an ambitious programme of recruitment and commit to employing up to 300 police officers. We were also able to protect neighbourhood policing, the police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in your local area, all thanks to your support for the rise.
“The Chief Constable and I have agreed that next year’s focus will concentrate on serious violence. The threat from serious and organised crime has changed rapidly, increasing in both volume and complexity and preying on the most vulnerable in society.
“If we are able to increase the policing part of the council tax by £1 a month next year and the Government grant for policing stays the same and there are no additional surprises we are committed to a new focus on burglary and drugs. We must continue to dismantle the recruitment of vulnerable young people into ‘county lines’ drugs gangs. It’s clear that this leads to an increase in knife-crime and serious violence, including stabbings and gang-related disorder and it must be tackled and given the right resources.
“I absolutely recognise that any increase in household bills will be felt by residents and it’s not easy to keep asking local people to contribute to the issues that we are facing in policing and as a society. It’s really important that residents tell me what they would be prepared to pay. These are difficult decisions and I need to be sure that I have heard from as many local people as possible.”
Sue Mountstevens is asking for people’s views in an online survey on her website http://www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk which closes at midnight on January 14, 2019.
Court Update
Six men from Bristol and Weston-Super-Mare have been jailed for a total of more than nine years for conspiracy to supply cannabis. The men were handed the jail sentences on Friday (October 19) at Bristol Crown Court following a police operation that uncovered a conspiracy to sell 8kg of cannabis. More than £12,000 of cash was also seized during the investigations.
The operation identified a wholesale cannabis supply line from Bristol into Weston-Super-Mare. There were ten exchanges between January and March this year.
A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing will take place in relation to several of the defendants to seize any proceeds of crime that may have been of benefit to their lifestyles.
Awards
Be Proud Nominations now open
The annual Be Proud Awards recognise and reward those hard working police men and women who go above and beyond every day to make the communities of Avon and Somerset a safer place. Every person who works or volunteers within the Constabulary play a role in helping to ensure to be safe and feel safe, and this event aims to highlight the exemplary work of those individuals. The nomination form is available on the Be Proud Awards website https://www.beproudawards.com/
To obtain a paper copy, telephone please call 01278-646188.
Closing date for nominations is 27 January 2019.
PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “Opening the nominations for this year’s Be Proud Awards really is an honour. Every year we see examples of dedication, passion, enthusiasm and bravery from all aspects of the constabulary and to be able to recognise and reward those people is humbling. I urge you to nominate those people who make a difference within our communities. Those who keep our communities strong; who put their own safety last; who work day and night to protect us all and whose sole intentions are to keep us safe. I always look forward to reading these nominations and with yet another year of large scale operations, hugely popular events and day to day incidents, I’m sure the calibre will be exceptionally high as always.”
The awards recognise the outstanding work of our policing service in the following categories: Neighbourhood Officer of the Year, Response Officer of the Year, Investigator of the Year, Police Staff Member of the Year, Police Support Volunteer of the Year, Special Constable of the Year, Specialist Operations Award and Policing Team of the Year.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “Last year’s Be Proud Awards were a huge success and this was down to the high standard of nominations and fantastic winners we were able to recognise. Many officers, staff, volunteers and special constables don’t perceive what they do as anything other than just their job, and that’s what makes these awards so special. I am proud to work amongst people who work so hard day in day out to support victims, bring justice to offenders and support our communities. Every nomination submitted means another person gets the recognition they deserve, and it’s brilliant to see the proud faces of their family, friends and colleagues when they receive their award. I hope that you will submit your nominations and help us to recognise our policing heroes.”
An independent panel will select winners across the policing areas and an awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Cadbury House Hotel, where an overall winner for each category will be announced.
Autumn Newsletter
Please find attached to this message the latest edition of the Watch Schemes Newsletter for your information. It includes items from senior officers and crime reduction information which can be passed on to your members.
Paper copies of this document can be supplied if necessary but only on the basis of one per 5 households registered to your scheme – if you have previously asked to be placed on our mailing list for this publication then your paper copies are on their way to you.
If you have any queries, or wish to order any of the crime reduction items, please do not hesitate to contact Lindsey at the Watch Schemes office on 01278-644799.
Attachments:
If you have information about suspicious incidents or activity please telephone the police on the general number 101 or contact via the website link https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact-us/
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