Author: James Beaumont

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Do Not Get Caught Out By A Covid-19 Vaccination Scam

With the UK vaccination programme in full swing, the most recent wave of scams has focused on fraudulent offers of vaccinations, attempting to persuade recipients that they can ‘jump the queue’.

The scams, which are perpetrated via email, text or telephone call, either request payment for a vaccination, or link to authentic looking but fake websites which harvest your confidential information. Those who fall for such scams fall victim to financial fraud, identity theft or both.

Avoiding COVID-19 Vaccination Scams – Top Tips:

Remember that COVID-19 vaccines in the UK are available only via the NHS of England, Wales and Scotland, or from Health & Social Care Northern Ireland.

Remember that the NHS will never:

  • Charge you for a COVID-19 vaccination
  • Ask you for your bank account or card details
  • Ask you for your PIN or banking password or memorable details
  • Arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
  • Ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as passport, driving licence, bills or payslips.
  • If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up.

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Take a survey to help fight dog theft crime

The 60-second survey will be open until 17:00 on Friday 12th March. Make sure to have your say today: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/dogtheft
 
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, in partnership with the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners (APCC), has launched today (19 February) a national survey, designed to understand public perception of dog theft, enforcement and the prosecution of offenders.

The Home Secretary is currently reviewing the issue of pet theft, and what future enforcement may look like with potentially tougher penalties for perpetrators.

The responses to this survey will help inform the discussions that PCCs will have on this issue nationally, and allow police forces to better understand the public’s views on this crime and how they might improve their response to those concerns.

Demand for dogs as pets has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. The cost of some puppies, on Pets4Homes, is currently as high as £3,000, making them a valuable commodity to criminals. 

According to Dog Lost, the UK’s largest lost and found dog service, it is estimated thefts have risen by 250 per cent, with criminal gangs involved.

PCC Bourne says: “I am incredibly eager to get more detail around this issue and understand residents’ views and if they feel more could be done to respond to their concerns or for more preventative measures to be put in place to better protect their pets.”

“I hope that the results of this survey will give the Government the evidence it needs to take more robust action against perpetrators.”

The 60-second survey will be open until 17:00 on Friday 12th March. Make sure to have your say today: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/dogtheft
 
Message Sent By
Derek Pratt MBE (NWN, Administrator, Sussex)
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New police enforcement unit targets criminals using Sussex roads

A new police unit has been launched to track and catch dangerous and wanted criminals using the Sussex roads network.

Introducing the new Specialist Enforcement Unit
A new police unit has been launched to track and catch dangerous and wanted criminals
using the Sussex roads network.
The Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) will carry out disruption and enforcement
operations on roads across the county, targeting those involved in serious, organised and
violent crime.
The SEU, a mix of highly-trained police officers and detectives, is equipped to be a onestop-shop to fight road crime – with the ability to identify, intercept and apprehend
offenders, seize drugs and stolen goods, and investigate the crimes through to conviction.
The unit is the latest in a series of police enforcement teams to be launched across
Sussex in the past year funded by the Government’s Uplift programme and local precept
investment.
The team has a blend of specialist skills and can use a range of tactics to tackle criminals
using the road network, including advanced driving skills and the use of a police dog unit
to track offenders and search vehicles.
Covering hundreds of miles of road network across Sussex, the team will carry out
operations and proactive patrols, working closely with colleagues and supporting the work
of regional and national agencies, targeting some of Sussex’s most wanted and prolific
criminals.
The SEU forms part of wider investment to support local policing priorities, to strengthen
local policing, tackle crime and prevent harm, disrupt serious and organised crime and to
support victims and safeguard the vulnerable.