Nextdoor
Information is being circulated in some areas claiming that your neighbourhood is now using a free private online network called Nextdoor. This appears to be similar to Facebook. It’s clever publicity material could give the impression that it is linked to Neighbourhood Watch but it definitely is not connected in any way.
Identity Fraud - the fastest gowing crime in the UK?
Too many people ignore advice. Almost half of us don't shred documents containing sensitive information before placing them in the bin. Only just over half of us, regularly check bank and credit card statements and over threequarters of household waste bins contain information that could assist those wanting to steal an identity.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Shred documents:Bank statements, utility bills, application forms, chequebook stubs, credit card receipts and letters can all give away information you'd rather keep to yourself. Invest in a cross-shredder to dispose of documents with your personal details on.
If you don't want to buy a shredder, try the Plus Japan Guard-Your-ID Camouflage Roller Stamp which covers your name and address with random letters and numbers so it can't be read. Register with a credit reference agency:such as Callcredit, Equifax or Experian and regularly check your credit report: This means you'll know about any unauthorised or suspicious activity such as new accounts opened in your name or companies doing credit searches on you. Forward mail:Have your post forwarded for at least six months when you move house, otherwise who knows what kind of sensitive information will be dropping on your old doormat? Be alert on the phone and online:Don’t give personal information to ‘cold’ callers. Don’t post personal details on social media: Personal details, such as your date of birth or address, give scammers the upper hand when it comes to ID fraud. So, while it can be tempting to include that information on your Facebook, Instagram and other social media profiles, avoid it where possible. Avoid free wi-fi: Criminals often loiter on free wi-fi networks in a bid to steal passwords and log-in details. Never use free wi-fi for any account that requires a password – only use trusted, secure connections, such as your home wi-fi or your 3G/4G connection on your smartphone. Keep up to date: Up-to-date software is more likely to be secure as developers learn how to protect you from the latest hackers and viruses. Apply any updates as soon as they're made available and you're less likely to be caught out.
Weather and limited personnel have hampered monitoring in June, none-the less 7 vehicles have been reported to the police
Check your shed/garage security As previously reported, there has been a substantial increase in the number of break-ins to garages, sheds and outbuildings across the Avon and Somerset policing area.Click HERE to download some crime prevention advice with steps you can take to secure your property.
Please note: if your village is not listed above, it is probably because your village does not have a Watch Scheme, or that the Scheme is not formally linked with the e-watch service. All Polden Villages are welcome and we hope others will join in with us soon.
If you see someone acting suspiciously around a neighbour’s property, call the police straight away. If they’re obviously breaking in, ring 999. Otherwise, call the non-emergency number 101: police operators are on hand 24/7.
If you have information about any crime, phone 101 or call anonymously CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111 In an emergency dial 999
Ask for your call to be tagged Neighbourhood Watch.
