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Written by Super User

Category: Neighbourhood Alert

Published: 11 April 2016

Hits: 5162

Fraudsters are targeting members of the public who are expecting to make a payment for property repairs. The fraudsters, via email, will purport to be a tradesman who has recently completed work at the property and use a similar email address to that of the genuine tradesman. They will ask for funds to be transferred via bank transfer and once payment is made the victims of the fraud soon realise they have been deceived when the genuine tradesman requests payment for their services.

Protect Yourself:

• Always check the email address is exactly the same as previous correspondence with the genuine contact.
• For any request of payment via email verify the validity of the request with a phone call to the person who carried out the work.
• Check the email for spelling and grammar as these signs can indicate that the email is not genuine.
• Payments via bank transfer offer no financial protection; consider using alternative methods such as a credit card or PayPal which offer some protection and avenue for recompense.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online at:  http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone on: 0300 123 2040.
 

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Written by Ian Harding

Category: Neighbourhood Alert

Published: 23 January 2016

Hits: 6295

Message sent by Phil Brandreth (Police, PCSO, Chester LPU Rural & Frodsham PCSO)

Good afternoon,

Unfortunately there has been a number of bike thefts from the Kingsley area in the past week. While these incidents are still being investigated please make sure all sheds, garages and outbuildings are locked. Do not keep any expensive items in back gardens or by the sides of houses. Keep all bikes and power tools out of sight. Make sure cars are locked overnight and throughout the day when parked on drive ways as these offenders have also managed to get into some vehicles. 
If you do see or hear anything suspicious at any time of the day please ring 101 immediately and report it. If you have any cctv systems on your property please make sure they are working correctly and if possible check previous evenings.
The bikes that have been taken are of high value. If you need to query anything or ask anything please email your local officer PCSO Phil Brandreth on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Written by Super User

Category: Neighbourhood Alert

Published: 02 April 2016

Hits: 5841

This alert is a reminder to be aware of emails that appear to have been sent from a legitimate organisation. Fraudsters often use fake email addresses designed to encourage recipients to open attachments or links. You are advised that if you are in any doubt as to the origin of an email, do not open it. Consider that emails can be spoofed and used to generate spam to recipients far and wide. If you receive a spam email, you MUST NOT open it. Instead, delete it from your email system to avoid infecting your device. If you have opened an attachment from a spam email, you should get your device checked over by a professional and change the passwords for all your bank, email and online shopping accounts.
 
Protect yourself:

• Do not click or open unfamiliar links in emails or on websites.
• Make sure you install and use up-to-date anti-virus software.
• Have a pop-up blocker running in the background of your web browser.
• If you have opened an attachment and ‘enabled macros’ it is very likely that all your personal data will have been breached. You MUST change all your passwords for personal accounts, including your bank accounts.
• Ensure Adobe, Flash and any similar software is up to date on your computer.

 
If you think you have been a victim of this type of email you should report the email to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre: www.actionfraud.police.uk If you do make a report please provide as much detail as you can about the email and any effects it has had on your computer. Additionally if your Anti-Virus software detects any issues in relation to this email please provide us with the details. 

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Written by Phil Brandreth

Category: Neighbourhood Alert

Published: 10 January 2016

Hits: 6357

Message sent by Phil Brandreth (Police, PCSO, Chester LPU Rural & Frodsham PCSO)

Over the Christmas period there has been a report of a suspicious male in the Sutton Weaver area on a bike looking down driveways and into properties. The male is described as late 20s, shaved head and wearing dark clothing. He was seen paying particular attention to properties in the Cedar Avenue and Beech Road area riding up and down on the pavements numerous times. 
If you see any vehicle or person in your area acting suspiciously please report it as soon as possible on 101 which is the Cheshire Police non-emergency line or in an emergency dial 999. 
Over the festive area in the Frodsham and Helsby area a number of garden sheds and garages were targeted by offenders and some valuable items taken. Please keep all outdoor buildings, sheds and even vehicles locked at all times especially if you are going away for long periods of time. It is also an idea to make neighbours aware or family members to keep an eye on your property for you. Do not advertise the fact you are going away on social media such as Facebook and Twitter as this information can sometimes get in the hands of the wrong people. 
 
Many thanks 
Phil Brandreth (PCSO 21596, Chester LPU)