Editorial

The majority of vehicle crime is opportunistic, and occurs because valuables have been left on view or the vehicle left insecure. If a vehicle is left insecure it only takes 10 seconds for your valuables to be stolen.

• Close your windows and sunroof, lock all doors and activate any security devices when leaving the vehicle even for a few minutes. Check your doors manually as automatic locking devices can sometimes be affected by electronic interference.
• Take all valuables including sunglasses with you if you can. If you are unable to take them from the vehicle, lock them in the boot or place them out of view.
• Fit a locking petrol cap if your vehicle doesn’t already have one. Fit anti tamper screws on your number plates and locking wheel nuts if not standard to your vehicle.
• Remove parking permits, radio face plates and portable satellite navigation systems including their cradle ensuring to wipe the window where the satellite navigation holder may have left a visible mark.
• Consider getting a steering lock or gearstick lock and pedal box to improve security of your unattended vehicle.
• Park with care, particularly at night or if you are leaving the vehicle for some time. If possible always park in a busy, well lit area. Managed car park facilities may be a better choice a list of police approved safer car parks can be found at the British Parking Association website.
• Never leave your keys in the vehicle, even if you are just leaving it for a few seconds. Try to avoid leaving car keys close to your front door or in a visible location. A thief can reach in using a hand or device and steal the keys to your vehicle. Fitting a plate to the rear of the letterbox opening can prevent this.
• If a vehicle is left insecure it only take 10 seconds for your valuables to be stolen.

Advice for van owners:

• If you are staying in a hotel, where possible remove your tools from your van and keep them in your room overnight.
• Don't assume your vehicle has locked properly using a key fob lock. Criminals can use devices which block the signal. Always check your doors are locked before leaving your vehicle unattended.
• If you have a garage, use it. If your van is parked on a driveway, consider installing security lighting. If neither of these apply, try to park in well lit areas.
• Consider alarming the vehicle or fitting an internal security cage when tools and equipment are not being used, ensure they are kept securely in a lockable store rather than in your vehicle.
• Consider whether the storage area can be alarmed. If the equipment is portable, take it with you.
• Don’t leave tools in vehicles unattended or overnight, and place a sign in the window stating they have been removed.
• Lock/immobilise vehicles and equipment when not in use.
• Visibly mark your machinery and tools using an engraving or chemical etching kit or use a forensic marking kit. Place a sticker in your window to say you have done so - the signage alone, can be a very effective deterrent.
• Keep a list of tools, together with serial numbers and any identifying marks. You can do this at www.immobilise.com. This will help to trace them back to you if they are recovered.  
• Consider the use of security patrols around building sites.
• Keep the access to building sites secure – fences and gates help prevent unauthorised entry.

 If you saw or heard anything, or have any information about the below incident please contact us online, email us at 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting the reference number provided.Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

We’ve listened to your feedback and this time we’ve included the newsletter.

This edition contains some great advice including:

• a new campaign from Dogs Trust to help stop dog theft
• keeping your email secure
• plus lots of news from across our network.

To view our newsletter click here.

Telephone fraudsters use well-rehearsed stories, designed to gain their victim’s trust. For example, they pretend to be police officers who have just arrested someone using a copy of your bank card and alerting you that your money is in danger, or pretending to be from your phone or computer service provider and claiming that there is a problem with your system that they need to fix.

Fraudsters often claim to be officials and can seem very genuine but you should always bear in mind that callers may not be who they claim to be, even if they already seem to know details such as your name and address.　

Genuine police or bank staff would never ask you to withdraw or transfer cash from your account, nor would they ever ask for your four digit bank PIN number. Never tell anyone this number, it is for you to use in cash machines and shops only.　

Genuine computer firms will not call unexpectedly to help fix your computer. Fraudsters make these calls to try to gain access to your online bank account or to trick you into paying for something you didn’t need or to damage your computer with harmful software.

The most common type of fraud affecting older residents in Sussex is "advance fee" fraud, where fraudsters persuade victims to make advance or upfront payments for goods or financial gains that do not then materialise.

Beware of anyone asking for money in advance. For example, fraudsters may claim that you are entitled to PPI compensation or that you are to inherit money from a relative but you need to pay legal or administrative fees first. Genuine firms don’t ask for this, it is likely to be a scam.

If you’ve already been a fraud victim, beware that fraudsters may pretend to be lawyers or police claiming they can help recover your money.

What can you do to protect yourself?

· Be sceptical of callers, even those who claim to be officials.

· Don’t be afraid to put the phone down with a brief ‘No, thank you’.

· NEVER give personal information, such as your date of birth or bank details, to unexpected callers.

· NEVER allow an unexpected caller to talk you through processes on your computer, like downloading new software or accessing your online bank account.

· Remember that the police or your bank would NEVER unexpectedly call you and ask you to withdraw cash or move your money to another account, as a result of fraud or any other reason.

· If callers suggest you call your local police or bank to check who they are, use another phone or ensure the line has been fully disconnected by phoning a friend or relative first, or by waiting at least 3 minutes, otherwise you may think you’ve phoned a number but you’re simply talking to the fraudsters again. This is a common fraudsters’ tactic.

· If a caller asks you to type your bank PIN number into your telephone handset - do not do this, as fraudsters can use technology to identify the numbers.

· You can opt out of many cold calls by registering for free with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.

Stopping nuisance calls with call-blockers

We are committed to reducing the risk of telephone fraud and have protected a number of the most vulnerable people across the county by assisting in the installation of call-blockers. trueCall devices work by ensuring that only trusted callers already known to the user can get through and this company is accredited by Secured by Design. Unrecognised callers are asked for their identity before they are put through to the recipient, meaning that unknown or ‘cold’ callers can be refused.

You may be interested in finding out more about call blockers if you know someone vulnerable who is being plagued by nuisance and scam calls. If you do purchase trueCall, please provide consent for the police to collate any intelligence you may gain of the nuisance callers. https://www.truecall.co.uk/#

We are supporting a national warning about the need for residents to be alert to a growing fraud in which criminals pose as police officers or bank staff and ask their victims to take part in a fake undercover operation or some other ruse. There were 114 cases in Sussex in the year to the end of September. 47 succeeded in defrauding local people of a total of £419,414. 96% of victims are over 60, and over half live alone.

Operation Signature is our campaign to identify and support vulnerable victims of fraud across the county. Fraud is becoming more complex and deceptive, and much of it is targeted at vulnerable and elderly people.Our advice on how to avoid this fraud includes;

• ‍We will never ask you to become part of an undercover investigation or for you to withdraw cash and hand it over for safe-keeping.
• Be wary of any calls, texts or emails purporting to be from us asking for your personal or financial details, or for you to transfer money to us.
• If you are approached, or feel something is suspicious, hang up the phone and don’t reply. Then report it to Action Fraud and your bank on their advertised number.
• Never send or give money to anyone you don't know or trust; check people are who they say they are; don't share your personal information; make decisions in your own time; and if in doubt phone a relative or a friend.