Editorial

We’ve had a number of tools stolen from work vans in Wealden over the past few weeks and are again encouraging owners to remove their tools overnight, where possible. Always make sure the vehicle is locked and secured, even when working close by. The majority of this type of crime is opportunistic, and occurs because tools have been left on view or the vehicle left insecure. It only takes 10 seconds for your valuable items to be stolen. Consider parking works vehicles with the rear doors positioned tightly up against a building, wall or fence, and in a well lit area. If parking your vehicle at home, it’s worth considering installing security lighting or even a CCTV system. For further advice on vehicle crimes, or other crime prevention, visit the ‘Advice’ section on the Sussex Police website.

How to avoid the driving licence scam

The DVLA is warning drivers of an insidious new scam that plays on the fact that it

has recently abolished the paper counterpart element of the driving licence and transferred its services online in an attempt to streamline its services.                        

What is the scam?

Drivers receive an email, telephone call or text message telling them they must verify

their driving licence by logging onto the DVLA's website and paying a fee. Failure to do so will, they are warned, result in their driving licence being suspended leaving them unable to drive. Anyone clicking on the link is taken to a website that looks very like the genuine DVLA one. Here they are prompted to reveal their driving licence number and enter a credit or debit card to make the unnecessary payment. The money is then taken out, and then the card number is then passed onto other fraudsters. A variation of the scam involves fake DVLA email, text message or phone call, only this time it is aimed at drivers aged 70 or over who are renewing their driving licence...YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !