July OUR NEWS – The newsletter for all Neighbourhood Watch supporters

We are pleased to share with you our July newsletter – click here to view it.

https://www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/images/site_images/77989_July_2021_OUR_NEWS.pdf
In a world where we have become more dependent on using technology and being digitally connected, we are increasingly aware that the downside to using is the increase of scams, amounting to a staggering 41% of crime is now either on the phone or online. To help tackle this issue, we have launched a SLING YOUR HOOK scams awareness campaign to run on our social channels during July. Our newsletter contains more information on this campaign and a link to our website’s dedicated scams section, which includes clear guidance on protecting yourself and others from becoming a victim.

On a brighter note, we have some great new partnership opportunities to share with you, including our new partnership with Deliveroo to train riders in community safety, discounts from Patlock for our members and supporters, and the chance to win a fun-filled Croods 2 inspired family vacation.

With all this and more, we hope you enjoy this month’s edition.

Keep safe,

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
Follow us... ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349

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Message Sent By
Central Support Team (NWN, Neighbourhood Watch Network, England and Wales)

Just 15% of people have heard of a ‘ghost broker’.* Do you know what one is?
Have you ever heard of a ‘ghost broker’? No, we are not talking about things that go bump in the night – this is a lot scarier. ‘Ghost brokers’ are fraudsters who sell fake or invalid car insurance policies. Victims are sold fake insurance documents for a policy that does not exist, or for a genuine policy that has been set up using false details to lower the price of the premium.

How do ‘ghost brokers’ operate?
Fraudsters lure victims in with the offer of cheaper insurance premiums, usually via social media or by word-of-mouth. These individuals or groups pose as middlemen for well-known insurance companies, claiming they can offer you legitimate car insurance at a significantly cheaper price.

This type of fraud is typically carried out either by forging insurance documents, falsifying your details to bring the price down, or by taking out a genuine policy for you but cancelling it soon after.

Often, the victim is not aware that they have been scammed until they are involved in an accident and try to claim on the policy.

Who do ‘ghost brokers’ target?
‘Ghost brokers’ tend to target vulnerable communities, including members of non-English speaking communities who may not have full knowledge of UK insurance and laws, as well as young people looking for cheaper insurance deals.

Last year, Action Fraud received 694 reports of ‘ghost broking’, with almost a third (29%) coming from victims aged 17-29. The reported losses for these victims alone totalled £113,500, with each individual losing an average of £559.

Figures also indicate that over half (58%) of all reports in 2020 were submitted by men.

What could happen if I drive without valid insurance?
As policies sold by ‘ghost brokers’ are either invalid, non-existent or fraudulent, this means that the driver is technically uninsured, meaning that you could face:
£300 fixed penalty notice
Six points on driving licence
Vehicle being seized and crushed
How can I protect myself from ‘ghost brokers’?
There are simple steps that you can take to spot the signs of these scams and avoid being taking for a ride by ‘ghost brokers’:
‘Ghost brokers’ often advertise and communicate via social media, online forums and messaging apps. If a broker is only using a mobile phone or email as a way of contact, this can be a sign of this type of crime. Fraudsters do not want to be traced after they have taken money from their victims.
They may also try to sell insurance policies through print adverts in pubs, clubs or bars, newsagents
If a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If you are not sure about the broker, check on the Financial Conduct Authority
https://register.fca.org.uk/s/

or the British Insurance Brokers’ Association
https://www.biba.org.uk/

website for a list of all authorised insurance brokers. You can also contact the insurance company directly to verify the broker’s details. You can also check to see if a car appears to be insured on the Motor Insurance Database website.

https://ownvehicle.askmid.com/

If you think that you have been a victim of a ghost broker, you can report your concerns to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
You can also contact the Insurance Fraud Bureau via its confidential Cheatline on 0800 422 0421 or on the IFB website.
https://insurancefraudbureau.org/

*According to a YouGov survey commissioned by the IFB
Message Sent By
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Interestingly the number 1 scam currently is the Boiler Room Scam.

“What is this, who has a need for a new boiler room?” I hear you say.

Please have a read of the below taken from the FCA’s website;

Boiler Room Scams are where; Share and bond scams are often run from ‘boiler rooms’ where fraudsters cold-call investors offering them worthless, overpriced or even non-existent shares or bonds. Boiler rooms use increasingly sophisticated tactics to approach investors, offering to buy or sell shares in a way that will bring a huge return. But victims are often left out of pocket – sometimes losing all of their savings or even their family home. Even seasoned investors have been caught out, with the biggest individual loss recorded by the police being £6m.

How share and bond scams work: Share and bond fraud usually comes out of the blue, with scammers cold-calling investors after taking their phone number from publicly available shareholder lists. The high-pressure sales tactics can also come by email, post, word of mouth or at a seminar. These scams are sometimes advertised in newspapers, magazines or online as genuine investment opportunities. They may even offer a free research report into a company, or a free gift or discount on their dealing charges.
You will often be told that you need to make a quick decision or miss out on the deal. The scammers might also try to sell you shares or bonds in a company that doesn’t exist. If you already own shares in a company, you may receive a call from someone offering to buy them at a higher price than their market value. The scam will request the money upfront as a bond or other form of security, which they say they’ll pay back if the sale doesn’t go ahead – but you’ll never hear from them again.

Beware of clone firms; Many bogus trading and brokerage firms will use the name, ‘firm registration number’ (FRN) and address of firms and individuals who are FCA authorised. This is called a ‘clone firm’. The scammers then give their own phone number, address and website details, sometimes claiming that a firm's contact details on the Register are out of date. Scammers might also claim to be an overseas firm, which don’t always have their full contact and website details listed on the Register. Scammers may even copy the website of an authorised firm, making subtle changes such as the phone number.
How to protect yourself: FCA-authorised firms are unlikely to contact you out of the blue with an offer to buy or sell shares or bonds. You should only deal with financial services firms that are authorised by us, and check the Register to ensure they are. You can also check our Warning List of firms to avoid. You should check the firm isn’t a clone firm by asking for their firm reference number (FRN) and contact details and then calling them back on the switchboard number on our Register – never use a link in an email or website from the firm offering you an investment. If you use an unauthorised firm, you won’t have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if things go wrong – and you’re unlikely to get your money back.

Buying bonds may not be protected by the FSCS, unless there has been misconduct by an authorised adviser or arranger. This includes mini-bonds, which are generally risky investments. Always be wary if you’re contacted out of the blue, pressured to invest quickly or promised returns that sound too good to be true. Generally, the higher the return promised, the more likely it’s a high-risk investment or a scam. You should seriously consider seeking financial advice or guidance before investing. You should make sure that any firm you deal with is regulated by us and never take investment advice from the company that contacted you, as this may be part of the scam. The Money Advice Service has information on investing and about how to find a financial adviser. Alternatively, you could get further information from a group that represents advisers such as PIMFA.

If you have been scammed; You can report the firm or scam to us by contacting the FCA’s Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768 or using our reporting form. If you have already invested in a scam, fraudsters are likely to target you again or sell your details to other criminals. The follow-up scam may be completely separate or related to the previous fraud, such as an offer to get your money back or to buy back the investment after you pay a fee. If you have any concerns at all about a potential scam, contact us immediately.

Message Sent By
Ian Stacey (Police, Neighbourhood Policing Administrator, Chiltern & South Bucks)

Hate Crime and Places of Worship
Are you concerned about hate crime happening at your place of worship? Grants are available from central government. Apply easily and find out more by searching "gov.uk places of worship security". the closing date is 2nd July 2021.

Message Sent By
Ian Stacey (Police, Neighbourhood Policing Administrator, Chiltern & South Bucks)

Hampshire Police has received a few reports from NS customers who have had their accounts compromised and savings withdrawn.

From initial reports, it appears that the customers' BT account is compromised giving the suspect access to emails and landline call forwarding functions. These services are exploited by criminals to gain control of the victims NS accounts. Once breached the victim's funds are withdrawn.

BT is the only telecoms provider featured in reports thus far, but many other companies provide email services and landline call forwarding functionality that will allow this scam to operate.

Any email account linked to finances must have good security. If you do not have 2 Factor Authentication (2FA) on your email account, you are very vulnerable to account compromise and should consider linking those financially important accounts to a more secure email address that has 2FA.

To find out more visit ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware
For a personalised online security action plan visit: ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/actionplan/ind...

Message Sent By
James Adnitt (Police, Cyber Protect Officer, Hampshire )

This information supplied courtesy of Terry S on the Public Notices Loop.

Following on from our Alert last week relating to yet another online scam to look out for, I am delighted to be writing to you to invite you to join us in July for a month of weekly online webinars to expose the truths behind scams.

The webinars are FREE to attend and are open to anyone who would like to know more about scams, the psychology behind scams, prevention and how a fraud case is investigated.

The webinars bring together experts in their field relating to online fraud, a topic which we are all too familiar with and can affect anyone and everyone, as our lives are played out more digitally.

The dates of the webinars and their topics are as follows:

6th July, 5pm
Exploring the psychology behind scams and how scammers are so effective at their crimes
Paul Maskell, Fraud & Cyber Crime Prevention Manager, Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrduCvrjkrG93lMtwB-PdW4SGPLsu4AkOI
14th July, 5pm
Insights into how a fraud case is investigated and how not to be the next victim Ben Hobbs, Detective Sergeant; and Catriona Still, Head of Fraud Prevention & Training, Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlce2rpzkjHNH65KO5sa9knv2u23J3KB5o
23rd July 5pm
Scams awareness training from the Friends Against Scams initiative
The National Trading Standards Scams Team (NTSST)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sdeqsrjwuGNQJARFOKQci4VBIR_-ZakHT
30th July, 5pm
Don't get hooked by scammers! What you need to know about flubot and phishing scams
Christopher Budd, Senior Global Threat Communications Manager, Avast
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ufuuhqzwsH9FCjsky35J73Q8xOxAv6pIc
How to book your place
You can click on the links within this message on each of the webinars topics to register your place or you can go to www.ourwatch.org.uk/webinars and click on the webinar that you wish to attend, you can attend all of them if you wish and so make sure that you complete the registration page for each of them.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Best wishes

Cheryl

Cheryl Spruce | Head of Membership and Community Engagement
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team


Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349

Message Sent By
Cheryl Spruce (NWN, Head of Membership and Community Engagement , National)

Hundreds of people have been caught not wearing a seatbelt by officers during a successful month of action.

From Monday, 24 May until Sunday, 13 June, the Joint Operations Unit (JOU) of Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police supported the National Police Chiefs' Council seatbelt campaign.

This saw officers highlighting the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt – and from 31 May, carrying out dedicated operations targeting those who fail to wear a seatbelt despite the clear dangers.

Officers stopped 342 vehicles in Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of the campaign.

Together with council partners, officers from the JOU’s Road Safety Unit educated those who were not wearing or incorrectly wearing seatbelts as well as drivers with an unsuitable child seat.

Unfortunately, 214 people chose not to wear a seatbelt and were reported for that offence.

Some may have the option to carry out an online diversion course, Your Belt, Your Life.

Drivers with pets that were not properly secured were also given advice on keeping them safe for future journeys.

Sgt Scott Kerr, Road Safety Sergeant for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police, said: “The recent seatbelt campaign in May and June showed that the vast majority of people are wearing their seatbelts. This is very positive, as we know that wearing a seatbelt correctly saves lives.

“It does not matter how far you are travelling, every journey needs all occupants to buckle up. Research has shown that many collisions occur at low speed and within only a few miles of home.

“You are twice as likely to lose your life in a collision if you are not wearing a seatbelt. If unrestrained, you will hit the windscreen, or the front seat in the case of a rear seat passenger, at a force of 30 to 60 times your own body weight.

“Please wear a seat belt every time you travel in a vehicle. It's just not worth the risk.”

Message Sent By
James Butler (Police, Corporate Communications Officer, Hampshire and Isle of Wight)

This article supplies by Terry S from the Public Notices Loop.

This Tuesday 29th June at 11am Get Safe Online will be holding an exclusive Facebook Live session in collaboration with our partners at Lloyds Banking Group, where we will be providing advice and tips on some of the most commonplace scams.

You and your communities are warmly invited to join us where you can hear advice from our panel of leading fraud prevention experts.

Our Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/GetSafeOnline/ . The live event will start streaming on this channel at 11am on Tuesday. Simply access the page at this time to view the session, there is no need to register.

You will also have the opportunity to ask the panel questions during the discussion.

Topics will include:
Impersonation scams: including scam calls
Investment scams: the different types of investment scams currently circulating, from promises of ‘high return, low risk’ investments to attractive ‘pension pots’.
Purchase scams: With many people purchasing more products more frequently online, purchase and delivery scams have become rife in recent months. We’ll discuss some of the most commonplace, and how you can avoid them.

Attached is an e-leaflet providing all the details, as well as social media posts that you are able to use to share details of the session, if helpful.

We look forward to seeing you and your communities there!

Many thanks
the Get Safe Online team

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Message Sent By
Get Safe Online Admin (Get Safe Online, Content Director, National

We have been made aware of a Covid Vaccine Passport scam email going around that purports to be from the NHS and informs recipients that they can apply for their “Digital Coronavirus Passports”

Clicking on the link within the email, takes you to a convincing but fake NHS website that asks for personal and payment details. (for an admin fee)

The website has since been taken down, but in case similar emails/websites appear can you please circulate the attached alert to your residents, members, groups and mailing lists.

And just to reiterate, your vaccination status is obtained FREE through the NHS App, website or by calling the NHS on 119.

More information can be found on the gov.uk website;
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad

Please note that any Phishing scams can be reported to SERS (Suspicious Email Reporting Service): report@phishing.gov.uk

Best wishes

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
Neighbourhoood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349


Attachments
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Message Sent By
Cheryl Spruce (NWN, Head of Membership and Community Engagement , National)

Following a year of travel bans, quarantine, uncertainty and missed holidays, many of us are desperate to get away for a break, whether it’s a holiday in the sun or a weekend by the sea in the UK.

But cybercriminals are busy thinking about holidays and travel too ... not taking them but exploiting your desperation for a break, with fake websites, advertisements, emails, social media posts, texts and phone calls for holidays, flights, accommodation or pilgrimages that don’t exist.

Avoid disappointment and financial losses when booking a trip: start by reading our expert tips on searching and booking holidays and travel safely and securely. Our latest leaflet is attached but if you'd like to read more then visit www.getsafeonline.org

Many thanks
the Get Safe Online team



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Message Sent By
Get Safe Online Admin (Get Safe Online, Content Director, National)

This time of year often brings with it a rise in deer vehicle collisions. The following advice is what to do if you are involved in one, or become aware of a situation in which you might need to know what to do next.

STAY SAFE AND REPORT THE INCIDENT

If you see an injured deer on the roadside?

- Pull over at a safe place
- Call the Police.
- Giving as precise a location as you can (eg What3Words)
- They will deal with the situation and have access to specialists.
- Do not try to assist or move the deer as this can put you in danger.

If you hit a deer while driving, your priorities, in this order, are:

- Keep yourself and anyone with you as safe as you can
- Park your car in the safest place with hazard lights on.
- Call an ambulance if human injuries warrant it
- Call the Police

If the deer is alive and still visible at roadside:

- It is best not to approach it. Doing so may cause it to run across traffic causing another accident.
- Do not move or handle live deer, this needs a trained specialist. Do not attempt to place it in your car.
- Call the Police.
- Giving as precise a location as you can (eg What3Words)
- They will deal with the situation and have access to specialists.

For full advice, please visit - https://www.bds.org.uk/information-advice/issues-with-deer/advice-for-drivers/

Yours faithfully

The Countrywatch Team
14753

Message Sent By
Anna Preswell (Police, Police Staff Investigator, Hampshire Countrywatch

This information was passed on by @TerryS via the Public Notices Group

Last week Chief Inspector Rachel Patterson started in the role of Deputy Commander for the Chiltern & South Buckinghamshire Local Policing Area (LPA), taking over from Chief Inspector Scott Messenger who is moving into a regional policing role.

C/Insp Patterson brings with her twenty years of policing experience in in operational roles covering response, custody and neighbourhood policing. She joined Thames Valley Police in 2009 as a response Sergeant working in South Oxfordshire & Vale of the White Horse LPA after transferring from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, where she worked towards local priorities including the reduction of burglaries and speeding.

After being promoted to Inspector, C/Insp Patterson moved to the Oxford area where her work focused largely on community engagement and working closely with partner agencies, particularly to tackle the emerging issues of child exploitation and county drug lines.
Whilst in the police, she has also completed a graduate Diploma in Law and written an academic article on child drug running networks.

Most recently, C/Insp Patterson has been working in a strategic role to identify and recommend areas of improvement across different departments as the force continues to evolve with its ever-changing environment. For the last year, she has been on the senior management team for Thames Valley Police’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the force smoothly adapts to the roadmap out of lockdown.

On her new appointment, C/Insp Patterson said: “I am really excited to start in my new role in Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire, knowing that I am joining a team of extremely dedicated and hardworking police officers and staff who are passionate about policing.

“I am committed to delivering an excellent service to the communities we serve, focusing on the preventing crime that is impacting on our neighbourhoods. Bringing offenders to justice and keeping victims are the centre of our investigations will continue to be the priorities for the policing team here in Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire. This is rightly what our local communities expect and together with Supt Clements and DCI Alexander, I will ensure officers and staff have all they need to meet and exceed these expectations.

“I am looking forward to working alongside partners, businesses and the public and look at how we can work together to keep Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire a safe place to live and work”.
Message Sent By
Mel Reedman (Police, Communications Officer, Thames Valley)

Many of you will be aware of the Prime Minister’s confirmation yesterday that the government has announced a 4 week pause before further easing current Covid restrictions. You will probably also be aware that this is because the so-called ‘Delta’ variant, first identified in India, is fuelling a rise in Covid cases in all parts of the country. Whilst this new variant looks to be more infectious, the good news is that growing evidence shows that our vaccines are highly effective, especially after two doses. The strategy is to put the final stage of unlocking on hold until 19 July, to allow more people to be vaccinated.



I am as frustrated as any of you. This is a situation none of us wanted - it’s particularly tough on businesses that run events or depend upon having larger numbers of customers in their premises, such as pubs or restaurants but frankly it’s tough on everyone. However, the Government’s position has always been that these decisions will be led by data, not dates and unfortunately nationally the numbers are not going in the right direction at the moment. So, the main message this week is to ask everyone to hang in there a little longer and to keep following the current guidance. As has always been the case in this pandemic, there will be setbacks, but if we all work together, we can all help turn the tide as quickly as possible. Another four weeks is not so long if it enables the relaxation of restrictions to be permanent.



How to do your bit

Please keep following the current guidance on what we can and cannot do. When you do meet friends and family, err on the side of caution and try to stay outdoors where possible. Remember that around 1 in 3 people with Covid do not have symptoms.
https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-DSAV-30HOJW-9YUO1-1/c.aspx


· Take your vaccine - and your second dose - when it’s your turn (anyone aged 23 or over, or who will be 23 before 1 July is now eligible)

· Use free lateral flow tests (LFT) twice a week even if you’ve had a vaccine
https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-DSAV-30HOJW-9YUO3-1/c.aspx

· If you test positive from an LFT test, isolate your whole household and book a PCR test to confirm whether you have Covid-19. This is important to stop the virus spreading.

· If you develop symptoms of Covid-19, isolate your whole household and book a PCR test for anyone with symptoms
https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-DSAV-30HOJW-9YUNL-1/c.aspx

· Where possible, stay outside and meet others in the fresh air – if you are indoors, try to make sure there’s plenty of ventilation

· Carry on working from home where you can and in agreement with your employer

· Wear your face covering when it’s needed



Regular testing really helps us detect cases and it’s very easy to do. We have mobile testing units moving around the county and you can get up to date information on where they are by checking our social media channels (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram)



The situation in Buckinghamshire

We do know cases are rising again in Buckinghamshire although infection rates overall are much lower than in most other parts of the UK. We also know that the ‘Delta’ variant is now the dominant variant, and that it’s more infectious. On the plus side, hospitalisations and deaths in Bucks remain at very low levels at the moment, showing that the vaccine is currently weakening the link between infections and death and serious illness.



However, we also know that the more cases we get, there will be more people who do become ill, or be more at risk of long-Covid. And the more infections there are, sadly the more deaths there will be amongst people who aren’t fully vaccinated, or for whom the vaccines don’t work as well. This is why we all need to take a really cautious approach as outlined above. For the latest data on Bucks please see the Covid dashboard on our website.
https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-DSAV-30HOJW-9YUNC-1/c.aspx



Vaccine news

It was heartening to hear the evidence from the chief scientists last night that two doses of the current vaccines do offer good protection against the ‘Delta’ variant and that the Government is able to accelerate the national vaccination programme. The analysis suggests:
https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-DSAV-30HOJW-9YUO7-1/c.aspx



· the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 96% effective against hospitalisation after 2 doses

· the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 92% effective against hospitalisation after 2 doses



So please do take your vaccine when it’s offered, and make sure you attend both first and second dose appointments.



Overall, 568,967 vaccinations have now been given in Buckinghamshire and the local programme is going really well. Vaccines should be booked via the national system online or by calling 119 and most people will be given an appointment at one of many local sites close to where they live. There are community sites run by pharmacies and some larger mass vaccination sites too such as the Guttmann vaccination centre at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.
https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-DSAV-30HOJW-9YUO2-1/c.aspx



If you’re eligible and haven’t had your Covid vaccine yet, you may get a call from the Contact Tracing team from this week. This will predominantly be for people aged 30+ who haven’t had their first dose yet. They will be letting you know of drop-in clinics happening over the next few weeks. You can read more information on the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) website.
https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-DSAV-30HOJW-9YUO8-1/c.aspx


Working with businesses and the HSE

As I have already said, we know this extra delay is bad news for many local businesses and I want to thank all business owners and customers for all you are doing to operate in a Covid-safe way.

We are also working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to offer support and advice to businesses to ensure they have the right Covid-secure measures in place. This is not about a ‘big brother’ approach but is about working with businesses to check they have all they need to make sure their premises are safe.



Teams will be making calls and visits to all types of businesses to check that measures they’ve put in place to manage the risk from Covid are in line with current guidance. There will be a special focus on convenience stores and small food outlets across the county - the teams will do some spot checks and carry out inspections where there are any concerns about the Covid measures they have in place, such as their risk assessments, social distancing measures and ventilation.



We know how much effort our businesses are going to keeping staff and customers safe, and so thank you again for all you are doing whilst these necessary restrictions remain in place.



Scam awareness

Just a quick note to say that sadly, evidence has shown that scammers are exploiting the pressures the pandemic has put people under and there’s been a particular rise in scammers targeting people with finance-related schemes.



Please be on your guard for “Get Rich Quick” schemes or phone calls, emails or texts pretending to be from your bank asking you to move your money or provide your personal details. These people are manipulating the situation created by the pandemic in the worst way – as a Friends Against Scams Organisation we are supporting the Citizen’s Advice Scams Awareness Fortnight (14-27 June) and will be posting lots of advice on our social media channels so keep a look out for that.



In conclusion, please stay safe, stay cautious, and make the most of the fresh air and better weather we had to wait so long for this year!



Martin Tett

Leader, Buckinghamshire Council

Online gaming has seen a massive increase in popularity with children over the COVID-19 pandemic, as result of more time spent at home and restrictions on physical social contact.

As grandparents, parents or guardians of children under the age of 18, your parenting community is very welcome to join one of our free Gaming4Good webinars where they can hear from a panel of experts in family gaming who will discuss psychology, gaming risk and finance, how to approach your child's gaming to help them get the most out of it... and avoid the pitfalls.

There are three one-hour webinars, each tailored for parents of children of different age groups.

Thursday June 17, 10am – 11am: parents and guardians with children 2–12 yrs
Thursday June 24, 10am – 11am: parents and guardians with children aged 12–15yrs
Wednesday June 30, 10am-11am: parents and guardians with children aged 15–18yrs

Our expert panellists include:
Liz Stanton MBE, Get Safe Online (moderator)
Annette Whalley, HSBC
Cath Knibbs, cyber trauma & psychology specialist
Adrian Sladdin, gaming & gambling expert
Andy Robertson, author and gaming for kids expert
Mat Hasker, Get Safe Online, gaming specialist & Dad

Please find attached a PDF flyer providing all the details. Also attached is our latest leaflet providing helpful tips on the subject.

All the information can also be found on our website:
getsafeonline.org/gaming4good-webinars/

We hope they are helpful and look forward to seeing you there.

All the best,
the Get Safe Online team


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Gaming4Good E-Handbook June 2021.pdf - 739.1 KB
https://assets.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/Attachment/267516/385392/77088/77088_Gaming4Good_E_Handbook_June_2021.pdf

Message Sent By
Get Safe Online Admin (Get Safe Online, Content Director, National)

Along with our Cyberhood Watch partner, Avast, we have launched a new survey to understand whether the Covid-19 pandemic has changed our attitudes towards certain aspects of cybersecurity and privacy since the first lockdown in March 2020.

The findings from the survey will be used to inform ongoing Cyberhood Watch awareness initiatives for the Neighbourhood Watch community and draw attention to important cybersecurity and privacy topics though the media to help UK citizens improve their knowledge of, and protection from, cyberthreats.

The survey of 16 questions will take you less than 5 minutes to complete and all answers are anonymous. It is open from today and will close on Sunday 27th June 2021. If you’d like to take part, please follow the link below:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XSYQQTD

Thank you very much in advance for your support in the fight against cybercrime in the UK.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn

Neighbourhoood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349
Message Sent By
Central Support Team (NWN, Neighbourhood Watch Network, England and Wales)

WIN A FUN-FILLED TREEHOUSE ADVENTURE STAYCATION
To mark the end of a very successful Neighbourhood Watch Week
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/nwweek
, and to celebrate the release of The Croods 2: A New Age, we are delighted to launch a prize draw on our Facebook page to give you the opportunity to win a fun-filled treehouse adventure.

The Croods 2: A New Age, which is in cinemas on 16th July 2021, celebrates community, neighbourliness, inclusivity, and working together - values that are close to the heart of all Neighbourhood Watch supporters. The opportunity presented by this partnership enables us to reach more young families and to build on the awareness of Neighbourhood Watch as positive and approachable. The Croods and the Bettermans are two very different families who are thrown together and have to learn to live with one another when an evil tribe of monkeys threaten their homes. The Croods and the Bettermans realise that home is not a place, its people, and together they create history’s first neighbourhood!

Neighbourhood Watch’s partnership with this film provides the opportunity to promote the importance of neighbourliness and community spirit to new audiences and across diverse communities. We know many young people and their families share the values that we stand for and this partnership gives them an introduction to Neighbourhood Watch and hopefully they will become supporters for life.

The Croods faced their biggest threat when they left their cave - another family – while we are offering an opportunity to leave your cave behind and experience a very different treehouse adventure with your family! To be in with a chance to win this amazing prize, be sure to visit our Facebook page and enter the prize draw. Terms and conditions can be found here.

HOW TO SUPPORT THIS CAMPAIGN
We rely on the wonderful Neighbourhood Watch volunteers to promote Neighbourhood Watch as the first step for all people to connect with their neighbours for mutual support. We hope that you will share this campaign within your community and use it to reach more young families across your area. We have amazing prizes to be won over the course of the partnership.

To support this campaign, you can:
ENTER: Visit facebook.com/ourwatch to enter the prize draw
SHARE: Follow us on social media and share our posts on the prize draw
Facebook: facebook.com/ourwatch
Twitter: twitter.cm/N_watch
Instagram: neighburhood.watch.insta
INFORM: Share this activity pack
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2021-06/Activity%20pack_small.pdf
with your community. This could be via email, WhatsApp or in your local newsletter
WATCH: Go and see the film when it comes out on 16th July. See the trailer here https://youtu.be/XUN5EEDwHcI

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH AND THE CROODS 2: A NEW AGE SPECIAL EDITION LOGO
The Neighbourhood Watch brand and iconic yellow roundel is undeniably widely recognised across the UK. To celebrate the film’s release, we have created a unique and playful adaptation of our logo to be used on all supporting material. We will be using the fresh and fun logo on all our social media channels, on relevant pages on our website and materials created for this partnership. Feel free to use the logo on your materials up until the end of the partnership.

Want to be part of Universal Pictures’ universe? To hear more The Croods 2: A New Age news and find out about other upcoming film releases, exclusive competitions and giveaways, click here.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH WEEK 2021: LISTEN. TALK. DO!
Thank you to all those that supported Neighbourhood Watch Week. Please find links to resources and activities below which you may find useful:

New Neighbourhood Watch resources
Every Mind Matters neighbourly postcard
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/Every%20Mind%20Matters%20NWW%20Postcards.pdf

‘How to run a listening campaign’ guide
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/HOW%20TO..%20Listening%20Campaign.pdf

‘How to organise a litter pick’ guide
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/HOW%20TO....Organise%20a%20litter%20pick.pdf

‘How to organise a street party’ guide
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/HOW%20TO..%20Street%20Party.pdf

‘How to conduct an Environmental Visual Audit’ guide
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/HOW%20TO..%20Visual%20Audit.pdf


Podcast
Listen to John Hayward-Cripps talk about community safety in the 21st Century
https://share.transistor.fm/s/92617d20


Webinar (click to book onto an upcoming scam webinar)
6th July, 5pm: Exploring the psychology behind scams and how scammers are so effective at their crimes
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrduCvrjkrG93lMtwB-PdW4SGPLsu4AkOI

14th July, 5pm: Insights into how a fraud case is investigated and how not to be the next victim
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIlce2rpzkjHNH65KO5sa9knv2u23J3KB5o

23rd July, 5pm: Scams awareness training from the Friends Against Scams initiative
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sdeqsrjwuGNQJARFOKQci4VBIR_-ZakHT

30th July, 5pm: Don't get hooked by scammers! What you need to know about flubot and phishing scams
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ufuuhqzwsH9FCjsky35J73Q8xOxAv6pIc

Kind regards

Central Support Team, Neighbourhood Watch Network
www.ourwatch.org.uk
Neighbourhoood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349

Message Sent By
Central Support Team (NWN, Neighbourhood Watch Network, England and Wales)

Please follow the link for the latest update.

https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/t/5438-DL9V-B64C9E01074413DAMS25N721070059456EF66/cr.aspx
Message Sent By
Ian Stacey (Police, Neighbourhood Policing Administrator, Chiltern & South Bucks)

Phishing remains the most successful attack vector for cyber criminals targeting individuals and businesses.


Cyber criminals love phishing. Unfortunately, this is not a harmless riverbank pursuit. When criminals go phishing, you are the fish and the bait is usually contained in a scam email or text message. The criminal’s goal is to convince you to click on the links within their scam email or text message, or to give away sensitive information (such as bank details). These messages may look like the real thing but are malicious. Once clicked, you may be sent to a dodgy website which could download viruses onto your computer, or steal your passwords.

As of 30 April 2021, over 5.8 million emails were reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS). The tool, which was launched by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the City of London Police last April, allows the public to forward suspicious emails to an automated system that scans it for malicious links. Since its launch, over 43,000 scams and 84,000 malicious websites have been removed.


What are the most common phishing scams?

The most commonly spoofed organisation reported in phishing emails was TV Licensing, with victims of these emails reporting losses totalling £5.3m. The majority of losses occurred as a result of victims following malicious links in the emails and inputting their personal information into what they thought was the legitimate TV Licensing website. Shortly after, they would receive a call from criminals impersonating bank staff who was able to convince them that their bank accounts were compromised and persuaded them to transfer all of their money to a new ‘safe’ account. Some of the other most commonly impersonated organisations included HMRC and DVLA. We also received more than 40,000 suspicious email reports relating to COVID-19.


How you can protect yourself from phishing messages.

Fake emails and text messages can sometimes be difficult to spot and criminals are constantly getting better at finding ways to make them seem more authentic. Email address spoofing, for example, is just one of the tactics criminals will use to try and make their fake emails look real. Here are some tips you should follow to protect yourself, and others, from scam emails and text messages:

1: Be cautious of messages asking for your personal information. Official organisations, such as your bank, should never ask you for personal or financial information via email or text message. If you receive a message and you want to check that it’s legitimate, you can call the organisation directly using a known number, such as the one on a bank statement or utility bill.

2: Report suspicious emails. If you receive an email you’re not quite sure about, you should report it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) by forwarding the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Your reports will help government and law enforcement agencies to remove malicious emails and websites.

3: Report suspicious text messages. If you receive a suspicious text message, you can report it by forwarding the message to 7726. It’s free of charge and enables your mobile network provider to investigate the origin of the text and take action, if found to be malicious.

4: Report fraud. If you’ve lost money or provided personal information as a result of a phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.


For more information on how to protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime, please visit: actionfraud.police.uk/cybercrime


Thanks for reading! If you found this information useful, please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends.


Message Sent By
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Chiltern & South Bucks Policing Issues Forum –
18th May 2021 6-30pm
– Held via Zoom.

Chair: Andy Garnett

Introduction – AG – Welcome and introduction to the purpose of forum. We currently have 55 people on line. Robert will go into the responses in more detail but we have had over 650 responses to the survey.

Matthew Barber Police & Crime Commissioner for TVP –

Introduction and talk on his priorities.

Strong local policing - more police officers, strengthening neighbourhood policing with both police officers and community support officers. Focussing on the crimes that matter most to residents.

Fighting serious organised crime - cracking down on the threat from “county-lines” drugs gangs to protect children from abuse and exploitation.

Dealing with cyber-crime and fraud - investing in the technology and resources the police need to protect individuals online
Improving criminal justice - supporting victims of crime, bringing more criminals to justice and reducing reoffending.

Tackling illegal encampments - ensuring a fair but firm response to illegal encampments and reducing the effect on communities. There is new legislation coming in which will help in dealing with incursions.

Speeding. Community Speedwatch is being re-introduced with a new pilot system. The data from Speedwatch will be fed into Roads Policing tasking and also influence local authority speed limits.



Q. Is there any way that there could be more police stations? – Burnham needs a base.

A. There is currently a review on neighbourhood policing in TVP however, I would rather spend money on officers than buildings. Less front counters but more police bases.

Q. Victims and perpetrators are often in disadvantaged circumstances. Can I remind police that they are able to refer people to the Chiltern area foodbank.

Q. How is a Conservative PCC different to other parties PCC’s?

A. Although I am a Conservative I regard the role as being non-political. I don’t have any party whip. My loyalty is to securing the best for TVP.

Q. Can Speedwatch be set up quickly in Holmer Green?

A. If there has been an existing scheme then yes. If not, then the new groups will follow the pilot scheme. See PCC website. Community Speedwatch scheme · Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner (thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk)

Q. Is speeding more important than burglary and drug offences?

A. No it’s different. We are developing a new approach to SpeedWatch along with our Roads Policing units.

Q. Regarding drug use in public – is it worth reporting to police?

A. Yes. Contact 101 or report on line. Although there may not be any immediate answer to helps develop intelligence on where the issues are.


James Ellis – Inspector TVP responsible for the South Bucks geographical area.

Buckinghamshire Council have 16 community boards of which 7 are in the Chiltern & South Bucks LPA. There is a varying degree of usefulness in police attending these meetings. This forum is more relevant.
The neighbourhood priorities were previously decided by this forum. These priorities feature in our daily patrol plans. There is an expectation that officers contribute to the priorities, as well as assisting with emergency calls. As well as local priorities we have TVP priorities and national government requirements. Lots of competing demands. The patrol plan allows us to feedback to members of the public what we are doing and where we are doing it.

The online meetings are of great use to police. There are a lot more attendees than people who will attend a hall in person. Community Boards are useful for police to attend when there is a specific item people may want to know about and discuss.

With regards to anti-social behaviour we have been using the legislation to good effect. Our Closure Orders are in double digits as are our Criminal Behaviour Orders which helps towards reducing demand.

Inspector Richard Vine Inspector TVP responsible for the Chiltern geographical area.

The Neighbourhood Teams will have a further 2 PC’s in July and 4 new PCSO’s should be with us by the end of the summer.

Burglary – there is a 41% reduction in residential burglary compared to the previous year. There is a 56% reduction based on a 5-year average. There have been 4 burglaries in the last two weeks.

ASB – we have conducted numerous operations with regards to youth ASB in various areas including complaints of drug use. We have disrupted 12 County Drug Lines (CDL) from London and several local drug dealers who are awaiting trial.

Q - How can we work towards reducing the number of nitrous oxide canisters littered around streets and parks?

A – We have discouraged shops from selling them to youths however they do have a legitimate use and can be easily bought on line. If you see youths abusing canisters, please report.

We have recently had a week with the National Crime Agency dealing with modern slavery. Scrap dealers, nail bars and car washes were targeted. There were several referrals to agencies who may help.
We have had a week of action targeting metal thefts. This is primarily catalytic convertor thefts. We worked with garages establishing a scheme where owners of cars that are vulnerable to catalytic convertor theft are able to get the car marked. There was also one arrest.

Keyless car theft. A number of cars are being stolen by thieves picking up the signal the key gives out and using it to open and start a car, usually on a drive. It is important to shield the car key. Wallets can be bought or even putting the key in an old tin box will block the signal.

Speeding. We are the only Neighbourhood Team in TVP to do lots of speeding operations and respond to public complaints. There are not many prosecutions as most of the people caught are only just above the speed limit. We have secured additional support from the Roads Policing Specials and from the camera vans.

In the last quarter, TVP issued 538 tickets, the vans have issued 694 and 710 from the static cameras. Speeding is a societal problem. It needs to become anti-social like drink driving.

In May and June, the new Community Speedwatch will be rolled out.

Roads Policing covering Buckinghamshire will be committed to towns within the county next month.

Theft from motor vehicles. There has been a 34% reduction in the last 12 months. Theft of motor vehicles is down 7%.

Drugs. Drug crime is up 74% in the last year. This is due to the wishes of the community to focus on drug dealing and use.

Violence against the person. This is up by 29% in the last year. Domestic abuse is up by 24%.
Fraud. We have been working with Action Fraud in supporting older people who may be victims of scams. There was a discussion regarding cyber-crime.

Q. The forum is mainly old people giving a response to the questionnaire. Why can’t police attend the Bucks Council Community Boards? Withdrawing is not the answer.

RV. We are engaging with the boards. A lot of the Community Board time has nothing to do with policing. The coordinators can invite us if a police response is required. We will attend if there is a need.
There was further discussion regarding attending the 20 plus parish councils. RV and JE said they had both made themselves available to most Community Board meetings in the last 12 months. Often, they have not been required to contribute.

Q. Is the reduction of burglaries due to Covid?

RV – last year, before Covid there was a 37% reduction. During lockdown the reduction is 54% and the most recent figures show a 41% reduction. This sustained reduction is because people are at home.

Q. Gerrards Cross have put money aside to purchase CCTV for the town centre. I cannot find anyone in TVP who will monitor them. Who does monitor them?

JE – TVP do not monitor CCTV. Previously it was the responsibility of the district councils and presumably it is now Buckinghamshire Council.


Report on the questionnaire by Robert Gibson.

There have been 674 responses to the online questionnaire. This is way above the usual number of responses.

The top concerns are burglary, ASB, speeding, drug dealing and littering. These are the usual main concerns however child exploitation has risen in importance. Other concerns are dog theft, fly-tipping and lack of police presence.

These concerns are generally the same in all community board areas. This information will be passed onto the community boards.

The age profile shows most responders are over 60 and few under 35. 25 of the responders declared they were councilors.

The focus on burglary from the forum has contributed to the numbers falling.

Open forum.

Q. The PCSO for Chalfont St Peter has provided us with crime information when we needed it but lots of information is available on line and does not always need an officer to attend parish council meetings.

Q. Cyber-crime – how can the local police help to tackle it? The importance of not giving people your details either on the telephone or online was discussed. Make sure you report any such incidents.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The date and time of the next meeting to be decided at a later date but hopefully the meetings will continue to be every three months.

Meeting closed 8-20pm.

Up until 19:30 today only.

My daughter had hers.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/news.sky.com/story/amp/covid-19-englands-biggest-coronavirus-vaccination-centre-in-west-london-breaks-policy-to-offer-jab-to-anyone-over-18-for-today-only-12321580

I've just had this dropped through the door :

Patient safety
A joint National Patient Safety Alert has been issued by the NHS England and NHS Improvement National Patient Safety Team and Royal College of Emergency Medicine on the need for urgent assessment/treatment following ingestion of ‘super strong’ magnets.

National Patient Safety Alert – Urgent assessment/treatment following ingestion of ‘super strong’ magnets
About this alert

Small powerful magnets, also known as neodymium or ‘super strong’ rare-earth magnets, are sold as toys, decorative items and fake piercings, and are becoming increasingly popular. Unlike traditional magnets, these ‘super strong’ magnets are small in volume but powerful in magnetism and easily swallowed.

If more than one ‘super strong’ magnet is swallowed separately, or a ‘super strong’ magnet is swallowed with a metallic object, they can be strongly attracted together from different parts of the intestines. This compression of bowel tissue can cause necrosis and perforation of the intestines and/or blood vessels within hours. Therefore urgent assessment and treatment is vital.

The alert asks providers to ensure any patients who have ingested (or are suspected of ingesting) ‘super strong’ magnets are referred to an Emergency Department as a medical emergency. In addition, organisations with an Emergency Department are asked to ensure the right processes are in place so that any child or adult seeking emergency care having swallowed these magnets receive the necessary urgent assessments, investigations and treatments.

Following the recent winter rural crime campaign there was a large uptake from the community in Chiltern & South Bucks for joining our Country Watch Scheme. The team focused on engaging with the rural community to make local farmers and other members aware of the Country Watch scheme to try and find a way to work together in making the community safer.

From reviewing local crime trends we found that large numbers of attacks on livestock were being reported. As a result of this we made the public aware of the issues faced by farmers and circulated out over 100 Cattle Grazing warning signs in our community.

For the spring campaign my aim is to get Country Watch members to review their security practices and ensure that they have strong security working procedures in place for their staff to follow. I have obtained some security marking anti-tamper stickers and will be looking to assist members in marking up their tools.
I will be getting the local Neighbourhood teams to work with Country Watch Members and offer a security health check

For the summer campaign we will be advertising the Rural Spotters Scheme, to help the Police as the eyes and ears of the rural community and to help prevent rural crime, and training up new members. Please let me know if you are a horse rider and would be interested in joining the scheme.
We will shortly be introducing What’s App on our area and I hope to have information by the next quarter about the roll out of this. This has proved a popular resource in the rural community elsewhere in keeping people updated of problems that are occurring.

Keeping people and property safe from harm is all of our responsibility and members of the public can help by being our eyes and ears in the community. By working together we can better protect our rural communities, bring offenders to justice and make Thames Valley a safer place to live, work and visit.
It can be hard to know whether something is a crime and whether to contact the police or another charity or organisation. It is vital to report all crimes. We need information to target resources and develop intelligence. Tell us if you think an offence has or is about to be committed. If it is happening now, ring 999. If you have information that does not require an immediate response report it to Thames Valley Police online or by calling 101.

If you would like to become a Country Watch member please let me know.

PS 3675 Darren Walsh
Amersham Police Station
Message Sent By
Darren Walsh (Police, Sgt, Amersham)

Following a year of travel bans, quarantine, uncertainty and missed holidays, many of us are desperate to get away for a break, whether it’s a holiday in the sun or a weekend by the sea in the UK.

But cybercriminals are busy thinking about holidays and travel too ... not taking them but exploiting your desperation for a break, with fake websites, advertisements, emails, social media posts, texts and phone calls for holidays, flights, accommodation or pilgrimages that don’t exist.

Avoid disappointment and financial losses when booking a trip: start by reading our expert tips on searching and booking holidays and travel safely and securely. Our latest leaflet is attached but if you'd like to read more then visit www.getsafeonline.org

Many thanks
the Get Safe Online team

This message is on behalf of North West Chilterns Community Board, where a group of people representing Neighbourhood Watch, Hughenden Street Association produced the attached document as a project concerning the rise of Dog Thefts during COVID .

Please see attached.

Attachments
Dog Theft Poster
https://assets.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/Attachment/267516/382567/76001/76001_Dog_Theft_Poster__8_.pdf

Message Sent By
Val McPherson BEM (NWN, Multi Scheme Administrator, Thames Valley)

In response to the increased fear of pet theft, Neighbourhood Watch has launched our PROTECT YOUR POOCH campaign.

The campaign will run on social media from 17th – 30th May but those who do not use social media can support the campaign by displaying this poster in their community, or attending our online Dog Theft webinar on the 27th May at 5pm. The webinar will be led by Neighbourhood Watch Network with speakers from the Met Police and Crimestoppers, as well as special guest speaker Katy Bourne, PCC for Sussex. To book your place, click here.

The PROTECT YOUR POOCH campaign encourages people to keep their pets SECURE, IN SIGHT and SEARCHABLE, and to HELP MAKE PET THEFT A SPECIFIC CRIMINAL OFFENCE. The Met Police and Crimestoppers are backing our SECURE, IN SIGHT and SEARCHABLE message. More information on the campaign can be found on www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourpooch.

You can support the campaign by acting on our advice and sharing our messages in the following ways:
Follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn and share our campaign posts

Print this poster and display it in your community

Share this campaign image on your local Whatsapp groups

Help make pet theft a specific criminal offence by signing a petition or writing to your MP. Find out more on www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourpooch

Attend our online Dog Theft webinar on 27th May, 5pm. Book your place here.

About guest speaker Katy Bourne, PCC for Sussex
Katy Bourne is in her third term as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Sussex. She was first elected in 2012, re-elected in 2016 and again in 2021. The PCC’s role is to hold the Chief Constable to account for the performance of the Force; effectively making the police answerable to the communities they serve.

Katy is responsible for setting the strategic direction and priorities for Sussex Police through the Police & Crime Plan. This includes setting the police budget and local police precept – the amount residents pay for policing in their council tax. She also has a statutory duty to deliver community safety initiatives including Restorative Justice and crime reduction grants, along with commissioning support services for victims of crime.

Her genuine passion and commitment to making a difference has won her praise from successive Home Secretaries and Prime Ministers and in June 2019 she was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.


For anybody who wishes to have a PROTECT YOUR POOCH campaign pack, please email Deborah.waller@ourwatch.org.uk.

Keep safe,
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team

Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Neighbourhoood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349Email tracking gif
Message Sent By
Deborah Waller (NWN, Senior Digital and Communications Manager, England and Wales)

Watch "2021 AGM" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/ivuGlSMGc3g

What's on in the Parks?

Following the end of election restrictions, it is good to be able to write to you personally again with an update on the Covid situation in Buckinghamshire. It’s a particular pleasure as I am able to report that the infection rate in Buckinghamshire is following the national trend downwards and is now at 12.1 per 100,000 residents. This is far lower than it was just a few weeks ago. A tribute to the effects of both the observance of the lockdown but also particularly the high take-up rate locally of the vaccination programme. There are still some causes for caution and I will cover them a little later in this update.



On Monday next week (17 May) we can all look forward to further easing of Covid restrictions. You’ll no doubt be aware that the government is satisfied its four tests are continuing to be met and that the roadmap can safely continue.



From Monday we’ll be able to eat and drink inside pubs, cafes and restaurants. We can meet others indoors (two households or rule of six), and we can stay overnight in a hotel. Of huge importance to all of us, we can hug loved ones once again, and we can make our own choices on social distancing with close friends and family – this includes everyone, including anyone who’s been shielding. All of these are freedoms we’ve been without and that I’m sure we will never take for granted again.



I must underline the importance of doing all of this cautiously. The message is clear; let’s take this next step carefully. Covid hasn’t gone away – people are still catching it and people are still spreading it. There are still rules in place that should be followed, such as the limits on numbers of people who can meet socially, so I ask you to make sure you are familiar with what we can and cannot do from Monday. When considering close contacts, weigh up the risks and stay cautious. Social distancing will still apply in settings like shops and hospitals. Still meet outside where you can and let fresh air in when you’re indoors.



Importantly – get tested regularly and have your vaccine when it’s your turn. We have new mobile testing units offering free rapid tests in various locations from this week – you can also visit one of the fixed sites and take test kits home if you prefer. There’s more information about rapid testing on our website and you can also get up to date information on where the mobile testing units are on our social media channels (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram).




If you or someone you live with develops symptoms of Covid make sure your household isolates and book a test for anyone with symptoms, either online or by calling 119.



Extra testing in Aylesbury

A small number of cases of the variant of Covid first identified in India have been found in the Kingsbrook area of Aylesbury. All the people involved have followed the guidance and have self-isolated. However, it’s really important we track this as closely as possible, so Buckinghamshire Council and Public Health England have started targeted testing in the area this week. This is so we can help avoid the spread of this variant and understand whether it is spreading in our community.



We are asking everyone who visits, lives or works in the Oakfield Village area of the Kingsbrook estate (postcodes HP22 7AA to HP22 7BP) to come forward for a PCR test regardless of whether you have symptoms or not. There will be special mobile testing units in the area and we ask as many people as possible to visit them between today (Thursday 13 May) and Saturday 15 May. These test centres will be at four different locations, two in the centre of Aylesbury (Lidl Oakfield Road and Vale Retail Park) and two in Bierton (Aktiva Nursery and ‘The Dog House’ pub).



If you cannot attend a test site you can order a kit online; there will also be a team taking test kits door to door on Saturday for anyone who’s not been able to get to a test site themselves. The full details are on specially set up pages on our website.



The situation in Buckinghamshire

As I mentioned, the infection rates in Buckinghamshire are now very low with an overall rate of 12.1 and a rate as low as 6.2 in the former Chiltern District area. You can see all the detailed figures on the Covid dashboard on our website. While every death is a terrible loss, the number of people dying from Covid in Bucks is currently very low. Nevertheless, the situation in Kingsbrook reminds us all of the need to stay vigilant.



Vaccine news

437,886 vaccinations have now been given in Buckinghamshire. The vaccine is safe and effective and anyone aged 38 or over (or who turns 38 before 1 July) is currently eligible to book their vaccination appointment.



You can book your vaccine online via the national booking system or by calling 119 – you can read more via this NHS link. Please remember that while your first dose will offer a good level of protection a few weeks after you’ve had it, you need two doses to further increase your level of protection. It is very important you attend both appointments.



Local people are being offered appointments at the Guttman vaccination centre at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Aylesbury and other large centres in neighbouring counties (which may be closer for some Bucks residents). Community pharmacies continue to offer appointments too. Some GP practices are only offering COVID-19 vaccinations to patients in priority groups 1-9. Anyone not in these groups should book their appointment online using the national booking system when it’s their turn.



People aged 18-39 with no underlying health conditions will receive an alternative vaccine to AstraZeneca (AZ) - either Pfizer or Moderna. This follows the latest advice by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.



For updates and news on all our local vaccination sites, including which vaccines are being offered, visit Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s new local site update webpage.



Lastly, a reminder that the vaccination clinic at the Odeon Cinema in Aylesbury has moved just up the road to Buckinghamshire New University, Aylesbury Campus. Anyone who has an appointment for the Odeon site is being contacted, so do make a note of this change if it affects your vaccination booking.



#WelcomeBackBucks

Many council services that were closed during lockdown are open for business again and it’s brilliant to be welcoming customers back into libraries, leisure centres and other sites across Bucks. For details of opening times and arrangements at your local library check our website.



It’s fantastic that Bucks County Museum is opening its doors again next week too. The garden is already open and you can take a look at what’s happening from next week too on their website.



I should remind you that of course, Covid measures and social distancing will still be in place at all of these venues so please carry on sticking to the guidance to help keep us all safe.



Car parking

I hope as many people as possible are enjoying being able to shop, eat, exercise and enjoy themselves at our local businesses too. We expect even more people to return to our high streets with businesses such as pubs and restaurants being able to serve customers inside from Monday too. I just wanted to remind you that, after having been suspended for a month, parking charges do now apply again in Buckinghamshire Council car parks. We’ve put Covid safety measures in place such as marking out social distancing around ticket machines and there are ticketless and cashless payment options at more of our sites now.



Boost your Business

We know businesses across Bucks have faced unprecedented challenge this last year. If you’re a business owner then do use our #WelcomeBackBucks hashtag in your social media promotion to reach a bigger audience. We’ve also produced a free ‘Boost your Business’ digital toolkit to help our local businesses get back on their feet, containing poster templates and a marketing guide – so do check it out if you want that extra support and advice.



Business grants

With businesses able to start trading again, the government support grants scheme we’ve been operating has now closed. I’m delighted to say we’ve been able to pay out more than £140 million during the pandemic to help our local firms to help cover losses caused by the necessary Covid restrictions. Unlike many other councils, we prioritised getting these grants paid so every penny of available help could be passed onto local businesses.



Stay safe, stay cautious and enjoy getting more of our freedoms back,

Martin Tett

Leader of Buckinghamshire Council

First of all, thank you all very much for the efforts you have made to observe the current lockdown. I know that it has been tough for many people particularly when they have missed seeing family and friends. The good news is that we are beginning to see the benefits from this lockdown with some falls in infection rates across Buckinghamshire.



As I’m sure that you are aware, yesterday the government announced the restrictions that will apply to different parts of England when we leave the current lockdown next Wednesday (2 December). The government’s view is that Buckinghamshire, and indeed most of the south of England, should be in what is called ‘Tier 2’. This is based on a variety of key measures as defined by Public Health England. The Tiers define what we are allowed to do and not allowed to do. Nearby Slough is however in Tier 3 with further, tougher restrictions.



Frankly, I am disappointed that we are now in Tier 2. I had hoped that we would return to Tier 1. However, the government is determined to continue to maintain the pressure to control this horrid virus. Each council area will be reviewed after 14 days to see if the Tier that they are in should change. I am determined that Buckinghamshire should set itself the objective of returning to Tier 1 as soon as possible. This goal is important, not just for our own personal freedoms but also to protect our businesses, economy and jobs.



Therefore, it is really important that I ask you to observe the new Rules and let’s work together across Buckinghamshire to reach Tier 1 as soon as possible.



The situation in Buckinghamshire

We are seeing the number of cases starting to fall in Buckinghamshire. The latest data shows that the number of cases per 100,000 people in Buckinghamshire is now 125.7, having fallen from 161 the previous week. You can see the latest figures on our website including the number of cases in your local area.




In Tier 2, these are the main rules that will be in place in Buckinghamshire from Wednesday 2 December:




You cannot socialise with anyone you don’t live with indoors.
People should work from home where they’re able to, in agreement with their employer.
‘Rule of 6’ applies outdoors – don’t meet in groups of more than six people and only meet people you don’t live with outside.
Businesses and venues including places of worship can open and operate in a COVID-secure manner, other than those still closed by law, e.g. nightclubs.
Our Leisure Centres and Libraries that were closed during lockdown will reopen operating with COVID-secure measures (check our website for full details).
Pubs and bars will stay closed unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. They must close by 11pm, with last orders at 10pm.
Organised sport outdoors can continue and some indoor sports can also take place if it’s possible for people to avoid mixing with others they don’t live with – see more detail below.
You can travel and stay overnight somewhere but you should continue to follow the Tier 2 rules wherever you go. You should avoid travel to an area in Tier 3 unless it’s necessary.


You can find out more about what the rules are in each Tier on the government’s website.



‘Hands, Face, Space’ applies at all times:




Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly
Wear a face covering where required unless you’re exempt
Keep 2 metres (6 feet) away from anyone you don’t live with



It’s a relief to see that the cases numbers are starting to fall across Buckinghamshire but it’s essential we remain mindful of the virus at all times, and the ease with which it spreads. We risk being moved into a higher Tier if our case numbers rise too much again, and that is something we desperately want to avoid here in Buckinghamshire.



Remember – if anyone in the home develops symptoms of coronavirus then the whole household must isolate immediately (which means not going out or seeing anyone else).



You must book a test for anyone with symptoms as soon as possible (phone 119 if you can’t book online or book via the NHS COVID-19 app).



How we’re helping vulnerable families this winter



The last few months have been especially hard for local families that were already struggling to make ends meet, and we launched our ‘Helping Hand’ programme over the October half term to make sure any family finding it hard to put food on the table during the school holidays could be supported.



I’m pleased to let you know we’re now extending our ‘Helping Hand’ programme across the whole of winter.



With funding from the government’s Winter Grant and working with our partners we will ensure that vulnerable children in Buckinghamshire will be warm and well-fed this winter. The Helping Hand programme includes issuing food vouchers to all children who have free school meals so they can be fed through the school holidays. Any family that is struggling will be able to call a dedicated Helping Hand advice line if they need extra support, our website and helping hands team will offer support and advice. Our 16 Community Boards will also be working with partners to support local activities.



We will provide more detail about this scheme in future updates.



And can you help us give vulnerable local children a better Christmas?

As you may know, each year we run an annual Christmas present appeal for children in Bucks who might otherwise not get much, or anything at all, at Christmas. This year’s campaign run, as ever, by Buckinghamshire Councillors Paul Irwin, Mark Shaw and Ashley Waite – is underway and like everything else, we’re having to do things a bit differently this year due to the pandemic. For the first time, we’ve started a JustGiving fund to get presents bought and delivered direct. And for people who would prefer to choose a gift themselves for a child in need, we can provide details of where to send it, or where you can drop it off.



Your generosity in previous years has made a huge difference to Christmas for some of our most disadvantaged children. I know this year has been tremendously hard on us all, but if you are in a position to donate a present, it would be hugely appreciated. All the detail you need is here on our website.



Bucks Business Grants

In case you missed it last time, I want to make sure all our businesses are aware that through Bucks Business Grants, we’ve got two support grant schemes open at the moment. The Local Restrictions Support Grant is for businesses that have had to close because of the restrictions. This is linked to rateable value and offers financial support for businesses that are closed due to the restrictions.



If your business doesn’t qualify for the Local Restrictions Support Grant but has still suffered significant losses as a result of the latest restrictions, you might be eligible for the Additional Restrictions Grant. This grant is for any business, including the self-employed; it’s not linked to rateable value and you don’t have to have premises. Applications for this one-time payment grant – for businesses of any sector – are open until Friday 18 December.



Please take a look at this section on our website for the full details and how to apply.



More tips for staying well this winter

Supporting our frontline health services, including A&E and GPs, allows them to continue to run smoothly now and when the COVID-19 vaccinations begin. Please remember to ‘know where to go for help’ if you feel unwell or need medical attention. Visit our Ready for Winter pages here and do your bit to help protect NHS services this winter.



Stay safe and protect Bucks,



Martin Tett

Leader, Buckinghamshire Council

News update – 27 November 2020:
FSA publishes local authority food law enforcement report
Read more: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/fsa-publishes-local-authority-food-law-enforcement-report

Reports of online shopping fraud have surged by 30% over the pandemic as many of us continue to shop online in light of current restrictions.

Figures from Action Fraud show that criminals conned 17,407 shoppers out of almost £13.5 million over the Christmas period last year, an increase of over 20% when compared to the same period in 2018.

Action Fraud is warning the public to take extra care when shopping online, ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as shoppers search for bargains and gifts for loved ones in the run up to Christmas.



Top tips to shop online securely this festive season:


Where to shop:
Making a purchase from an online store you haven’t used before? Carry out some research first, or ask a friend or family member if they’ve used the site and about their experiences before completing the purchase.


Your information:
Only create an account if necessary or to save you effort if you’re going to use that site a lot in the future. Be cautious if the website asks you for details that are not required for your purchase, such as your mother’s maiden name or the name of your primary school.


Payments:
If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, ensure that the webpage where you enter your payment details is secure (website address starts with “https”). Using a credit card to pay online also means that should the worst happen and your payment details are compromised, your main bank account won’t be directly affected.


Phishing:
Some of the messages you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. Not all links are bad, but if you’re unsure, don’t use the link – go separately to the website. Report any suspicious emails you receive by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk You can also report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726.



For more information about how to shop online securely, please visit:
actionfraud.police.uk/shoponlinesafely



Message Sent By
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

As if Iver Heath hasn't got enough happening, with the ever expanding Pinewood Studios, a proposed Theme Park, Crossrail and the effects of Heathrow's Third Runway if/when that starts, there is now a suggestion to build a Motorway Service Station complex (M25) including parking for 1,300 cars and 200 HGVs plus a hotel!
Iver and Iver Heath are currently areas where the air quality is at illegal levels. Do we really need to increase the pollution? Although the Government intends to have all electric vehicles from 2030, that is 10 years away - if the date doesn't slip. But even after that date non-electric vehicles will still be able to operate.
Those proposing this project goes ahead would like you to comment on their website. I would like that comment to be to reject the proposal.
However you feel about it (and I am angry), the proposal can be viewed at:
https://www.colnevalleyservices.com



Welcome Break intends to create a new state-of-the-art Motorway Service Area (MSA) which will be the first facility of its type to have the capacity to supply charging for electric vehicles to 100% of its parking spaces.​

The proposed new motorway service station on the M25, located in the Colne Valley, between the M40 and M4, is needed to improve motorway safety by reducing the current 44 mile gap between existing services at Cobham and South Mimms, which is more than Highways England’s recommended safe limit of 28 miles or 30 minute drive.

The project will create 450 new full time jobs, and over 800 during construction, along with local supply chain opportunities during the construction and operation of the Services.

The MSA will initially provide up to 100 open access Electric Vehicle (EV) parking and charging facilities for the rapid charging of all EV types , powered by 100% sustainable energy sources. Over time as EV adoption grows the charging capacity will expand further to meet it and to further reduce carbon footprint.

The proposed service area will have provision for over 1300 car parking spaces and over 200 HGV spaces with ample provision for all other vehicle types and road users. A hotel is also being proposed for motorway users. Neighbourhood security is a top priority for Welcome Break and the site perimeter will have a security fence and be covered by 24/7 CCTV cameras.

PRODUCT RECALL NOTICE
TO OUR CONSUMERS

We wanted to let you know that as a precautionary measure we are recalling Guinness 0.0 in Great Britain because of a microbiological contamination which may make some cans of Guinness 0.0 unsafe to consume.

If you have bought Guinness 0.0 do not consume it. Instead, please return the product to your point of purchase for a full refund. Alternatively, contact the Diageo Consumer Careline on consumercare.gbandireland@diageo.com or 0345 601 4558 with details of your purchase to receive a refund voucher before disposing of the product.

We are sorry that this has happened.

Which products are affected?

The issue is isolated to Guinness 0.0. No other Guinness variants or brands are affected.

What has happened?

A microbiological contamination has occurred during the production process and our team is working hard to investigate and determine the root cause.

What are we doing about?

We are working with the supermarkets and other retailers to remove all stock from shelves and communicate this product recall to consumers. We have informed the relevant authorities and our team is working hard to investigate and determine the root cause.

How can I be sure your products are safe?

The issue is isolated to Guinness 0.0 and does not impact any other Guinness variants or brands. Guinness 0.0 is a new product manufactured in a different way from other Guinness variants. The health and safety of our consumers is our number one priority.

When will Guinness 0.0 be back in store?

We are working hard to return Guinness 0.0 to shelves as soon as possible. Production will only recommence when we are completely satisfied that we have eliminated the root cause of the issue and the product meets the highest standards of quality that we and our Guinness drinkers expect.

How can I get a refund?

Please return the product to your point of purchase for a full refund.

Or

You can contact the Diageo Consumer Careline on consumercare.gbandireland@diageo.com or 0345 601 4558 with details of your purchase to receive a refund voucher before disposing of the product.

Older Drivers Forum Webinars
We are working with the Older Drivers Forum to run a series of free webinars aimed at older drivers, as well as their families and friends, with advice on how to drive safely for longer.

The webinars will take place next week (starting 16 November) coinciding with Brake’s National Road Safety week.

The chair and founder of the Older Drivers Forum Rob Heard said : “In these difficult times we wanted to be able to still communicate with the mature motorists and help them, especially when getting back to driving after the lockdown, so they can carry on driving safely for longer.

“We can all become complacent about our driving and often pick up bad habits, which if not addressed can increase our risk of an incident on the roads. This series of webinars will help give advice on a number of subjects from Confidence building appraisals to Safe driving tips.

“We hope this will be the first of many webinars we host to help and support older motorists and interested family and friends.”

To register your place for a webinar, please visit https://olderdriversforum.com/webinars/

Places are limited.

Webinars:

Monday 16 November – 10.30am to 11.30am – ‘Confidence building appraisals’
Wednesday 18 November – 10.30am to 11.30am – ‘Driving with a Medical Conditions and Eyesight advice’
Friday 20 November – 10.30am to 11.30am – ‘Safe Driving tips’


Message Sent By
Caitlin Rosetti (Police, Communications Support Assistant, Thames Valley)

News update – 10 November 2020:
Update 2: FSA issues precautionary safety and handling advice for specific eggs
Read more: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/update-2-fsa-issues-precautionary-safety-and-handling-advice-for-specific-eggs

Food alert – 9 November 2020:
Nutricia recalls Aptamil Multigrain Banana and Berry Cereal 7+ months because it may contain small pieces of plastic
Read more: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-54-2020

Somebody on my local Nextdoor received the attached text.
Apparently the link is not one you should follow, it's a scam.
Please be careful.

Neighbourhood Watch launches PROTECT YOUR Pa$$W0rD campaign with 3 quick and easy steps

As we spend more time at home and on our online devices, over one third (34%) of people say that they’re more concerned about cybercrime than physical crime and a startling 1 in 5 people are a victim of cybercrime!* You could be more at risk than you might think.

If strengthening your passwords is something you keep putting off, or you feel overwhelmed by the sea of online security information, you’re not alone.

As part of our Cyberhood Watch initiative, launched in 2019 in partnership with Avast, we have launched a PROTECT YOUR Pa$$W0Rd campaign that targets both the overwhelmed and complacent, providing everyone with 3 easy steps to be more secure online.

PROTECT YOUR Pa$$W0Rd in 3 easy steps
Create a separate password for your email account
Use 3 random words
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)
To find out more about how to do each step visit our Password Protection page on our website . https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/passwords

But we won’t stop there! Whilst taking those 3 easy steps will go a long way to protecting yourself online, we want to protect not just you but your whole community! To do this, we are asking you to spread the word and help protect your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours by sharing these 3 easy steps with 3 others.

To share with others you can forward this email to at least 3 of your friends, share the information from our Password Protection page in your local newsletter, or share our campaign on your social media channels using our Protect your Pa$$W0Rd Campaign Pack, https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2020-11/NW%20Passwords%20Social%20Media%20Pack_2.pptx

More about the campaign
Our campaign will run on social media for 4 weeks from 9th November 2020. We are targeting both Neighbourhood Watch members and non-members alike with two different attitudes to online security.

For those that are unsure and overwhelmed by an abundance of advice, we want to cut though the noise and simplify the confusion, so they feel empowered to take action.

And for those that think ‘it won’t happen to me’ we want to shock them into action, so that they realise how prevalent the problem is, even amongst young people.

We have created social media animated and still graphics targeted to both those audiences, supported by further information detailing how and why to take each step on our dedicated Password Protection page.

Download our Protect your Pa$$W0Rd Campaign Pack to share the campaign across your networks using email, whatsapp, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and in newsletters.

Why not go one step further and share our Protect your Pa$$W0Rd Press Release locally and don’t forget to let us know about any local press you are able to generate.

Visit our Protect your PA$$word campaign page to find out more.

*Perceptions of cybercrime in the UK report produced in partnership with Avast, surveyed over 14,000 Neighbourhood Watch members: https://press.avast.com/hubfs/media-materials/kits/Avast%20Cyberhood%20Watch/Avast_CyberHood_Watch_Report%20FINAL.pdf?hsLang=en

For more information contact Deborah Waller on deborah.waller@ourwatch.org.uk.

Kind regards

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team

I wanted to keep you as informed and up to date as possible now this second period of national coronavirus restrictions is underway.

Firstly, I want to thank you again for staying at home and making these sacrifices in the national effort to drive down the number of virus cases. I know this is tough, especially as we have moved into colder, darker weather, and I know the impact is being felt by us all. I know too how hard this is for our local businesses that have faced unprecedented challenges as a result of this pandemic.

Stay at home
As of yesterday we all need to stay at home other than for the following reasons:

· To go to work if you cannot work from home

· For education – schools, colleges and universities will stay open

· For exercise or recreation

· To shop for essentials such as food and medicine

· For medical concerns or reasons – like a doctor’s appointment

· To visit or providing care to a vulnerable person, or if you’re volunteering

· To get a coronavirus test if you have symptoms

Individuals can also meet one other person outdoors, but you shouldn’t have visitors inside your home or garden.

You can read the full detail of what you can and cannot do on the Government’s website

The situation in Buckinghamshire

Our local data continues to paint a concerning picture with another rise in infection rates overall in the county. The numbers are especially high in the former South Bucks District area and in people aged 60 and above.

There is currently a rate of 123.7 cases per 100,000 people in Buckinghamshire, and the rate is now 170.4 cases per 100,000 in the former South Bucks District Area.

You can see the latest data for the 7 day period up to 31 October on our website.

The best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones is to strictly follow the national guidance and stay at home as much as possible.

It’s essential that you book a test as soon as possible if you develop any coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild they are. It’s vital that we identify every case possible. Use the link above or call 119. Capacity to process tests has now been increased and we have new walk through test centres available in Buckinghamshire seven days a week so you should be able to get a slot locally more easily now than in recent weeks. Isolate immediately if anyone in your household develops symptoms.

Buckinghamshire Council services
As you already know, the new restrictions are impacting some of our services such as leisure centres and libraries. All leisure centres in Bucks are now closed until the restrictions are lifted. Our libraries have closed too, but five (Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham and High Wycombe) will reopen next Tuesday for customers to use our ‘Request and Collect service’ – get in touch using this link to tell us what kind of books you’re after and our library staff will find you some to suit your preferences.

Our registrars service will remain open as will our Household Recycling Centres and all bin collection services will operate as normal through this period.

Please do keep checking our social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and our website for up to date information on how we will be running Buckinghamshire Council services during this period.

Support for businesses and employees
We are pleased to have had confirmation from the Chancellor that the national furlough scheme will be extended to March.

In addition, if you’re on a low income and can’t work from home and have been told by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate, you may qualify for a £500 Support Payment. If this applies to you, you can check your eligibility and apply here

The government has also announced further financial support for eligible businesses and we will be making payments soon, once we have the full details about the eligibility criteria. We will outline the criteria and how to apply for this support as soon as possible.

Vulnerable residents
There are many of you that might need some extra support during this time. Please keep checking the coronavirus pages of our website which outline the various ways you can get help if you need it. These pages will be updated as more new information about help, grants and support packages comes through. Please also use the Bucks Online Directory to find local community groups who can offer support if you need it.

The government is writing to people who are ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ and you can read that advice here. You can also register on the government’s national support scheme if you have a condition that means you’re classed as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’. Registering to this scheme will give you access to priority supermarket deliveries for example.

If you or someone you know needs extra support, please call us on ‪01296 395 000‬ to let us know.

Visiting loved ones in care homes
The Government has now published its advice on this and I’m sure it will be a comfort to many families that care homes are able to provide safe visits during this lockdown period. This gives our local care homes the go-ahead to permit visits in a safe way but please make sure you liaise directly with the care home you will be visiting to check what arrangements they have in place first; each care home will need to undertake a risk assessment and determine if it is able to accommodate safe visits.

It might therefore take a little while for the necessary measures to be put in place at some settings to allow safe visits to go ahead.

Call for volunteers
The community effort that we’ve seen throughout this pandemic has been phenomenal and I know in every part of Bucks we’ve seen countless examples of how people have been helping in their local communities and really making a difference. We will be starting to ask for volunteers to help out in some of our public areas, providing help and guidance to members of the public on matters such as how to wear a mask properly and how to maintain social distancing.

These roles will not involve any kind of enforcement – this is about helping people out and providing friendly advice on how to follow the current rules to help keep everyone safe. The volunteers will also be able to observe and report back on any problems or issues they spot when out in the community.

I’ll give you more detail when we have it on how you should get in touch if volunteering for a role like this appeals to you.

Marking Remembrance Day
As with all events at this time, we have to find ways to do this differently this year. The importance of this event goes without saying and I know many of us will still want to ensure we appropriately remember and pay our respects to those who’ve given their lives in defence of our country. It is deeply sad that in many areas there won’t be the usual public wreath-laying ceremony but we urge residents and veterans to watch the National Service of Remembrance on TV at home where we can all still observe the two minutes silence too.

We also have advice on our website about how to celebrate Diwali this year.

Health and wellbeing
This is a tough time for all of us and as we move into the winter months, it’s more important than ever to take good care of ourselves and be mindful of our physical and mental well-being. It’s really important that, should you need to, you continue to access local NHS services as normal. If you need to contact your doctor or attend a hospital appointment, you should still do so.

Do your best to get outside for some exercise and fresh air in a safe way. I know too that some people may struggle more than others with their mental health and if that is the case please be assured that help is still there if you need it. No-one should suffer in silence and local mental health support services are open and are there to help you.

Buckinghamshire Mind is a great place to start for tips and advice on mental health and wellbeing and the Healthy Minds Bucks website will also tell you how to access help and support services.

Stay safe and look after yourselves and each other.

Martin Tett,
Leader, Buckinghamshire Council

Allergy alert – 6 November 2020:
Lidl GB recalls What’s Cooking? Lighter for You Meatballs because of undeclared milk
Read more: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-aa-67-2020

Allergy alert – 5 November 2020:
Iceland recalls Twix Barres Glacées (Twix Ice-Cream Bars) because the allergens are not listed in English
Read more: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-aa-66-2020

News update – 31 October 2020:
Update: FSA issues precautionary safety and handling advice for specific eggs
Read more: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/update-fsa-issues-precautionary-safety-and-handling-advice-for-specific-eggs

News update – 30 October 2020:
Speakers announced for FSA social science conference
Read more: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/speakers-announced-for-fsa-social-science-conference

Food alert – 29 October 2020:
Bettinehoeve recalls Bettine Blanc Goat’s Cheese because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Read more: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-52-2020

On Tuesday 27th October 2020 at 5.50 pm a burglary and an attempt burglary has occurred at Potters Cross, Iver Heath. Unknown offenders have gained entry by forcing the front door and stolen items and then tried to force the front door of another house.

If you saw or heard anything suspicious in the area of Potters Cross please contact Amersham Priority Crime Team via the Thames Valley Police non emergency number, 101 and quote crime reference ‪43200347244‬ & ‪43200347761‬.

If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on ‪0800 555 111‬ or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Alternatively you can report this online at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ quoting reference number ‪43200347244‬ & ‪43200347761‬.


No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Please consider a few simple prevention steps to your property:-

1. Keep windows and doors shut, locked and in good condition

2. Property mark your valuables with a UV pen or forensic property marking kit, then register on www.immobilise.com. Make a note of all model numbers and serial numbers of all electrical items.

3. Use a timer switches to make your home look occupied in the evenings

4. Ensure car keys are safely stored away from the front door

5. Keep tools and ladders locked away out of sight.

For more Crime Reduction tips and information please visit our website www.thamesvalley.police.uk and click on 'crime prevention' in the Advice and Information section at the bottom of the webpage.

Alternatively contact Thames Valley Police on: 101






Message Sent By
Debbie Parker-Boyes (Case Investigator, Police, Taplow)

You will often hear about the police working in partnership with agencies to combat crime. With burglary the most important partner we can work with is you! By this I mean getting you to look out for yours and your neighbours properties.
Last year we worked closely with Neighbourhood Watch to get more people signed up to the scheme. In the last year we developed a police operations with NHW, where members of NHW were briefed with relevant intelligence of issues that were happening in our area with a dedicated response team to deal with your calls who are on patrol in the afternoons into the evenings.
Improving your security
There are a host of things that we can do to make our properties safer. I am going to concentrate on 6 low cost areas which can prevent some burglaries from occurring.
1: Keep your doors locked at all times. This is the first port of call for a burglar. I have reviewed several cases CCTV where offenders brazenly pull onto the victims driveway, check the door handle and then call at the address.
Challenge your family when they leave the doors unlocked. This is a common problem as I have experienced.
2: Use your Window locks. It’s all very well having window locks but are you using them. Again this is a common method of entry so let’s make sure that the burglar can’t just open it and wipe the glass away. If it is locked there will be an increased risk of DNA transfer. It’s coming into winter so let’s lock the window and have the key in a safe place nearby.
3: Keyless technology. Make sure that your keys are in a safe location where car thieves can’t target them.Keyless car thefts. With the innovation of keyless cars we are finding a huge increase in cars being stolen without burglars even having to enter the home address. Investigations have shown that criminals are going up to front doors and scanning car keys through the front door. As people start to adapt to this new threat so do the criminals. A recent case showed a burglar going to the rear of the property and using garden furniture as a way to get higher to try and obtain a signal.
Please be careful with your car keys, at home and when out and about, and be aware of the risks when left next to the front door on the sideboard or a coat pocket. Metal Faraday tins can be used to block car keys signals (Cost around £12 )or a signal blocker pouches can be purchased (for around £6).
4: Lock your gate. Stop people from having free access to the rear or side of your house. Go one step further and get pet friendly prick a strip for the top of your walls, gates and fences.
5: Keep a light on principles. Make it looks like someone is up and around. Use timer switches, have a radio on or use a fake TV light display to give the illusion you are in. Burglars do not want to get caught and will target somewhere else. Top tip (from Mr G) If you have Amazon Alexa, you can say 'open burglar deterrent' and it will make the house sound like it is occupied including the occasional dog barking. It will remain on until you arrive home and turn it off.
6; Set up a Neighbourhood Watch. A Neighbourhood Watch is a great way to get to know your neighbours so that you can build up community resilience. The scheme is free and some studies have shown that you could reduce the chance of being a victim by 25%. Neighbourhood Watch schemes are owned and operated by their members, supported by the Police with crime information and advice. If you are interested then please contact the Buckinghamshire Council Community Safety Team on ‪01494 586535‬ or e-mail communitysafety.csb@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
The scheme gives you the confidence to call in suspicious incidents. You know your neighbourhood better than anyone else. If something is not sitting right with you, act on this and do not be afraid to call the police. If you think it could be a burglary then call 999.
All 6 of these techniques are almost cost free. If you are thinking of spending some money then a burglar alarm system is great. We are having excellent results on the back of video doorbells and the price of these are around £50, which is affordable, and gives you an improved sense of security.
So let's make it as hard as possible for these low life to get away with your hard earned goods.
Yours sincerely
PS Darren Walsh
Amersham Neighbourhood Team
Message Sent By
Darren Walsh (Police, Sgt, Amersham)

Operation Go is an initiative from the Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire neighbourhood team. Through Thames Valley Alerts, the team will send out up-to-date intelligence that they are working on to identify offenders of local crimes. By sharing this intelligence with you, our local residents, it is our hope that you will provide our extra eyes and ears in the local community, helping us to identify people and vehicles that we are looking for to assist with our investigations.
We have extra patrols out and about following the clocks going back.
Policing due to its very nature can be fast paced with information changing rapidly. Those of you receiving this Thames Valley Alert must be aware that this intelligence is shared in the understanding that it is time-specific and should not be treated as current after the valid date has passed. Information valid until 29/10/20
We are interested in hearing more about these vehicles:
A number of burglaries / theft offences have been linked to a black Mercedes Vito Van in TVP, MET & HERTS. This van has 5 spoke alloy wheels, a chrome side trim that runs along the bottom. The offenders are using the van on cloned plates. We are aware that one set of plates are SN1_ VPV.
There has been issues in north Bucks with a light blue BMW estate (possibly 3 series) targeting addresses.
In Slough there has been a white BMW 1 series estate which has been seen 4 up targeting properties in the early hours.
If you see a similar vehicle and its occupants are acting suspiciously for example the sun visors are down in bad weather, wearing gloves, hoods up with facemask call it in.
BMW X5 owners we have noticed that these vehicles are being targeted at the moment. Please ensure that keys are safely kept in a Faraday box which will stop scanners that offenders are using. Also be aware if you are privately selling one of these that thieves may attend in person.
How to get in touch
If you think that you are witnessing a crime in progress, you should contact us on 999.
If you have any information regarding the above intelligence, please get in touch with us using the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, or you can use our online form at http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tell-us" target="_blank">www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tell-us
Please quote “Operation Go” when speaking to the call handler or when completing the online form so that we can monitor the effectiveness of this operation.
Keep those eyes peeled and keep your neighbourhood safe.
PS 3675 Darren Walsh
Amersham Police Station
Message Sent By
Darren Walsh (Police, Sgt, Amersham)

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Food alert – 24 October 2020:
Soho Florids UK recalls Potter’s Herbals Malt Extract with Cod Liver Oil because of possible presence of mould
Read more: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-51-2020