Cowboy builders cashing in- P4-5
Insure your tools from thieves -P13
Stay alert to the loan sharks - P16
JUNE 2022
Fraud epidemic is worrying- P3
COMMUNITY WATCH MAGAZINE NORFOLK
WARNING: DRUGS THAT LOOK LIKE SWEETS COULD KILL - P2
2 DRUGS WARNING Barclays warns BARCLAYS has issued a warning after a woman fell victim to a scam, costing her a staggering £40,000. They highlight an account involving a 50-yearold woman who was corresponding with a man she had met on a dating website. He told her he was an officer in the armed forces serving overseas, with his profile showing a man in uniform. At first, the dating website was their only method of communication, but personal email and phone followed. Over time, the suspect built a rapport with the victim and said he wanted to discharge himself from the army so they could be together but needed £40,000 for discharge. The victim sent over £40,000, and continued to provide him with funds when he asked. Her lover eventually disappeared. Barclays stressed how important it is for people to only give out personal details when necessary. Individuals may also wish to ask friends or family for a valuable second opinion. Published by Community Watch Publishing 110 Clifton Avenue Benfleet, Essex SS7 5QU Tel: 01268 566743 07958 475392 Email
peterfau67@ gmail.com Editor Peter Faulkner Website communitywatchpublishing.co.uk
Sweets that could kill
Drugs that look like innocent sweets are being sold openly warns drug-testing charity A DRUG testing charity is warning dangerous synthetic cannabis, sold as marijuana sweets, could be putting buyers at risk of death. It comes after a 23-year-old woman died after eating a synthetic cannabis sweet that she'd ordered on a messaging app. Now The Loop charity, based in Surrey, says it's worried about a rise in the popularity of cannabis sweets known as gummies because without testing, it's impossible to tell what's inside them. “People are taking advantage of this,” said Guy Jones, a senior scientist at The Loop. "With herbal cannabis you can look at it you can smell it to decide whether it's real cannabis or not. “With these highly processed forms, that is completely out of the window." What's the difference? Both cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids commonly referred to as Spice - are illegal to produce possess, distribute or sell in the UK. Some people can be legally prescribed cannabis by healthcare professionals for various medical conditions, however. One is grown, the other is created in a lab designed to latch on the same receptors in the brain as cannabis, but with a completely different chemical structure. So even though some of the effects might seem familiar, the potential for different side effects is very different. Synthetic cannabinoids can cause hallucination, extreme paranoia and in the highest doses even death. "The concern is drug sellers are buying a
communitywatchpublishing@gmail.com
regular supply of cannabis sweets and their supplier has gone out of stock," Guy says. “They find another supplier who says, 'I've got these really good cannabis sweets, they're really strong'. But it turns out this person is just trying to make a profit by using these really cheap synthetic cannabinoids." He says everyone downstream faces a "huge additional risk". Buyers think they're purchasing cannabis which has "essentially a non-existent risk of overdose". In reality they're buying synthetic cannabinoids, which "carry a very very significant potential for death or serious harm by overdose". It's not the first time these synthetic drugs have been in the news. In 2018, a prisoner who died after being found "slumped" in his cell at a Welsh prison, was found to have taken Spice. Two high school pupils in Northern Ireland were given medical treatment last year, after inadvertently consuming synthetic cannabis through an e-cigarette. The latest available data from the Office for National Statistics shows between 2018-2020, 169 deaths were recorded where the cause of death related to "poisoning" from synthetic cannabinoids. That's compared to 60 deaths in the three years before that. But as countries around the world have legalised the recreational use of marijuana, the market has expanded and so too has the way people want to consume it. Everything from vaporisers, oils and creams you can rub on your skin, to edible sugar sweets have become popular - particularly in the US and Canada, where it's legal.
T: 01268 566743 M: 0795875392
FRAUD EPIDEMIC 3
Fraud now accounts for 40% of all crimes recorded. The UK was already among the worst countries in Europe in terms of exposure to scams and fraud before the pandemic
Stay alert to the rise in fraud FRAUD has long been the crime you’re most likely to fall victim to, but it has now become an epidemic. A recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) report shows that an estimated 5.1 million fraud offences were committed in England and Wales in the year to September 2021 – up 36% in two years. Fraud now accounts for 40% of all crimes recorded.The UK was already among the worst countries in Europe in terms of exposure to scams and fraud before the pandemic compounded the problem. Scammers quickly exploited our fear and confusion, whether by impersonating the government to offer fake Covid-19 grants, setting up fake NHS websites to steal card details, or posing as delivery companies to target online shoppers stuck at home. These tactics aren’t going away and here we reveal the 12 emerging threats we all need to watch out for. Shopping and investment scams From November 2020 to December 2021, individual victims lodged a total of 448,838 fraud reports. Between them, they lost £1.9bn. Online shopping and auction fraud continues to dwarf other types of fraud, accounting for 23% of all reports, but investment fraud victims lose the most money. On average, victims of pyramid or Ponzi schemes lost
£50,400, compared to £650 for victims of online shopping scams. Online shopping and auction fraud You pay for goods on an online marketplace that don’t arrive, or don’t receive payments for goods you’ve sold. Follow our tips to spot a scam. Other advance fee fraud You pay an upfront fee related to fraud not classified elsewhere, for example career opportunities, clairvoyants or bogus officials. Shopping fraud Any other type of shopping fraud eg when buying goods from a newspaper ad in person or a shop on the high street. Excludes online shopping. Computer fixing fraud You pay a fee to a fraudster claiming they will fix a bogus technical issue on your computer. Other investment fraud Financial fraud involves foreign exchange, cryptocurrency or investment seminars. Dating scams Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating sites/apps or target you on social media to establish a connection then ask for money. Boiler room scams You’re cold-called by fake stockbrokers and persuaded to buy shares or bonds in non-existent or near-bankrupt firms. Phone fraud Fraudsters pose as your mobile network to offer non-existent or worth-
less insurance.Also scams involving missed calls/texts that charge premium rates when you reply. Rental fraud You’re tricked into paying upfront fees to secure properties by fake landlords and letting agents. Pyramid/Ponzi schemes Schemes where you have to recruit friends or family (pyramid) or pay returns to early investors to gain credibility (Ponzi). Fraud recovery scams You’re asked to pay a fee to someone who pretends they can recover money you lost to a previous fraud. ‘419’ advance fee fraud Fraudsters pose as foreign officials asking for money to release millions from a fictional inheritance or government fund. Named after a section of the Nigerian criminal code. It’s often assumed that older people are more vulnerable to fraud, yet those aged 20 to 39 accounted for 39% of all reports to Action Fraud. This age group was more likely to report rental fraud, pyramid or Ponzi schemes and online shopping scams than other age groups. Those aged 60 to 79 submitted 20% of all reports (of the 12 fraud types we’ve focused on, the most commonly reported were computer fixing fraud, recovery fraud, and ‘419’ advance fee fraud).
4 DEMENTIA VICTIMS Rise in drug arrests ESSEX saw the third-highest increase in drug arrests in the country during the Covid-19 pandemic, a report has revealed. The number of drug-related arrests made by Essex Police officers jumped from 4,111 pre-pandemic to 7,261 in 2020/21, according to government statistics. In percentage terms, the drug arrests in Essex rose by 76.6% during the coronavirus pandemic, leaving the county only behind Cleveland (83.4%) and Leicestershire (83.6%) across the whole of the UK.
Buying vaccine online A SURVEY by Scamadvisor.com has found that 28 per cent of consumers could consider sourcing a COVID-19 vaccine online, particularly if they were able to buy it from an official source. The poll of more than 1,100 consumers indicated that the respondents would only buy a shot online if they believed it was genuine. However that could still leave them vulnerable to fraudsters who might try to sell fake vaccines through sites mocked up to look like legitimate sources, according to Scamadvisor.com, which compiled the study.
Misled into buying fakes ON average. nearly one in 10 Europeans (9 per cent) have said that they were misled into buying counterfeits, in a new report from the EU Intellectual Property Office. The report found that a third of Europeans (33 per cent) wondered whether a product they had bought was original, amid estimates that €121bn ($144bn) of fake goods are making their way into the EU every year – accounting for 6.8 per cent of total imports into the bloc. The counterfeits impacted every sector – from cosmetics and toys, wine and beverages, electronics, to clothing, and even pesticides– and can pose serious health and safety risks to consumers.
communitywatchpublishing@gmail.com
Dementia could...
ANYONE can fall for a scam.You don't have to be old or vulnerable to become a victim of scammers and fraudsters. Even well educated, titled people have lost their life savings to smooth talking crooks. But there are some members of our community who can be more at risk – those living with dementia. They can be more at risk because they can find managing money and assessing risk harder.This can make them more vulnerable to scammers. What do we mean by scams? Scams are when criminals trick you into giving them access to your money. As well as losing you money, this can also leave you feeling scared and ashamed. Knowing the techniques scammers use can help you protect yourself and your money. Scams take many forms. Scammers can convince you to buy something that doesn’t exist or spend money when you don’t need to. They can pretend to be your bank, the police, or another trusted organisation to try to get your personal information, bank details or move your money.This can be by phone, email, letter, text or social media. Scammers can also pretend to be someone they’re not, such as pretending they’re there to do building work on your house, in order to be let into your home to steal from you. It may seem scary but there are ways to keep yourself safe. Four ways to avoid scams 1. Stay safe when buying online
It is increasingly common to purchase items online.This can be an efficient way of doing your shopping but we have heard of reports where people have purchased items that have then not arrived. There are some fraudulent sellers who set up fake online companies to steal money. It’s important to make sure you’re staying safe and avoiding these scams when shopping online. Tip: Check you’re buying from a real company. You can search for a company's details on GOV.UK.This will tell you if they're a registered company or not. If you’re buying something on a site you haven't used before, spend a few minutes checking it – start by finding its terms and conditions. The company’s address should have a street name, not just a post office box. Check to see what people have said about the company. It’s worth looking for reviews on different websites such as Which? – don’t rely on reviews the company has put on its own website. Sign up to Which?’s free scam alert email service that gives anyone who signs up the information to know how to spot, avoid and report a scam as well as information about the latest scams. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase and the item costs more than £100, use a credit card if you have one, as you might have a legal claim for credit card purchases above that amount if things go wrong. continued page 5
T: 01268 566743 M: 0795875392
DEMENTIA VICTIMS 5
...put you at risk from crooks From page 4 If you have paid by debit card or paid a lower amount, talk to your bank anyway. Don’t rely on seeing a padlock in the address bar of your browser - this doesn’t guarantee you’re buying from a real company. 2. Learn how to spot a phishing scam Scammers can send out emails that appear to be from a legitimate company, government department, utility provider, or financial service. They attempt to trick you into clicking on a malicious link in the email then ask you to provide sensitive information such as personal and financial details.This is known as 'phishing'. One common tactic used by scammers is to contact potential victims by email pretending to be from your bank or utility provider asking you to move money to another account, to make a payment or to provide personal or financial information. Tip: Be careful where you click. If you get an email from a company with a strange email address or one that has never emailed you before asking you for money/payment unexpectedly, don’t click on links or download anything. Doing this could infect your computer with a virus. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date to give you more protection. If you’re not sure an email from a company is genuine, head to their website to find ways to contact them from there (using the telephone number or email address provided). If you receive an email which seems too good to be true or is trying to make you take urgent action, stop and think if it could be a scam.Ask someone you trust for a second opinion. 3. Stay safe from people at your door pretending to be someone they’re not Scammers can also approach your house and pretend to be someone they’re not. This could be someone pretending they’re there to do building work on your house but really they want to be let into your home so they can steal from you.
Tip: Remember it's okay to keep the door closed to strangers. ! If you have an unexpected visitor at your door, always ask to see their ID. ! If someone claims to be from a recognised organisation, then don’t be afraid to ask to see proof or check with the organisation itself. ! If possible, call a friend or family member to let them know that someone has come to the house you don’t recognise and discuss why they have called. ! Don’t be afraid to shut the front door while you check they are who they say they are. If visitors are genuine, they will understand. ! Consider putting a ‘no cold callers’ sign on your front door.You may be able to get one from your local council.They are also available online. 4. Protect yourself on the phone Scammers can also call you claiming to be someone they’re not.This is often your
bank or utility provider, to try and get you to tell them your personal details, such as your PIN or password.You should never give personal information to someone you don’t know. It’s important to keep yourself safe and know when you should just end the conversation. Don’t be afraid to hang up if you are unsure. Tip: Contact your provider to ask how they might contact you. ! If you receive a letter, email, text or phone call you’re unsure about, which seems too good to be true, or needs urgent action, ask someone you trust for a second opinion. ! A real bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue asking for your PIN, full password or to move money to another account. Check your bank or utility provider’s website or call them to see how they will and won’t communicate with you. For example, find out what type of security questions they’ll ask if they phone you. ! Don’t feel pressured to act straight away.Take your time and seek advice if you receive a call asking you to do something you’re not sure about. ! Unwanted sales and marketing calls can be stopped for free by signing up to the Telephone Preference Service. Most junk mail can also be stopped by opting out at the Mailing Preference Service. ! Never let somebody talk you into downloading software, or to log on to your computer or other devices, such as your mobile phone or a tablet, remotely during or after a cold call. Getting support with scams Scammers use clever, high-pressure tactics so you shouldn’t feel ashamed if you have been scammed.There is help available. If you're worried you’ve been scammed or given your details to the wrong people, tell someone close to you, and report it to your bank and the police straight away.Alzheimer’s Society is here to support you. Dementia Connect Support hotline – 0333 150 3456
6 OFGEM SCAM
Crooks cash in on energy CYBER criminals claiming to represent Ofgem are targeting householders offering them fake energy rebates so they can access their bank accounts and steal the contents. Action Fraud is warning customers not to be duped by emails saying they are due a rebate on their energy and council tax bills. The watchdog has been bombarded with more than 750 complaints in just four days about the official looking emails promising hard-up households money off. Households across the UK will be given a £200 'reduction' in their energy bills in October, which is paid back over five years. The Energy Bills Support Scheme will be introduced to assist households with rising energy bills during the cost of living crisis. Households will receive the £200 repayable discount automatically and will not have to apply for it, GOV.UK confirms But fraudsters are taking the opportunity to exploit the scheme to try and con households into giving away their bank details. The scam asked people to claim before June 1 and to follow a link so the money will be paid into their bank accounts.However it leads to websites designed to steal personal and financial details. Action Fraud said Ofgem or other bonafide organisations would never ask for details over text or email and they are asking anyone who spots the fishy emails to contact them. As of Friday May 20,Action Fraud - which is run by the police - said it received 752 reports of fake emails pretending to be from Ofgem.
communitywatchpublishing@gmail.com
Passwords to avoid Which? has devised this simple quiz to show how your passwords and security questions are a passport to crime.
The emails say the recipient is "eligible to apply for Energy Bill Rebate" and must do so before June 1. Action Fraud says: "The emails state that the recipient is eligible for a rebate as a result of a newly announced government scheme. “The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information. "Your bank, or any official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text. If you need to check that it’s a genuine message, contact them directly. "The email tells customers that they are eligible to apply for an energy bill rebate.They must apply June 1. “If they do they will receive a £200 discount on their energy bills this Autumn for domestic electricity customers and a £250 non-repayable Council Tax rebate payment for all households that are liable."
Favourite colour STOP Street you grew up on GIVING Eldest child's middle name OUT Favourite sports team ****** Favourite teacher's name YOUR First car PASSWORD Favourite food ****** Mum's maiden name AND First job SECURITY Favourite book QUESTION Favourite band ANSWERS
T: 01268 566743 M: 0795875392
CYBER CRIME STATS 7
Cyber crime league table
London has topped the league for the hardest hit by cyber-crimes ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, has conducted a study into the state of cybercrime in the United Kingdom, looking at which areas have seen the highest number of cybercrimes committed as well as the most common cybercrimes committed. The UK has seen a slight decrease of 2.97% in the number of cybercrimes committed in 2021. London was the area that saw the highest number of cybercrimes committed. Areas with the highest rates of cybercrime per 100,000 people London - 5,258 Surrey - 644 Kent - 999 Northamptonshire - 399 Hertfordshire - 607 When looking at total cybercrime reports in 2021, it is no surprise to see London out in front with over 5,000 reports. The capital was followed by the West Midlands (1,242) and Thames Valley (1,142). Cumbria was the area that saw the smallest amount of cybercrimes committed with 174 reported in 2021, it was followed by Cleveland (194) and Dyfed-Powys (213). Looking at the data from the report, we can see clearly that the country’s wealthiest areas of the country are the most heavily targeted for cybercrime.
The top 7 most targeted areas fall within the top 10 wealthiest counties by Gross Value Added per capita, and the 5 of the top 10 most targeted areas rank within the top 10 wealthiest counties by GRP per capita. While this is not unexpected, it shows clearly that the cyber criminals are taking aim at the bigger fish in the pond. Areas with the biggest decrease in cybercrime - Gloucestershire, Northumbria and Wiltshire. There were only three areas in the research that saw an increase in cybercrime reports, Norfolk saw the biggest increase by 19.83%, Nottinghamshire (0.52%) and Northamptonshire (0.25%) followed. Jake Moore, a Cybersecurity Specialist for ESET, commented on the findings:“Knowledge is the key to reducing cybercrime and with this noticeable shift in offences reported year on year, it is starting to suggest that people are becoming more savvy at spotting scams and keeping their wits about them. “Social media and email hacking, however, remains the biggest threat across the country so people need to remember to implement basic security measures to combat hacking with password managers and turning on multi factor authentication for all online accounts.”
Covid fraud may go above £49b BILLIONS of pounds of taxpayers’ money will be “lost to fraud and error” after the Government dropped basic safeguards and missed warning signs in the rush to deal out Covid support loans, an influential committee of MPs has said. Officials at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said it offered an “open goal to fraudstersand they have cashed in” according to the Commons Public Accounts Committee. Its report warns that the latest figure of £4.9bn lost could prove to be an underestimate, as the true extent will only be gradually revealed as official assessments “catch up with payments made”.
Fraud could ruin your holidays ACTION Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, is warning the public to remain vigilant against holiday fraud when booking flights or accommodation online. In the last financial year, Action Fraud received 4,244 reports of holiday fraud – a substantial increase of over 120% compared to the previous financial year. Victims lost a total of £7,388,353 – an average loss of £1,868 per victim. Action Fraud is urging the public to think twice before handing over money and personal information.
8 NORFOLK NEWS CRIME AND COMMUNITY NEWS
Scams appeal POFOLK are urging residents to be vigilant following a number of telephone scams across the county. Officers received two separate reports from elderly residents living in the Norwich and Downham Market area, claiming to have been contacted by fraudsters purporting to be police officers. During the calls they were encouraged to withdraw large amounts of money from their bank. Incident one happened in Norwich at approximately 10.15am. £1890 was transferred. Incident two happened in Downham Market at approximately 5pm. No details or money was transferred. Courier Fraud happens when a fraudster contacts a victim by telephone claiming to be a police officer, bank or from a government department, among other agencies. A number of techniques will then be adopted in order to convince the victim to hand over their bank details or cash, which may then be passed on to a courier. Residents are reminded that your bank or the police will NEVER ask you to withdraw money or purchase items. Further advice includes: ! Your bank or the police will NEVER ask for your PIN, bank card or bank account details over the phone – never give these details to anybody ! Neither the police nor the banks will
T: 01268 566743 M: 0795875392
send a courier to collect money from you. ! Always request Photo ID and if unsure call the police. If you're asked to telephone a bank, then always do it on a different phone to the one you were contacted on. Fraudsters will keep the line open and have been known to play ringtones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number. Ensure you can hear a dialling tone before calling police or use a friend or neighbour's telephone instead. Do not rush into complying to the scammers demands / requests. If you have already given your bank details over the phone or handed your card details to a courier, call you bank straight away to cancel the card
Shoplifter jailed A SERIAL shoplifter has been given a 12-month jail sentence for the theft of goods, ranging from multiple boxes of chocolates and wine to trainers. Paul James, 31, of Thorpe Road, Norwich, pleaded guilty at Norwich Magistrates Court to a series of more than 20 shoplifting offences carried out over the last few months in shops around Norwich, a common assault, burglary, attempting to steal a pedal cycle and a public order offence and was sentenced to 12 months in custody.
Daubed with hate POLICE are appealing for information in relation to hate incidents carried out in in South Norfolk. Officers believe that three reports involving Nazi symbols being spray painted on Ukrainian flags and a property over the last few days are linked. The first hate incident involved a swastika being spray painted onto a Ukrainian flag and was reported to have happened at Cheney's Lane, Forncett St Mary; the second occurred at aproperty in The Street, Shotesham All Saint; and the third at another property where a flag and the exterior were vandalised
Lessons... A CAMPAIGN aimed at improving road safety for those travelling on 2 Wheels launched in Norfolk last month. The week-long ‘2 Wheels’ campaign aimed to improve driver and rider behaviour, with an increased focus on enforcement and education. This year’s operation in Norfolk coincided with a countywide e-scooter awareness initiative. The ‘2 Wheels’ campaign was co-ordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) and supported locally by officers from the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team (RAPT). Police-led operations, carried out in marked and unmarked cars, focussed on the safety of motorcyclists and cyclists, while explaining the dangers of not having the correct skills, knowledge and personal protection equipment. Meanwhile, officers across the county were raising awareness of e-scooters and highlight their current legal status. Currently in the UK, you can legally buy an e-scooter, but you cannot ride it on any public road, cycle lane or pavement. The only place it can be used is on private land. However, in Norfolk there are currently two schemes in place that allow the hire of rental e-scooters. These include: Beryl rental (trial in Norwich) Ginger rental (trial in Great Yarmouth) These e-scooters are clearly marked and if rented can ONLY be used on the road and cycle paths in the designated area. They should not be ridden on the pavement. Police are keen to educate owners and riders of privately-owned e-scooters about the current legislation and, where appropriate, take enforcement action, especially where there is evidence of antisocial behaviour, other riding offences, persistent use or wider criminality. Officers will also visit retailers to advise staff of the legal requirements and ask them to remind customers of the risk of potential enforcement action if they are used inappropriately. continued page 9
communitywatchpublishing@gmail.com
NORFOLK NEWS 9 CRIME AND COMMUNITY NEWS
...on staying safe on 2 wheels
Lessons on E-scooter safety were included in a week long campaign by Norfolk police
from pagw 8 Chief Inspector Jon Chapman head of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team said: "The ultimate aim of both campaigns was to keep people safe on our roads and footpaths. "Our roads should be a safe space for everyone to use, but those on ‘two wheels’ are typically known as vulnerable users and are at greater risk of coming to harm in a collision, despite only accounting for a relatively small percentage of overall journeys that are made. “The focus of this campaign was to ensure we raise awareness of driver/rider behaviour to ensure that those on two wheels are safe on our roads. “This meant maximising safety opportunities by wearing appropriate personal protection clothing and riding in a safe and responsible manner. “There is also a responsibility on motorists to ensure they remain vigilant, are driving with care and leave plenty of space when overtaking.” Chief Inspector Rob Wicks of County Policing Command added: “We are keen, as part of this road safety initiative to
raise awareness of the laws around escooters. “We have seen a number of incidents across the county where private e-scooters have been ridden in a dangerous manner in various public spaces, including footpaths. “The Two Wheels campaign provided an ideal opportunity to educate members of the public on the laws that govern their use. We want to ensure riders do not unwittingly commit an offence and find themselves being issued with a penalty notice. “We know e-scooters are predominantly used by young people and whilst we are not trying to target or criminalise them, we do need them to know that there are aspects to riding an e-scooter that could put them, or the wider public at risk if the e-scooter is being ridden in a dangerous manner. “E-scooters are defined in law as ‘powered transporters’ meaning they are classed as a motor vehicle. “Therefore, rules that apply to motor vehicles (e.g. cars) also apply to e-scooters. Privately owned e-scooters cannot
be insured as they are not roadworthy and therefore, they present a danger to the rider and the rest of the public. “We will continue to engage and educate e-scooter users on these laws, however where there is persistent use of privately-owned e-scooters, or evidence of other offences, we will take appropriate enforcement action. “This includes e-scooter seizure and riders being reported for driving offences.” If caught riding a privately owned escooter on public land, fines you may receive can include a Fixed Penalty Notice for no insurance, with a £300 fine and six penalty points; a Fixed Penalty Notice for no driving licence, and up to £100 fine and three-six penalty points. Other offences which may result in penalties include riding on the footpath, using a mobile phone, riding through red lights and drink driving offences. For more information on the laws and legislation around e-scooters in Norfolk visit: E-Scooters laws | Norfolk Constabulary
10 CRIMESTOPPERS NEWS
communitywatchpublishing@gmail.com
T: 01268 566743 M: 0795875392
CRIMESTOPPERS NEWS 11
Crimestoppers is working with its partners to stamp out sexual harrassment on the railway
Changing attitides to sexual harrassment in public places AT Crimestoppers, we believe everyone has a right to feel safe, whether that’s on your street, in your home, at work or whilst out enjoying leisure time. However, sexual harassment can ruin that safe feeling and the historic attitude to accepting everything from wolf whistling and staring to unwanted touching is finally being challenged. A shocking 71% of women of all ages in the UK have experienced some form of sexual harassment in public places, according to aYouGov survey in 2021. This probably won’t surprise many of you – indeed, some people may not even realise that they’ve been a victim. Who can be a victim? Sexual harassment in all its forms, whether experienced in person or online, can have serious and lasting effects on its victims. Regardless of your age, gender or sexual orientation, sexual harassment can happen to anyone and it’s neither your
fault nor acceptable. Not all incidents or acts of harassment are technically a crime. However, they’re all unacceptable and need to be called out and stopped. The murder of Londoner Sarah Everard by a then serving police officer shone a light on how, what was often thought of as low-level incidents such as flashing, when left unchecked can escalate. Wayne Cousins’ behaviour was left unchecked. He was a prime example of how some perpetrators move on to more extreme and dangerous types of harassment, abuse and sadly in this case murder. Sexual harassment on the railways It’s not just on our streets and in leisure venues where unwanted sexual attention or harassment happens. Now that commuting is back on the cards, Crimestoppers is proud to be working with, Rail Delivery group, National Rail and British Transport Police to
ensure everyone’s safety as we get back on board. When it comes to crime on the railway and other forms of public transport, it's been identified that sexual harassment is under-reported, which makes it hard for law enforcement to intervene. Do you know someone who upskirts/cat calls/touches/exposes/cyber-flashes/ intentionally presses up to or stares intrusively at other passengers on the train? These are all examples of sexual harassment. Bystanders can help As bystanders, we all have the power to challenge sexual entitlement whenever and wherever it happens by reporting it. You can contact police, or to stay anonymous, tell Crimestoppers. We are here to help and can take your information and pass it on for you. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If sexual harassment or abuse is happening right now, in an emergency, always call 999.
12 A-PLAN INSURANCE ADVICE
Traders targeted by thieves so... ALL too often we’re hearing that a tradesperson has had either their van or tools – or both – stolen. A quick Google search later and you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a daily story about this crime, whether new national statistics, to another petition calling for Government action. Many of the big players have chimed in. Professional Builder magazine stated that ‘more than £100 million of tools have been stolen in the UK since 2020’, with more than a third of these stolen in London. However, West Yorkshire Police has seen the greatest value of stolen tools, peaking at £50,242,427 during 2020 and 2021. In 2021 Screwfix reported that 66% of tradespeople have had their tools stolen or their van broken into, also highlighting that those 66% lost at least a day’s work. Ring carried out their own research, finding that 63% had their tools stolen at least once, estimating that, that since 2016, over 43,000 vans have been
communitywatchpublishing@gmail.com
stolen and a further 117,000 have been broken into, costing businesses over £60m. Only half of tradespeople remove tools from a van overnight. Opinium also found that roofers were the hardest hit group, followed by electricians, plumbers and carpenters. It also found that one in three in the trade lost one to two working days due to theft, while 16% lost two to five days, and 7% lost five days or more. Herts Tools found that the average overall cost of tool theft in the industry, per month, in 2021 equated to £1.46m! We know that this type of crime can cause immense financial and emotional strain on the victim, with some never recovering professionally or personally. We want to help push for change. Tool insurance experts, A-Plan Insurance, spoke to Builders Talk Group, who provide strength in numbers and a supportive community for the trade. Both A-Plan and Builders Talk Group are pushing for change in how the police and the UK government deal with these types of crimes.
A-Plan spoke directly with Liz Gribbin of Builders Talk Group, who has been conducting polls on their Facebook page to feed back to the Home Office as part of some research they are carrying out. The most voted for statement remains ‘Police don’t take the crime seriously enough’, followed closely by ‘Vans are not secure enough from manufacturers’. Voters also felt that there should be tougher penalties for tool theft, and that tool sellers should be spotchecked. “We’re working with the Home Office to provide more accurate data“, confirms Liz.“The two-stage Home Office report is currently in ‘part one’ phase, focussing on the types of tools that are stolen. “Unfortunately, we all know that thieves will generally take whatever is in the van, including radios and hand drills so this can be difficult to quantify. We’ve even seen instances of skips being stolen from outside sites.” continued on page 13
T: 01268 566743 M: 0795875392
A-PLAN INSURANCE ADVICE 13
...make sure you are protected from page 12 “The second part is looking at how people’s lives are affected; the number of individuals leaving the trade – some even contemplating suicide following tool theft and having nowhere to turn – is unacceptable. “The industry is already struggling with a national skills shortage, and mental health for many in construction is at crisis point already.” “We’re really pleased that the Home Office has picked this issue up again after the last two years of the pandemic, and all work being paused for the General Election in 2019 before that. “It’s easy to see why tradespeople have become disillusioned with the whole situation.” Liz also offers advice when it comes to setting up or signing one of the many online petitions: “Online petitions can dilute the message, and because there are so many, they often don’t reach the capacity they need to be read in parliament,” she added. “A quick internet search will bring up a whole host of past ‘Tool Theft’ petitions, unsuccessful because they didn’t get enough signatures, or because the time limit has ended on them. “And even when they are relatively successful, they get a 10-minute airing and little changes, because they don’t focus on the right issues, or the wording isn’t accurate enough. “That’s why it is important to push the message through your local MP. They can make sure the right questions
are being asked – and that there is a follow up to keep the conversation alive. Momentum is clearly picking up.The Home Office report follows the bill regarding serial numbers for resold tools, read by Greg Smith, Conservative MP of Buckingham, last year. “While that may still progress, and making tools less attractive to resell is a positive move, it is still not addressing the actual theft itself, nor how the police record the theft. With tool theft at crisis point, and the police only reporting it as vehicle theft, and viewing it as less damaging than a home burglary, A-Plan Insurance is encouraging the trade community to write directly to their MP, as well as their local Police and Crime Commissioner as opposed to individual, diluted and seemingly ignorable petitions. Contact your MP about tool theft The A-Plan team recently provided a letter that can be printed or emailed to representatives, however you can do this yourself by listing the concerns you have about tool theft in the industry. Many MP’s also offer ‘surgeries’ where you are able to pop in to talk about your concerns, but we recommend calling their office to set up an appointment first to save time waiting. You can find your local MP’s details online - and you can also opt to write to the Police and Crime Commissioner. Many MP’s also offer‘surgeries’ where you are able to pop in to talk about your concerns, but we recommend call-
ing their office to set up an appointment first to save time waiting. TOOL INSURANCE Another critical factor is to ensure that you have tool insurance. It is worth checking your van insurance policy wording to understand exactly what is, and isn’t, covered.You may find that you are not covered, and need to consider purchasing separate tool cover if you haven’t already. Speak to your broker about the insurers on the market, to make sure that your insurer is proactive in replenishing tools quickly so that you don’t need to lose more sleep, or income while you wait. VAN THEFT AT CRISIS POINT A-Plan Insurance Whether you haven’t yet opted for tool insurance, or purchased new tools you need to include in existing cover, or even upgraded your van, get in touch with your local A-Plan business branch. A-Plan is happy to advise you on all aspects of van and tool insurance, with 60 years’ experience under their belt to point you in the right direction. They also support you in the event of a claim, so that you can focus on your job with fewer interruptions. Work in the trade? Find Builders Talk Group on Facebook! The group is ‘run by builders, for builders’ and offers a range of support from advice, information on topics such as ‘designing out crime’ when it comes to your van, and of course, banter.
14 NORFOLK NEWS CRIME AND COMMUNITY NEWS Big response to murder appeal POLICE have received a number of calls following the public appeal for information on the 20th anniversary of Michelle Bettles’ murder in March 2002. Michelle Bettles was last seen on CCTV footage walking along St Benedict’s Street in Norwich at 8.20pm on the 28 March 2002. She was found in woodland in Scarning on Easter Sunday, 31 March 2002. Her parents, John Bettles and Denise Taylor, appealed to the public on the 20th anniversary of her death, to ask people to come forward with any information that might assist the investigation. With further advances in forensic technology, detectives are hoping to obtain fresh DNA profiles from laboratory work being undertaken over the coming months. Major Crime Review manager Andy Guy of Norfolk Police said: “We are pleased with the response to our public appeal, and we have received eight calls so far. “We are encouraged by those people who have contacted us with information and would like to thank members of the public who have come forward already. “We will be following up on any names suggested as friends or possible contacts of Michelle, to build up a more detailed picture of her life and the events leading up to her death. “We are still interested in hearing from anyone who may have been in contact with Michelle in the days leading up to her death or anyone who may have any information that might assist the investigation. “We hope that someone out there knows the truth or can help us bring her killer to justice.” Anyone with any information can contact The Major Crime Review Team on 01953 423819 or email unsolvedcasereviews@norfolk.police.uk .
T: 01268 566743 M: 0795875392
New recruits line up with Chief Constable Paul Sanford
New officers welcomed NORFOLK’S Chief Constable has welcomed the first intake of officers starting new a police training programme. Paul Sanford met with recruits at the forces training centre Hethersett Old Hall to welcome them to the constabulary. Norfolk Police has now started delivering the Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF), signalling the biggest change in police training for a generation. The new national framework for the professional training and qualification of police officers means recruits will join through three new entry routes: the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) and the Professional Policing Degree (PPD). Mr Sanford said: “It’s always a pleasure to meet our new recruits at the start of their career. “Policing is a challenging but extremely rewarding career, and the move to this new training programme intends to help prepare officers for a role which is becoming ever-more complex. “The move to PEQF will see a combination of dynamic operational training, together with classroom law inputs. “Throughout the design of these new courses, we have prioritised the investigative and procedural skills that future officers will need to become effective officers. “During their probation, student officers will be studying and working alongside col-
leagues on the frontline, dealing with issues which matter most to our communities and protecting the public.” The latest recruits will be completing the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) over two years. It’s one of three ways recruits can enter policing, with all courses including an initial 22-week training period, followed by a student officer probation period, which is either two or three years depending on recruits existing qualifications. Recruits on all entry routes will need to prove their operational competence and street-based policing skills during their student officer probation period. Later in the year, the force will be welcoming nondegree holders who will be joining as apprentices. Student officer PC Brydon Middleton joined the police from the fire service. He said: “I wanted a new challenging career which would test my people skills, both mentally and physically, in a dynamic environment where I can make a difference. “The first week has been great meeting the staff and other students who have been friendly and supportive. The highlights for me have been learning the history of the police and being officially sworn in as a police officer. “It’s been full-on and sometimes a struggle getting to grips with new IT system but driving home after each day, I can honestly say I’ve been buzzing with excitement over my decision to join.”
communitywatchpublishing@gmail.com
MOBILE CAMPAIGN 15 NORFOLK COMMUNITY NEWS POLICE in Norfolk have been supporting a national “Think!” campaign to highlight the recent change in the law in respect of using a mobile phone whilst driving, which carries the key message: “Hands on the wheel? Hands off your phone.” On 25 March this year it became illegal to use a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel for virtually any use including to take photos, scroll through playlists or social media accounts and play games. For one week last month, Norfolk Police were raising awareness of the new law through education and enforcement. The minimum penalty if caught driving whilst using a mobile phone is six penalty points and a £200 fine. However, the maximum penalties are a £1,000 fine, six points and a driving ban. Chief Inspector Jon Chapman, Head of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “This new law has closed a loophole in the legislation around using a mobile phone whilst driving, which was originally brought into force at a time before phones had cameras and could be used to browse the internet. “Mobile phones are now an indispensable part of most peoples’ lives – especially younger people – with many unable to resist the urge to check a message or look at the latest social media post by a friend. “What everyone needs to be aware of is there are no grey areas in the law now – you cannot hold a phone in your hand whilst driving to follow a map, read or send messages, use the internet, take photos, change music tracks or obviously make or take calls. “There is an exemption which allows drivers to make contactless payment at a drive-thru when stationary. “But, it continues to be illegal to use your phone when sat in stationary traffic – whether in a traffic jam or at lights.
Cracking down to stop mobiles on the move “While the emphasis of this campaign is to educate motorists on the law, we will be carrying out enforcement in respect of people caught offending. “We have been consistent in highlighting the dangers of using a mobile phone behind the wheel for many years now and our officers have dealt with the consequences of it far too many times, which tragically in some cases have been fatal. Giles Orpen-Smellie, Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner said: “People across Norfolk tell me repeatedly that drivers who put other people at risk is a real concern for them. “These concerns came through loud and clear during the consultation for my Police, Crime and Community Safety Plan that I launched last month and I have ensured that road safety is a priority in that plan. “That is why I am fully supportive of this campaign. Using a phone whilst driving puts you and people around you in danger and the temptation to use it will never be worth the potential consequences.”
More information on the THINK! campaign can be found here: Mobiles 2022 – THINK! The facts ! Drivers using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone are slower at recognising and reacting to hazards. ! Research shows:You are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone. ! Your reaction times are two times slower if you text and drive using a hands-free phone than if you drink drive, and this increases to three times if you use a handheld phone. ! Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash. At 30 mph a car travels 100 feet in 2.3 seconds. The law It’s illegal to use a handheld mobile phone or similar device for any purpose when driving. This means you cannot hold a phone or similar device in your hand to follow a map, read and send messages, make or take calls, use the Internet, take a photo, or change a music track.
16 LOAN SHARK MISERY
Loan sharks will make your life hell by adding huge amounts of interest
Mum-of-three warns: Loan shark ordeal wrecked my family’s life A MUM-of-three has spoken to Community Watch magazine about her terrifying ordeal of being trapped by a loan shark who drove her to the brink of suicide and made her family homeless at Christmas. Michelle, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, had recently moved to a new area in the North East after escaping an abusive relationship. When her hours were cut at work, money became tight and with her son’s birthday approaching, she needed emergency cash to get through the month. Michelle accepted help from a mum
T: 01268 566743 M: 0795875392
she had befriended at her son's school. The woman offered to help Michelle out with a loan, said she knew what it was like to need a few extra quid, and that she could pay her back next month. Michelle thought her new friend was just helping her out. She didn’t realise she was about to fall into a dangerous trap with a ruthless, intimidating lender who would put her family through a horrific ordeal. In a video describing her experiences, Michelle said: "I got to the point of wanting to end everything. I was very suicidal and didn’t know who to go to. continued on page 17
communitywatchpublishing@gmail.com
LOAN SHARK MISERY 17 I got to the point of wanting to end everything. I was very suicidal and didn’t know who to go to after threats on my life MUM-OF-THREE MICHELLE
from page 16 “There were threats on my life and on my home. I had windows smashed and I would get messages off people bullying me because she had sent them to my door, she even used local youths in the area as a campaign of terror." It all started with a small loan for £50, but then the loan shark offered to lend Michelle larger sums of money with interest.The most she borrowed at one time was £350, and she repaid nearly £2,500. The debt quickly spiralled out of control with double interest piled on.When Michelle struggled to keep up with the repayments, the loan shark resorted to intimidation and violence, making her life a misery. Watch Michelle’s Story on YouTube She was sent threatening messages, people threw things at her house, left unwanted items on her doorstep, and smashed the windows at night. Michelle was petrified to leave the house in case something bad happened to her family. She was worried about their safety, so made the decision to leave in a hurry. She fled the family home with her three children and left all her possessions behind. The ordeal didn’t end there for Michelle and she continued
to receive abuse online and cruel comments were posted on social media by the loan shark and the loan shark’s associates. The shaming post went viral and many of her close friends and family also saw it. Michelle's family became homeless just before Christmas 2019. They were given temporary accommodation by the council, but they had no possessions. Michelle knew something had to be done and searched online for agencies that could help.That’s where she found the helpline number for Stop Loan Sharks and the support changed her life. The Illegal Money Lending Service has teamed up with the Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS), a not-for-profit organisation providing a central, independent register of vulnerable people, helping companies to identify vulnerability and keep people safe. It is free to use, entirely voluntary, and users can remove themselves from it whenever their circumstances have sufficiently improved. By giving vulnerable consumers a single place to register their status, the VRS helps them avoid having to repeat the same difficult conversations every time they engage with organisations like lenders and creditors. This database is a central, independent register that helps organisations to identify vulnerability and treat their customers fairly. Service providers using the VRS database will be alerted if their customers are victims of loan sharks through a ‘risk of coercion’ flag. Not easily available to service providers anywhere else, this information will give them the ability to adjust their approach and take more appropriate steps with those customers. It will enable them to focus their resources effectively, such as assigning a trained advisor, adjusting their collections strategy or applying a fairer lending criteria. https://www.vulnerabilityregistrationservice.co.uk/
18 SANTANDER WARNING Fraudsters are clever and manipulative. If anyone claims to be from your bank, HMRC or any trusted organisation, even the police, and calls to tell you to move your money, stop.
Be alert to the online fraudsters SANTANDER is writing to all its customers to make sure they do not fall for scams and frauds at a time when fraudsters are looking for vulnerable and gullible victim. The bank is asking: If you received a call from someone you'd never spoken to before, telling you to transfer the entire contents of your account to them straightaway, you probably wouldn't do it. And you'd almost certainly hang up. But what if you receive a text message about a current event, for example, COVID-19? It warns you that you’ve been in close contact with someone who has been isolating and includes a link to order a free test kit.What if you click on the link, put in your details to order one and add your card details to pay a small delivery fee? In a couple of almost unnoticeable steps, you would have become a victim of fraud. Criminals would have your card details and personal information to use again or sell. Other examples could be text messages supposedly from Royal Mail, a parcel delivery company or any trusted organisation, encouraging you to click a link. Once they've got your details, fraudsters can go a step further and sometime later you might receive a call from someone claiming to be your bank. 1. They tell you, you've been a victim of
communitywatchpublishing@gmail.com
fraud, and you need to move your money out of your account quickly before it's stolen. 2. They seem convincing because they already know some of your information. That's the information you shared when you clicked the link in the text message. 3. You’re scared, stressed, and confused about the situation but pressured to act quickly. 4. What if, acting in fear, you transferred your money to new account details? The account wasn't in your name, but the fraudsters, posing as your bank, gave you convincing reasons to do so. You would now have become a victim of impersonation fraud. Fraudsters are clever and manipulative. If anyone claims to be from your bank, HMRC or any trusted organisation, even the police, and calls to tell you to move your money, stop. End the call straight away and call your bank using the number on the back of your card. While fraud and scams are not new, advances in technology give criminals more ways to attempt to access your money. Knowing the techniques they use can help you protect yourself and your money. Tips for spotting fraud and scams ! Always think carefully before making a payment, especially if it’s a lot of money for you. Speak to someone you trust
first, like a friend or family member, before making payments. ! Pay extra attention to the warnings we provide when making a payment. They’re in place to help you bank safely and avoid being scammed. ! Anyone can be easily impersonated, and criminals can make the caller ID, email address or name look exactly like the genuine caller. So, if you receive an email, text or call, verify it’s genuine by phoning them back on a known and trusted number. ! When making a payment, always take the time to complete extra checks to make sure the payee and the payment is genuine.This includes reading reviews, researching companies or websites, and verifying the person or company are who they say they are. ! Don’t allow anyone to access your computer or devices remotely.This is because criminals can ask you to click on a link or download an app. Remember, your bank, the police or any trusted organisation will never ask you to withdraw, transfer or send back money from your account. If you’re asked to do this, it’s a scam. If you're concerned or think you've responded to a scam email or text or given your details out to the wrong people, you should contact your bank first on 0800 9 123 123 and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
T: 01268 566743 M: 0795875392
BOOM IN FAKES 19
We see fakes booming when the economy does badly. The cheap lira has made exporting counterfeits even more profitable. ZEYNEP SEDA ALHAS Gun & Partners
Turkey’s fake empire booms THE value of Turkey’s fake goods tripled from 2019 to 2020 as it became main source of counterfeit designer clothes stopped at EU borders Photos of fake Gucci bags, Louis Vuitton sweatpants and Nike sneakers are flaunted on the social media accounts of a Turkish store with more than 155,000 followers on TikTok. Turkey is the third biggest exporter of counterfeit products to the EU after China and Hong Kong, according to data on the value of goods seized. Falls in the value of the Turkish lira and the deterioration of the Turkish economy are further fuelling demand as such items become cheaper to traders buying in euros. A December 2021 report published by the EU’s intellectual property office (EUIPO) also points to the trend. The value of counterfeits from Turkey more than tripled from 2019 to 2020, reaching nearly €134m (£111m), and Turkey became the main source of fake designer clothing and medicine stopped at EU borders, surpassing China in these categories. “We see fakes booming when the economy does badly,” said Zeynep Seda Alhas, who specialises in intellectual property rights at Gün + Partners, a law
firm in Istanbul representing some of the world’s most famous brands.“The cheap lira has made exporting counterfeits even more profitable.” She said the number of court-approved raids by the firm on counterfeit producers doubled in 2021 and the number of items it seized almost tripled. In January, it conducted what Alhas called “the biggest raid in Turkey’s history”, confiscating more than 350,000 pairs of fake designer trainers in three Istanbul workshops, some half-finished and all destined to be eventually sent abroad. “Profits are much higher in counterfeit goods,” Alhas said, explaining that even factories that produce legally for big brands could “turn bad” during times of economic trouble, working extra shifts to produce fakes. Turkey’s legal exports have also surged during the currency crisis, increasing 33% over the year and reaching $225bn (£171bn), according to the government-run Turkish Statistical Institute. Lost sales cost the EU €83bn a year, according to EUIPO and !zmen says working conditions at underground production facilities are less likely to
comply with laws on wages, child labour and health and safety. Law firms such as Alhas’s usually hear about big shipments caught by customs officers – mostly in Germany,Austria and the Netherlands – and then try to find the production site in Turkey. The website of neighbouring Bulgaria’s customs authority is packed with reports of vehicles from Turkey caught with counterfeit goods. In February 2021, hundreds of bottles of counterfeit perfume were found tucked under a passenger seat in a bus, apparently hidden by the driver. But much gets through.A producer of fake Dsquared2 jeans said there were freight companies in Istanbul that focused on counterfeit exports, filling trucks with fakes surrounded by originals. “They charge extra to transport fakes, they know people at customs,” he said.“They have built a spider web of networks all over the border.” A 2020 report by Europol said a criminal group regularly transported large quantities of fake designer clothes from Istanbul to Greece with the help of three customs officers recruited to “facilitate” their activity for years before getting caught.
20 CITY COPS CELEBRATE
Celebrating 10 years of catching the bad boys CRACKING insurance fraud takes a dedicated professional team and an equally professional strategy and is not something that is solved overnight. It takes many man hours trying to prove fraud especially at a time when it cost the country £1.2billion last year alone. The task of bringing fraudsters to justice falls on the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) now celebrating its 10th anniversary. They may be based in London, but criminals in Lancashire,Yorkshire, Kent, Norfolk, ThamesValley, Cheshire, Surrey or even Sussex are their targets. In 2019 there were an astonishing 107,000 fraudulent insurance claims and although this was down a year later, there were still 96,000 bogus claims. The City of London Police, quite rightly, is proud of its record of success right from their first conviction three months after being formed. 2012 IFED secured its first conviction just three months after launching, for a case involving a bogus whiplash claim.A man from Leeds called his insurer to report an accident, claiming that he reversed into a lamppost while he had passengers in his vehicle and that they had suffered whiplash as a result. Stupidly the fraudster’s call was still being recorded when he boasted to friends how his bogus claim was going to make him ‘a rich man’.
communitywatchpublishing.co.uk
2013 The unit tackled what was believed to be the UK’s biggest fake car insurance scam, which saw 600 drivers lose around £550,000 in just 11 months by buying worthless policies. Two ‘ghost brokers’ were jailed for a combined total of four years as a result of the investigation including the mastermind who created four websites offering cheap car insurance and used paid-for advertising to ensure his enterprises appeared at the top of internet searches. 2014 A husband and wife duo were sentenced after faking the former’s death to collect over £1.1 million from life insurance policies and investments.The wife contacted five insurance companies to inform them of her husband’s death from ‘brain fever’ while abroad. However, the story fell apart when the death certificate was found to be fake. IFED discovered that the husband was in fact alive and well and had flown back to the UK eight months after his alleged death. 2016 An aircraft engineer who claimed that £189,000 worth of luggage was lost on a flight received two years in prison, after images of the scanned cases showed they were empty. Airports and airlines gave detectives access to images of the bags as they were scanned through security.These images clearly showed that the four bags checked in were all empty. 2017 Six men were jailed for a total of 13 and a half years after abusing their professional roles, some as solicitors, to commit insurance fraud, defrauding victims out of £426,000.This was IFED’s first prosecution involving solicitors. 2018 Two unconnected cases shocked the unit, as the team brought two women who shamelessly exploited the Manchester Arena terror attack to justice. In September, an insurance company employee received a two-year custodial sentence for 31
fraudulent medical claims worth over £142,000, using the names of her friends, family and herself. One of the claims saw the woman allege loss of earnings due to her daughter sustaining multiple serious injuries in the terror attack. In reality, the woman did not have any children. 2019 An IFED investigation led to the sentencing of a 16-person strong ‘crash for cash’ ring, which conned insurance companies out of almost £1.2 million.The group received a combined total of nearly 33 years in prison. 2020 An audacious fraudster was jailed for five years and seven months after he impersonated his female partner to try fake his own death for a £1 million life insurance pay out. The initial email correspondence with the insurer stated that the man had died of a heart attack in Pakistan. However, the criminal’s guise was foiled when he attempted to continue impersonating his partner over the phone. 2021 A trio of fraudsters were sentenced for their involvement in a number of insurance fraud plots valued at £245,000, orchestrated by a previous IFED convict. The ringleader cloned a genuine claims management company in order to obtain referral fees from solicitors, as well as being behind more than 60 fraudulent motor insurance claims.
T: 01268 566743 M: 0795875392
