Suffolk Community Watch June 2023

which? warns about latest dieting fads - page 2

Cyber awards

THE National Cyber Awards, designed to recognise employees of organisations such as the Ministr y of Defence , National Crime Agency, returns to London on Monday 25th September 2023 at the Novotel London West, Hammersmith.

Now in its fifth year and following the huge success of the 2022 event, The National Cyber Awards® rewards those who keep us safe 24 hours a day. It will be sponsored by the National Police Chiefs Council

Fraud crackdown

NEW legislation will make companies responsible if they fail to prevent fraud by an employee if it was committed for the organisation’s benefit If fraud is committed by an employee of an organisation, the organisation must be able to demonstrate it had reasonable measures in place to deter the offending or risk receiving an unlimited fine.

£10m whisky fraud

LONDON fraudster Casey Alexander scammed over £10m from elderly and vulnerable victims in one of the world's biggest ever whisky fraud schemes

Alexander, from Stoke Newington, spun investors lies about the “glamorous and lucrative” market of highquality single malts and rare Scotch, only to run off with their money

He appeared in cour t in Nor thern Ohio and will be sentenced in July.

Holly hits out at the diet...

CHEATS

EVERYONE, at some time, looks at themselves in the mirror and panics because of all those winter pounds they’ve added to their waistline.

Some sign up to the gym, others begin a jogging regime. Or some may decide diet pills are the best answer

Beware, according to Which? some adverts for keto diet pills - one of the most populat dieting aids - falsely imply they're endorsed by Mumset, Dragons ' Den and TV presenter Holly Willoughby.

Malicious investment and cryptocurrency adverts will often pretend to be backed by famous faces to lure you in, but promotions for health products such as diet pills are equally plagued by bogus endorsement.

Which? found a messy trail of dodgy adverts for keto diet pills making misleading claims all over the internet, posted via search engines, online news outlets and various social media platforms.

In October 2019, they reported that a rogue Facebook advertiser called [ketopurediet.com] had pretended to be backed by celebrity Anne Hegerty from ITV game show The Chase

Shoppers reported that the company took additional card payments without permission and then refused refunds. Shortly afterwards, the website disappeared entirely. They have now found similar deceptive adverts all over the internet

A Facebook page for @ketoburndxdragonsdenuk, created on 12 February 2022, falsely claimed to be connected to the BBC TV show 'Dragons' Den'.

This page initially linked to a website called [store.ketoburndx.com] but has recently switched to promoting a website called [ketolife.fit].

BBC Studios told Which? 'there is no link between Dragons' Den and this advertiser'. When we searched for other promotions for 'Keto Burn DX' we found multiple news outlets hosting promotions for similar products.

One example is an advert published on 21 February 2022 in The Jerusalem Post, entitled 'Holly Willoughby Keto UK (United Kingdom) - Is Keto Burn DX Boots Holly Willoughby Scam Or Legit?'

is

Tel: 01268 566743

Mob: 07958 475392

Email:

peterfau67@ gmail.com

Editor: Peter Faulkner

Website communitywatchpublishing.co.uk

The content repeatedly invited readers to buy 'Holly Willoughby Keto'yet the agent for Holly Willoughby told Which? she has never endorsed this product.

Who is behind these fake ads?

The advert hosted on The Jerusalem Post for 'Holly Willoughby Keto' was supplied by an agency called Reckonsoft Ltd The Jerusalem Post said it was 'against any kind of scam or phishing', and has 'blocked the customer.

Reckonsoft Ltd took down all articles once Which? reported them.

If you ' ve seen a product that you ' ve found advertised on social media or a search engine, think carefully about the offer

SHOCKING

EVERYDAY tasks such as drying your hair, keeping warm, plugging in a phone or charging an electric car are being made potentially dangerous by seriously unsafe household products being sold online

A recent survey by Electrical Safety

First (ESF) found nearly four in ten (37%) people are using online marketplaces to compare prices – in a bid to get the best deal there are fears the cost of living crisis will expose even more shoppers to dangerous goods as they look to keep cash in their wallets.[1]

Fresh concerns come as a new investigation by the charity reveals people are more at risk of buying dangerous products online than ever before.

ESF has investigated listings of electrical goods across five leading online marketplaces, including Amazon Marketplace, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, AliExpress and Wish.com. It found more than 50 listings of products for use all over the home, from the driveway to the kitchen, were unsafe.

One EV charging cable purchased from eBay presented a risk of electric shock and overheating when it was tested by a specialist lab Two other EV charging cables purchased from Amazon Marketplace also failed electric shock tests, exposing users to a major hazard

As households continue to grapple with soaring heating bills, ESF found that potentially lethal heaters are finding their way into people’s homes via online marketplaces

A portable heater purchased via eBay proved to be one of the most dangerous products uncovered by the charity With 240 volts running through a heating element easily exposed or accessible through an insecure cover, posing a risk to life

Bargain beauty buys for under £30 were also found to pose a serious safety hazard, with hair dryers and straighteners fitted with illegal mains plugs lacking a fuse presenting both fire and electric shock risks.

Even making a morning smoothie could end in disaster, with one kitchen blender available through an online marketplace fitted with a defective motor which began to overheat and pour with smoke less than a minute after being switched on.

Cyclists were also found to be at risk from unsafe e-bike chargers available on Amazon Marketplace, despite a previous investigation by ESF highlighting their fire risk

Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First , commented: “With so many people feeling the squeeze, we ’ re concerned that more shoppers than ever could be exposing themselves to risk from supposed bargains found on online marketplaces.

“These products can come at a dangerous cost People are buying everyday products like hair dryers and phone chargers, s online without knowing the hazards they present continued on page 17

Electrical Safety First is warning about a dangerous electric wall heater being sold online

Lesley Rudd

These survey statistics are simply...

take our advice

Don’t buy on price alone – not all bargains are worth it!

Some fakes are for sale just below the recommended retail value, hoodwinking shoppers that are too savvy to fall for the ‘too good to be true’ deals

Make sure you do your homework if you decide to buy products below high street retail prices

Don’t just take the seller’s word for it – or the reviewer's!

Beware of a product with solely

from page 16

“Third-party sellers are well aware of consumers ’ desire to save money right now, so they are flooding the UK with cheap, poor-quality electricals through online marketplaces

“We’re even seeing them invest in advertising to drive sales, despite their products putting consumers at serious risk

“That’s why the Government must act urgently to protect people by introducing legislation that forces online marketplaces to take reasonable steps to ensure the products they sell on their platforms are safe ”

This latest investigation is part of the ‘Don’t Be Electricked’ campaign, which saw Electrical Safety First take to the streets by setting up a ‘Shock Stall’ at Berwick Street Market

Members of the public were able to talk to ESF experts and see the hazards presented by the Top 10 Most Dangerous Products:

An energy-saving device, with unsafe plug pins and unapproved internal electronic components This item has already been recalled as unsafe by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). Listed for sale on eBay.

A portable heater, with easy access to live parts with 240 volts running through the heating element, posing an imminent risk to life. Listed for sale on eBay

A ‘water-proof ’ extension lead with no water-proof capabilities that presents a significant risk of electric shock. This item has already been recalled as unsafe by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) Listed for sale on Amazon Marketplace.

glowing reviews, especially if the reviewers aren’t verified Some sites cross-reference user reviews with their buyer database and label those people as "verified purchasers".

Know where you ’ re buying from Make sure you know where the supplier is based, a ‘co.uk’ URL doesn’t guarantee the website is UK based. If there is no address supplied, or there is just a PO Box, be wary; many sub-standard electrical goods are manufactured overseas, where they will not be safety tested and are produced as quickly and

An EV charging cable failed lab testing, presenting a risk of electric shock and overheating to potentially cause a fire. Listed for sale on Amazon Marketplace

A universal extension lead, found through testing to present an electric shock risk. Listed for sale on Amazon Marketplace

A 5-in-1 hair styler, had an unsafe plug without a fuse and presents a significant fire risk.The product also comes apart easily without the need for a tool, exposing live parts and presenting a shock risk. Listed for sale on eBay

A plug-in light, with an unsafe plug without a fuse and presenting a significant fire risk.The product also comes apart easily, exposing live parts and presenting a shock risk Listed for sale on eBay

A fast charger 20W, with a noncompliant plug and body design that interferes with the socket switch Listed for sale on Amazon Marketplace.

Travel adaptor (universal), with easy access to live parts and presenting an electric shock risk Listed for sale on eBay.

A 3200W food blender, was found to present an overheating and fire risk in testing – produced smoke from the motor when turned on for the first time Listed for sale on eBay

For people who didn’t not get a chance to visit the ‘Shock Stall’ in London ESF has uploaded demonstration videos featuring its technical experts explaining the hazards associated with these products on its social media channels.

cheaply as possible.

Beware of words qualifying an item’s authenticity If the seller claims the product is ‘genuine’, ‘real’ or ‘authentic’ double check the source. Most reputable retailers don’t need to sell their products like this

Stick to reputable retailers you know and trust:This is the most important thing you can do to keep yourself safe

Faulty battery sends an e- scooter up in flames

A hairdryer sold online is set alight putting lives at risk

This is what happens when you buy a faulty charger

Criminals now stealing your mobile phone every...

6 mins

YOUR mobile phone has become the latest target for criminals - not to steal, but to get access to your personal information and, ultimately, your bank account

A phone is repor ted stolen in London ever y six minutes, according to figures released by the Metropolitan Police Between Januar y 1 and August 17 last year, there were 54,159 repor ts of phone theft, which averages 237 a day.

However, only two per cent of these repor ted thefts resulted in the recover y of the device .

Westminster, Camden, Southwark and Hackney had the highest repor ted thefts, with Westminster having the worst numbers. The boroughs of Bexley saw the fewest repor ted thefts.

Essex tops the list for the most robberies in East England with a 47 per cent increase in mobile phone theft during 2022 according to mobile and gadget insurance provider Pier Insurance Managed Ser vices under its trading name loveit coverit,

The company analysed data collected by the Essex Police It revealed last year 597 mobile phones were re-

por ted stolen to Essex police About 40 per cent of robberies repor ted in Essex during 2022 involved a mobile phone and there was a 47 per cent increase in mobile theft from two years ago

Last year 597 mobile phones were repor ted stolen by the Essex police and they repor ted 873 more robberies than Her tfordshire and 1,136 more than Suffolk.

The county had the most robberies in East England, with 1,440 out of 3,920 cases coming from Essex The second-highest region was Cambridgeshire , with 638 robberies.

Recover y rates are equally low across London, with key areas like Westminster, Hackney and Camden all below the London-wide average .

Cases in Scotland increased by twothirds in the last year, according to new research by AI and analytics leader, SAS while phone thefts across the UK have also jumped 31%, as fraudsters target mobiles to access confidential information and log-in credentials.

The SAS study compared the number of cases in November 2022 to

November 2021, based on the volume of fraud repor ted by police forces to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB).

According to the list, Police Scotland has had the biggest increase in fraud referrals - 1,200 in November 2022, up 67% from the same period in 2021

This comes as the National Crime Agency revealed that fraud is now the “most commonly experienced crime in the UK ”

In the UK there were 27,909 cases of fraud referred to the NFIB in November 2022 – a 5% fall when compared to November 2021

Despite this drop, fraud has generally been on the rise across the UK in recent years, with Action Fraud repor ting a 36% rise in fraud crimes in 2021 compared to 2020

Police in Dyfed-Powys, Wales, and Humberside , Yorkshire experienced the biggest drops in repor ted fraud

SAS also conducted Freedom of Information requests to all city police forces across the UK, revealing the growing problem of phone thefts

Liverpool had the highest increasewith four times as many phones stolen in the last year, according to the data10,949, up from 2,112

In London, there were 44,629 cases logged in 2022 up to November across all boroughs - 8% up compared to 2021

The biggest increase in phone theft across the UK

1 - Liverpool - 418%

2 - Coventr y - 136%

3 - Wolverhampton - 129%

4 - Birmingham - 122%

5 - Cambridge - 111%

holiday cheats warned

MANY people will be flying off on holiday this summer and the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) is reminding the public to check that they are properly insured before going away.

Due to possible increased travel disruption, it is important for holiday-goers to check what their policy includes, particularly to ensure that they have the necessary cover for a delayed or cancelled holiday

With predictions that the cost of living crisis could drive otherwise law-abiding citizens to fraud as a means to ease financial hardships, the unit is also reminding the public that exploiting a travel insurance policy to make bogus claims is a criminal offence

IFED has released a new video which outlines examples of claims which could land you with a criminal conviction, including:

Exaggerating the cost of a lost camera;

Pretending that you became sick whilst on holiday;

Alleging that your suitcase went missing;

Claiming twice for a stolen item; and Editing a receipt or email to claim for something that wasn’t covered by your policy

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Hill, Head of the City of London Police’s Insurance

NEWS IN BRIEF

Cowboy builder

A NOTORIOUS cowboy builder once jailed for fraud has struck again - leaving a family £60,000 out-of-pocket and living on a building site

Lee Slocombe , 40, is accused of changing his name to Lee Lewis and star ting up new building firms so customers would not realise he had ser ved three years and seven months behind bars for fraud.

He has now been repor ted to police and Trading Standards for allegedly using exactly the same methods to rip off another customer. Slocombe claims he followed all the guidelines to make sure all his work was legitimate

Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), said:“After two years of travel restrictions, this summer will be the first trip abroad for many since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Unfortunately, many people who have already tried to get away this year have faced disruption to their trip due to ongoing issues with airlines and airports.

“As a result, it’s more important than ever to check what your insurance covers and that you have the right type of cover before you head on holiday.

“Some people think that there’s no harm in tweaking a travel document to cover something not included in your policy, or lying about the dates of your trip because you forgot to take out insurance and now need to claim However, these are both examples of insurance fraud and could land you with a criminal record.

“These fraudulent claims also drive up

Online crac kdown

AN international police operation has shut down an online marketplace in which people’s personal and banking details were being bought and sold.

‘Operation Cookie Monster’, led by the FBI and the Dutch National Police but involving law enforcement agencies from 17 countries, has resulted in over 120 arrests, 24 of them in the UK.

The online marketplace, known as Genesis Market, was handling over two million identities when it was taken down.

Most of these were from Netflix and PayPal accounts.

the cost of insurance premiums for honest policyholders. Don’t turn your dream holiday into a nightmare. Claim honestly and check your cover before you check-in ”

Mark Allen, chief fraud and financial crime officer at the Association of British Insurers (ABI), said: “Appropriate travel insurance that meets your specific needs is essential to protect you from what can be jaw-droppingly high overseas medical bills.

“Insurers know that most customers are honest and will pay legitimate claims as quickly as possible As many households face financial hardship, customers will expect insurers to tackle the cheats now more than ever

“That is why insurers will continue to protect their customers by clamping down on anyone making fraudulent insurance claims to raise some cash The chances of getting caught have never been greater The only thing you stand to gain will be the possibility of a criminal record ”

Ben Fletcher, director at the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), said:“Across the insurance world we ’ ve seen countless instances where people think it’s acceptable to provide false information on a claim to make some extra cash Travel insurance is there to help should the worst happen, but it doesn’t mean it can be exploited ”

Turn to page 7 for CTSI scam warning

W hat a charact e er r

DERBYSHIRE Police wanted to do something different to raise awareness of scams and have created a new character to make sure their messages have an impact

As par t of a series of videos and printed material, the sock puppet will ‘ pop up ’ to give advice on spotting a scam and what to do if you ’ re targeted by a fraudster.

The puppet is bright pink, with a blue nose and a shock of bright yellow hair

It was chosen to front the campaign due to its vibrant, and rather wacky appearance , which should make it a memorable mascot for viewers

PASSPORT...

to misery if you don’t take proper care

HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned to be vigilant when booking their trips as scammers are using clever new tactics to con people out of their cash.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said that fraudsters are duping travellers into paying for non-existent holidays and ser vices, using increasingly convincing and sophisticated methods to do so

Recent scams spotted by the CTSI included fake ads on social media, featuring stunning pictures of hotels and holiday cottages alongside "too good to be true" prices

The scammers often insisted that their victims pay by cash, via bank transfer or through third-party international money transfer companies such as Western Union, deliberately making payments difficult to trace and non-refundable

By the time the holidaymakers re-

alised that the travel deal was fake, it was too late - the fraudsters had already disappeared with their money

Some victims of these scams didn't even realise that the holiday they'd 'booked' wasn't genuine until they arrived at the airport, only to discover that their flight was non-existent.

Others tried to check in at their hotel after being duped into making a bogus booking, but were told that there was no record of their booking.

Scammers have also been taking advantage of the delays and disruptions caused by recent strikes at the UK Passport Office, by claiming to offer "fasttrack" ser vices to travellers

The CTSI said that it had seen a number of texts and emails from con artists offering quick passport renewalsmeaning that anyone who falls victim to the dangerous scam could be handing over valuable personal data as well as money.

The CTSI has now urged customers to make sure they check the URL of any website they are using to book a holiday, always read independent reviews - not just ones on the website itself - and contact the owners of any holiday cottage they are planning to book directly for confirmation before paying.

In addition, holidaymakers have been strongly advised to pay for their trips

using a protected method such as a credit card, debit card, or PayPal's buyer protection ser vice

CTSI lead officer Katherine Hart said: “Lots of people are preparing to go away at the moment and, unfortunately, there are a lot of adverts on social media advertising cottages and hotels at home and abroad with incredible pictures and fantastic prices These bogus adverts are designed to steal our money, leaving us disappointed and without a holiday

"As with any purchase, do your research, only shop with reputable companies, and make sure you are 100% sure who you are dealing with and what you are getting before you part with any money "

CTSI chief executive John Herriman added: "As always, scammers are quick to leap on any opportunity to take advantage of uncertainty and upheaval

“The exploitation of delays brought about by Passport Office strikes are just the latest example of scammers preying on people's vulnerability.

“People work hard and save all year round for their holidays - scammers know this, but they don’t care

“We can all fight back, though, by being alert, by following a few simple guidelines, and spreading the word about the harm these scams can cause "

CRIME IN BRIEF

Testing for drugs

POLICE are appealing for farmers to remain vigilant following a series of thefts of GPS equipment in Hoxne , Bedingfield and Friston

A farm in Friston had three GPS trackers and 3 Pro 700 screens taken from three different tractors and around 300 litres of Ad Blue was also drained out of a container The total value of the equipment stolen was around £15,000

In Bedingfield three GPS screens, a total control screen and three GPS domes were stolen from three tractors.

In the third incident at a farm in Hoxne a GPS system was taken from a tractor – the estimated value of which was £10,000

Police believe those responsible had a high degree of knowledge of how to access the site and how to access the units

Advice for owners of such vehicles with GPS equipment:

Remove all kit from machines when not in use , especially if the machiner y is left out overnight.

Review security at your premises, as well as premises where such equipment is ser viced and sold

Record the serial number and take a digital image of the serial number

Security mark the kit, possibly with a UV marker or permanent black marker, with the name of your location and postcode to deter a would-be thief.

Drug dealer jailed

LONDON drug dealer Jerome Underhill, 31, has been jailed for three years in connection with drug offences in Newmarket

Underhill, from Mount Pleasant Lane , was jailed at Ipswich Crown Cour t for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, namely heroin & cocaine between 21 November 2022 and 13 December 2022 and possession with intent to supply class A drugs, namely heroin and cocaine on 4 July 2019.

Underhill was arrested and charged after joint work by the Serious Crime & Disruption Team and the Met Police as par t of an Op Orochi operation.

Crack team target Suffolk’s...

DEALERS

DRUG dealers running County Lines gangs in Suffolk are slowly discovering their criminal acivity is being targeted and disrupted. It's all due to the County's Serious Crimes Disruption Team and their brilliant networking with London's Metropolitan Police Investigations involving the Disruption Team have resulted in more than 50 people being charged for offences where there is a connection to Londonbased drug dealing, with sentences totalling more than 150 years in prison

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bodmer said: “The Serious Crime Disruption Team has carried out and been par t of some exemplar y work, with operations involving officers and staff from a number of teams working together.

“To successfully make so many arrests and charges validates all the work the Serious Crime Disruption Team, the Scorpion teams and other units have put in over the past few years as par t of our continuing campaign to tackle organised crime , including targeting those involved in drug-related criminality ”

The SCDT was set up in 2018 after it was recognised there was an oppor tunity to improve investigations into organised crime in the county and bring those responsible to justice .

DCI Bodmer added: “We recognised that some of this crime was having a big effect on the communities of Suffolk A lot of our work centres around county lines and organised crime , for example groups carr ying out series of burglaries across the county and local area.

“What we ' re tr ying to do is tr ying to bring these people to justice and make Suffolk a hostile place for criminals to operate in

“Our primar y focus is county lines and we deal with this by tr ying to identify who are the people controlling the county lines, the county lines operating model is where people are brought up from mainly inner cities

“Often the person that is coming up is exploited themselves and they do it for money or for their own addiction

Often it is young people , really vulnerable people who are being exploited. They're not necessarily the people we need to target Who we need to target is those people that are controlling the phones and those phone lines ”

As par t of Op Orochi, between 28 May 2020 and 15 December 2022 the South Serious Crime Disruption Team arrested and charged 39 county line holders, with 22 convicted so far

Pictured: The five man gang given a total of 28 years in prison at Ipswich Cown Court last year for dealing drugs in five Suffolk towns

CLONED

A GROWING number of hard-pressed car owners are being hit with unfair penalty charge notices for offences they did not commit due to car cloning, according to official data uncovered by heycar .

The online car marketplace has analysed previously unseen data from TfL on the number of ULEZ PCNs being cancelled due to the car being a clone of a legitimate vehicle.

It found a 631% increase in PCNs being overturned due to cloning since the ULEZ was expanded in October 2021 compared to the same period a year ago (641 fines between October 2020 and April 2021, and 4,687 between October 2021 and April 2022, inclusive)

Comparing April 2021 (when lockdown restrictions were being lifted in England) with April 2022 shows an even more alarming rise of 857% (from 61 fines to 584).

Car cloning can take various forms with a criminal either physically stealing a registration plate or having a fake plate illegally made to put on another vehicle.

Cloned number plates are typically used on vehicles that are stolen, unroadworthy or used in illegal activity

In the event of a PCN being issued due to a cloned car, the legitimate registered keeper will be required to provide evidence to satisfy the issuer of the ticket

that their car was not at the time and place where the alleged offence occurred. If they don't appeal they face a ULEZ PCN charge of £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days)

Car cloning is part of a wider increase in vehicle crime. In England and Wales there was a 7% rise in vehicle theft in 2021 compared to 2020, while hotspot the West Midlands has reported a 37% spike since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted last year.

Figures are the 'tip of the iceberg' Commenting on the findings, heycar’s Consumer Editor Sarah Tooze said:“These car cloning figures are the tip of the iceberg

“Many drivers are unable to provide the evidence TfL requires to cancel the PCN due to the vehicle being a clone.

“Appealing the PCN process can also be complicated and intimidating, which means many more victims will pay the fine to avoid the stress and end the matter.

“The true number of cloned cars in the UK will be much higher but there are no official, national statistics which are publicly available

“We are urging the DVLA to publish car cloning figures so drivers can see the true scale of the problem within the UK.

“There needs to be greater transparency around this serious crime and tighter regulations to help prevent innocent mo-

torists being stung with fines or, worse still, losing thousands of pounds by unknowingly buying a cloned vehicle.”

The Government has a role to play in clamping down on car cloning as although drivers need to prove their identity when buying a number plate from legitimate sources there is still the opportunity to buy number plates on the internet or to have number plates made without checks being carried out.

Further checking and verification of vehicles that have been written-off and repaired before they are put back on the road, and the use of anti-tampering screws to secure number plates to cars could help prevent car cloning

As well as better preventative measures, the appeals process for victims needs to be improved

heycar research found car cloning victims can be forced to go to great lengths to prove their innocence (as the case study below demonstrates) with some local authorities and transport bodies who issue the PCNs requiring information from the police which can be difficult to obtain

Tooze continued:“Car cloning victims should be treated as such. Instead, they can face a ‘guilty until proven innocent’ mentality, which only adds to an already stressful situation ”

If you received an unfair penalty notice, check that your car hasn’t been...

These car cloning figures are the tip of the iceberg. Many drivers are unable to provide the evidence TfL requires to cancel the PCN due to the vehicle being a clone SARAH TOOZE - Heycar

Three year driving ban

A 52-year-old woman from Ipswich has been banned from driving for almost three years, after getting behind the wheel of her car while almost four times the drink-drive limit.

Joanne Clements, of Hampton Road, appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Cour t where she was disqualified from driving for 32 months, having previously admitted to driving with excess alcohol and driving without due care and attention.

Clements was also instructed to complete nine-months of alcohol treatment, 25 days of rehabilitation activity and pay fines and costs totalling £259

Drug supply...1

A LEISTON man ’ s been jailed for five years for drug and firearm offences

Mason Squirrell, 26, of Seaward Avenue , Leiston, was jailed after appearing before Ipswich Crown Cour t

It follows his guilty plea to possession of a firearm, namely a Ekol Dicle pistol, possession of class A drugs, namely cocaine; possession of cannabis and possession of a knuckleduster.

Officers had reason to conduct two search warrants on his home address in September 2022 when the firearm, drugs and knuckle duster were discovered

Officers searched for Squirrell who eventually handed himself in to Peterborough police on 10 November last year and he was subsequently charged with the offences

Drug supply...2

A man has been jailed for 28 months in prison in connection with drug offences in Ipswich

Erion Hoxha,25, of Beech Road, Ipswich, was jailed at Ipswich Crown Cour t after pleading guilty to possession of drugs with intent to supply, possesssing an identity document with improper intention, assault of a police officer and possession of criminal proper ty.

Hoxha was caught after police stopped his blue Audi and found it had no insurance . A search of his home subsequently found drugs

SUFFOLK Police are reminding motorists to stay aler t and keep their vehicle secure after a keyless vehicle theft in Lowestoft.

The incident took place on Dunston Drive when a white Mercedes-Benz left locked and secured on driveway was taken overnight

Vehicle owners, in par ticular those with keyless entr y systems, are being advised to make sure they use as many preventative measures as possible to keep their vehicle secure

Keyless theft of a vehicle occurs when criminals use a transmitter to amplify the signal being emitted from the genuine key inside the owner ’ s house to reach the vehicle outside . This allows it to be unlocked and driven away in seconds

How to reduce the risk of keyless theft:

In the house , store keys away from accessible doors and windows, inside a Faraday bag (search RFID security at www.securedbydesign.com for details of police preferred specification products) and then potentially into a metal tin Several anti-theft pouches are available which are designed to block signals emitted by the key

It may be possible to disable the keyless entr y function. Check your owner manual or seek advice from your local dealer if required

Use physical security measures such as steering wheel locks or wheel clamps to compliment your vehicles own security (www soldsecure com)

Owners could also contact their local vehicle ser vice dealer to see if there are security upgrades that can be carried out

Ensure that basic security measures, such as checking the doors and windows are secure , are always done

Where possible , park vehicles within secure compounds covered by CCTV.

If you cannot park the vehicle in a garage , park it on a well-lit drive or well-lit area as close to your proper ty as possible

For more details on the above guidance you can go to the Constabular y ’ s

A - Z of crime prevention for car and van theft

Anyone with any information about these thefts is asked to contact Suffolk police quoting the relevant crime reference: 37/17134/23

Trading Standards warning about scam...

CALLERS

SUFFOLK Trading Standards is warning residents to be alert this month after a number of different scams were reported right across the County.

SCAM 1

A SUDBUTY residents was approached at the door by two individuals claiming to be from "the council" and that they were there to replace doors at the property

The resident refused access, knowing that no doors needed to be replaced, and contacted Babergh District Council who were able to confirm it was not one of their employees

Were you approached? Did you see any vehicle they were travelling in? If you have any information please contact us via Citizens Advice

Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133

Always ensure your back door is locked if you are answering the front door to someone you don’t know Watch out for anyone who says they’re in a hurry or it’s an emergency Don’t let them pressure you If in doubt, call a neighbour or friend or the police.

If you think a bogus caller has been to your home, call the police immediately on 999

Trading Standards advice

Never let someone into your house because you don't want to seem rude or unsympathetic

Consider fitting a door chain and spy-hole to your front door; outside lighting can also help you identify callers Never let anyone into your home unless you are stotally atisfied about who they are and what they want

HAIRDRYERS SEIZED

Public service employees are required to show identity cards when they come to your home Examine the card carefully as fake cards have been used.

The card should have a photograph and the name of the organisation If you are at all worried, ring the organisation to check the caller is genuine

Use the telephone number given in the phone book or on your utility bill, rather than the one printed on the identity card A genuine worker won't mind waiting

SCAM 2

TRADING Standards have had reports that residents have been receiving telephone calls from individuals claiming that they need to visit their property to inspect the loft insulation, so that they can supply a certificate as part of a "Government Scheme"

One report suggests that the caller became very aggressive and threatening when the resident refused to agree to a visit

Trading Standards advice

Always be wary of any approach made in a telephone cold call. Check the credentials of anyone contacting you out of the blue Always check any claims made, especially when the company are claiming to work with other agencies

Always check the ID's of anyone who visits your property, claiming to work for an organisation Keep any paperwork they give you

Never provide any personal information to a caller

Always get a second opinion before agreeing to any work

If you have any concerns about a company that has contacted you, call us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133

SUFFOLK Trading Standards Import Surveillance Officers have detained a consignment of 75 unsafe hairdryers.

When carrying out the restricted airflow test on a hairdryer from the consignment, it caught fire within 30 seconds.

The product failed to meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, posing an electrical shock and fire hazard. The hairdryers are not fitted with an overtemperature device to protect from electric shock and fire, and the mains plugs are fitted with counterfeit fuses

If you have purchased a product that you think may be unsafe, stop using it immediately and report it to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

Motorcyclists urged to sign up for course and...

BE SAFE

MOTORCYCLISTS across Suffolk are once again being given the oppor tunity to improve their riding skills and to enhance their awareness and ability while on the road at ‘Safe Rider’ motorcycle workshops to be held in 2023.

Safe Rider is a joint initiative between Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies aimed at reducing the number of motorcycle casualties across the counties.

The day-long workshops began in April and run through to October, which are the months when it is considered the number of motorcyclists taking to the roads increases due to more clement weather They are aimed at all fully qualified riders who want to improve their skills to become better and safer riders

In an effor t to encourage more riders under the age of 25 to take the course , they will continue to be able to attend for half price (£25), which will be funded by the Safe Rider scheme .

CRIME IN BRIEF

Caught with cocaine

TOBY Drane , 26, of no-fixed-abode but from the Newmarket area, was sentenced to 33 months at Ipswich Crown Cour t after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine between 9 Februar y and 14 March this year.

Drane was arrested on 15 March following intelligence that suggested that he was responsible for drug dealing in the Newmarket area, using a mobile phone to communicate directly to drug users

Repor t via the website www suffolk police uk/contact-us/repor tsomething/repor t-crime , call 101, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers

The first six applicants aged under 25 (who must be fully qualified) will be able to attend the course for free .

PC Simon Myall, from Suffolk Constabular y ’ s Road Casualty Reduction Team and who coordinates the scheme , said: “The workshops are designed to give motorcyclists greater awareness of the hazards they may face when out riding and to help them become better and safer riders.

“They are designed to bridge the gap between passing the basic motorcycle test and taking an advanced test and the underlying message of the workshops will continue to be that education is key, not enforcement

"Reducing the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads remains a priority for us We will keep doing all we can to make Suffolk’s roads safe for ever yone . ”

Safe Rider courses are aimed at riders living in Suffolk and are run with the suppor t of Suffolk Roadsafe , Suffolk Fire and Rescue Ser vice , Copdock

Classic Motorcycle Club and Orwell Motorcycles

Riders who do not reside in Suffolk are also welcome to attend, though it is recommended that they contact their home county’s constabular y in the first instance to see if they have any courses available .

The workshops cost £50 per person, or £25 for those aged under 25, and are held at Suffolk Police Headquar ters, Mar tlesham Heath, Ipswich. The workshop dates for 2023 are:

Friday 23 June

Saturday 15 July

Friday 18 August

Saturday 23 September

Friday 13 October

For fur ther information visit the Suffolk Police website: www suffolk police uk/ser vices/safe-rider-workshop or if you would like to register for a course , call the Road Casualty Reduction Team (RCRT) on 01473 613888, ext 3722 or email:

saferider@suffolk police uk

Man hid £34,000

A LOWESTOFT man who was found in possession of £34,000 in cash has been sentenced to 46 months in prison after being convicted of a number of offences including an assault which left a person with a broken jaw

Nathaniel Baldr y, 24, of St John’s Road, Lowestoft, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Cour t, for grievous bodily harm without intent, possessing criminal proper ty and being concerned in the supply of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis).

During searches of the proper ty police seized mobile phones, and £34,000 in cash which was concealed in a rucksack in a wardrobe .

Toby Drane

TIMES

A PENSIONER who has been targeted by scammers five times has issued a warning for people to be aler t

Denis Robinson, 85, has been the target of multiple scams with the former journalist being hit five times by five different scammers

Mr Robinson is now being suppor ted by a par tnership between Nationwide Building Society and older person ’ s charity Independent Age

The warning comes as analysis of data from Nationwide Building Society showed 25 percent of all scam victims are aged 65 and over

Among the most frequent of scams is what's known as an impersonation scam - this is where the criminal claims to be from an official agency or acts as a family member.

enis described an example of one of the scams, something that is commonly known as a doorstep scam

This is where rogue traders can knock at someone ' s door, claiming to

have noticed something about the home which needs work or improvement

Some will prey on the elderly who may require help around the house to offer ser vices at an inflated price

Denis explained: “The most spectacular scam was when I had a glossy leaflet through my door adver tising gardening ser vices for older people , it looked professional and as a result I didn’t think to check how much the person would charge

“After two hours’ work, he told me I owed him £2,300 and said he’d be in trouble with his boss if I didn’t pay up. I was numb with shock

“Luckily I didn’t have that amount of cash in the house so said I would need some time , he was going to come back two days later, but I contacted the police and never heard from him again ”

Unfor tunately, Denis was then targeted again, he continued: “I’ve also had someone knock on my door, demand-

ing money for work they had done on the outside of the house while I was out I’ve had someone who stole £100 from me after asking me if I had change for £5 ”

Instances of these types of scams are tragically common, and older people are often preyed upon. Shockingly, the data also showed that if someone over the age of 65 becomes a victim to this type of scam then they are likely to lose more than twice the amount of money compared to someone younger

Denis has now warned people to remain vigilant: “You can feel foolish when it comes to scams, and the scammers can be so brazen It’s impor tant to know how to protect yourself, and to have the emotional suppor t there if needed.”

Nationwide and Independent Age are now working together to provide additional suppor t for older members who fall victim to a scam.

Unlucky pensioner was scammed five...

Food Standards Agency asks: did food processing company tell a load of...

PORKIES

THE Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a fraud inquir y following allegations that a food processing company sold tens of thousands of tonnes of foreign pork to UK supermarkets which was labelled as being British.

An investigation by Farmers Weekly found that mislabelled, and possibly even rotten, meat may have been sold by the supplier to supermarkets, hospitals and schools, over a period of at least 20 years

It is alleged that company employees duped food auditors by moving meat around a processing plant during inspections Former employees said they had “washed” rotten meat to make it appear fresh.

CTSI recently revealed its concerns about the dangers of a food scandal similar to the horse meat crisis of ten years ago. At that time , Trading Standards played a pivotal role in tackling

the crisis; since then, funding and staffing levels have declined significantly.

The illegal food trade in the UK alone is estimated to be wor th at least £700m, and there are increasing concerns that criminals are exploiting vulnerabilities in the system

CTSI Chief Executive , John Herriman, said: “CTSI recently sounded the alarm about the high likelihood of precisely this type of food scandal emerging

“Unless enforcement is properly funded and those responsible for committing food fraud are brought to justice , cases like this will occur again and again, undermining trust in British produce and potentially putting consumers at risk

“It is vital that consumers know what is in the food they buy and where it comes from, and that it is safe to eat. We know all too well from the horse

John Herriman

meat scandal how bad things can be when the supply chain breaks down.

“This investigation by the FSA shows a fundamental flaw in the system; if this is happening with pork, there is a strong chance that other meats and food produce could be subject to this kind of fraud

“Confidence in the food supply chain underpins huge par ts of the UK economy and is vital to public health It is not something that should be neglected or taken for granted ”

FSA Chief Executive , Emily Miles, said: “We are continuing our criminal investigation into how a meat supplier allegedly provided products labelled as British when they were in fact sourced from other countries

“This is a live investigation which means we are looking into all new lines of inquir y with the relevant local authorities, including investigating potential food hygiene breaches This is alongside the work we are doing to investigate food fraud.

“Based on the investigation to date , there is no indication that food is unsafe or there is an increased risk to consumers.

“Criminal investigations take time and need to be done with due process and fairness.

“The FSA will work tirelessly on behalf of consumers to ensure that this criminal investigation is done to the highest possible standards.

“I do want to emphasise at a time when cost pressures and other challenges mean the risks of food fraud might be increasing, it is vital ever yone involved in the food chain works to ensure that food is safe and what it says it is ”

Emily Miles - looking into new lies of inquiry

Kiistone really helped with a unconventional transaction, it was a credit to work with Tim and the team who where there to help on both sides immediately. We will definitely be using Kiistone again and would highly recommend to others.

TRUST PILOT REVIEW

INSURED

I WONDER how many of us ever check whether the company we employ to do building or roofing work is properly insured should anything go dramatically wrong

Most builders have to have liability insurance and, in the main, most professional companies do.

But there are some fly-by-night traders out there who would rather take a chance than pay a hefty premium.

So if you are thinking of using a local tradesman in the near future firstly we would suggest you download the Kiistone App so you can sit back safe in the knowledge that you ’ re covered

For those of you who never think of asking to see a copy of the company ’ s insurance liability cer tificate , read on and you will be shocked

Lisa Rober tson, who has two children, lives in a nice semi-detached

house and employed a roofing company to carr y out repairs and tar and reseal the dormer roof above the lounge

That entailed using a blowtorch to seal the bitumen When the job was finished Lisa paid the bill (in cash) and thought nothing more of it

However, that night, during the high winds, something must have been left smouldering and it ended up with the house ablaze That’s when she really hit the roof.

The damage was so bad that Lisa is now homeless and, worse still, she has discovered the builder did not have public liability insurance .

And her hear tache could have been avoided had she known about the Kiistone App to make sure that whatever happens her money and her home would be safe

Or if she had asked the roofer if they were insured and he sent a link showing the renewal date of his policy and the company insured with

If you need a reason why you should sign up to Kiistone, check out Cowboy Builders (rogue Traders) on Facebook and read about the hear tbreak suffered by hundred’s of members.

The Kiistone App has been designed by Tim Mullock and it has been specifically designed to ensure that builders cannot rip you off in the way that these criminals have done .

Kiistone, which aims to protect con-

sumers from rogue traders, provide peace of mind to honest tradespeople and restore faith and improve the image of the building industr y.

Built to reflect Tim's 23 years experience as a tradesperson, Kiistone safeguards all parties interests in a project by holding monies safely in escrow (a neutral bank account)

It offsets project stages (that include tasks mutually agreed by the customer and tradesperson) against money milestones - where funds can only be drawn down after a stage has been completed to the customers satisfaction.

The tradesperson also benefits because they know the money is ‘ringfenced’ allowing them to purchase materials and invest time in a job - leading to immediate payment on completion

All messages, extras and job changes are recorded on the spot to avoid misunderstandings and reflect both parties' conduct should a dispute arise

Kiistone is the key to peace of mind and is a small price to pay when you calculate the thousands of pounds you could lose or the condition your home could be left in.

The message is: Stay alert and do your homework before you employ anyonebetter still use the Kiistone app to ensure peace of mind.

A dormer roof similar to the one Lisa was having repaired

If you employ a builder check that he is....

NHW launches a new charter for.. SAFETY

NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch has launched its own Community Safety Charter - and you can get involved if you care about keeping your community safe

The aim of the Charter is to involve a wider range of local organisations, charities, businesses and groups in crime prevention activity and extend the scope of this work towards a goal of eliminating harassment, antisocial behaviour, and intimidation experienced by anyone who lives, works, studies, or visits anywhere in England and Wales

The Charter is a means by which Neighbourhood Watch members, local residents, businesses, and organisations, agree to do whatever they can together to provide an environment that is safer for everyone, and help us to meet this goal by committing to the following Pledges :

Promote a culture that does not tolerate antisocial behaviour, harassment, intimidation and hostility towards others

Enable others to identify and take an active stance against these crimes and incidents

Actively encourage and support those who experience or witness these crimes and incidents to report them to the relevant authorities

Support those affected and signpost those who need further support to agencies who can help them

Who can sign up to the Charter?

Any individual, community group, Neighbourhood Watch scheme, business, charity or other organisation in England and Wales can sign up for FREE, including schools and universities, community centres, taxi firms and public places (such as museums, libraries, leisure centres)

Why sign up to the Charter?

Individuals will feel safer because they know the whole community is looking out for them, which can have a profound effect on their wellbeing, feelings of safety and confidence

No one wants the fear of harassment and intimidation in their community Signing up to the Charter sends a clear message that this behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated by your organisation or group

You will have a clear role in empowering people to do something

positive to prevent these crimes in their neighbourhood

You will be creating a more positive, safer environment where you work or live

The collective power of a wide range of local community members, all working towards a shared goal will have a much greater impact than working individually

What will I receive?

Downloadable copies of the Charter to display

Downloadable or interactive training modules in various formats to use for you and your members/staff/volunteer

Crime prevention advice and guidance through our dedicated website pages

Other promotional materials (for example badges, pens, window display stickers and beer mats) to purchase at a later stage

The opportunity to attend online events to share ideas and good practices in promoting and implementing the Charter

The opportunity to sign up for Alerts about the crime affecting your local area

Invited to become a Affiliate member of Neighbourhood Watch, whilst keeping your group or business identity

How can I get involved?

Identify a lead from your organisation/group/business

Sign up to the Community Safety Charter, agreeing to uphold its principles and promote it within your community, business, and networks

Display the Charter on your premises, your neighbourhood and/or on your website

Promote the Charter through your social media channels

Register your group or organisation as an affiliate of Neighbourhood Watch on the Neighbourhood Watch Register at www.ourwatch.org.uk/join

Raise awareness amongst your community, group and /or with your members about harassment and intimidation and how to prevent and report it

Renew your commitment to the Community Safety Charter every three years.

THOUSANDS PROTEST AGAINST MAFIA KILLERS

TWO months after the arrest of Italy’s most-wanted mob boss shone a spotlight on the mafia, more than 50,000 people marched last month in Milan to remember their victims.

“It hs been 28 years and we are still searching for the truth,” said Paolo Marcone, 50, whose father was killed in 1995 by the mafia in Foggia, in Italy’s southeastern region of Puglia

Francesco Marcone, a local official, had just returned home from work when he was shot in the back. The family believes he discovered something that he should not have, but “sadly the truth has not come out”.

Police estimated the size of the crowd at 50,000 in Milan where, at the foot of the Duomo, a white sheet was laid out bearing the names of 1,069 victims. The Foggia mafia is considered Italy’s newest and most violent organised crime syndicate.

Spanish forgery ring smashed

SPANISH police have arrested 47 people and smashed two crime rings suspected of helping British citizens illegally obtain residence permits by providing them with forged documents at a cost of €1,600 per person.

Officers moved against the two gangs operating in the southern beach resor t of Marbella and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in Nor th Africa.

They allegedly provided Britons - including criminals - with fake versions of the documents for around £1400 needed to qualify for residency, such as rental contracts, bank statements and bills, the statement added

British citizens lost the automatic right to live and work in Spain when Britain’s exit from the European Union came into force in 2021

But under the so-called Withdrawal Agreement, Britons who could prove they were living in Spain before the end of 2020 though documents such as rental contracts or bank statement could obtain residency.

Police said officials had so far identified 120 requests for residency under this agreement backed by false documents supplied by the two rings.

At least three of the requests were from “criminals who aimed to hide” in the southern province of Málaga on Spain’s Costa del Sol, home to a huge British community

Among those arrested were three of the suspected heads of the gang that operated in Marbella, and two of the leaders of the ring from Ceuta

russian crooks exposed SEVEN Russian cyber criminals who are linked to the group behind some of the most damaging ransomware attacks on the UK in recent years have been exposed and sanctioned by the UK and the US.

The sanctions, announced by the Foreign Office alongside the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), form part of a concerted campaign by the UK and the US to tackle international cyber crime.

They follow a lengthy investigation by the National Crime agency into the crime group behind Trickbot malware, as well as the Conti and RYUK ransomware strains, among others

The NCA assesses that the group was responsible for extorting at least £27 million from 149 UK victims.

SEOUL TURNS TO ROBOTICS

SEOUL, South Korea, has turned to robotics to cut down on crime and make people aware of danger on the streets

The patrol robot, called ‘Goalie , ’ is South Korea’s first urban patrol robot. It’s designed to keep people safe on the streets, day and night, by aler ting people to danger

The robot, which aims to make women feel safer when out on their own, is being rolled out in a residential par t of Seoul with the highest share of women living alone .

ARE WE TOO LENIENT?

MORE than seven out of ten adults think sentences handed down by cour ts are too lenient

A poll for the House of Commons justice committee also found one in seven (15 per cent) believed sentences were about right, and 4 per cent said they were too tough

Of the 2,057 adults quizzed, 55% said anyone over 18 convicted of murdering a child should get a ‘whole life’ tariff

SPANISH CAR RING BROKEN

SPANISH police have disrupted a car smuggling ring after seizing 24 luxury cars at a southern port, including Porsches and Cadillacs, which had been stolen in the United States and were likely bound for Africa

Spain’s Guardia Civil police force said that they had for the past year been investigating signs the southern port of Algeciras was being used to traffic luxury vehicles stolen from the United States.

The luxury vehicles, including high- end jeeps and Aston Martins, were found in containers that arrived on different days.

Police said they suspect the cars, seized as part of their operation “American Stuff,” were meant to be sent to African countries.

The 24 vehicles are worth over €2 million ($2.1 million) and they have since been returned to the United States.

No penalties, no worries

EQUITY Release continues to grow in popularity thanks to the trust put in professional providers like Viva Retirement Solutions.

In the past year Equity release customers made 190,374 penalty-free repayments in 2022, up 48% from 2021, saving them £116m in future by reducing compound interest

The number of voluntar y penalty-free par tial repayments made by equity release customers grew by 48% last year, according to the Equity Release Council’s latest repor t

More than 90,000 borrowers reduced their loans by £102m in 2022 by making 190,374 par tial repayments throughout the year, 48% more than were made in 2021.

By reducing their loans in this way, these customers stand to save a fur ther £116m in future interest costs over the next 20 years.

Making voluntar y penalty-free par t repayments was made a compulsor y feature for all products that meet Equity Release Council standards from 28 March last year

The repor t also shows equity release activity reached record levels in the secod half of 2022, despite the after-effects of the mini-Budget in September prompting a slowdown in the four th quar ter

Since then, product pricing has fallen gradually over the last five months to an average of 6.23% at the star t of April 2023, with adver tised rates as low as 5 52%

Product numbers have edged back towards 200, although maximum loan to values have been tightened from 47.0% in August 2022 to 38.7% in April 2023.

David Burrowes, chair of the Equity Release Council, commented: “Modern equity release is an incredibly versatile product. People can choose whether they want to make repayments without fear of losing their homes, and since this feature was embedded into Equity Release Council standards, we have seen people’s usage grow and their interest savings add up.

“By making modest repayments when they can afford to, customers can benefit from their proper ty wealth in the here-and-now while reducing their overall borrowing costs by tens of thousands of pounds."

“A nation where so many pensioners struggle to afford a moderate standard of living simply

cannot ignore the potential for proper ty to help bridge the gap

“Equity release could make a decade of difference or more to someone whose pension income might otherwise only cover a basic lifestyle "

“The option of turning proper ty wealth into pounds in their pocket has never been more impor tant for consumers and our ageing society.

“As the market recovers from the economic shocks of late 2022, it is vital that people consider the role of their homes in covering the costs of later life ”

Paul Saroya of Equity Release provider Viva Retirement Solutions said firstly they go to great lengths to fully discuss alternative options with potential clients, so that they can make a fully informed decision.

“It may be that downsizing or using existing assets is the best initial course of action This way a Lifetime Mor tgage may not be needed at all, and if it is, then the amount required could be minimal,” he said.

“If a Lifetime Mor tgage is best, we then sit with clients and fully explain what impact not making any kind of ongoing payments will have on their future legacy

“We are able to show what differences even small amounts of repayments will make and then come to a happy compromise with clients before they apply for anything so that they are happy before , during and after their plans have finished.

It is always vital that you talk to a qualified equity release adviser, preferably registered with the Equity Release Council like Viva Retirement Solutions, but it's impor tant to understand the benefits and risks.

If you would like to find out more about Viva Retirement Solutions award winning approach to releasing equity from your home , please contact us today.

Equity release is not right for everyone and may reduce the value of your estate. Viva charge an Advice Fee after any completion of £750, typically in the market most companies will charge you £1,695 for this Call free on 0808 109 8751

It may be that downsizing or using existing assets is the best initial course of action. This way a Lifetime Mortgage may not be needed at all, and if it is, then the amount required could be minimal - PAUL SAROYA

Making early payments can save thousands

PLANNING a funeral takes time, it takes energy and it takes a clear head It is not something that should be a last minute decision especially at a time when you are coming to terms with the death of a loved one

This is a decision that requires the agreement, support and input of all close family members and should, if possible, be planned in advance

In fact Pure Cremation will tell you this is something that should ideally be written into your will so everyone is then aware of what your final wishes are.

Because, after all it is not just a question of booking a funeral director, setting a date, then sending out details to all those you wish to invite.

A funeral, whether a traditional funeral or a direct cremation, needs careful thought and discussion so that everyone is happy with the arrangements and satisfied that you are giving the deceased the farewell they wanted

Planning can be overwhelming at a time when your emotions and feelings are high and the last thing you want is to be in dispute with family members about the type of funeral it should be

You also have to consider whether the deceased's wishes are practical or affordable which is why having the arrangements in writing, namely the will, gives you advanced notice of what needs to be done so that you can not only plan ahead, but prepare financially for that eventuality

Your loved one may have requested a specific service If not you can choose whichever you think is the most appropriate

Some examples:

⚫ Religious funeral

⚫ Cremations or Direct Cremation

⚫ Green and woodland funerals

⚫ Humanist and civic funerals

⚫ Burial at sea

Examples of what you will need to know:

⚫ average cost of a funeral today and projected increases

⚫ basic costs and what add-ons increase the cost?

⚫ how much do you want to spend?

continued on page 21

TEARS

from page 20

⚫ do you want a funeral director involved?

⚫ do you want to be buried or cremated, and in which location?

⚫ do you want a service, and if so, do you want it to be led by a celebrant?

⚫ do you want a particular piece of music played?

⚫ do you wish to consider the environmental impact of your choices

⚫ are there people you would like to be notified of your death?

⚫ are there particular clothes you would like to wear in the coffin?

‘Direct cremation’ and ‘direct burial’ Some funeral directors offer these services for a fixed price It is an option if you do not want an event on the day and family would like time to think about and arrange a commemorative event

The funeral director arranges collection of the deceased and cremation at a time convenient to the crematorium.

There may be an extra charge to collect the deceased if death occurs outside hospital or involves the coroner Some companies offer family the opportunity to be present at the committal but usually charge for this.

Direct burial is less common This approach offers a way to reduce costs, as there is no need for a hearse, or limousine, and no ceremony Your family can have ashes returned to them, although this may incur a fee

Arrange a funeral without a funeral director

You can save money if you take responsibility for some tasks usually undertaken by a funeral director

These include caring for the body, completing paperwork, making arrangements with the cemetery or crematorium, and sourcing, purchasing and transporting the coffin

Extras to consider include:

⚫ notice in the local newspaper

⚫ service sheets, type of coffin or casket

⚫ clergy-led or celebrant

⚫ choice of music, limousines, pallbearers, flowers, food and drink afterwards

⚫ memorial or scatter the ashes

⚫ headstone

Latest average figures

* Direct Cremation£1,647 Funeral director burial - £3,942£5,385 (depending on area and this includes

the funeral, professional fees and send-off costs)) Funeral director cremation£3,765

A direct cremation is the most affordable choice for a funeral, because it’s a cremation without a service. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, this type of funeral has become an ever more popular option

Among those who organised a funeral between February 2020 and July 2021 (during the pandemic), 24% described the funeral as a direct cremation

A send-off is the added optional extras that can make a funeral more personal to the deceased and their loved ones, like the catering, memorial, wake and flowers

This year, send-off costs have dropped to £2,484 (-1 9%) This is probably because organising a farewell in 2021 was almost impossible due to COVID-19 *Source: SunLife report.

Planning your funeral years ahead can save all the ...

PLANNING a funeral takes time, it takes energy and it takes a clear head It is not something that should be a last minute decision especially at a time when you are coming to terms with the death of a loved one

This is a decision that requires the agreement, support and input of all close family members and should, if possible, be planned in advance

In fact Pure Cremation will tell you this is something that should ideally be written into your will so everyone is then aware of what your final wishes are.

Because, after all it is not just a question of booking a funeral director, setting a date, then sending out details to all those you wish to invite.

A funeral, whether a traditional funeral or a direct cremation, needs careful thought and discussion so that everyone is happy with the arrangements and satisfied that you are giving the deceased the farewell they wanted

Planning can be overwhelming at a time when your emotions and feelings are high and the last thing you want is to be in dispute with family members about the type of funeral it should be

You also have to consider whether the deceased's wishes are practical or affordable which is why having the arrangements in writing, namely the will, gives you advanced notice of what needs to be done so that you can not only plan ahead, but prepare financially for that eventuality

Your loved one may have requested a specific service If not you can choose whichever you think is the most appropriate

Some examples:

⚫ Religious funeral

⚫ Cremations or Direct Cremation

⚫ Green and woodland funerals

⚫ Humanist and civic funerals

⚫ Burial at sea

Examples of what you will need to know:

⚫ average cost of a funeral today and projected increases

⚫ basic costs and what add-ons increase the cost?

⚫ how much do you want to spend?

continued on page 21

TEARS

from page 20

⚫ do you want a funeral director involved?

⚫ do you want to be buried or cremated, and in which location?

⚫ do you want a service, and if so, do you want it to be led by a celebrant?

⚫ do you want a particular piece of music played?

⚫ do you wish to consider the environmental impact of your choices

⚫ are there people you would like to be notified of your death?

⚫ are there particular clothes you would like to wear in the coffin?

‘Direct cremation’ and ‘direct burial’ Some funeral directors offer these services for a fixed price It is an option if you do not want an event on the day and family would like time to think about and arrange a commemorative event

The funeral director arranges collection of the deceased and cremation at a time convenient to the crematorium.

There may be an extra charge to collect the deceased if death occurs outside hospital or involves the coroner Some companies offer family the opportunity to be present at the committal but usually charge for this.

Direct burial is less common This approach offers a way to reduce costs, as there is no need for a hearse, or limousine, and no ceremony Your family can have ashes returned to them, although this may incur a fee

Arrange a funeral without a funeral director

You can save money if you take responsibility for some tasks usually undertaken by a funeral director

These include caring for the body, completing paperwork, making arrangements with the cemetery or crematorium, and sourcing, purchasing and transporting the coffin

Extras to consider include:

⚫ notice in the local newspaper

⚫ service sheets, type of coffin or casket

⚫ clergy-led or celebrant

⚫ choice of music, limousines, pallbearers, flowers, food and drink afterwards

⚫ memorial or scatter the ashes

⚫ headstone

Latest average figures

* Direct Cremation£1,647 Funeral director burial - £3,942£5,385 (depending on area and this includes

the funeral, professional fees and send-off costs)) Funeral director cremation£3,765

A direct cremation is the most affordable choice for a funeral, because it’s a cremation without a service. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, this type of funeral has become an ever more popular option

Among those who organised a funeral between February 2020 and July 2021 (during the pandemic), 24% described the funeral as a direct cremation

A send-off is the added optional extras that can make a funeral more personal to the deceased and their loved ones, like the catering, memorial, wake and flowers

This year, send-off costs have dropped to £2,484 (-1 9%) This is probably because organising a farewell in 2021 was almost impossible due to COVID-19 *Source: SunLife report.

Planning your funeral years ahead can save all the ...

SCAM MISERY

HOME secretar y Suella Braveman has pledged to stop "text scam miser y " with a new action plan to fightback against fraud.

The strateg y will include banning cold calls on all financial products, such as those relating to insurance or sham cr yptocurrency schemes, as well as plans to work with Ofcom to clamp down on number "spoofing", so fraudsters cannot impersonate legitimate UK phone numbers.

Banks will also be allowed to delay payments from being processed for longer to allow for suspect payments to be investigated.

Opposition par ties said the plans do not go far enough but money saving exper t Mar tin Lewis said they were a "good first step" but progress is likely to be "slow going"

Under the new strateg y, the government also plans to crack down on methods used by scammers to reach thousands of people at once - such as so-called "SIM farms" and review the use of mass texting ser vices to keep these technologies out of the hands of criminals

Meanwhile , Action Fraud - the UK's fraud repor ting centre - will be replaced with a new system within the year, backed by a £30m investment including 400 new investigators

The Home Secretar y said fraud accounts for 41% of all crime across England and Wales and more than 3.7 million offences were repor ted last year - costing nearly £7bn

She pledged to "stop the text scam miser y " , adding: "Our action needs to be bold and firm, but prevention is as

impor tant as any cure That's why there must be an increased effor t to block fraud at source "

And Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says: ”Fraud now accounts for over 40% of crime It costs us nearly £7 billion a year and we know these proceeds are funding organised crime and terror

“What’s more , new technologies are making these scams easier to do and harder to police .

“It’s time to take the fight to the scammers and fraudsters, and put an end to these crimes which can devastate lives and livelihoods within seconds "

A new anti-fraud champion, Anthony Browne MP, has been appointed and the plans have also been backed by money saving exper t Mar tin Lewis as " a good first step in the right direction"

However he added: "They should improve prevention and prosecution, but it will be slow going Ultimately this is all about putting enough resources in to build a dam to stop the flood I hope we will see that happen."

Suella promises an end to the...

Rishi Sunak