Neighbourhood crime is reducing across the Bolton Borough. By reducing the opportunity for criminals by taking preventative measures, we help disrupt criminal activity in our communities. Lower crime rates create an environment where people feel more secure and are more likely to participate in community activities, fostering a sense of belonging and unity, take pride in their communities and live healthier lives.
Security systems and cameras can cost hundreds of £s, but preventing crime doesn’t have to be expensive. Taking simple measures such as keeping doors and windows locked, moving valuables out of sight are all things we can do for free to protect our property Think WIDE(N), although there are times when small purchases are needed to help maintain our security.
Below are a few items that you can use to help secure your valuables and prevent crime. While we can’t endorse any sellers, these items are available for £5 or less from online retailers, only buy from reputable online stores but please read any feedback before making an online purchase to ensure the products are as expected and you aren’t going to be the victim of any online scams or sub-standard items.
Purse Bell / Bag Bell / Minder Bell
(From £2.50) Attaching the security bells onto a handbag, purse or keys can help protect you from pick pocketing. The purse bells are a tried and tested solution. Twin Purse Bell is discreet but highly effective. Clip it to the zipper on your purse and if someone tries to dip into your handbag the twin bells will jingle to alert any potential theft. The bells can also be used to protect bags, wallets or any other valuable items. Can be used on backpacks.
Faraday Pouch / Faraday Bag / Signal Blocking Box
(From £2.00) Cars are increasingly being stolen by criminals using technology to exploit the keyless entry systems found in many modern vehicles. This method, often referred to as a "relay attack," involves using electronic devices to amplify and relay the signal from a car's key fob to unlock and start the vehicle. Here's how the process generally works:
Two-Person Team: Typically, two thieves work together. One stands near the car with a device that can capture the signal from the key fob, and the other stands closer to the house or wherever the key fob is located with another device to relay the signal.
Signal Amplification: The device near the house picks up the key fob signal and amplifies it, sending it to the accomplice's device near the car.
Unlocking and Starting the Car: The car receives the relayed signal and interprets it as if the key fob is nearby. This allows the thieves to unlock the car and start the engine, driving away without physically possessing the key.
Store your key fob in a protective faraday pouch, bag or box. These are lined with metallic material that blocks the signal, preventing thieves from intercepting it. Make sure you replace your Faraday pouch every 2-3 years as it does degrade with time. Don’t forget to protect your spare keys too as we often just throw these in a drawer and forget about them until needed.
Signal Blocking Purse / Wallet
(From £5.00) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking is the process of making your RFID-enabled device resistant to unauthorized access. The most popular way to achieve this is by getting an RFID blocking wallet — a holder for your cards that is made from materials that interfere with electromagnetic fields. RFID blocking technology was developed to prevent criminals from taking advantage of no-authorization contactless scanning. In theory, a thief standing nearby could surreptitiously access your card’s RFID function in what is known as a “skimming” attack, leeching money from victims in the street, a crowded bus, or a queue at the grocery store.
Signal Blocker Sleeve / RFID Sleeve / Credit Card Sleeve
(From £0.50) An alternative to a signal blocking purse or wallet is a RFID Sleeve. The sleeves are equipped with RFID secure technology, an electromagnetically opaque shield, which blocks RFID signals and from unauthorized scans. These can be used with conventional purses and wallets.
Stash Can / Diversion Container
(From £2.50) Research has shown that most home intruders spend fewer than 6 minutes inside someone's house, and when they're there, they mean business. They're checking the most common hiding places for valuables and snatching what they can. That's exactly why you need a diversion safe. A diversion safe allows you to hide your valuables in plain sight. Food cans, toiletries, and household cleaning product containers make excellent diversion safes because thieves don't even think about looking for valuables in them. They're busy sifting through drawers, overturning mattresses and looking behind paintings for safes. A diversion safe can store money, jewellery and other valuables, and it might be exactly what you need in your home, dorm room, or hotel room. The best part is that they're incredibly affordable, and police suggest that they're even more effective at protecting your things than a heavy, locked safe is. Some Diversion Containers also act as faraday cages (see above), but please check with the seller before purchase
Webcam Privacy Cover
(From £1.50) Using a webcam cover provides a simple yet effective layer of protection against potential cybercrime and privacy breaches. Here are the key benefits and crimes it can help prevent:
Protection Against Webcam Hacking (Remote Access Trojans - RATs) Prevention of Unauthorized Surveillance: Cybercriminals may use malware like Remote Access Trojans (RATs) to gain control of a victim’s webcam without their knowledge. This allows them to spy on the user, record video or audio, and capture sensitive moments. Blackmail and Extortion: In cases where hackers obtain compromising footage, they may attempt to blackmail the victim by threatening to release or publish it unless a ransom is paid. Identity Theft: Hackers can collect personal information by observing the user’s surroundings, documents, or even discussions captured through the webcam. This data can be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes.
UV Pen
(From £1.00) Items such as laptops, games consoles, MP3 players and mobile phones can be easily stolen and quickly passed on. Security-marking your property could help to deter thieves as well as increase the chance of the police being able to return your items if they are lost or stolen. Ultra violet (UV) or invisible marking – UV pens put an invisible mark on your property that can only be seen under a UV lamp. Use a mark that is unique to you and easily identifiable. For larger more expensive items marking with the house number and postcode eg 13 AB99 0CD can help the police reunite you with your property. Also register all your valuable items on immobilise
Anti-theft Screws / Tamper Resistant Screws
(From £3.00) The easiest way to protect your number plates from theft is by fitting them with one-way, anti-theft screws. Having your standard number plate screws swapped for one‐way, anti‐theft screws, or adding anti-theft screws if your plates are only held on with double-sided tape, greatly reduces the risk of your plates being stolen. These special screws have been designed to make it a whole lot harder for thieves to remove your plates.
Anti-theft screws can be easily fastened with a regular flat-bladed screwdriver, however the shape of the slot means that unlike normal screws, they can only be turned in one direction – clockwise.
No Cold Caller Signs
(Print at home FREE, Purchase From £1.50) Is cold calling illegal? Cold calling is not illegal. However, any trader that ignores a sticker or notice on your door stating that you do not wish to receive cold calls may be committing a criminal offence. Also, any trader that ignores any requests by you to leave and not return is committing a criminal offence (Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations). The term “cold calling” only applies to callers that have no prior relationship with you and are attempting to sell goods or services. It doesn’t apply to electricity/gas meter readings, people you may have dealt with previously, Royal Mail’s junk mail, delivery drivers, police, the council to name a few. Most legitimate sales people won’t knock and therefore any callers that do knock on your door are very likely fraudsters. Always ask for ID at the door before entertaining anyone that’s knocked, and don’t be afraid of making them stand outside, behind a LOCKED door while you check they are genuine. If you are suspicious of a caller in anyway, or they refuse to leave, contact the police.
Neighbourhood Watch Window Sticker
(FREE) Neighbourhood Watch is about people getting together with their neighbours to take action to reduce crime. They're community initiatives owned and run by their members which are supported by the police but not owned by them. They work by developing a close relationship between community members and the local police. Neighbourhood Watch schemes can:
cut crime and the opportunities for crime
help and reassure those who live in the area
encourage neighbourliness and closer communities
While we work with the local authority who kindly provide signage for our schemes, budget constraints restrict how many signs we can have in each scheme area when the coordinator puts in a request. Neighbourhood Watch window stickers are available free from your scheme coordinator. These stickers have been made available to us thanks to sponsorship from the Neighbourhood Watch Networks national sponsors, Avast, Era, SimpliSafe and PatLock. Displaying a Neighbourhood Watch sticker shows others you are in a community which looks out for each other and offers you an extra level of protection. We know that neighbours looking out for each other can be a visible deterrent to burglars. Criminals know that if a neighbourhood has an active Neighbourhood Watch scheme, the neighbourhood is not an easy target. It is a notice that the neighbourhood is organised and does not tolerate criminal activity in the area. The Neighbourhood Watch sign is proof that your neighbourhood has safeguards in place to detect crime and report suspicious activity to the police. See further down for details on finding and joining your local scheme.
Time for a new job—9 work-from-home scams and how to spot them
By Nyrmah J. Reina (Avast)
Looking for a work-from-home gig this year? Cool, but beware of scams.
Navigating the job market can feel like a final boss battle in a video game—thrilling, challenging, and filled with traps. Unfortunately, work-from-home scams are some of the trickiest villains you’ll encounter on this quest. They disguise themselves as legitimate opportunities, preying on jobseekers eager to land their dream roles.
These shady schemes can cost you time, money, and confidence. Let’s level up your scam-spotting skills by exposing nine of the most common work-from-home scams and how to defeat them.
1. The Ponzi: Multi-level marketing (MLM)
Multi-level marketing schemes lure jobseekers with promises of “be your own boss” and “unlimited earnings.” The reality? You're paying to play, often with no real return on investment.
Warning signs:
Job postings emphasizing recruitment over product sales
Upfront fees for “starter kits”
Unrealistic income promises with little work
2. The bad banker: The bounced check
You’re “hired,” receive a check, and are asked to transfer money or buy supplies. A week later, the check bounces, and you’re left covering the loss.
Warning signs:
Requests to deposit a check and wire funds
Urgent instructions for quick transactions
Employers who vanish once money is sent
3. The guru: Pay for training
These scammers promise a dream job after you pay for “mandatory training.” Once you’ve shelled out, the job offer evaporates.
Warning signs:
Training fees required upfront
No details about the employer or job specifics
A too-good-to-be-true guarantee of employment
4. The crypto bro: Cryptocurrency as payment
These jobs lure you in with high earnings, but payment is in crypto—often requiring you to invest in advance. In most cases, your wallet stays empty.
Warning signs:
Payment offered in investments or crypto instead of cash
Requests to set up crypto wallets for the job
Lack of proper documentation or contracts
5. The reckless recruiter: Suspicious cold messaging
Recruiters sliding into your DMs? Be cautious. Many scammers impersonate legitimate companies, offering roles through email or text without an interview.
Warning signs:
No prior interaction before the job offer
Generic messages with little personalisation
Communication via unprofessional or personal accounts
Requests for immediate action without an interview
6. The easy breezy: Too-good-to-be-true offers
“Earn £100/hour, no experience needed!” It may be tempting, but highly unlikely. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Warning signs:
Extremely high pay for simple tasks
Vague or no description of job responsibilities
Pressure to accept the offer quickly
7. The nosy Nancy: Personal information requests
Scammers posing as employers might ask for sensitive details like your National Insurance number or banking info under the guise of “onboarding.”
Warning signs:
Requests for personal details before hiring
Unsecured or unofficial communication channels
Lack of transparency on how your data will be used
8. The super shipper: Reshipping packages
Victims are recruited to receive and resend packages purchased with stolen credit cards, making them unwilling accomplices to fraud.
Warning signs:
Jobs labelled as “shipping coordinator” to mimic real jobs
Packages delivered to your home with vague instructions
Minimal communication from “employers”
9. The clumsy calligrapher: Personal assistant scams
Scammers posing as stressed-out executives might rush jobseekers into positions with sketchy contracts and sloppy communication.
Warning signs:
Excessive typos and grammatical errors in messages
Vague instructions or responsibilities
Communication via personal email or messaging apps
Odd payment methods
7 defensive moves against work-from-home scams
These tips will help keep you safe from scammers targeting jobseekers like you:
Do your research. Look up the company online. Legitimate employers will have a clear online presence with reviews and contact information.
Read company reviews. Use sites like Glassdoor to see what current and former employees say.
Safeguard your information. Never share sensitive personal details unless you're sure the employer is legitimate.
Never send payment or goods. A real job will never ask you to pay upfront or purchase anything for them.
Watch out for odd communication styles. Scammers often use inconsistent messaging, typos, or non-professional platforms.
Get cybersecurity.Robust cybersecurity software may help flag threats like suspicious messages, acting as armour against scams.
Report the scammers. Report them on the site or job board you found them and to the Action Fraud.
Defeat the work-from-home scam final boss
Scammers are relentless, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can dodge their traps. Spotting red flags and staying cautious are your best defences. Armed with these tips, you’re ready to spot scams, sidestep the traps, and focus on finding real opportunities.
FAQs about work-from-home scams
How do you know if a work-from-home job is legitimate?
Look for clear job descriptions, a verifiable company, and no requests for payment upfront.
How can I work from home without being scammed?
Stick to reputable job boards, avoid roles with unrealistic promises, research both the employers and offers thoroughly, and never share sensitive info prematurely.
Accessing your local scheme You can find your nearest Neighbourhood Watch scheme through your Neighbourhood Alert account. If you are already registered with Neighbourhood Alert, whether through any of the information providers eg Neighbourhood Watch, Bee In the Loop, Action fraud, you can find the link to log into your account at the bottom of this email, if your are not already registered you can sign up for free here https://members.ourwatchmember.org.uk/join Please check your email after registering to verify your email address and start receiving news and alerts straight to your inbox from your local policing team and crime prevention advice and scheme messages from Neighbourhood Watch. Some mail providers direct Neighbourhood Alert emails to the junk folder, so please whitelist @neighbourhoodalert.co.uk by adding it to your safe senders list.
When you are on your account page, across the top you should see NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH TOOLS. From the drop down menu select JOIN/CREATE SCHEME.
You will see the nearest 5 schemes to your postcode. Some schemes allow members from outside their scheme area to join them, while others restrict membership to their own area. This is down to each individual scheme coordinator. If in doubt you can contact the scheme coordinator directly through the scheme page.
If there is no scheme in your area and would like to start one, follow the links on the page. There are also a number of schemes where the coordinator has moved, so there are opportunities to become a coordinator or deputy coordinator on an established scheme. Managing the scheme through Neighbourhood Alert allows you to manage the scheme membership and communicate with your community while complying with current Data Protection legislation.
If you can’t see NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH TOOLS at the top of your screen, you may need to go to INFORMATION PROVIDERS and select NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Note: Options will vary depending on which information provider you registered with
You can also customise your account to receive messages that are of interest to you, for example if you select the SECURITY SURVEILLANCE option and tick CCTV, if an incident occurs in your area, the police can send messages to those with CCTV selected asking them to check their footage. This can cut the investigation time down significantly, and through the police using the messaging system, offenders have been identified and caught within hours as oppose to days or weeks.
Note: Options available may vary depending on which information provider you registered with.
By registering with Neighbourhood Alert, you can make a difference to your community.
If you have problems creating an account or scheme, accessing an existing account or contacting a scheme coordinator, please contact our Membership Support Administrators who will be happy to help.
Bolton’s Community Safety Partnership has a statutory duty to bring together local partners and join forces to formulate and deliver strategies to reduce crime, tackle antisocial behaviour and make the borough a safer place.
Agencies that form this partnership include:
Bolton Council
Greater Manchester Police
GMCA Police & Crime Team
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service
Probation
Greater Manchester NHS Integrate Care Partnership
Youth Justice
Housing Providers, and
The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sectors
who all work together working towards the priorities included within the Community Safety Delivery Plan 2023 – 2026 which are
KEEP PEOPLE SAFE
REDUCE HARM AND OFFENDING
STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES AND PLACES
Below is information from the Community Safety Partnership about recording and reporting Anti-Social Behaviour
Neighbour nuisance and anti-social behaviour
What is Anti-Social Behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour includes all sorts of behaviour which might intimidate you or spoil your quality of life. It is anything which interferes with the peaceful enjoyment of your home and surrounding area.
Examples include:
nuisance neighbours
abandoned cars
vandalism
graffiti
drunken or rowdy behaviour
harassment/intimidation/threats
How to report anti-social behaviour
Before we can take any action, we need information about the problem.
Please complete an incident diary and return it to us.
You can call in confidence on 01204 336500. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. If you call out of hours and leave a voicemail, we will call you back. In an emergency call 999.
However, you will be required to complete an incident diary for us to deal with the complaint.
What happens next?
Once a completed incident diary has been received, the case will be allocated to an officer who will contact you within five working days to discuss the case and agree a plan of action.
Supporting victims and witnesses
Available support includes:
evidence pack to record incidents
dictaphones to record incidents rather than writing them down, if you prefer
one officer to manage your case and update you as often as you would like
one direct telephone line 01204 336500 to report anti-social behaviour on
personal alarm if required
use of CCTV equipment
support to help you deal with intimidation
emotional support
Anti-Social Behaviour Policy and Procedure
Our ASB Policy and Procedure provides information about what Bolton Council can do to achieve a positive resolution following a report of anti-social behaviour.
