NW Advice on Car Crime, Burglary and Scams

This is a message from Val McPherson Chair of Princes Risborough and District Neighbourhood Watch Association.

Apologies to Coordinators who receive this message twice.

We have had an increase in burglary around Princes Risborough Area, including  Anti- Social Behaviour, Theft,  Criminal Damage, Other crime ex sheds and Public Order which causes fear, alarm or distress.  

2 x Burglaries, 10 x Anti Social Behaviour, 4 x Public Orders, 6x Other Thefts.

I have been informed by my Inspector that the recent increase of burglaries in Risborough and surrounding areas were linked to an identified series which was being  investigated and offenders were arrested. These offenders were also responsible for cross- border offences too. 

The last offence in this series which was last week (end of June) and since they were arrested  TVP are confident they have caught the people responsible.

Some Advice on Burglary using the WIDEN prevention tips:

WINDOWS - Lock your windows.

INTERIOR - Put your interior lights on a timer.

DOORS - Double or deadlock your doors.

EXTERIOR - Put your exterior lights on a sensor.

NEIGHBOURS - Keep an eye out for your neighbours.

As you are aware criminals will  look:

 For homes that seem unoccupied.

Have little or no apparent security.

Doors or windows left open. 

Or enable them to remain unseen when burgling!

Car Crime advice:

LOCK your car when you leave it. Check your sunroof ( if you have one) making sure it is locked too.

DO NOT leave your car keys in the ignition or door, even if just popping to pay for petrol/diesel.

DO NOT leave handbag/laptops/mobile or any valuables in the car or where they can be seen.

FIT lockable wheel nuts ( buy from a Car accessory store). 

DO NOT leave Credit Card documents, or Car Documents in your car.

MAKE SURE you park your car in a well lit area or secure parking if left all day.

Keyless car Theft.

KEEP your keys away from the front door/windows. Hide them away preventing the thief from being able to  amplify the key signal.

BLOCK OR TURN OFF  the signal using a Faraday pouch to keep your car keys in . These pouches contain signal -blocking materials that stop your key transmitting its code.  I sell small and larger Faraday pouches. The larger ones take a mobile phone too.  The small pouch is £3.00 and the larger one is £4.00. If you wish to purchase please email me.

Some keyless fobs allow you to turn off your signal. Please check your manual or speak to your manufacturer.

DETECTOR Lighting or Ring Doorbells/CCTV -

If your driveway is not well lit then consider fitting an outdoor motion detector lighting or CCTV.

KEEP  valuables out of sight within the vehicle and clear of clutter. If you can remove your SatNav then do so. 

Information on Vans especially for those who use  them for  businesses.

Register all your tools on a secure property recording website such as http://www.imbolilise.com  where you can record serial numbers and descriptive details.

Mark your tools - either engrave the tool or mark it with a permanent marker/paint and lacquer spray again with your home or business postcode.

Do not leave tools in your vehicle overnight as this makes them vulnerable to being stolen.

Secure your vehicle makes sure it is locked, when not in use or you are working at a premises.

Be vigilant and aware of suspicious people or vehicles in your area and report details including any descriptions on 101.

Make sure your vehicle is alarmed.

Scams

DWP  ( Department of Works and Pensions) Scam 

A member received this Scam and deleted.

DWP - OFFICIAL NOTICE

The system has detected that you have not  yet submitted your 2025 Energy Allowance application. Please complete your application before the deadline of 25 June 2025 to ensure you receive between 200 and 300 of allowance. After this date , the system will close the application window and no further applications can be submitted.

Then they give a https;// website and adding numbers and letters underneath. ex BH24Jklm570

You can see that the message is highlighted and incorrectly written but still be very careful.

DWP stated they would never contact customers directly like the above.

If you receive anything like this please do not click on any link and if you receive it on your mobile you can forward it to 7726 which

 is free for mobile users to report suspicious or unwanted text messages.

If on laptops then report it to: report@phishing.gov.uk

Amazon scam (doing the rounds)

Many of us will have received fake emails from Amazon regarding their Prime Membership subscriptions.

Amazon have said that they have noticed an increase in fake emails about their Amazon Prime accounts and give the following advice.

What is Happening.

Scammers are sending fake emails claiming your Amazon Prime subscriptions will automatically renew at an unexpected price.

The scammers might include personal information in the emails, obtained from other sources, in attempt to appear legitimate.

These emails may include a "cancel subscription" button leading to a fake Amazon Login page.

Do not click on any links in these messages- scammers use fake websites to steal your Amazon login credentials and banking information.

What should you do

To verify your Prime membership open your Amazon mobile  app or go directly or go directly to Amazon.co.uk.

Select Prime from the main menu to review your membership status, renewal dates and plan details.

If you have clicked on any suspicious links monitor your credit/debit card statements for unfamiliar charges and contact your bank immediately about any unauthorised transactions.

Report suspicious communications to amazon.co.uk/report a scam.

To find out id a message is really from Amazon, visit the Message Centre under "Your Account" Legitimate messages from Amazon will appear there.

Keep safe and be careful

Val