NW Motor Home Theft, Parking Scam, Courier Fraud

This is  message from Val McPherson Neighbourhood Watch Area and Administrator for Aylesbury.

Motor Home Theft

Over the last couple of weeks there has been a number of  Motorhomes stolen in  Oxfordshire , which is on the border to our area. These motorhomes have been stolen overnight so to ensure it does not occur in our Area it is suggested if you own one of these consider using extra security measures such as Wheel clamps. Steering locks, or Tracking devices.

If you notice any suspicious behaviour around motorhomes or see motorhomes parked in unusual places please contact TVP via 101 or online.

Parking Scam

A member received this text message:

Parking Charge Notice (PCN): Your system shows outstanding parking fines. Payment deadline: December 29 2025. Late payment will incur additional penalties and interest. Your driver's license may be revoked , which will negatively impact your credit record. After reading this notice, please enter your registration number through the following link to check and pay the parking penalty (free information inquiry)

Then it gives a link something like this ( I have not copied the link to protect you all)  but could have https:// parking - pcn with some other letters . Please complete the payment immediately to avoid legal disputes. Thank you again for your cooperation.

Obviously the member did not click on any link as realised it was a scam but please be aware.

Courier Fraud

More than 2m was lost by victims to Courier Fraud in the Thames Valley over the last year,

The scam involves fraudsters pretending to be police officers or bank employees urging victims to withdraw funds or purchase items as part of an investigation. Victims then hand the cash or items over to a courier who promises them reimbursements before taking offwith the goods or money.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau states that 22 million has been lost nationwide with each victim losing £16,000 between April 2024 and March 2025.

If you receive a telephone call out of the blue asking you to act quickly as an emergency be very cautious. 

The police, or banks would never ask you to be involved in any undercover operation, move money, withdraw cash or give a one time password or ask to have access to your computer/laptop, or send a courier to pick up anything at all from you or ask you to post anything.

Criminals are finding different ways to  put pressure on people to part with their money quickly. 

Please be aware and do not respond in any circumstances.

Take care and I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Best wishes

Val