Crime Prevention Bulletin

Dear Resident

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Fake website awareness

Fraudsters are attempting to scam shoppers using fake websites, including impersonations of Amazon, Boots and Tesco. To make the copycat sites appear legitimate, the fraudsters closely mimick the genuine web addresses of the brands, which is a tactic known as typosquatting. Which? found a scam text claiming to be from Tesco that tells you that you have ‘points’ to renew as part of a ‘2026 Reward Program.’ (see image). It goes on to provide a link to redeem these points. 

Amazon is often impersonated by scammers, and just last month, Which? warned about a text message scam circulating about an Amazon Product Recall. The message instructed you to click a link to apply for a refund. This link led to a copycat of Amazon's login page and asked for your Amazon login details, such as your email or phone number. 

For further advice on fraud and guidance on reporting visit https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/

Rural Times – winter 2025/2026 edition

The latest edition of Rural Times has now been published on our website. This edition highlights the efforts of the Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force with regards to their response to recent reports of hare coursing, and some success stories – most notably the continued recovery of suspected stolen goods.

OPCC Youth Commission – applications open

The Hampshire & IOW Office of The Police & Crime Commissioner’s Youth Commission are recruiting for new members aged 14 to 25, from across Hampshire and the IOW, who represent the voice of young people on police and crime matters. They gather and represent the views of young people at a number of local and national strategic level meetings, attend events, create youth led campaigns and projects and help to shape policing in the area. To apply click here. Applications close on 12 April 2026.

Free NHW training for businesses

NHW are launching free neighbourhood safety training, specifically to help businesses. Building on their work with the Community Safety Charter, this free online training will support your staff to: 

To find out more and sign up for the free modules please click here. 

Unsure if a message is really from your bank?

 Don’t reply to the message, or use any of the links or contact information provided.

 Contact your bank using official contact information on their website/app, or by calling 159.

Find out more by visiting: gov.uk/stopthinkfraud

Mobile phone security – register your phone & IMEI on Immobilise

Registering your phone on the National Property Register Immobilise increases the chance of it being returned to you if it is lost or stolen. When a mobile phone handset is made it is given a unique electronic serial number known as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). This number can be displayed on the screen of the phone by entering *#06# into the keypad - this is the most important number you need to provide when registering it on Immobilise. 

If you’re on a contract and you lose your phone or it’s stolen you should report it to your mobile phone provider immediately - within 24 hours. The network operator will be able to block the phone and render it useless, even if a new sim card is used.