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Local Alerts for Tipton & Great Bridge & Princes end. Recent neighbourhood alerts for the DY4 area highlight specific threats: Doorstep Scams: Scammers in Sandwell have impersonated council staff, utility workers ("The Water Board"), or tradespeople claiming you have "loose roof tiles" to gain entry or extort cash.ASB Priorities: The Great Bridge Retail Park and High Street are current priorities for tackling aggressive begging and antisocial behaviour, which can include unwanted approaches.Bogus Police Calls: Fraudsters may call pretending to be WMP officers or bank staff, asking you to withdraw cash or provide PINs for a "courier" to collect. Community Protection Advice The Tipton and Great Bridge , princes end neighbourhood team recommends a "Stop, Chain, Check" protocol: Stop: Before answering, ask yourself if you were expecting anyone. Ensure back doors are locked before approaching the front.Chain: Always use a door bar or chain when opening the door.Check: Demand to see photo ID. Genuine callers, including WMP officers, will wait while you verify their identity.No Cold Calling: Display a "No Cold Callers" sticker. You can often obtain these from your local council or police station. Reporting & Support Nuisance Calls: Register for free with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) on 0345 070 0707 to stop marketing calls. Forward suspicious texts to 7726.Police Verification: If someone at your door claims to be a police officer, call 101 to verify their collar number while they wait outside.Actionable Contacts Contact Type | Service | Detail | Emergency | 999 | If a caller is aggressive or a crime is in progress. | Non-Emergency | 101 | To report suspicious loitering or non-urgent fraud. | Online Reporting | WMP Live Chat | Available 8 am–midnight for reporting ASB. | Anonymous | Crimestoppers | Call 0800 555 111 to report scammers anonymously. |
West Midlands Police classifies persistent or distressing calls and visits as antisocial behaviour or fraud, depending on the intent. Genuine police officers or officials will never ask for bank details or cash over the phone or at your door. 1. Handling Annoying Phone Calls Cold Calls & Scams: Do not give out personal or banking information. If a caller claims to be from the police or your bank, hang up, wait 10 minutes (or use a different phone) to ensure the line is clear, and call 101 or the official number on your bank card.Malicious Calls: Calls involving threats, blackmail, or indecency are criminal offences.Prevention Steps:- Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) for free on 0345 070 0707 to opt out of marketing calls.
- Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (spells 'SPAM') to alert your mobile provider.
- Use blocking features on your smartphone or contact your provider (e.g., BT, Virgin Media) for landline screening services.
2. Dealing with Unwanted Doorstep Visits Bogus Officials & Rogue Traders: Scammers may pose as utility workers, council staff, or police to gain entry or sell fake services."Stop, Chain, Check":- Stop: Do not open the door to unexpected visitors. Look through a spyhole or window first.
- Chain: Always put the door chain on before opening.
- Check: Demand to see a photo ID or warrant card. Genuine callers will wait while you verify their details with their organisation.
Prevention: Display a "No Cold Callers" sticker near your doorbell to deter salespeople. 3. How to Report These Incidents Emergency (999): Call immediately if a crime is in progress, the caller is aggressive, or you feel in immediate danger.Non-Emergency (101): Use the West Midlands Police Online Report Tool to report nuisance behaviour or suspicious visitors who have left the area.Fraud & Scams: If you have lost money or shared personal details, report it to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040.Anonymous Reporting: Contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. Thank you from Tipton police station. | 
