Please be aware of the below which has happened in Reigate & Banstead.

The problem is thus – the householder recieves a phone call. The caller purports to be from their bank – knows their name address and who they bank with. The try all sorts to obtain a PIN for the cards stating they are replacing old cards with new ones and other excuses. They then organise for a courier to collect the old cards and have the cards and PIN to withdraw money. Previously the courier has also been quite insistent and forceful and has managed to convince a neighbour to walk around the property with them (which makes them appear legitimate)

We wish to give the following advice:

• Banks will not ‘cold call’ you
• They will not ask for your PIN
• If they do ask for any personal information terminate the call immediately and telephone your bank on numbers you have for them to confirm if it is a genuine call

If you have mistakenly given out information don’t panic – contact your bank immediately and discuss what information you have divulged / cancel your cards. Contact police immediately afterwards on ’101′ and report the incident.

If a ‘courier’ is supposed to be on their way:

• Dial ’999′
• Do not open your door to anyone who knocks and that you suspect to be involved in suspicious activity

Surrey Police takes these matters very seriously and general crime prevention advice is available on the surrey police website

Do not open your door to unknown / unexpected callers without putting the chain on and asking for Identification – if you doubt the ID, call the company directly. The caller should have their contact number.

Remember – STOP CHAIN CHECK

If you do not have a chain on your door, they are easily fitted

• assess callers by looking through windows and if you need to speak to them, open upper windows or casement windows that cannot be used to gain access to your house
• speak to your telephone provider about ways to remove your telephone number from general circulation – caller preference service or ex directory for example

Also ask them about caller display – Fraudsters will withhold their numbers. Be wary of these calls even from Police and obtain officers FIN (force identifier number) and station and call back to the police on their switchboard number or via 101 with those details.

If you know a neighbour who may be prey to this kind of trick, speak to them about this warning and offer assistance if they’re not sure.

To speak to your local policing team (the ‘SNT’) dial 101 and tell the operator where you live.

The new non-emergency telephone number – 101 – is proving a success in Surrey since its official launch on 1st September 2011.

More than 50 percent of the non-emergency calls coming into the Surrey Police contact centre are made by members of the public using 101 rather than the previous 0845 number.

The memorable 101 number has now been rolled out to all police forces across England and Wales and is expected to continue to aid the police in dealing with calls for help from the public.

101 costs 15p per call from both mobile phones and landlines, no matter how long the call lasts or what time of day it’s made. Calls to 101 from telephone boxes are free.

As an alternative to 101 – a geographical number – 01483 571212 – is also available for those unable to use the 101 service (for example, if calling from abroad).

Chief Inspector Alison Barlow, from Surrey Police’s Contact Centre, said: “On average Surrey Police receives around 350 emergency 999 calls a day but less than 20 percent of those require an emergency response from the police. You should only call 999 in a real emergency, for example when someone’s life is in danger, a serious offence is in progress or someone is at risk of violence. For all other issues such as contacting police with a general enquiry or reporting minor crime or disorder the public should contact Surrey Police on the 101 number.”

Minor crime can also be reported online, at a police station or at Surrey Police’s mobile police office. For more details visit www.surrey.police.uk

Surrey Police has launched an initiative this week to tackle vehicle crime across the county. Activity will include neighbourhood officers and extra patrol teams focussing on the hot spot areas within Surrey and offenders known to be linked to vehicle crime. The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) team will also be stopping vehicles which are known to have been stolen or have links to offenders. The overall aim is to reduce the offences of theft from and theft of motor vehicles.

In addition to these operational activities, innovative ‘Fixed Police Notices’ containing crime prevention advice will also be put on cars in vulnerable areas or where vehicle crime has recently taken place.

Inspector Richard Mallet of Surrey Police Roads Policing Unit advises the following steps to reduce vehicle crime;

• Always lock your car when you leave it, even if it’s just for a few moments. Make sure windows and sunroofs are shut and locked too.
• Never leave any personal possessions in your car. Thieves love to steal sat navs, laptops and mobile phones. But less obvious items such as clothes and loose change are also appealing.
• Don’t leave valuables hidden in your boot or under car seats. Thieves know where to look.
• Don’t store driving or vehicle documents in your glove box. Keep them stored safely at home.
• If your car doesn’t have an alarm, get one fitted or use a steering lock to deter thieves.
• Look after your car keys. Keep them on you when out and about. When at home keep them hidden and not in view of a window, door or letterbox.
• Secure your number plate with clutch head screws to avoid becoming a victim of ‘car cloning’.
• Keep your eye out for potential car criminals. If you see someone looking inside cars or trying door handles call Surrey Police on 101. In an emergency always call 999.

For more details on how to protect your vehicle visit www.surrey.police.uk/vehiclecrime

Surrey Police is warning Surrey residents about a scam in which fraudsters posing as couriers use false pretences to obtain people’s bank cards following a number of incidents in the north of the county.

The scam works by the victim initially receiving a phone call, or number of phone calls, from someone claiming to be from their bank. The caller checks the victim’s details, including asking for their PIN number, then informs them that they need a new bank card. The victim is advised that someone will be visiting them shortly to collect their old card. A person, dressed to look like a courier, then arrives at the door to take the card.

Surrey Police is aware of three incidents which occurred in Egham yesterday (Wednesday, 4 January.) In one incident the victim contacted their bank following the initial call and was advised not to hand over their bank card but in the other two incidents the cards were handed over and sums of £300 and £500 were taken from the victim’s accounts.

One of the victim’s was able to provide a description of the ‘courier’ who called at their address. They are described as a black man, aged in his late 20s, around 5ft 6ins tall, with short dark hair. He was wearing a black and blue coloured waterproof jacket and dark trousers.

Detective Constable Richard Warr, of the Cross Border Investigations Team, said:

“We had a spate of incidents last year, particularly in the east Surrey area, in which this scam was used to obtain bank cards from pensioners. Although these recent incidents have occurred in the Egham area, it is important that everyone is aware of the tactics used by these con-artists so they can make sure their more vulnerable and elderly neighbours, family and friends know what they should do to protect themselves.

“Banks and building societies do not operate in this way and would never request a customer confirm their PIN details over the phone. Anyone who receives a suspicious call, either on the phone or in person, is urged to not give any details to the caller and phone their bank or building society to verify whether the request is genuine.”

Anyone who saw someone matching the suspect’s description knocking on doors in Egham yesterday, or who witnesses any ongoing suspicious activity, is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference RM/12/49.

For more information call the Surrey Police Fast-time Communications Office on 01483 632000 or email: fast-timecommunications@surrey.police.uk

For up-to-date news see our website at www.surrey.police.uk

Follow Surrey Police at www.twitter.com/surreypolice

Call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don’t want to leave your name.

Surrey Police has launched a new section on the Force’s website today to trace those both wanted and suspected of being involved in various burglary offences across the county. The section also names and shames those recently put behind bars.

http://www.surrey.police.uk/media/rogues_gallery.asp

The Rogues Gallery is split into three sections – ‘Behind Bars’, ‘Most Wanted’, and ‘Do you know these people?’ and it will run for an initial three month trial period.  The Rogues Gallery will be updated on a regular basis with new convictions to highlight how the public have helped Surrey Police put criminals ‘Behind Bars’. It will also be updated regularly with those ‘Most Wanted’ or suspected of being involved in burglaries.

Anyone with information can call Surrey Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 if they don’t want to give their name.

Christmas campaign

Surrey Police’s campaign to help homeowners avoid becoming the victims of burglary over Christmas also launched last week. http://www.surrey.police.uk/safety/beattheburglar/beattheburglar.asp

The campaign includes a short video and radio adverts urging the public to protect their homes and possessions and not to make life easy for burglars by leaving their wrapped presents in view under the Christmas tree.

A new 10 step self assessment to consider and assess the level of home security is now available on the Force’s website. It provides practical advice to help homeowners reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of burglary.

To help you enjoy a happy and safe Christmas and New Year, Surrey Police recommend the following:

At home

• Don’t leave presents under the Christmas tree in view of a window. Hide them somewhere safe until Christmas morning.
• Security mark expensive presents, such as electronic equipment with a forensic marking product and keep an inventory on a property registration website such as www.immobilise.com.

• Dispose of Christmas gift packaging carefully. Empty boxes left outside can advertise to thieves what they can find inside.

Going away?

• If you are going away over the festive period ask a neighbour or your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to keep an eye on your house.
• Do not post details of your holiday on social networking sites.
• Make your house look occupied by using automatic timer switches to turn interior lights, radios or TVs on and off and ensure you cancel your milk and newspapers.
• Remember to lock all doors and windows and to set your burglar alarm.

Visit www.surrey.police.uk to view the Rogues Gallery, the Christmas campaign video or to take the self assessment on your home security.

Call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don’t want to leave your name.

http://www.surrey.police.uk/media/news_item.asp?area=3&itemID=14627

Officers have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a robbery at a newsagents’ in Redhill.

The suspect entered Martins newsagents’, shortly before 5pm on Thursday, 17 November, and asked for assistance finding a packet of sweets.

He then approached the cashier to pay for the goods and when the till was opened the suspect reached across and stole a significant amount of money.

The suspect then fled the London Road store.

Despite an extensive area search officers were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged approximately 25, with short cropped dark hair. He was wearing a grey zip-up hooded top, a blue Puffa style jacket and blue denim jeans.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Antony Preston said:

“I am appealing to members of the community to look closely at these images and come forward with the suspect’s name.

“During the incident the employee sustained minor injuries to her hands as she grappled with the suspect trying to retrieve the money. This was a shocking ordeal for the employee, and other staff members, but with your help we can identify the person responsible and ensure they are brought before the courts.”

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is urged to contact detectives at Reigate CID on 101 quoting reference RB/11/9973 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger). Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don’t want to leave your name.

Surrey Police in partnership with Eagle Radio have launched a campaign aimed at helping the county’s homeowners avoid becoming victims of burglary during the winter months.

The county sees around a 33% increase in domestic burglaries between the months of October and December after the clocks have gone back and the evenings get darker.

The campaign, titled “Burglars take more than you think – Don’t make it easy for them”, includes a short film and radio adverts urging the public to protect their homes and possessions and not to make life easy for burglars.

The film features a young man, played by an actor, in a property you believe to be his own home. He’s taking a drink from the fridge and sitting on the sofa as he works from his laptop. As he prepares to go out he places the laptop in its case, gathers his “belongings” – a gold watch, mobile phone and money – and heads for the kitchen draw to collect his car keys.

As he drives off the viewer sees how he came to be in the property in the first place as he is revealed as a burglar!

A radio advertising campaign will run alongside the film featuring the views of home owners after they discover they have been burgled. Actor’s voices will portray the emotion and upset involved in having both sentimental and valuable items taken.

This campaign follows on from Surrey Police and Crimestoppers coming together to launch “Cash for information” to encourage the public to pass on information anonymously about burglars and the handling of stolen goods in return for a financial reward if an arrest and charge is made.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Maria Woodall said

“As the clocks go back and it starts to get darker earlier, the number of break-ins goes up. It is known that burglars often target properties that appear to be unoccupied and therefore making sure your home looks and feels like someone is at home can be all that is needed to keep your belongings safe.

“Simple crime prevention measures can really make all the difference, such as leaving a few lights on and not having valuables in view from a window. The majority of burglars are opportunists, and if they have to make a lot of noise, spend a lot of time, or risk being seen, they are likely to go elsewhere”

Surrey Police is giving the following advice to help residents avoid becoming a victim of burglary as the winter months rapidly approach:

• Light up your house – inside and outside. If you are out or away, use

timer switches to turn internal lights on and off.

• Make sure your doors are securely locked at all times.
• Close and lock all windows – burglars can wiggle through any gap larger than a human head.
• Fit locks at the top and bottom of patio doors.
• A visible burglar alarm will make a burglar think twice. Make sure you set your alarm every time you leave your house.
• Never leave garages or sheds unlocked.
• Fit and lock gates across side and back entrances.
• Be alert to strangers loitering in the street, If you don’t recognise them and they are acting suspiciously, call the police.
• Don’t hide your keys under a mat or a flowerpot – it’s the first place a burglar will look.

• Keep an inventory of your valuable property, either on paper or online with a company such as www.immobilise.com

• Use a property marking product to uniquely mark valuable possessions. For more information visit www.securedbydesign.com

• Beware of bogus callers. Use a door chain and check the callers identity carefully. If in doubt, keep them out.

• And finally, if a burglar does get into your home handbags, wallets and car keys are rich pickings so never leave these items in view.

Thank you for your assistance and co-operation

Two plucky pensioners thwarted a conman’s attempts to obtain thousands of pounds by exploiting their trusting nature.

On Thursday, 27 October, a man calling himself ‘Mr Taylor’ claimed to have moved into a nearby cul-de-sac when he knocked at the 71-year-old lady’s door.

The suspect advised the pensioner he needed access to their land in order to repair a drainage problem. He asked for the victim’s telephone number so he could arrange for the work to be carried out.

At around 10.30am on Friday, 28 October, ‘Mr Taylor’ telephoned the victim and spoke with her 72-year-old husband. The suspect advised the victims needed to pay £4,000 for machinery which was being ordered the same day to complete the work.

The victim went to his bank and enquired about obtaining a short-term loan to cover the cost of the drainage work. The bank employee became suspicious and advised the victims’ not to proceed with the loan and not to part with any money to ‘Mr Taylor’.

When the victims’ advised ‘Mr Taylor’ they would not be paying him £4,000 he became aggressive and demanded they pay him £2,000 instead.

The victims’ made enquiries with residents in nearby roads and established no one had moved in recently nor was anyone aware of any drainage problems.

Later the same day ‘Mr Taylor’ called the victim and verbally abused the 72-year-old gentleman threatening legal action to recover costs he had incurred. The victims’ also received a phone call from a man claiming to be a Horsham-based contractor called ‘Mr Wood’ who was delivering machinery for the drainage problem. ‘Mr Wood’ also threatened the victims’ with legal action to cover his costs.

‘Mr Taylor’ is described as a white man, aged between 40 and 50, approximately 5ft 11’ tall, of broad heavy build, he was clean shaven with black short wavy hair. He was wearing a blue ribbed jumper and blue trousers.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Ian Chadwick, said:

“Initially ‘Mr Taylor’ was very polite and presented himself as a neighbour in need.

“Fortunately the victims were not fooled or intimidated and thwarted the suspect’s attempts to take their money. However, naturally this ordeal has left the elderly couple very shaken.

“It is vital the community works with Surrey Police in order to prevent offences like this. I would urge people to remain vigilant when advised, by a stranger, work is needed to your property and ask that carers, friends, family and neighbours look out for those who are vulnerable or elderly.

“We are working closely with our colleagues in Sussex Police who are investigating similar frauds. Trading Standards is also aware of this incident.

“Together we can ensure those who take advantage of peoples’ trusting nature are brought to justice. Our advice to the public is always say no to cold-callers.”

Surrey Police is working with partners at Trading Standards to gather intelligence against the people operating in the area and anyone with information is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Call 101

for all non-emergency policing matters.Call 999

if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

if you have information about crime and don’t want to leave your name.

Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses after a collision between a car and a cyclist on Reigate Hill on Thursday, 10 November.

The incident took place around 7.15pm when the red Volkswagen Passat estate car and the cyclist were travelling up the hill towards the M25.

Emergency crews attended the scene and the cyclist, a man in his 40s, was taken to St George’s Hospital, Tooting by ambulance. The cyclist remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The A217 at the junction with Gatton Bottom and at the bottom of the hill were closed until around 10.30pm while emergency crews attended and recovery was made for the car and bike.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference P11333536.

for all non-emergency policing matters.Call 999

if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

if you have information about crime and don’t want to leave your name.

The owner of a local taxi business has been fined for assaulting a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO – the formal job title of the Council’s parking wardens).

Muz Hussain, owner of Road Runners taxis in Station Road, Redhill was found guilty of assault by beating and using threatening and abusive language. The incident occurred in The Drive, Horley in June as the CEO tried to issue Mr Hussein with a Penalty Charge Notice.

Mr Hussain appeared at Redhill Magistrates Court on 24 October 2011. He pleaded guilty and was fined £850 plus court costs of £775.

Cllr Steve Farrer, the Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety, said:

“This case sends a clear message that we will not tolerate any abuse towards our staff.

“We also suspended Mr Hussain’s private hire driver licence at the first available opportunity after he was charged by the Police. Anyone who is threatening or abusive to our staff will face the consequences of the law.”