Your local Safer Neighbourhood Team is Dorchester West
click for website
Call them at Dorset Police on: 101 or on their team mobile: 07500 816292
or email: dorchester-rural-snt@dorset.pnn.police.uk
Dorchester Police Twitter Page
Have you discovered the Dorchester Police Twitter page yet? Why not take a look and follow the team who will give you up to date
information. Their Twitter page can be found on https://twitter.com/DorchesterSNT?
Please only use the numbers above for non-emergency calls. If a crime is in progress or life is in danger, please dial 999.
For help and advice, to report an incident or if you have been a victim contact Dorset Police on:
Telephone: 101 Non-emergency; Email: 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk; Online: www.dorset.police.uk
.
Comprehensive help and advice on crime prevention is available at:
https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/
INFORMATION from DORSET POLICE
Action Fraud is the name given to the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and financially motivated cyber crime. The team is run
by the City of London Police, working alongside the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau and Neighbourhood Alerts team. They use
information from all fraud and cyber crime cases reported to them to create alerts about new types of crime or those which are
increasing in severity.
Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage, which is often financial, over another person. This can have a
devastating impact on those affected. Knowledge is the best defence when it comes to fraud. The more you know about the most
recent or common techniques fraudsters are using to defraud victims, the less likely you are to fall into the trap. Dorset Police has
designed a new webpage that will keep up to date with the latest frauds affecting the county on our website. Action Fraud also
sends information about scams and fraud in your area by email, recorded voice and text message.
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, please report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting
www.actionfraud.police.uk.
LOCAL FACILITIES
Computer Safety Warnings
Fake emails and text messages are a common tactic used by cyber criminals, their goal is often to convince you to click a
link. Once clicked, you may be sent to a dodgy website which could download viruses onto your computer, or steal your passwords
and personal information.In order to try and convince you that their messages are legitimate, criminals will pretend to be someone
you trust, or from some organisation you trust. This could be your Internet Service Provider (ISP), local council, even a friend in
need. And they may contact you by phone call, email or text message.Reporting suspicious emails:If you have received an email
which you’re not quite sure about, you can report it by forwarding the email to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service at:
report@phishing.gov.ukAs of 31st October 2021, the number of suspicious email reports stands at more than 8,100,000, with the
removal of more than 67,000 scams and 124,000 URLs.Thank you for your continued support.*In a small number of cases, an
email may not reach our service due to it already being widely recognised by spam detection services. The vast majority of reports
do reach our system so please keep reporting any suspicious emails you receive.Reporting suspicious text messages:You can
report suspicious text messages to your mobile network provider, for free, by forwarding the text to 7726.If you forward a text, your
provider can investigate the origin of the text and take action, if found to be malicious. If 7726 doesn’t work, you can find out how to
report a text message by contacting your provider.(On many Android devices and iPhones, pressing and holding on the message
bubble should present the option to forward the message)For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online,
visit the Cyber Aware website: ncsc.gov.uk/cyberawareThanks for reading! If you found this information useful, please help us spread the
word by forwarding this email to your friends.
Do You Know Where To Report Scam Messages?
Are You Leaving The Door Open For Hackers?
Why are software updates important?Software updates are an important part of staying secure online. But why? You’ll often
hear about the new features or performance improvements in a software update, but what isn’t talked about as often are the bug
fixes and security improvements. Out-of-date software and apps contain weaknesses. This makes them easier to hack. Companies
fix the weaknesses by releasing updates. When you update your devices and software, this helps to keep hackers out.Why would
cyber criminals target me?Your device contains a lot of personal data that is highly valuable if it fell into the hands of a fraudster.
The likelihood is your device will contain your full name, date of birth, address, bank details, passwords, as well as many other
forms of personal data such as private photos or videos.Improve your online security by using automatic software updatesWe
understand it can sometimes be annoying to remember to update your devices every time a new update is released, that’s why we
encourage you to enable automatic updates wherever it’s available. That means you don’t have to manually install updates every
time they’re released. We’ve provided some useful links below where you can find step by step instructions on how to
enable automatic updates for your devices and apps.
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Apple - Mac (opens in a new tab)
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Apple - iPhone and iPad (opens in a new tab)
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Microsoft Windows 10 (opens your MS settings)
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Windows 7 is no longer supported. You should upgrade to Windows 10
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Android smartphones and tablets (opens in a new tab)
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Android apps (opens in a new tab)
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For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website:
www.cyberaware.gov.uk Thanks for reading! If you found this information useful, please help us spread the word by forwarding this
email to your friends.
Anti-Social Behaviour
The Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol, a national scheme set up to protect and support vulnerable people and enable them to retain their
independence, has been refreshed here in Dorset with a new animated video paid for by the Office of the Police and Crime
Commissioner.
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said about funding the new video: “I’m delighted to be able to lend support
in this way to a scheme, which has been helping people for over 16 years across the country. We must all do what we can to
help vulnerable people, including those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, to aid their independence and protect them if they get
lost or go missing. I very much hope that this new video will raise awareness and encourage more care homes, support
services and other organisations to utilise the scheme to the benefit of vulnerable people across the county.”
The scheme encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in
the event of a vulnerable person going missing. Using the protocol, police resources can deploy to the locations where they
have a higher probability of quickly finding the vulnerable person.
Superintendent Claire Phillips said: "Dorset Police deals with missing people investigations every single day, and we are
always looking for innovative ways to find people more quickly or prevent them from being reported missing in the first place.
The Herbert protocol does both.
“While Dorset Police continue to support high-risk missing investigations involving vulnerable people, it would be better for the
missing person to have a Herbert Protocol support plan. It can be a very confusing time for those living with Alzheimer's,
dementia, or other brain injuries, and police involvement can cause further disorientation.
“If someone in your family is living with Alzheimer's and or dementia and keeps getting lost or going missing, please watch this
video and see if there is some preventative work you can do to support them.”
Carers and/or relatives and friends can complete a form in advance, including important information about the missing
individual. The form can be easily sent or handed to the police in the event of a loved one going missing, reducing the time to
gather this information. The form should be completed as soon as possible.
The scheme is designed to help those caring for someone with dementia, Alzheimer’s, brain injuries or learning disabilities. It
makes sure that in the event a person going missing the police can gain access to essential information promptly.
The Herbert Protocol form contains a list of information to help the police and other support services if the person goes
missing, including:
medication required
mobile numbers
contact details of organisations and business the person visits
details of places previously located
a recent photograph
You can access the form and more information about the scheme here - Herbert Protocol | Dorset Police
David SidwickPolice and Crime Commissioner
Attachments
Herbert Protocol .jpg
Message Sent By Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner
Message from PCSO Sarah Pilcher
As the local PCSO, when I am out and about in my villages, I always try and catch up with residents and I am often stopped and asked
questions. In doing so I am sometimes told of villagers' concerns and issues which have included Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in the form of
dog fouling, speeding, minor criminal damage, suspicious persons or vehicles, along with many other topics.
Anti-Social Behaviour has a very broad spectrum which covers an array of issues but in the main ASB is anything which can impact a
community and/or cause alarm and distress. Many times, when speaking with residents, I am unaware of these problems as they have not
been reported to Police.
If they have not been reported to the Police and then to me, they have not happened, and all would appear to be fine.
I appreciate reporting anything to the Police can be time consuming but it is important that we know what is going on so we can allocate our
limited resources to dealing with what is impacting our communities. If traffic related, a registration number is critical - all dealings are
confidential.
You can report by phoning 101 ( non-emergency ) or online via this link - Report online - Home | Dorset Police
Fraud Alert
Dorset Alert - Stop! Think Fraud – message from PCSO 5410 Sarah Pilcher
I have recently been to see a victim of a scam who was expecting a delivery by a well know delivery company. The company e
mailed them to say due to fuel prices etc an extra charge is incurred. Due to using that company regularly and knowing prices have
increased they thought nothing of it and followed a link and paid the small charge. A few hours later they received a call purporting
to be from their bank about a loan in someone else's name and having to be paid. Whilst they were a little sceptical the caller was
very professional and convincing and they paid the amount asked. The genuine bank made them aware and took all the details
and fortunately they were refunded the money.
Scams can have a massive impact on someone's mental and physical well being.
•
No one is to blame for being a victim of a scam.
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The only blame lies with the scammer.
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Please never click on any unknown links
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Please don't answer any unknown numbers on your phone
Please report any scams/frauds to Action Fraud - https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/
Please report any scams/frauds to Police - https://www.dorset.police.uk/
Here is a link to lots of useful information regard scams - https://www.getsafeonline.org/
Dorset Alert - Dorset Police Launches 24/7 Fraud Advice Service “Ask Damian”
Dorset Police has launched a new 24/7 telephone fraud advice service called “Ask Damian”, giving residents instant access to
support and guidance to help protect themselves from fraud.
The new service is designed to be easy to use and available at any time. It offers advice on all types of fraud, aiming to spot scams
early and encourage simple steps to prevent financial loss. It and can also translate into different languages, making it accessible
to a wide range of people across Dorset.
Working with Bridgit Care
Dorset Police has collaborated with Bridgit Care, a trusted organisation that provides resources to the NHS, charities and councils
to support their communities. Using Bridgit Care’s platform and expertise, Ask Damian can provide tailored advice, clear guidance,
helping residents better understand fraud risks and take practical steps to stay safe.
Strong results from trials
During testing, the service received very positive feedback:
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People said: “It was just like talking to a real person and it treated people with dignity and empathy.”
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87% of users felt better prepared to recognise and avoid fraud
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30% took proactive steps to protect themselves after the call
The system can also send a follow-up text message, giving callers a summary of the advice they received.
Raising awareness of fraud risks
Fraud Protect Officer Damian Cranny said: “In the last 13 months, Dorset residents have lost £24.5 million to fraud. Much of this
could be avoided if people followed simple prevention advice. I encourage residents of Dorset to use their free call minutes to
contact the service and take steps to protect themselves from fraud.”
How to access the service
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Service name: Ask Damian
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Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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Phone: 01202 144688
If you have been a victim of fraud, contact the Report Fraud website or call 0300 123 2040.
Fake Police Emails
Fake Police Emails
Beware of Fake Police Investigation Emails
Dorset Police Fraud Protect Alert
We are warning residents about fraudulent emails claiming to be from police forces, including the Metropolitan Police, and other
UK police organisations.
Criminals are sending convincing emails that falsely claim a case has been opened against the recipient and demand they
respond urgently. These emails are designed to create fear and pressure victims into providing personal information or engaging
with the sender.
Example Warning Signs
The fraudulent email may:
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Claim that a police investigation or case file has been opened against you.
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Refer to an "assigned officer" and provide a fake case reference number.
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Demand urgent action or cooperation.
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Threaten further action if you fail to respond.
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Instruct you to keep the matter confidential.
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Be sent from an email address that does not belong to a genuine police force.
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Use official-looking police logos and branding.
Criminals have been known to use the logos and names of various UK police forces to make their messages appear genuine.
Protect Yourself
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Stay calm and do not panic.
Do not reply to the email.
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Do not click on links or download attachments.
Do not provide personal, financial, or banking information.
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Independently verify any police contact by using official contact details obtained from the police force's website.
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If you are unsure, contact the police force directly using a trusted telephone number or website.
Remember
Police forces will not pressure you into providing sensitive information by email, nor will they ask you to transfer money or
disclose banking passwords.
If you receive any unexpected communication claiming to be from a police force, always verify it independently before taking any
action.
Report It
If you have received a suspicious email:
Forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk
Report fraud or cyber crime to Report Fraud: �� www.reportfraud.police.uk �� 0300 123 2040
If you have lost money or believe you are at immediate risk, contact your bank immediately on 159
STOP! THINK. FRAUD.
Before responding to any unexpected message:
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STOP! – Take a moment before acting.
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THINK – Could it be fake? Are you being rushed or threatened?
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FRAUD – Contact the organisation directly using trusted details to verify the communication.
Please share this alert with family, friends, neighbours, and anyone who may be vulnerable to fraud.
