As Christmas is fast approaching and on-line shopping is becoming increasingly popular, the Police want to warn residents about a postal scam that has been used in various parts of the country. If you get a postcard through the door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) claiming that they were unable to deliver a parcel, DO NOT call the telephone contact number! The phone number this company is using is 0906 6611911 – if you ring this number you will be charged £15 for the call. Beware of any telephone numbers that start with 09 as they are charged at premium rates.

If you receive a card with these details, please contact the Royal Mail Fraud Office on 02072396655 or the Premium Rate service regulator, ICSTIS, at www.icstis.org.uk

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In something similar, I have also received news about something sweeping the country involving Bogus Security Firms using HARD SELL Tactics on their cold calls. they are essentially making people pay for a high cost assessment home visit. Telephone sales people have told victims that crime was high in their area and claimed to be working with the police.

The police DO NOT WORK WITH PRIVATE HOME SECURITY COMPANIES and NEVER cold call members of the public! Please be on guard of these tactics and of course, guess who are being targetted, yes, the elderly and those vulnerable so these people may feel intimidated into booking an appointment. Please warn elderly relatives of this scam who may feel pressured into buying expensive products!

Ensure they NEVER give their bank details or part with cash over the phone or at the door, no matter how genuine the person may seem. A genuine company will not object to you checking their details or coming back at a later date.

Remember you can always call the police on any crime you know about on 0845 456 7000 or call anonymously to CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111

Or you can click on the Police badge on the right hand bar for more doorstep advice from the police.

Let’s all have a crime free Festive period.
Ivan.