STAY INFORMED

Knowing what is going on in your area, and keeping updated, is key to your safety and security.

To register for regular local crime alerts from the Avon and Somerset Police

Click here >>

To register for national fraud alerts

Click here >>

(If you are a fully registered Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, you will be receiving these alerts automatically.)

Protect Yourself

To find out more about cybercrime and how to ‘keep safe’ on line;

Click here >>

Click here >> Cyber Security (Avon and Somerset Constabulary)

Stop telephone cold calling;

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Mark up and register your valuables, should these be stolen;

Click here >>

TELEPHONE SCAMS

If you receive an unexpected call, end it immediately and simply hang-up – don’t interact!

Never phone back an unexpected caller.

If you believe you have been contacted by a fraudster report it to Action Fraud.

DOORSTEP SCAMS

Whenever you answer the door remember to LOCK, STOP, CHAIN, CHECK.

LOCK: secure all your other outer doors as the person at the door may intend to distract you while an accomplice gets in through a back door
STOP: think about whether you’re expecting anyone
CHAIN: put the door chain on or look through the window or spyhole to see who’s there
CHECK: ask for an identity card and examine it carefully - you can always tell the caller to come back another time when someone will be with you.

It’s easy to be ‘fooled’ by a Distraction Burglar click here to see video

So again, LOCK,STOP, CHAIN,CHECK, and if you’re not happy – simply tell the caller to “****.off or I’ll call the police!” (If you are unaccustomed to using such language – just practise it a few times in private to get the intonation forceful and confident – you never know when you’ll need it.)

To download advice on avoiding other scams, click here

To download a ‘No cold calling’ sign, click here

REPORTING A CRIME

Calling the Police:

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if the crime is in progress, you should always call 999

If you are in immediate danger – and if you can’t speak or talking over the phone would aggravate the situation – just listen – and dial 55 when asked (this is known as the silent solution 55)

If you suffer with hearing loss or have speech difficulties, and have a mobile phone, you can register with the emergencySMS service to make contact with the emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coastguard) in an emergency.

For emergency SMS Registation,

Click here >>

To report crime that do not require an emergency response, you should always ring 101

Report the crime on line,

Click here >>

Raise a ‘policing priority’ with your local beat team;

Click here >>

To report a crime or suspicions anonymously then ;