Community safety news

There have been reports that security companies have been cold calling Merton residents offering to carry out installation of security alarms.  In some cases people have been told that these companies are affiliated with the Police and that the alarms provided connect directly to the Police Station.    This is NOT true.

Advice from Trading Standards is as follows.
If you have been approached or wish to discuss this matter please phone 0808 156 2246 and you can speak to an advisor from Consumer Direct.  Your enquiry will then be passed to Merton Trading Standards Department.   Alternately you can contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team to report any suspicious behaviour.

There have been a number of cases in Merton where residents have been persuaded to part with large amounts of money (sometimes thousands of pounds) for unnecessary or poor quality work to their homes.
Remember:

• It's your doorstep, so your decision.
• Don't feel pressurised to buy on your doorstep
• Be wary of special offers and warnings about your home.
• Don't agree to a trader starting work straight away - talk to someone you trust first.
• If in doubt call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 for advice.

You can find out who your local Safer Neighbourhood Team is on this web page:
http://content.met.police.uk/Site/saferneighbourhoods

Courier Fraud
A particular type of fraud targeting elderly people is on the increase across London. Our aim is to raise awareness and provide some key crime prevention messages to the elderly and their circle of support - friends, family, neighbours etc.
 
By raising awareness we will decrease the likelihood of people falling victim.
 
The average age of the victim is 70 years old. The average loss is £4,000.
 
The Method 
1) The method varies but essentially involves a victim being telephoned (cold-called) by a suspect who alleges to be someone of authority (e.g, from the police, bank, Serious Fraud Office). The suspect tells the victim there is a problem with their bank account (like it has been compromised) and that their bank card must be collected.
 
2) If the victim is unconvinced that the call is genuine they are instructed to hang up and call a genuine number – such as 999 or the telephone number on the rear of their bank card. However, the suspect keeps the telephone line open and so the call goes straight back to the fraudster who then deals with any subsequent call, convincing the victim of their authenticity.
 
3) The victim is then content to reveal their bank details, namely the PIN.
 
4) An often unwitting courier or taxi driver is sent to collect the victim’s card. The card is delivered to a second suspect, who then passes it on to the fraudster. The fraudster then empties the bank account.
 
Key Messages
 
Primary: (To potential victims, family, friends) Never give anyone your PIN or bank card – the police and banks will never ask for them.
 
Secondary/supporting message(s):
(To cabbies/couriers) Beware of collecting and delivering packages from elderly people as you may be assisting in a criminal offence.
 
Reporting offences: If you have been a victim call the police on 101 or in an emergency by dialling 999. (Generally victims are elderly/vulnerable and therefore it is NOT appropriate to report this matter to Action Fraud).

     
Communities Can Defeat Terrorism
Terrorists live amongst us when they are planning attacks.
    
We want you to look out for the unusual - some activity or behaviour which strikes you as not quite right and out of place in your normal day to day life.
 
You may feel it’s probably nothing, but unless you trust your instincts and tell us we won’t be able to judge whether the information you have is important or not.
 
Remember, no piece of information is considered too small or insignificant.  Our specially trained officers would rather take lots of calls which are made in good faith, but have innocent explanations - rather than not getting any at all.
 
If you see or hear something that could be terrorist-related, trust your instincts and call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
 
Your call could save lives.

New 111 number to call for urgent medical help in Sutton & Merton

A new three digit number - 111 - that will make it easier for patients in Sutton & Merton to access urgent NHS healthcare has been launched.
 
NHS 111 is a new telephone service to help you access local health services. If you live in the London Boroughs of Sutton and Merton, you can now call 111 when you need medical help fast, but it isn't a 999 emergency. For less urgent health needs, you should still contact your GP or local pharmacist in the normal way.

NHS 111 is free to call from landlines and mobile phones and is a fast and easy way to get the right help – whatever your need, wherever you are, and whatever the time. NHS 111 is staffed by a team of fully trained advisers, supported by experienced clinicians, who will ask you questions to assess your symptoms, give you the healthcare advice you need and direct you to the right local service as quickly as possible. This can include a doctor, walk-in centre or urgent care centre, community nurses, emergency dentist or late-opening chemist.

The line will be staffed round the clock, 365 days a year. Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free – just like 999. The number can be used when you need help fast but it is not life threatening, or when you do not know who to call.

You should call 111 if:
• it's not a 999 emergency
• you think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service
• you don't think it can wait for an appointment with your GP, or
• you don't know who to call for medical help

For more routine health needs, you should still contact your GP or dentist in the usual way, and for immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999.