The Police Service of Northern Ireland are encouraging members of the public to have an enjoyable summer whilst being mindful of safety issues to watch out for.
Lisa Sherman, Crime Prevention Officer, said, “Our priority is to keep people safe and whilst we want everyone to have the best summer possible we would ask the public to keep in mind that the summer months are also when crimes occur.
“We are encouraging young people to stay safe and make good decisions. We want everyone to be able to enjoy our shared public spaces and we will be on patrol in all major tourist areas and beauty spots to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Many people will be taking advantage of a day trip away or break in their holiday home or caravan so it is very important to ensure that your property is secure when you are away.
“It only takes a thief a few minutes to enter your home and take valuables so ensure to secure your house, shed and any other outbuildings.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has outlined top safety tips to be mindful of this July and August:
- Before you leave your home ensure all external doors and windows are secure and locked.
- Ensure your main garage door is shut and locked.
- Do not leave valuable items including bicycles or toys sitting around, outside your house.
- If you are going away, ask a neighbour to leave your bins out. You can also make your house look occupied by leaving a light on a timer.
- Always look out for your neighbours. If you see someone acting suspiciously note down a description and car registration details and contact police immediately.
- Consider installing and approved CCTV that you can monitor remotely including via Wi-Fi.
- Consider installing an approved Home Alarm system and ensure it is used.
- Find out if there is a Neighbourhood Watch or Nominated Neighbour scheme in your area.
Protect yourself against keyless car thefts, say Police
Police are advising car owners to take the same precautions protecting their vehicle as they do with their home security.
PSNI Crime Prevention Officer, Lisa Sherman said, “Cars are extremely expensive and where possible keep your car in a garage and lock driveway gates.
“Use physical car locks such as steering column locks and chains, as well as keeping all car keys (including spares) away from exterior doors and walls. Motorists are also advised to use a blocking pouch also called a Faraday pouch (lined with metallic material) to help block the wireless signal from your key fob.”
Be alert to Scams, warn Police
Police are urging members of the public to talk to older family members following reports of phishing text and WhatsApp messages.
The scams involve a text or WhatsApp from a person claiming to be a family member, and have the common aim of encouraging the recipient to transfer money. While anyone can fall victim to scams, we are seeing this type of scam targeting older people in particular.
Crime Prevention Officer, Lisa Sherman, said: “We are noticing more and more reports in recent months of this type of scam. In each case, a person purporting to be a family member, often a daughter or son, asks for money. Typically, the ‘child’ is short of money or late paying bills, and asks the recipient to transfer money into an account. This is backed by a story that he or she has recently changed their phone or phone number. In some of these cases, the victim has been careful enough to check with the relative and therefore realise it’s a scam before departing with any money. Sadly, however, this isn’t always the case. It’s really important that if you have older members of your family, talk with them and warn them about this particular type of scam. This is a really important conversation to have.”
“Fraudsters will try anything to trick people. Scams may come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common – scammers rely upon the good faith and vulnerability of those they target. Hard-earned savings can easily be gone in a flash and, with it, one’s confidence.
“Please don’t get caught out. If you get a message make contact with your son or daughter on their usual number. Don’t get into a text or WhatsApp conversation with the scammers. Spot it. Stop it.”
For further advice and information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni. If you have any concerns about unsolicited calls, emails or letters then please report it to Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040. You can also call police on the non-emergency number 101.
If you receive a suspicious message, whether by email, website or text message you can take the following actions:
- Email – if you feel unsure about an email you have received, you can forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Services at report@phishing.gov.uk
- Website – If you have come across a website which you think is fake, you can report it here Report a suspicious website https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website
- Text message – Report suspicious text messages for free to 7726. Your provider can investigate the text and take action if found to be fraudulent.
