Month: November 2010

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Bogus Charity Worker Warning!

Police are warning people across West Yorkshire to be vigilant after a number of reports of bogus charity workers operating in the region.

The charity MacMillan Cancer Support have recently received in the region of 20 calls from concerned members of the public reporting that they have received flyers asking for residents to place donations of clothing, bed linen, woollens and shoes, mobile phones, inkjet cartridges and jewellery in a plastic bag. Residents were then asked to attach the flyer to the bag and leave it outside their front door before 8am.

West Yorkshire Police have also already made arrests in connection with the bogus MacMillan callers.

Yesterday, two men were arrested in the Meltham area of Huddersfield. The 39 and 41-year olds are currently on bail, having been arrested on suspicion of Fraud by False Representation.

The Rothwell Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) also recently arrested two men on suspicion of being involved in a bogus charity bag scam in the Woodlesford area. The two men aged 29 and 26 from the Burley area were arrested on suspicion of Fraud by False Representation. They were later charged and will appear at Leeds Magistrates Court on the 3 November.

A West Yorkshire police spokesperson said: “Crimes such as these are especially unpleasant because those responsible prey on the goodwill and kind-heartedness of local residents who are want to support charitable causes.

“We would urge the public to remain vigilant, and are urge anyone who is concerned about any callers to their homes or has received, flyers or information claiming to be from a charity through their doors to contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team via 0845 6060606.”

Although the flyers look authentic, Macmillan Cancer Support are stressing that they do not collect donations from doorsteps. Roohi Lupton, Macmillan fundraising manager for Yorkshire, said: “Macmillan is not asking for donations of clothes and household goods at present. If anyone would like to find out how they can support or work with people affected by cancer and be sure that all their donation comes to the charity could I suggest they visit our website http://www.macmillan.org.uk or ring 01924 232440.”

In addition to the bogus MacMillan collectors, police in Kirklees have also received reports of bogus Oxfam workers operating in Honley, Huddersfield.

A burglary took place on the 25 October when a man posing as an Oxfam worker stole nearly £400 cash from the home of an 86-year old woman living on Grassmoor Fold.

Two other elderly callers in Honley have also reported similar calls from an Oxfam worker, though they had not been the victim of a crime.

Oxfam have stressed that they do not approach people’s homes to ask for cash donations, nor have they been in the Honley area for some time. They have asked people who may be unsure of the credentials of callers believe to be from their charity to contact 0300 200 1300.

West Yorkshire Police

 

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Gardens – Local Residents Comments

We would like to bring to your attention the comments made during the summer period how cheerful, colourful and a feeling of life the entrance leading to Adel Wood Gardens off Long Causeway has made a good impression to the area.  Many people travelling on the bus and on foot have also made comments on how impressive it looks – well done to the person concerned.  We also noticed many other gardens in our community, which look as equally as impressive and wish to thank all those for their efforts in making it a much more pleasurable place to live which is something you should be proud of.  Maybe we should consider having a garden competition next year.  Please let us know what you think?

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The New Telephone Scam Has Arrived!!

Written by Publisher

I received a call from a ‘representative’ of BT informing me he was disconnecting me because of an unpaid bill.  He demanded payment immediately of £31, saying that otherwise it would cost me £180 to be reconnected at a later date.

He wasn’t not even fazed when I said I was with Virgin Media, as he said that VM have to pay BT a percentage for line rental!!

When I asked his name, he gave his name as John Peacock, and phone as 0800 0800 152.  The man had a definite foreign accent.

obviously he realised I wasn’t believing his story, so offered to demonstrate that he was from BT.  I asked how he would do this and he said for me to hang up and then try to phone some-one, and he would disconnect my phone to prevent this.

AND HE DID!!  My phone was dead, no engaged tone, nothing, until he phoned again.

Very pleased with himself he asked if that was enough proof .  I then asked how the payment was to be made and he said credit card, there and then.   I refused and he hung up.  Dialling 1471 to try and confirm the number he had given me only resulted in being told “no not recognised.”

I then phoned the police, and was informed that I wasn’t the first. it’s only just started, but it is escalating.  Their advice was to let as many people as possible by word of mouth, as because the phone does go off, this would very likely convince some people this is genuine. 

PLEASE MAKE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AWARE OF THIS SCAM.

How did he do it?   –  Simple really, he stays on the line, with the mute button thereby preventing you from dialling out – he can hear you trying.  (This is because the person who initiates the call is the one to terminate it).  When you stop trying, he cuts you off and immediately calls back.  Very convincing  –  but the sad thing is, it is so simple that it will certainly fool many people.

Once your credit card details are passed over, REMEMBER, there is nothing to stop your account being cleared out.

You may wish help protect people in your community by sharing this article with your friends on Facebook.

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A Garden For All

We are currently investigating the possibility of finding some outdoor space for community use. This could perhaps include landscape gardens and a plot for low maintenance organic produce. We would like to encourage young people and local schools to get involved. If you would be interested in getting involved please let us know.