Welcome to the, October my safer Bournemouth podcast, supported by the safer Dorset fund.
We start by warning listeners against the increase in scams. Beware of a scam text offering you fake government energy bill support. Scammers seek to take advantage of the government's energy grant scheme.
Action Fraud has received 139 crime reports relating to fake text messages purporting to be from the UK government. The texts state that the recipient is “owed” or “eligible” for an energy bill discount as part of the Energy Bill Support Scheme. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.
How to protect yourself
Energy Bill Discount: £400 off energy bills for households in Great Britain from October 2022. You do not need to apply for the scheme, and you will not be asked for your bank details.
Spotted a suspicious text message? Forward it to 7726 (it’s free of charge). If you forward a text to 7726, your provider can investigate the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender, if it’s found to be malicious.
For more information on how to stay secure online, please visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk .
Dorset Police continues to crack down on drug crime.
Dorset Police has continued its crackdown on drugs, drug gangs, and county lines. Over the summer months the Force has been ramping up its assault on illegal drugs and those who profit from them.
Drug crime brings misery to our communities and our officers have been relentless in dealing with drug-related crime across the county, protecting our communities and safeguarding vulnerable people.
During August Dorset Police officers have:
Carried out 46 disruptions, active county lines have been disrupted and police continue to investigate information passed on by the public.
Carried out 33 safe and well checks, ensuring vulnerable people, especially children and young people, are kept safe within their own homes.
Safeguarded 19 people, providing longer term protection to vulnerable people (including children) who have been impacted by county lines activity.
Made 12 arrests, a number of people were arrested in relation the supply of dnagerous drugs, including one which related to coercing children into committing drug-related assaults.
To report suspected drug dealing in your community, please contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email [email protected] or by calling one zero one.
If a crime is in progress, please dial 999.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
