Policing

Useful Information

• Do not open attachments or click on links in spam email
• Banks, companies, and HM Revenue and Customs will not ask for your username, password or personal details via email
• Email addresses and contents can be fake, even if they appeared to be from a legitimate organisation
• Never reply to spam email or ask to un-subscribe, it only confirms that your email account is active. Most email services provide a "junk or safe list" which if activated can filter spam out of the users inbox
• If it is too good to be true, then its not true.
• Spammers will use current events to legitimise their message, sometimes within hours of the event.
• If you are suspicious of the sender, do not take the risk - always delete spam email

• LOCK – Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home.
• STOP – Before you answer the door, stop, and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked any back door and taken the key out. Look through the spy-hole or the window to see who it is.
• CHAIN – If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the chain or bar on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep. (Normally when the door is shut and locked, leave the chain or bar off in case you need to get out in an emergency.
• CHECK – Check their details and identity before you let them into your home. If it is someone looking for help only go out to help if you have someone else with you. If it is someone claiming to be an official, ask for and carefully check their identity card, make sure the caller’s name and picture are the same as on the identity card, even if the visit is pre-arranged. Check their identity with the company concerned if you are at all suspicious.

• Never feel under pressure to make decisions, which could lead to unnecessary, expensive or poor quality work being carried out.
• If you are looking to have work carried out, contact the County Council Trusted Trader Scheme by calling 01473 264859 or by going online at www.suffolk.gov.uk/trustedtrader.
• Always get at least two quotations before agreeing to get any work carried out.
• Ask someone you trust for a second opinion.
• If a trader calls at your home, you have a seven-day cooling off period in which you can cancel any contract above £35.
• If you are in any doubt, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

• Don’t forget to lock your car doors, close windows and secure your sunroof – and never leave your keys in the ignition.
• If you have a garage, use it - but still lock your vehicle. If you park on a driveway or on the street, try to ensure it is in a well-lit area.
• Activate your steering lock and use a visible mechanical lock inside your vehicle – it may deter the thief from even trying. Consider having an anti-theft device, an engine immobiliser or alarm fitted, preferably with a visible warning light to warn thieves that your car is protected.
• Don't leave valuables or other items on view in your car. A handbag ‘hidden’ under a seat or a mobile phone left on the dashboard are an easy target. A coat or newspaper on the back seat could be hiding something – an opportunist thief will break in to take a look.
• Try not to leave anything of value in your vehicle, even for a short time. Take the items with you or leave them at home.
• If your car is fitted with a removable radio or front plate, remember to take it out, and if you have a satellite navigation system don't leave the docking station on the windscreen as this advertises the fact you have the system. The thief will break in and check the glove box thinking that you may have left it in there.
• Security mark all your audio equipment with your postcode. Have index marks or vehicle identification numbers etched on all glass surfaces.
• Don’t leave documents that may aid the thief, such as your driving licence, MoT and insurance certificate in your vehicle.
• Thieves steal wheels, especially expensive alloy ones, valuable parts, and even siphon off fuel - so fit locking wheel nuts and lock your fuel filler cap.

• Remember to lock your pedal cycle to something secure when leaving it unattended – even for short periods of time. Don’t leave your bike lying around your garden – they make an easy target for thieves – lock it away in a secure shed, or similar.
• Even if you live in a rural area where crime is low you may still be targeted – particularly if you make it easy for thieves. A few minutes thinking about your normal routine may prevent the loss, inconvenience, and upset of becoming a victim of crime.

• Think through your route
• Personal attack alarms are cheap, reassuring and effective
• Keep to well-lit, busy areas and avoid short cuts
• Keep valuables tucked away out of sight
• Accept the offer of company from a relative or friend – ‘safety in numbers’
• Stay alert to your surroundings and avoid wearing earphones
• If you hear footsteps behind you, turn and look. It may deter a potential attacker if they know they have been seen
• If you feel you are being followed, cross the road or change direction towards a busy place
• Walk towards on-coming traffic and don’t approach an unknown vehicle if it stops near you
• Always ensure that there is someone who knows where you are.

• Keep and save any bullying emails or images you have been sent.
• Take a screenshot of any comments that are threatening, but then delete them so you don't have to read them again.
• Make a note of the time and date that messages or images were sent, along with any details you have about the sender.
• Try changing your online user ID or nickname.
• Do not reply to any bullying messages or get into any online arguments.

• Scan the whole ATM area before you approach it. Avoid using the ATM if there are suspicious-looking individuals around.
• Check to see if anything looks unusual or suspicious about the ATM showing it might have been tampered with.
• If it appears to have any attachments to the card slot or key pad, do not use it and if possible alert nearby staff or call the police.
• Stand close to the ATM and shield the keypad with your hand when keying in your PIN to prevent a camera or prying eyes obtaining those details
• If your card gets jammed or retained by the machine report this immediately to your bank or building society, ideally using your mobile phone while you are still in front of the machine.
• Check that others in the queue keep a good distance from you. If anybody is standing so close to you that they can see your hands, then don't enter your pin number. Trust your instincts and, if you feel uncomfortable, discontinue the transaction and walk away.
• Keep your PIN secret. Never reveal your PIN to anyone, not to someone claiming to be from your bank, the police and especially not to a "helpful" stranger.
• Try and make sure that the number is kept private and be swift to remove both the card and money when they are returned to you.
• Be especially cautious if strangers try to distract you or offer to help at an ATM, even if your card is stuck or you are experiencing difficulty with the transaction.
• Regularly check your account balance and keep your receipt to check against your statement.