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Surrey Police is warning residents of an increase in fraud offences committed against elderly and vulnerable people. The scam involves fraudsters obtaining people’s bank cards by using false pretences. The scam works as follows: The victim gets a phone call, or indeed a number of phone calls from, someone claiming to be from their bank. The caller says that there is a problem with their bank card and it will need replacing. The victim is told a courier has been arranged to pick up the faulty card and replace it with a new bank card. The caller will also ask for their bank details, including PIN number and bank balance. Alternatively another tactic is to leave a courier-style “we have missed you” notice through the victim’s letterbox, purporting to be from the bank. The sole purpose of this is to get the victim to ring the number on the slip, but it is actually offenders who pick up the phone call. Once the victim has been drawn in to the scam, a person dressed as a courier will arrive at their front door to take the card. Significant sums of cash have been taken from victims’ accounts throughout the county. Detective Inspector Paul Rymarz of the Cross Border Investigation Team said: “We have seen a rise in the number of fraud incidents committed in the last few months. It is important that people are aware of the scam, which targets the most vulnerable. Banks do not use courier services to deliver or pick up bank cards, and you should never give your PIN number to anybody. If you are unsure if a caller is genuine, do not give them any information and say that you will call back the bank on a number you recognise, for example on the back of your bank card. "We are working closely with our partners to catch the criminals, and bring them to justice. If you suspect anything please contact the police.” Please refer to the Surrey Police website for more details and further useful information relating to policing is Surrey http://www.surrey.police.uk/home.asp

Surrey Police is reminding residents and visitors to the area to stay safe, keep warm and look after vulnerable and elderly neighbours and relatives as the adverse weather conditions remain throughout the area. Detective Superintendent Ray Marley, said: “Most people have listened to early weather warnings which has meant traffic problems have been kept at a minimum throughout the county. “I would urge people to only make essential journeys and to allow additional time to get to their destination. “I would also like to ask people to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours, friends or relatives and make sure they are safe and warm.” Surrey Police is working closely with partner agencies to make sure disruption is kept to a minimum during the cold snap and would like to thank those who have helped in anyway. Useful Information For up to date travel information in Surrey visit www.highways.gov.uk (roads), www.heathrowairport.com or www.gatwickairport.com (flights) or www.nationalrail.co.uk (rail) before you travel. Weather information can be found at www.metoffice.gov.uk. Follow @SurreyTravel on Twitter for an overview of travel in the county.

RESIDENTS are being advised to be extra vigilant following two distraction offences in west Surrey yesterday (Thursday, 26 January) in which suspects have claimed to be police officers.

 

In Lightwater, an 86-year-old woman opened her front door to two men, one of whom said he was a policeman and had two boys in his car who he believed had been in the householder’s garden having stolen money. The resident allowed the uninvited callers inside and went to go upstairs to check if anything was stolen, before realising she had no cash in the house. The intruders left without taking anything. The incident happened sometime between 5.55pm and 6.50pm.

 

The suspects are described as two white men. The first is described as 5ft 9” tall, in his late thirties and of a medium build, with short dark brown hair. He was wearing a navy blue suite, navy blue duffle style jacket and a shirt and tie.

 

The second suspect is described as 5ft 6” tall, of a similar age to the first suspect and of a dumpy build. He had dark hair and was wearing similar style clothing to his colleague.

 

In a second incident in the Sheerwater area of Woking, three men gained entry into a property where the resident had been asleep at around 8.50pm. The householder was disturbed and got up to find one man in the doorway and asked what he was doing there. The suspect said he was a police officer and produced what appeared to be a warrant card.

 

He told the 56-year-old resident that they had found a homeless boy climbing through the window and the victim was required at the police station for interview. A second man, also impersonating a police officer, pretended to detain a young man.

 

The victim refused to go with the suspects and said he was going to call the police instead. The offenders then said they had the wrong man and left the property empty handed via the front door.

 

The first suspect who spoke to the resident is described as being in his mid thirties, around 5ft 8” tall and of a medium build with a big nose. He spoke with what is described as an Albanian accent and was wearing a dark winter jacket with a dark baseball cap.

 

The second suspect is described as being a man, between 5ft 4” and 5ft 6” tall. The third man is described as being white, 6ft tall, between 18 and 20-years-old and of a slim build. He was clean shaven with a clear fresh complexion. He was wearing a snood style face covering, similar to that worn by a motorcyclist.

 

Surrey Police is appealing for anyone who may recognise the descriptions of these offenders or who may have seen the suspects acting suspiciously in the vicinity around the time of the incidents, to contact officers as soon a possible.

 

Surrey Police recommends that if a resident is in any doubt as to the identity of a caller and posing as a police officer that they do not open the door, they ask for the officer’s identity number and that they call 101 to verify that the person is genuine.

 

Detective Inspector Andy Haslam said: “These are cruel and cowardly crimes which prey on the more vulnerable in our communities and we are advising residents to stay vigilant. Neighbours of elderly homeowners can help by making them aware of the potential pitfalls and keeping an eye out for suspicious people around their properties.

 

 

“Under no circumstances should you let an unexpected visitor into your home. Always stop to think whether you are expecting any callers, use the chain if you do decide to answer the door and check for identification before letting anyone in. Don’t be taken in by these con artists, however convincing their story may sound.

 

“Similarly it is imperative that all residents remain vigilant about home security and ensure that windows and doors are securely locked. If you are in need of crime prevention advice please contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team and speak to the Crime Reduction Advisor.”

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference Sh/12/337 or WK/12/539.GD/10/2113. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.

 

 

The following security tips are recommended by Surrey Police:

• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times. Use spy holes to see the caller and if you do open the door, use a door chain if you have one.

• If you do let somebody in to your home, close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door.

• Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home; put it in the bank where it is safe.

• If you suspect a bogus caller is at your door call the police immediately.

http://www.surrey.police.uk/home.asp for further details