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Will Ryan (Police, Enquiry Officer, Rutland)

RUTLAND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH BRIEF

Local Crime Alert

Since the last Neighbourhood watch brief, we have had one report of theft from a secured vehicle in Holygate Rd, Ridlington. Unknown person(s) have gained entry to the vehicle by unknown means and taken high-value tools. This incident occurred between 04/10/2017 18:00 & 05/10/2017 07:45.

One report of an attempted burglary residential in Winston Close, Ketton. Unknown person(s) attempted to prize open front & rear windows but were unsuccessful. This incident occurred between 30/08/2017 & 27/09/2017.

One report of a burglary residential in Main St, Belton in Rutland. Unknown person(s) have gained entry by forcing a ground floor window and property was taken. This incident occurred between29/09/2017 & 05/10/2017.

Over the weekend there has been a spate of attempted burglaries/burglaries on both residential and commercial properties on three of our beats. Areas affected were Hambleton, Uppingham, Preston and Lyddington. In some cases property was taken or damage caused. Enquires are currently ongoing.

Events

Beat Surgery at The Hub, Kendrew Barracks on 26^th October between 10:00 – 11:00.

Beat Surgery at Uppingham Library on 27^th October between 10:00 – 11:00.

Latest News

Fake text messages targeting parents – Fraudsters are sending out distressing messages to parents in the hope that they will reply and send mobile phone top-up voucher codes. Victims initially receive a text message from a loved-one which says they are in hospital and that the only way that they can make contact is via text message. 

One example message reads: “Mum i did try and phone from someone else’s, phone signal is really bad, there has been a terrible car accident. I’m in the ICU ward in hospital my phone ain’t switching on and needs charging. I’m on this mobile number please make sure you reply to this number, my friend didn’t make it he died before we got to hospital and his sister’s fighting for her life. Mum i had my seatbelt on, i’ve got a head injury but i’m ok. Going into Xray to be seen, please make sure you message me back and don’t phone cause mobile phones aren’t allowed here so please text in case I’m in there. I will go outside and phone you mum its really bad i need you to do me favour before it’s too late, as soon as you get my text please reply by text i need you to do me a favour mum, time is running out and i need you to do something mum”.

After responding to the message, the fraudsters ask victims to purchase a mobile phone top-up code and text it back to them. Once the fraudsters have the code, they can get the cash credited to their own mobile phone account.

These messages can quite easily evolve into more elaborate scenarios and are designed to play on your emotions and get you to react quickly without thinking. If you receive one of these text messages, don’t send any codes or money, delete it and report it to us. 

Anyone with information about a crime in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can call Leicestershire Police by dialing 101 (calls cost 15p) or call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.