The Little Book of BIG Scams

Fraud costs the British economy £73 billion a year and criminals use a number of sophisticated scams to try and snare victims.

To ensure the public are informed about these scams to allow them to spot them, Thames Valley Police has produced a booklet which aims to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.

The Little Book of Big Scams, which includes a foreword from Esther Rantzen, includes sections on identity fraud, scam mail, door to door scams and internet scams.

As well as details on different types of frauds, there are a number of helpful hints, 10 golden rules to avoid becoming a victim, and case studies.

The booklet also gives details on where to go to get help and how to report fraud if you do become a victim.

The booklet is is available to download

More Church thefts

Offender(s) have forced doors and windows to gain entry. On one occasion it is believed the offender(s) may have hid in the church whilst it was open then waited for persons to leave. Safes have been targeted.

 

A description has been given of a suspect seen on two separate occasions in the South Oxfordshire area.

 

The suspect is described as a white male, aged in his 50’s, of medium build, with a receding/balding hair line. He was wearing dark clothing and was seen walking away from churches pushing a bike.

 

Recent churches broken into in the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse area are as follows:

 

St Helens Church - Berrick Salome, Wallingford

Between 30/12/12 & 06/01/13

Attempt made to enter safe in vestry

 

St Peters Church – Little Wittenham, Abingdon

5/1/13 – Between 10am & 4.20pm

Vestry broken into and attempt made to enter safe

 

All Saints Church – Church Street, Faringdon

Between 2/1/13 & 3/1/13

Internal doors forced open

 

St Edmunds Church – Radley Road, Abingdon

Between 3/1/13 & 4/1/13

Community Centre entered by smashing a rear window

 

If you have any information relating to this message please contact Sgt. Shane Harrison at Didcot police station via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

Thefts from Churches

There have been a number of burglaries to churches over the past few weeks in the Thames Valley Police area. Offender(s) have forced doors and windows to gain entry. Safes have been targeted.

 

Recent incidents in the South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse area are as follows, although no property was stolen:

 

St James Church – Church Hill, Little Milton, Thame

Between 24/12/12 & 31/12/12

 

Harpsden Parish Church – Harpsden Road, Harpsden, Henley

28/12/12 – between 2.00pm & 4.10pm

 

Our Lady of Lourdes – Crown Road, Wheatley

Between 30/12/12 & 31/12/12

 

St Marys Church – Church Road, Wheatley

Between 30/12/12 & 31/12/12

 

St Thomas of Canterbury – Manor Road, Goring

Between 30/12/12 & 31/12/12

 

Methodist Chapel – Conduit Road, Abingdon

31/12/12 – Between 11.00am & 7.00pm

 

Please be extra vigilant. If you see anyone acting suspiciously in or around churches or see any suspicious looking vehicles in the area please call the police on 101 as soon as possible or call 999 for crime in progress. Try to obtain descriptions and vehicle details, including colour, make/model and registration number.