As temperatures rise again, don’t let home security slip down your list of priorities.

Police report a number of burglaries at insecure properties with car keys being the main target.

Please see the attached for more information.

hot-weather-burglary.pdf

In 2025, criminals stole £21 million from victims of courier fraud.

In Avon and Somerset alone, there was a financial loss of £346,000.

City of London Police are issuing a renewed warning to the public as courier fraud continues to evolve across the UK, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated and persistent tactics.

Please read the attached for more information:

Attachments:

• courier-fraud-warning.pdf

Hour spare with a helping hand

Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is delighted to announce the roll out of the Good Neighbour Scheme, a community led initiative designed to support older residents (65+) living in rural villages across North Somerset. The scheme connects local volunteers with residents who need occasional help with small odd jobs in and around their home, enabling people to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

If you have a spare hour and would like to volunteer with this scheme, please contact Tracy on 07458073262 or email info@vansmail.org.uk

If you get a call that seems off, stop, hang up, and dial 159. It’s a safe and direct way to connect with your bank when you’re most at risk of being scammed. It’s simple, easy to remember, and can’t be faked so 159 will never call you.

The attached has some useful information and a link to the Stop Scams UK website.

Attachments:

• call-159.pdf

The Police has issued the warning below. Although the reference is to parking in Watchet there are fake QR codes in use elsewhere so please take care and check that the QR code is not a sticker over the original code.

We want to make people aware of criminals who have put a fake QR code over the genuine article on parking ticket machines in Watchet. These are the codes that can be scanned by smart phones to make payments, such as paying for a parking space in these occasions. Instead of payment going to the legitimate operator, these payments are going to the offender. Typically these scams may only take a small sum so it doesn’t raise any suspicions to the victim, allowing the fraud to continue.

A QR (Quick Response) Code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode which gives access to websites, digital content, or other information. At it’s best it provides swift access for payments, which comes from PayPal or similar companies, who then take payment for the user. At worse, it may also download phishing or malware viruses. Always check there isn’t a sticker over the original code. Be very careful if a smaller sticker seems to be over of a larger size or shows signs of tampering. Be especially aware if the website asks for sensitive information or offers unrealistic deals.

The police has informed us that for the time being, Trevor Wilmot will be your point of contact for police matters relating to your area.

Should you need to get in touch, Trevor can be contacted as follows:

Tel: 07547 659 714

Email: trevor.wilmot@avonandsomerset.police.uk