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Notices and alerts from police, neighbourhood watch, district & county councils and other community groups.

02/11/2020

Covid-19 Community Response Unit Newsletter

NW Leicestershire District Council Community Response Unit have issued their October newsletter with news, stats and support advice about Covid-19.

• Invitation for you all to join us for a virtual catch up
• Latest COVID-19 stats
• Small grant and green grant schemes reopen
• Post code checker for coronavirus restrictions
• Health advice from the health and wellbeing team
• Coop Food Share offer
• Funding from CAF and Acts435
• Tesco collections

Download newsletter (pdf) >>

26/09/2020

Covid-19 Community Response Unit Newsletter

NW Leicestershire District Council Community Response Unit have issued their September newsletter with news, stats and support advice about Covid-19. Download Community Response Unit newsletter (pdf) >>

14/08/2020

Flooding risk advice from NWLDC and the Met Office

Although the weather is extremely changeable at the moment, there are warnings in the coming days of thunderstorms and heavy rain that could cause localised flooding. We?re encouraging our communities to be prepared and alert to this possibility, and not to wait until storms arrive to prepare for flooding.

According to the Met Office:

• While some areas stay dry, others could see severe thunderstorms, with possible sudden flooding, or damage from lightning or hail.
• There is a small chance that fast flowing or deep floodwater could suddenly occur, bringing a danger to life and flooding of homes and businesses.
• There is a greater chance that spray, sudden flooding, standing water and/or hail will result in rapidly changing, dangerous driving conditions.
• Where flooding occurs, road closures are possible along with delays and cancellations to bus and rail services.
• There is a chance that power and other essential services, such as gas, water or mobile phone service could be lost
• There is a chance of damage to buildings/structures from lightning strikes, hail, or strong winds.

Our webpage www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/flooding useful information for residents about preparing for flooding, where to purchase flood defence resources such as sandbags from, and links to specialist flooding websites such as the Environment Agency.

As ever, we will have some sandbags available for collection only at our Coalville recycling depot, should flooding arrive. However, residents should be encouraged to prepare themselves and not rely on collecting this emergency stock of sandbags at the last minute.

Catherine Ridgway
Community Focus Officer, Community Focus Team

01530 454740 | catherine.ridgway@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

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13/07/2020

Covid-19 Community Response Unit Newsletter no 11

From NWLDC Community Focus Team. Download newsletter (pdf) >>

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19/06/2020

Newsletter from NWLDC Community Response Unit

Items include:

• Health & Wellbeing Young people Survey
• EFSA Community Grants
• Tablet loan scheme

Download newsletter (pdf) >>

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08/06/2020

Update and Advice from Action Fraud In Relation To Coronavirus Scams

From Neighbourhood Link and leicestershire Polics

As of Friday 5th June a total of £5,341,592 has been reported lost by 2,204 victims of coronavirus-related scams.

Action Fraud also report they have received 11,793 reports of coronavirus-related phishing emails. To keep this number as low as possible, we want people to be aware of the very simple steps they can take to protect themselves from handing over their money, or personal details, to criminals.

Action Fraud will keep their webpages up to date containing information on Coronavirus related scams and advice on how to stay safe from and alert to scams. www.actionfraud.police.uk

DWP scam warning - Thursday 4 June 2020

Action Fraud are continuing to see examples of emails and texts sent by fraudsters purporting to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP will never text or email asking for your personal information or bank details. Do not click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for personal or financial details.

If you are expecting a call from the DWP on your online benefit application, DWP work coaches will leave you a message in your online journal to let you know.

NHS Test and Trace guidance - Monday 1 June 2020

Unfortunately, criminals will exploit every opportunity they can to defraud innocent people of their money, or steal their personal details. It is important to remember that NHS Test and Trace will never ask you for any form of payment or any passwords or PINs. They will also never ask you to download anything, ask any details about your bank account or send someone to your home.

Whilst it is possible for criminals to spoof official phone numbers, they cannot fake official website addresses. We would encourage anyone with concerns about a phone call, text message or email they have received, in relation to Test and Trace, to check the website address being provided to you carefully. If possible, type the official address, which is https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk followed by unique characters given to you, directly into your browser.

Test and Tracer callers will NEVER:

• ask you to dial a premium rate number to speak to us (for example, those starting 09 or 087)
• ask you to make any form of payment or purchase a product or any kind
• ask for any details about your bank account
• ask for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
• ask you for any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up any passwords or PINs over the phone
• disclose any of your personal or medical information to your contacts
• provide medical advice on the treatment of any potential coronavirus symptoms
• ask you to download any software to your PC or ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet to anyone else

Reporting rogue emails and texts

Don't forget, if you think you have been sent a scam email on any subject, you can forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk, or if a text message, please forward to 7726 which spells "Spam" on your mobile keypad.

If you use Facebook or Twitter, why not give us a follow for regular updates on Online Safety, Fraud and Scams - Leicestershire Police Cyber Aware.

If you think you have been a victim of fraud or a cybercrime, please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or contact www.actionfraud.police.uk

Message Sent By
Sam Hancock (Police, Cyber Protect Officer, Leicestershire)

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03/06/2020

Urgent Information For Zoom App Users

Do you use Zoom? If so, you need to update immediately as it will no longer function on older versions of the app.

In its Zoom 5.0 update Zoom has added new updates and features to counteract security issues such as "zoombombing".

Zoom 5.0 added new encryption to calls on the platform to increase the protection of meeting content and users. Other changes include better security powers to hosts such as being able to lock meeting rooms, enable waiting rooms so they can verify each participant, remove and report rogue participants and disable in-meeting chat.

However, in order to retain your access to the platform, you must be using the latest version. Zoom have confirmed that all users need to be on Zoom 5.0 otherwise it will no longer function after 30 May 2020

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15/05/2020

Work Live Leicestershire project

Leicestershire and Rutland RCC are currently promoting a community project that offers support to people who have found themselves out of work during these challenging times.

The Work Live Leicestershire project offers free online training, 1-2-1 help with job searching, help to improve interview skills and even support from specialists to launch a new business venture. Just to note that only Leicestershire residents aged over 18 and currently out of work are eligible to join.

For more information and contact numbers to apply download poster (pdf) >>

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30/04/2020

Warning Regarding Fake Bank Letters

Message from Leicestershire Police:

The public should be on the lookout for a sophisticated fraud that involves fraudsters sending fake bank letters. The convincing letters being sent are a replica template from banks and include their logo, address and signature from a customer service representative.

The letter tells recipients that there have been some "unusual transactions" on their personal account or that there is an outstanding payment that needs to be paid immediately and asks them to call a number highlighted in bold to confirm they are genuine.

Automated messages are then harvesting details. When victims call the number an automated welcome message is played and the caller is asked to enter their card number, account number and sort code followed by their date of birth. Banks will never ask you for all these details - especially your PIN

If you are suspicious about correspondence from your bank, or if you think you have given out details to a potential fraudster, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your bank card.

To report a fraud and cyber crime and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. In an emergency dial 999.

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29/04/2020

New Suspicious Phishing Email Reporting Facility

Over the last few weeks there has been a marked increase in both Covid-19 type scams, but also in phishing emails of all types "baks", Netflix, HMRC, DVLA, Supermarket vouchers and surveys to name just a few.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have launched a new reporting service for suspicious emails. Anyone can now forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

The service has been co-developed with the City of London Police. As well as helping to identify and take down malicious sites, it will also help by identifying new patterns in online offending. For further information : https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/report-suspicious-emails

If you think you have been a victim of fraud or a cybercrime, please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or contact www.actionfraud.police.uk

26/03/2020

A message from Coleorton Parish Council regarding COVID-19

We are in exceptional times, and in line with government advice, please stay at home and only leave the house for one of the four reasons outlined in the latest advice.

The Government is allowing one form of outdoor exercise per day. There are woodlands and open spaces within the Parish of Coleorton.

The woodlands and open spaces in the Parish have public access via public footpaths, bridleways or permissive access (at the permission of the landowner), and are within walking distance of where people live. This makes it easier to get exercise either alone or with someone you live with. Please keep 2m (6ft) away from others and do not congregate in groups of more than two people. Please do not go onto a site if it will be difficult for you to do this. This is essential to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Peggs Green Play Area

Due to the risk of contagion we request that the play equipment on the Peggs Green Recreation ground is not used in the current crisis. We have placed tape around the equipment to make it clear these are not to be used.

Let's all stay safe and support each other through the coming weeks.

Thank you.

Coleorton Parish Council

22/03/2020

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18/07/2018

Bonfires

During the summer we spend more time outside and with windows wide open. It's pretty annoying when this is all spoilt by a neighbour's smelly bonfire. Those of us with large gardens know we have to dispose of tree-cuttings, seedy weeds etc using a bonfire, but we need to respect those who want to enjoy their summer leisure in the fresh air. There is no local legislation regarding bonfires, however the Local authority could take action under The Environmental Protection Act 1990. What we do have is the following "suggested" code of practice:

• Garden refuse can be burnt in gardens providing smoke nuisance is not caused to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood.
• Compost as much garden refuse as possible.
• Large woody cuttings etc., unsuitable for composting, should be thoroughly dried before being burnt. A quick, hot fire will produce the minimum of smoke.
• Remember your neighbours.
• Do not light a bonfire if the wind is going to cause the smoke to be a nuisance to anyone.
• Try to limit your fires to one a month or less and if weather conditions are suitable have a good, quick blaze around sunset when the minimum of nuisance should be caused.
• No fire should be left unattended. Never leave a fire to smoulder but douse it with soil or water.
• Never add household refuse to a garden bonfire.

Disposal points under the Civic Amenities Act have been provided by Leicestershire County Council for the disposal of bulky refuse, free of charge. Information relating to these sites or the special collection service can be obtained by contacting Customer Services on Tel. No. 01530 454545, or follow the links at www.coleorton.org.uk/recycling.html.

A smoky bonfire could be actionable under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If the Local Authority is satisfied that the smoke is prejudicial to health or a nuisance has occurred, even though it has temporarily ceased but is likely to recur, an Abatement Notice can be served on the person(s) responsible.

Further information can be found at NWLDC webite.

If you are having problems with persistent anti-social bonfire-lighters our Crime Prevention champion Colin Jones may be able to help.

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13/07/2018

Car Key Burglaries

Police are reporting an increase in so called "car key burglaries" particularly in the Loughborough and Charnwood areas (thankfully not yet in Coleorton.) A car key burglary is a crime where someone breaks into your home with the specific aim of removing your car keys and stealing your car. Car owners are being urged to take some simple crime prevention measures to protect their car:

• Hide your car keys and keep them well away from the front door taking them upstairs with you when you go to bed.
• Consider fitting a steering wheel lock.
• If your car has an alarm or immobiliser then make sure it is switched on.
• Have your vehicles windows etched with its registration number or the last seven digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This can put criminals off, as it makes your car more difficult for them to sell. It also makes it easier for the police to identify and/or return your vehicle if it is stolen.
• Always park your car in a garage if you have one.
• Finally, if you see anyone behaving suspiciously around your home or vehicle call police immediately on 101 or visit leics.police.uk/contact-us for ways to report. If there is a crime on-going dial 999.

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27/03/2018

Computer Software Service Fraud

Leicestershire Police have reported increased incidents of Computer Software Service Fraud with sometimes significant financial losses incurred. What generally happens is that someone calls, often asking for you by name, and saying that there is a fault on your computer, router or IP address and say they are from Microsoft or your Internet Service Provider. They say they can fix the problem, but need to have access to your computer to do it or you should download some software. Of course, once they have access they can get at your personal info including log-ons and passwords to your bank.

125 incidents were reported in the last 4 months, with a total monetary loss to of £133,840. This figure is only what has been reported, as some people are embarrassed about being gullible or may not even realise the money has gone.

LCC offer this advice:

• NEVER allow a cold caller remote access to your devices, either directly or by downloading from a website they point you to.
• If you are asked to install apps or software - HANG UP immediately.
• You may also be tricked by pop-ups when you visit a website which invite you to click on a link to install software to fix problems or performance.
• No legitimate business will cold call to assist with tech problems.
• Your Internet Service Provider or Broadband provider WILL NOT cold call you about problems with your devices or your IP address.

If in doubt HANG-UP or DON'T CLICK. If you feel you have been defrauded - contact the police.