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Monday, 18 March 2013 14:02

Latest Crime Prevention Advice from Trading Standards and Surrey Police

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Before clicking on to the latest Trading Standards Alert, you may wish to see the following extract from a Surrey Police email which gives crime prevention advice to mobile phone users:

"Surrey Police is making members of the public aware of a series of offences in which the offenders have used a distinctive distraction technique to steal mobile phones.

"The Force has currently identified seven similar crimes in Guildford, Epsom and Staines. The offence works by the offender(s) approaching the victim in a café or restaurant and asking for directions. They place a map over the victim's mobile phone or smart phone and engage them in conversation. When they leave, the offender(s) take the map and phone with them.

"The most recent incident occurred yesterday (Thursday, 28 February) in a coffee shop in White Lion Walk, Guildford. The victim, a woman in her 40s, was sitting reading a newspaper with her iPhone 5 on the table. A man in his early 20s, who spoke with an accent, believed to be eastern European, put a map on the table and asked for directions. After he left, the victim realised that her phone was missing.

"This was the fifth similar incident in Guildford with other incidents occurring at a coffee shop in Guildford High Street on 22 February, a fast food restaurant in Guildford High Street on 18 February, a coffee shop in Guildford High Street on 8 February and a coffee shop in Market Street on 25 January.

There have also been reports of a similar distraction technique being used in thefts at a coffee shop in Epsom High Street on 11 February and a restaurant in the Two Rivers retail park in Staines on 20 February.

Detective Sergeant Jim Strugnell, investigating, said: "We're not telling people to never leave mobile phones on the table in front of them but would urge people to be aware of other people around them, and if you are approached in such a manner, pick up the phone yourself before engaging in any conversation.

"We need people to keep reporting any incidents or suspicious activity to us so that we can build up a picture of those responsible and where the offences are occurring. If you think you have been a victim of such an offence but have not already reported it to the police then please do so as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about any of these offences, or who has been a victim of a similar incident themselves, is asked to call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference GD/13/1368. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For the latest Trading Standards Alert which, amongst other things, draws attention to.... wait for it..., a bogus Trading Standards Officer! click here

Bogus Trading Standards Officer

We have had a report that an elderly lady in the Esher area was cold called by a someone posing as a Trading Standards Officer. They were allegedly checking up on some work that was previously undertaken at the property. The fraudster followed this up with a phone call to the resident saying that they had caught the rogue but needed cash (£1000's) to assist with evidence and later turned up on the doorstep to retrieve the money. Police are investigating.

Please be aware that Trading Standards NEVER cold call on residents and we always carry identification that can be quickly verified by calling Surrey County Council.

Please report these or similar instances to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06. The Police can also be contacted on 101 or in an emergency 999.

Watch what you sign

If you buy something or sign an agreement at your door and it costs over £35 you have a right to cancel within 7 days - this is known as the cooling off period.

The caller MUST give you a written cancellation form setting out your rights and failure to do this means that they are committing a criminal offence and the agreement isn't valid

When you sign any agreement PLEASE read it carefully .... some traders are adding in sections for you to sign to agree to the work starting within the cooling off period.

As a consumer you can request the work to start within the cooling off period, for example you may need work carried out in an emergency, but you should instigate this request and must make it in writing. You should never be asked to sign anything to agree to the work starting immediately unless you have requested this.

If you do agree to the work starting within the 7 day cooling off period and you then later change your mind, you may be liable for the reasonable cost of goods and services supplied before the end of the cancellation period.

For further advice please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06

Group One Security

Residents may want to be aware that Group One Security has gone into liquidation and some consumers with these alarm systems are being contacted by a new monitoring company who will try to sell you a new contract.

We suggest that you take your time and get several quotes and ensure that that what you are signing meets your needs.

Surrey Police may be able to assist in offering free, independent advice via one of their Crime Reduction Advisors - please call 101 to enquire!

For further consumer advice on this subject please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06

Cut Films Competition

Are you under 25 and live in Surrey? Are you creative? Think you could be the next Danny Boyle, Hitchcock or Spielberg?

We invite you to make an advert or short film lasting less than 2 minutes that will persuade your mates to not smoke.

This is an anti-smoking film competition. We want you to be creative, inspiring and persuasive.... and there are some excellent prizes!

If you’re a teacher or a youth worker working with young people then why not get involved?

There’s a £250 award for any school or youth club in Surrey that supports the winning Surrey Judges’ Choice film.

All films will be automatically entered into the National Cut Films competition with the opportunity to have your film showcased at BAFTA HQ.

Recalls

Asda Smart Price Potato Salad as they may contain peanuts that have not been declared.

250g pack with a use-by date 26th March 2013. Please return it to the store for a refund.

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