Please be aware of the following MO targeting the elderly.

It has been reported that two males described as Eastern European, have attached a piece of what was thought to be cable to the rear bumper of an elderly ladies vehicle in TESCO’s car park HERTFORD. The two males are thought to have then followed the female to her home address.

They have waited for her to park up then approached her stating there was cable on the back of her bumper pretending to be helpful.

Distraction Tactic

It is thought one has distracted the elderly female while the other has gone into her vehicle and taken cards from her purse which were later emptied of money.

We were made aware of the above which happened in Hertford. Unfortunately as this may happen in other areas, we feel it important that everyone is aware of this and to be more vigilant. The more people who know, the less people will be victims of crime.

Police Contact Advice

Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service. If you are calling about the above, please tell us that you are responding to a message from OWL Neighbourhood Watch.

Door to door sellers offering gutter cleaning services

Our last message regarding “Local Rogue Traders” told you about 2 arrests that were made with regards to males offering this service. Unfortunately, Hertfordshire Police are still being made aware of people out and about, knocking on doors.

Small jobs turn into very costly ones

Please do not engage with anyone who offers to do work for you on your doorstep. They offer to do a small job, like cleaning gutters for a small price (normally around £30) but then claim you need more work doing (usually roof repairs) which then leads to them asking for £1000+. It has been reported that they sometimes remove roof tiles claiming they were loose which also means you will need to pay someone to repair your roof after the scam adding to your expense.

Also, on occasion, a note may be put through your letterbox regarding people completing work for your neighbours and asking if you would like any work done. Please ignore these notes.

Keep an eye out for elderly neighbours

Please be vigilant, and also keep an eye on any elderly or vulnerable neighbours and family as these rogue traders prey on the most vulnerable.

Police Contact Advice

Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service. If you are calling about the above, please tell us that you are responding to a message from OWL Neighbourhood Watch.

There is a scam email being sent around which Hertfordshire Police want you to be aware of.

The email claims to be from HMRC regarding tax refunds. The email explains that you are due a large amount of money and that you can claim your annual tax refund online. There is a link on the email to “claim your tax”. Do not click the link as this could install harmful software onto your computer or device OR is a way for the end user to obtain your bank details. Please check whether the emails you are receiving are legitimate and never provide any of you bank details if you are not sure. If you think you are due a tax rebate ring HMRC, or go on www.gov.uk, and check.

Police Contact Advice

Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service. If you are calling about the above, please tell us that you are responding to a message from OWL Neighbourhood Watch.

Incident in Bishops Stortford

On 21st February in Bishops Stortford, a lady answered her door to 2 males who said they were working in the area repairing guttering. They charged her £30 and then said they would also repair a hole in the roof. They have done something which the lady could not see and then they have told her she needs to pay a further £1100. She did not have the money and so the males called a taxi to take her to the bank. Luckily for the lady, the taxi driver noticed something was not right and contacted the Police. A description of the males and vehicle they were using was given to a unit who tracked them down and arrested the 2 males for fraud offences.

Similar incident in Watton-at-Stone

A resident of Watton at Stone has been a victim of rogue traders by giving over a £2000 deposit to males who never returned to carry out moss clearing.

The first story luckily had a positive ending, but this does not always happen. Be please vigilant. Police Advice: Never get work done by people who knock on your door. Also, keep an eye on elderly and vulnerable neighbours and family.

Police Contact Advice

Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service. If you are calling about the above, please tell us that you are responding to a message from OWL Neighbourhood Watch.