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.

Advice for Owners of Keyless Vehicles

Hertfordshire Police frequently receive reports from Hertfordshire residents whose “keyless” vehicles have been stolen. If your vehicle uses a vicinity key, please follow the below advice. What is a vicinity key? A vicinity key operates the vehicle to which it belongs using an automatic signal. You only have to be near to the vehicle for it to detect the key is present and unlock. The key (or signal) only has to be present to enable you to press a button to turn on the engine.

Keyless theft: how it works

This is where a vehicle is stolen without the thief having physical access to the key. Thieves use a signal boosting device which picks up and boosts the signal detected from your vicinity key to the vehicle, making your vehicle think the key is nearby. You can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pffcngJJq0

Protect Your Vehicle:

Keep vicinity keys in a signal blocking pouch which stops the signal from your key. You can source Police approved ‘Secured By Design’ signal blocking pouches via: http://www.securedbydesign.com/?post_type=product\u0026s=signal+blocker or on www.owlprotect.uk on this page https://owlprotect.uk/defender-signal-blocker-pouch-keyless-car-entry-start.html

Keep keys away from the front of your property; upstairs and hidden away is preferable. Check your Manual or with your Dealer if it is possible to switch the key’s signal off. For additional security, consider purchasing a steering wheel lock. If your vehicle has an alarm or immobiliser, ensure these are enabled. If your vehicle doesn’t have a Tracker, consider fitting one. A dual band tracking device works on VHF/UHF and GPS to ensure that one tracking system can still function if criminals use GPS blocking techniques to avoid detection. Purchase devices to ‘Thatcham’ and ‘SBD’ approval. Vehicles equipped with tracking devices are often promptly recovered. Check regularly for software updates for the car.

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.