Alerts from Kent Police & Trading Standards – Shadoxhurst Parish Council

Clocks reported stolen in Smarden burglary

Kent Police has issued information on two clocks which were reported stolen during a burglary in Smarden, Ashford.

It was reported that a burglary had taken place between 9.30am and 3.10pm on Friday 31 March 2017 at a house in Monks Hill. Two clocks were stolen during the incident and officers have issued photos in the hope that someone may recognise the missing timepieces.

One is described as a German Lenzkirch wooden clock (picture above) which dates back to the early 20th century and is about 12 inches high. The second clock is described as being made of brass.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Dennis Webster said: ‘The clocks are of sentimental value to the owner and we would ask people to get in touch if they have been offered the opportunity to buy them.

‘Also, if anyone has any information about the burglary, or saw anything suspicious in the area, we would ask them to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/12683/17.’

Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.

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Doorstep criminals

Doorstep criminals have been leafleting the Ashford area offering property maintenance work including roofing, driveways, soffits, fascias, guttering, landscaping and fencing.

Accepting work from a doorstep criminal can result in paying much more than you intended for very poor, unnecessary and sometimes dangerous work.

If you feel afraid or threatened by a doorstep criminal phone 999. For non-urgent calls phone Kent Police on 101.

Please look out for neighbours and report any suspicious doorstep criminals on 101.

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A Seasonal Crime Prevention Reminder

With the change in weather and the subsequent lawns to mow please ensure that your sheds, garages and outbuilding are left secure and your garden tools, mowers and ride on mowers are placed inside and out of view.

Keep your gardens secure – padlock/bolt your garden gates.

Bogus Trading Standards Officer

Kent County Council Trading Standards are warning the public to be aware of a bogus ‘Trading Standards Officer’ who has recently called at a resident’s home in Kent. The criminal claimed that he had received the resident’s money from a recent court case and in order to retrieve the money the resident must pay a release fee of £10,000.

Trading Standards Officers would never contact residents and ask them to hand over money, or transfer money into another person’s bank account.

If you receive a phone call or a visit from someone claiming to be from Trading Standards and asking for money, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or the Police on 101.

Do your elderly parents, neighbours or friends worry about bogus callers? Would they know what to do if an unexpected visitor calls?

You can support them by visiting https://www.kent.police.uk/advice/bogus-callers-and-rogue-traders/for our tips on protecting your home and what to do if someone unexpected stops by.

Law Abiding Citizen’ Email Scam

There are reports of criminals sending out ‘phishing’ emails to personal and business email addresses. The criminals call themselves ‘Law-abiding citizens’ and claim that recipient’s details have been made available to scammers. The email advises the recipient to open the attached document to rectify the problem.

This is a scam.

Do not open any unknown attachments as this may lead to malware, viruses or spyware being downloaded onto your computer which could lead to your personal details being accessed. You can protect yourself by not replying to the email and ensuring your antivirus software is up to date and running.

If you receive this or a similar scam please report it to KCC Trading Standards.

For advice and to report issues to KCC Trading Standards contact
Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

[04/04/2017]