Have a #FraudFreeXmas

People celebrating this festive season are being encouraged to have a #FraudFreeXmas and stay alert to fraudsters taking advantage of the time of year, as Action Fraud reveal the 12 frauds of Christmas.

Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has launched a Christmas campaign, revealing 12 fraud types to look out for throughout the festive season.

People are being encouraged to stay extra vigilant online, and in person, as criminals will be seeking to take advantage of the time of year whilst people celebrate Christmas and the festive season.

New figures from Action Fraud show that the 12 types of fraud featured in this year's Christmas campaign resulted in victims losing a combined total of £224 million during the 2023 festive period. Data also shows that nearly three million phishing emails were reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) from November 2023 to January 2024.

What are the 12 frauds of Christmas?

📌 Phishing
📌 Pet fraud
📌 Online shopping fraud
📌 Social media and email account hacking
📌Courier fraud
📌 Romance fraud
📌 Gift card fraud
📌 Charity fraud
📌 Investment fraud
📌 QR code fraud
📌 Holiday fraud
📌Ticket fraud

To find out more about each subject go to 👉   https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/12frauds 

What can you do to protect yourself from fraud this Christmas?

Protect your online accounts: the password you use for your email account should be different from all your other passwords for online accounts. Use three random words to create a strong and memorable password, and enable 2-step verification (2SV).

Do your research: make sure you do a thorough online search before making any big financial decisions. Check the authenticity of the company or organisation before making any investment, donation to charity or booking tickets for a concert, event or holiday.

Be cautious about how you send money: avoid paying via bank transfer and don't be pressured into transferring large sums of money. Any trusted organisation will not force you to transfer money on the spot and only a fraudster will try to rush you. For making purchases online, use a credit card if you can.

Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, QR codes or contact on social media: from seeing unbelievably good deals on tickets or holidays, to seeing a suspiciously cheap prices on items advertised, always double check the authenticity of what you are going to buy online before making a purchase or paying upfront fees.

Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing  

Report suspicious text messages or spam calls free of charge to 7726


If you've lost money or provided your financial information to someone, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.


Message Sent By
Wendy Dalton
(Cheshire Police, PCSO, Ellesmere Port LPU) 



Ellesmere Port & Neston Police Neighbourhood Crime update - 25 November - 8 December 2024

Please note this is not a complete list of all incidents reported during this period - it is purely for the information of local residents to make them aware of incidents that have taken place within their area.

Information on Home / Personal Security can be found on the Cheshire Police Website. www.cheshire.police.uk

ELLESMERE PORT WEST

  • Willaston and Thornton
  • Hooton Road – Male found in property of homeowner. When confronted he walked out taking a purse and car keys. Having entered the vehicle in attempt to drive off he was again confronted and walked off towards the A41 – Male arrested. *Same male.

    • Incidents reported relating to BUSINESS premises:

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

  • Willaston and Thornton
  • Chester Road – Suspect, from residential burglary on Hooton Road entered 'Chimneys' public House and asked staff to order a taxi for him. Whilst staff have been doing this the male has gone behind the bar and been searching behind it. – Male arrested. *Same male.

    • Incidents reported relating to OUTBUILDINGS/GARDENS:

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

  • Parkgate
  • Springcroft – 2 gardens, accessed from the Wirral Way have their sheds targeted.:
    • Padlock forced from shed and door found open, but nothing appears to have been taken at this time. -* Believed to be the same offenders.
    • CCTV shows a male trying to prise the top of the shed door open. No entry gained. CCTV shows male talking to another person (off camera view). -* Believed to be the same offenders.
  • Carlton Close – Garden accessed from the Wirral Way. Shed locks broken off doors. Nothing appears to have been taken at this time. -* Believed to be the same offenders.

    • Incidents reported relating to criminal damage, with the exclusion of damage to vehicles:

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

  • Neston
  • Brook Street – 2 commercial bins set alight behind 'Age UK'.
  • Grange
  • Sutton Way – Damage caused to door of property. – Female arrested.

    • Incidents reported relating to theft, with the exclusion of shop lifting & vehicle theft:
    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

  • Neston
  • Unknown offender/s approach 2002 Caravan Coachman VIP and enter front locker area. 2 propane gas cylinders and gas regulator are forcibly removed and taken.
  • Sutton
  • Sutton Way - Unattended red and black mobility scooter taken from near to the bus stop by Tennyson Road.
  • Caxton Close – Doorbell camera shows an unknown male waling into the garden where he takes pushbike. Homeowner shouted out to him and the bike was later found abandoned in Schubert Close.
  • Grange
  • Regent Street – Rock Rider electric bike, locked up to post taken after lock removed, using a multi tool which was left at the scene.
  • Summer Close – Property, within care complex, entered by unknown means and power scooter taken from within.

    • Incidents reported relating to theft / attempt THEFT OF motor vehicles:

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

  • Parkgate
  • Hawthorn Road – Nissan Primastar van, SG11 PFO entered by unknown means and taken.
  • Grange
  • Sutton Way - Black Honda WW125, DG62 OBA taken by unknown means. – Vehicle recovered from Moorfields Avenue, Wirral.

    • Incidents reported relating to theft / attempt THEFT FROM motor vehicles:

    ELLESMERE PORT EAST

  • Rossmore
  • Rossmore Road West – Entry gained onto sire of 'Lakeland Motor home Centre' by cutting through boundary fencing.3 vehicles have been identified as being accessed:
    • Relay Hobby Optima motor home has window blinds and wheel removal kit taken.
    • Wildax motor home has all 4 wheels removed and taken.
    • TV, wheel caps, window blinds and radio taken from another motor home, but no make/model details provided at this time.

    • ELLESMERE PORT WEST

  • Ledsham and Manor
  • Meadowbank Drive – Mini One has the front and rear registration plates, showing BG63 VPT removed and taken.
  • St. Pauls
  • Woodchurch Lane – Suzuki Swace entered by unknown means and cash removed from wallet, leaving wallet behind.

    • Incidents reported relating to DAMAGE TO motor vehicles:

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

  • Neston
  • Sandon Crescent – MG, parked at roadside has body work, windscreen wiper and wing mirror damaged by unknown offender.
  • St. Pauls
  • Chester Road - Whilst stationary, Hyundai Tucson is damaged by several coins thrown, by an unknown male who pulled up next to it in a Nissan Qashqai.

    • If you have any CCTV, dash cam footage, etc., that you think may have captured something of relevance in relation to any of the below incidents, further information such as dates and times can be provided.


    Message Sent By
    Wendy Dalton
    (Cheshire Police, PCSO, Ellesmere Port LPU) 



    Ellesmere Port & Neston Police Neighbourhood Crime update - 11 to 24 November 2024

    Please note this is not a complete list of all incidents reported during this period - it is purely for the information of local residents to make them aware of incidents that have taken place within their area.

    Information on Home / Personal Security can be found on the Cheshire Police Website. www.cheshire.police.uk 


    Incidents reported relating to RESIDENTIAL property:

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

  • Neston
  • Raby Park Road – Entry gained by snapping lock on rear kitchen door. Searched throughout and jewellery taken.
  • Willaston and Thornton
  • Mill Lane – Entry gained via rear French doors after lock snapped. Searched throughout and safe taken. – Safe located in farmers field off Heath Lane.
  • St. Pauls
  • Red Lion Lane -Unknown offender steals ladders from an extension being built. Returns later and steals a tripod lighting rig.


    • Incidents reported relating to BUSINESS premises:

    ELLESMERE PORT EAST

  • Ellesmere Port Town
  • Whitby Road – Bottom glass panel in door smashed to gain access into 'Easy Shop'. Till taken.


    • Incidents reported relating to theft, with the exclusion of shop lifting & vehicle theft:

    ELLESMERE PORT EAST

  • Ellesmere Port Town
  • Marina Drive – Whilst dropping off four youths from taxi, one youth has grabbed the money box from the cab and ran off.


    • ELLESMERE PORT WEST

  • Neston
  • Frobisher Road – Handbag taken from park bench whilst owner temporarily distracted.
  • Westlands Close – Electricity meter removed and taken from the front of property.
  • Parkgate
  • Brooklands Road – Bicycle taken from front garden of property. No further details of bike.
  • Willaston and Thornton
  • New Road – Entry gained into communal area of flats and mobility scooter taken.
  • Grange
  • Sutton Way – Camera removed and taken from outside flat. – Names suspect.


    • Incidents reported relating to theft / attempt THEFT OF motor vehicles:

    ELLESMERE PORT EAST

  • Whitby
  • Grasmere Road – During the early hours of the morning motorcycle BF02 OGZ has been moved from the driveway of a residential property. The bike currently has no engine or battery and was abandoned on a neighbouring driveway.
  • Stanney Lane – Mini Cooper, M66 NUJ taken from the car park of 'Grace Arms'.

    • Incidents reported relating to theft / attempt THEFT FROM motor vehicles:

    ELLESMERE PORT EAST

  • Whitby
  • Woodland Road – Vehicle (no further details) entered by unknown means and sunglasses laptop taken. Laptop found discarded in wooded area.


    • Incidents reported relating to DAMAGE TO motor vehicles: ELLESMERE PORT EAST

  • Ellesmere Port Town
  • Brancepeth Court – Vauxhall Crosslander, parked to rear of address has rear windscreen smashed. - Male arrested.
  • Enfield Road - Toyota Aygo has wingmirror kicked by male riding small motorcycle, leaving it hanging by wiring. – Male stopped and dealt with by Community Resolution.
  • Woodfield Road – Toyota Yaris has damage caused to one of the tyres causing it to go flat.
  • Shellway Road - BMW scratched along paintwork.
  • Rossmore
  • Percival Road – Ford Mondeo, parked at roadside scratched along the side of vehicle. Two other vehicles have also been reported to have been damaged, but no reports have been made in relation to these.


    • ELLESMERE PORT WEST

  • Neston
  • Drake Road – Vauxhall Corsa left with scrapes on the roof and side panels after snow removed by group of passing youths.
  • St. Pauls
  • Dale Avenue – Unknown substance thrown over the front of a Seat Ateca. This has melted the plastic grill and logo.


    • If you have any CCTV, dash cam footage, etc., that you think may have captured something of relevance in relation to any of the below incidents, further information such as dates and times can be provided.

    Message Sent By
    Wendy Dalton
    (Cheshire Police, PCSO, Ellesmere Port LPU) 

    ________________________________________


    Neighbourhood Watch...

    Ellesmere Port & Neston Police Neighbourhood Crime update - 28 October to 10 November 2024

    Please note this is not a complete list of all incidents reported during this period - it is purely for the information of local residents to make them aware of incidents that have taken place within their area.

    Information on Home / Personal Security can be found on the Cheshire Police Website. www.cheshire.police.uk  

    Incidents reported relating to RESIDENTIAL property:

    ELLESMERE PORT EAST

    • Whitby
    • Birkett Avenue – Keys removed from locked front door by unknown means to access property. Wallet taken from a table in the living room before unknown offender/s have taken the keys and driven off in a Blue Suzuki Jimny, DK68 OTN, which had been parked on the driveway. – Vehicle recovered, following a pursuit in Noctorum, Merseyside.

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

    • Grange
    • Tennyson Road – Unknown white male entered property through an insecure front door. Upon being disturbed by the homeowner they have run off.

    Incidents reported relating to BUSINESS premises:

    ELLESMERE PORT EAST

    • Whitby
    • Chester Road – Unknown offenders have scaled boundary fencing to rear courtyard area. A small rear window has been smashed to gain access to 'Pernickety Hair Company' premises. An untidy search has been carried out and a large quantity of styling equipment, products and utility items taken, some of which have then been discarded in the car park area.

    Incidents reported relating to OUTBUILDINGS/GARDENS:

    ELLESMERE PORT EAST

    • Rossmore
    • Station Road - Entry gained on BT site compound by cutting a hole into boundary fencing. Two storage containers have been entered by cutting through the side with some form of metal cutter. Another three have been entered following cutting the locks off the doors. Large quantity of plant hire and tools taken.

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

    • Little Neston and Burton
    • Hawkins Road - Report received of two unknown males in garden of residential property. The males have then entered an insecure shed before leaving via the rear garden gate onto Liverpool Road. Nothing has been reported to have been taken from the shed.
    • St. Pauls
    • Links Avenue – Lock smashed off shed door to gain access. Lawn mower, patio heater and garden furniture taken.

    Incidents reported relating to criminal damage, with the exclusion of damage to vehicles:
    ELLESMERE PORT EAST

    • Strawberry
    • Juniper Drive – Front door to residential property kicked by a youth from a passing group, causing the door to crack.

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

    • Grange
    • Sutton Way – Glass smashed in communal front doors of two separate blocks of flats.
      ELLESMERE PORT EAST
    • Strawberry
    • Juniper Drive – Front door to residential property kicked by a youth from a passing group, causing the door to crack.

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

    • Grange
    • Sutton Way – Glass smashed in communal front doors of two separate blocks of flats.

    Incidents reported relating to theft, with the exclusion of shop lifting & vehicle theft:
    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

    • Ledsham and Manor
    • Ledsham Road – Grey full suspension Boardman Mountain bike taken from outside property.

    Incidents reported relating to theft / attempt THEFT OF motor vehicles:

    ELLESMERE PORT EAST

    • Whitby
    • Birkett Avenue - Blue Suzuki Jimny, DK68 OTN, taken after keys stolen from residential property. – Vehicle recovered, following a pursuit in Noctorum, Merseyside.

    Incidents reported relating to theft / attempt THEFT FROM motor vehicles:
    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

    • St. Pauls
    • Fairways Drive – Entry gained into motor vehicle (no further details) and blue disabled permit taken.

    Incidents reported relating to DAMAGE TO motor vehicles:ELLESMERE PORT EAST

    • Ellesmere Port Town
    • Marlborough Road – Volvo XC40 scratched, along the length of the vehicle on the drivers side, by an unknown offender who has ridden off on an electric bike.
    • Croft Court – Rear tyre slashed on Ford Transit tipper van slashed by unknown offender.

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

    • Sutton
    • Browning Drive – Citroen C3 has the wing mirror kicked off by a youth sitting on the handlebars of a passing bicycle. Both youths wearing Catholic High uniforms. – Named suspects.

    ELLESMERE PORT WEST

    • St. Pauls
    • Princes Road – Unknown male, on an electric bike has approached a male on his way to work, during the early hours of the morning. He has unsuccessfully attempted to snatch his bag as he has passed.
    If you have any CCTV, dash cam footage, etc., that you think may have captured something of relevance in relation to any of the below incidents, further information such as dates and times can be provided.

    Message Sent By Wendy Dalton
    (Cheshire Police, PCSO, Ellesmere Port LPU) 

    ________________________________________