Telford Police issue 'phone fraud warning

Detectives in Telford are urging the public to trust their instincts after fraudsters claiming to be from Lloyds Bank Fraud Department conned one victim out of thousands of pounds, recently.

Detective Sergeant Andy Dawson said: “Unfortunately, these scams are very elaborate and very cruel. These are very clever and very convincing criminals who pretend with confidence that they are from the police, your internet service provider, government and in this case, your bank.

"They are able to obtain your personal details and enough information, before calling you and without you realising, to convince you they are legitimate. They are not. No bank will call you and ask you to transfer money via your banking app or over the phone. No bank will ask for your personal details, bank details or family details in such a manner either.

“As with most criminals and especially fraudsters, they people are cowards and they target the vulnerable and the elderly, as in this case yesterday. Please let your family and friends know that this type of call, usually a cold call or from a phishing email or text, is a scam. Please tell them to hang up and call the police on 101 or report it immediately to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

“I would like to reassure the community in Telford and Shropshire and all communities across West Mercia that we are thoroughly investigating this and working hard to establish these criminal’s identities. If you or anyone you know has been a victim or thinks now that they may have been a victim of such a scam please tell them to call us as this will help our investigation and help us bring these individuals to justice.”

Typical telephone bank fraud to be aware of -

Email or text received containing a link purporting to be a service provider, such as internet, mobile phone etc…
Victim clicks the link and goes through to a website, which appears legitimate
Victim enters details onto web page as per the instructions. Fraudsters are able to see what is written on the page by using screen mirroring techniques
Fraudsters conduct research on the victim from details already obtained, including email address, bank details etc... this can be done on social media
Call are then made to the victim, questioning a suspicious transaction which has not happened and suggesting the account may be compromised.
Fraudster uses information given to build trust with the victim, this will be the information obtained during their research
Fraudster then gives instructions for how to cancel the alleged fraudulent activity, when in fact, they are transferring the money to a different account, under the fraudsters control

“I would ask the public to talk to elderly relatives or neighbours and to tell them what to be aware of. Remind them that no legitimate bank, building society, police officer, or business will ever phone you to ask you to give them your card, your PIN, or transfer your cash.”

If you get a phone call like the ones described, hang up - do not provide any personal details or hand anything over. Then report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040.

If the crime is still in progress, because for example, you have recently provided bank details or handed over cards or cash, or the caller has arranged for someone to visit your address to collect items, then you should call the police to report this on 101. In an emergency dial 999.

If you need some support from your bank or building society, go to your local branch or phone them on the correct number in your statement (not one a mystery caller gives you, as this is likely to be part of the scam).

There is also a lot of support and advice on our website here https://www.westmercia.police.uk/advice/ad

Some interesting things about Wellington

Here are some interesting things about Wellington that you might remember.

It was sad when the Wellington branch of Holland and Barrett closed down.

However, after they took the signage down, this former sign appeared for the first time in many years:-

How many of you remember the premises of F R Burton? They were a renowned pharmacy business in Wellington and also had expertise in photographic supplies and in developing films, I seem to recall.

In fact to the left hand side of the current shopfront there is still, but hidden from view, a painted sign on glass advertising their photographic department.

This is how the shop looked back in the 1960s:-

Also, further up New Street, on the right hand side outside of Bates and Hunt there was a machine that would dispense various rolls of films (made by the Ilford company) for photographers to purchase if the premises were closed.

Did you use that machine? If you did, please leave a comment.

Also in Wellington was the premises of Boots the Chemists, which were at that time in Crown Street, looking up New Street:-

Boots also had an agricultural section which was accessible from Duke Street, formerly Dun Cow Lane:-

  

I intend to publish more interesting images of not only Wellington but of other neighbouring areas, so please do keep an eye out for them.

Thoughts From a Coronavirus Prisoner. By George Evans

Local historian and author George Evans has asked me to help him by publishing a very timely article on what it feels like to be a Coronavirus Prisoner on a somewhat underused blog of mine. 

I am honoured to help my former geography teacher.  

Here are a few odd thoughts that have occurred to me while the crisis has been on.

I thought they might interest other people I decided to send them to my old friend Martin to pass on if he wished.

My family and I are glad to have my good friends Phoenix Care looking after me. They have been caring for me ever since I came out of hospital over three years ago and I’m very grateful for their work feeding and cheering me up.

The Government doesn’t seem to know about carers who look after ancient people in their own homes and haven’t yet got round to testing them, even though they all visit several people a day. I watch the other key workers being clapped at 8pm on Thursdays but have my own way of thanking mine.

Every time they come to me, that’s three or four times every day, I clap them in. It shows my appreciation and I get a little shy embarrassed smile in return. If you think that’s a good idea, why not copy it?

We hear about very little else these days but Coronavirus; it’s as though nothing else is happening in the rest of the world.

A few days ago, on 15th April, it was the anniversary of the day Bergen-Belsen concentration camp was liberated by 11 th Armoured Division which included the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and the Herefordshire Regiment (including me).

If you have any idea of how dreadful Nazi concentration camps were you would realise that the present catastrophe is quite a small thing compared with the Last World War. I was there and I remember seeing through the barbed wire the skeletons in their striped pyjamas, the walking dead, and the foul stench of burnt, rotten human meat and rotting excrement.

Don’t say it didn’t happen – I saw it and smelt it myself. They weren’t all Jews, there were also Gypsies, German homosexuals, Black people and any anti-Nazi they could catch.

All this makes Coronavirus look like a rather odd holiday for many people, horrible though it is.

Let’s finish with something much nicer; hasn’t it been a lovely bright shining spring? Not all the time of course, but sometimes I wonder if I have seen any better spring days in my 96 years than some of the ones this year.

I sit in my front garden, watching the birds and shouting “Hello” to my neighbours. Then I pop out for a little walk in the sunshine, first to where I can see The Wrekin, then to the end of the road. It is, perhaps, only three hundred yards or so, but it’s a bit of exercise and does me good.

In the meantime, here’s wishing health, peace and happiness to Martin Scholes and success to his blog or whatever it’s called. (I’m only semi-literate in computers.) Also, to All Friends Round The Wrekin, all the very best.

© George Evans. Wellington, The Wrekin.


NOTE: George Evans' regular articles will be appearing in the Wrekin News which, we are assured, will commence digital publication in the very near future. All we readers (and writers!) are very much looking forward to that!)

The Wrekin News will also recommence print publication when this is practicable given the restrictions placed upon small news magazines such as the Wrekin News by the current government restrictions.

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Should you require any graphic design, printing or professional photography undertaken please visit them at https://www.plus2media.co.uk/contact

Police appeal

Police are appealing for the public’s help to locate a man in Telford.

Martyn Emery, 30, from Telford, is wanted for causing criminal damage and assault.

Anyone who has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact PC Stanford at Telford Patrol on 01952 214650.

Or alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Force praises the public following weekend of fine weather, despite isolated incidents in West Mercia

West Mercia Police is thanking the public for their fantastic response to the government’s COVID-19 measures on social distancing over the weekend, despite the temptation to go out in the sunny weather.

Chief Superintendent Tom Harding said: “I want to thank the vast majority of people across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire for adhering to social distancing rules, which state that everybody must stay at home where possible and only leave if they have a ‘reasonable excuse’, such as exercise or shopping for basic necessities.

“I have been briefed and seen numerous Images from across the three counties showing normally vibrant towns and villages empty, and people being sensible in rural areas while exercising. However, there were isolated examples from across the force area of people flouting the restrictions, criminals taking advantage of the lockdown and a charge being brought following an incident where a security guard was spat at. I want to reassure the public that we will engage, explain and encourage most people to comply with the rules but we will enforce where people are deliberately endangering our NHS and others by non-compliance.”

In Hereford, a 26 year old man was charged at the weekend with obstructing a person from carrying out a function under the Coronavirus legislation and assault by beating, following an incident outside a supermarket where a security officer was spat on and assaulted.

Meanwhile, in Worcestershire, thieves exploited the lockdown to target the cars of two nurses working on Saturday 4 April. During their 13 hour shift at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, the catalytic convertors from their cars were stolen while parked in the staff car park. An investigation is now underway.

Chief Superintendent Harding continued: “We understand that the lockdown is challenging. However, people must respect the regulations, as that is the only way of making sure that we restrict the spread of the disease.

“However, the behaviour of an irresponsible few was dealt with by our officers, ranging from public gatherings breaking social distancing rules to the nurses affected by theft. Crimes such as the latter are awful at the best of times, but to target NHS staff in the current climate is truly abhorrent. An investigation is underway and we are doing all we can to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“The good news is that it is the minority and most people are behaving respectfully and legally, showing real community spirit. However, where needed we can use enforcement, including the new Coronavirus legislation if appropriate, to protect workers and the public, and we are clear that incidents such as spitting at others will be met with an incredibly robust response by Police and we will arrest people and put them before the court. We are also able to target anyone who is out and about in our community seeking to cause harm, we have seen a number of proactive arrests showing that we can ensure that both the current rules are being complied with and that we continue to target other criminality.

“We understand you may have concerns about gatherings and people not following the guidelines, and you can report any concerns where you feel there is a significant issue or breach of coronavirus measures on our website at www.westmercia.police.uk, using the ‘Tell us about’ button on the homepage. In the meantime, we will continue to be out across the force area, engaging, explaining and encouraging people to #stayhomesavelives.”

Plea to road users to take extra care

With a major national incident currently in place for COVID19 and with national advice evolving rapidly, it’s important we don’t lose sight of the part we all have to play in staying safe.

West Mercia Police’s commitment to road casualty reduction is ongoing and keeping the road network safe and operating is still an integral part of policing over the coming months.

The pressure being placed upon the NHS and emergency services is well known so a national campaign has been launched to encourage all road users to ‘Take Extra Care’ to reduce any additional strain onto emergency services.

We are encouraging all road users to ‘Take Extra Care’ over these coming weeks, particularly those of motorised vehicles that are still using the road network for essential work and supplies, but also those that may be walking or cycling for their one piece of exercise per day.

Statistics show over 160,000 people were killed or seriously injured on Great Britain’s roads in 2019, an average of 440 a day. In all of these cases the police and possibly ambulance and fire would’ve attended.

To reduce the number of road casualties during this time the campaign is urging all road users to follow the Government guidelines and only travel when essential for work, supplies or as allocated exercise locally. The plea when travelling is to avoid all unnecessary journeys and to take extra care and not take any unnecessary risks.

Whether you are a driver, rider, cyclist or pedestrian – we can all play our part over the coming months by taking extra care on every journey.

Telford Police Cadets in Easter Egg donations

Hundreds of Easter eggs have been donated to local food banks in Telford, thanks to Telford Police Cadets. 

The donation comes as the cadets changed their plans for the next phase of their ‘Bridging the Gap’ initiative, the initiative sees them visit retirement homes throughout the borough.

Over the Easter period the cadets had intended to visit Wrekin Housing Group retirement living schemes in Newport to hand out the Easter eggs to residents and tidy up the communal gardens.

With the current regulations in relation to Covid-19 in place the cadets have delayed their plans however did not want the Easter eggs to go to waste.

Earlier this week, hundreds of Easter eggs were donated to foodbanks across Telford. A large Easter egg was also donated to the children’s ward at the Princess Royal Hospital.

Telford cadet leader, PC Claire Walker-Shale, said: “The cadets are really passionate about their Bridging the Gap initiative, they and the residents they visit always thoroughly enjoy it, however, quite rightly so, it just would not be possible for it to go ahead at the moment.

“Being left with hundreds of Easter eggs and not wanting them to go to waste we decided to contact Telford & Wrekin Council to see if local foodbanks would like them.

“We know that in these difficult times there will be children going without an Easter egg this year and thought it would be a nice gesture to add them to the food supplies for families.

“The cadets also wanted to make sure children who are in hospital at the moment do not go without and therefore decided to donate a large Easter egg to the children’s ward at the Princess Royal Hospital.

“Hopefully the Easter eggs will help bring a little cheer for everyone.”

Easter eggs have been delivered to the Hub on the Hill in Sutton Hill, the Leegate Centre in Leegomery and The Newport initiative.

PC Walker-Shale added: “I want to reassure our residents in Newport that as soon as they are able to the cadets will come and visit. We know how much everyone was looking forward to it and don’t want anyone to miss out.”

West Mercia Police Cadets scheme is a voluntary scheme for young people that sees them get involved in policing from carrying out patrols to offering crime prevention advice and supporting local communities. The scheme gives young people vital life skills for whatever path they follow in the future.

Fire call to Apley Court, Severn Drive, Wellington

At 12:06 on Wednesday, 8 April, 2020, SFRS Fire Control received a call reporting a fire classified as AFA in Apley Court, Severn Drive, Wellington .

1 fire appliance was mobilised from Wellington.

Report of fire alarm actuated which was found to be due to fumes from cooking.

Car fire call

At 15:49 on Wednesday, 8 April, 2020, SFRS Fire Control received a call reporting a fire classified as Car Fire in Cluddley Lane, Wellington.

One fire appliance was mobilised from Wellington.

Call to a vehicle smoking, which was found to be from a mechanical fault.

Carbon Monoxide call out

At 12:11 on Wednesday, 8 April, 2020, SFRS Fire Control received a call reporting a fire classified as AFA in Wellington Road, Muxton.

One fire appliance was mobilised from Telford Central.

Report of a carbon monoxide detector actuated in a domestic property.

Fire in Arleston

At 19:59 on Sunday, 5 April, 2020, SFRS Fire Control received a call reporting a fire classified as Fire In Open in Arleston,Wellington

1 fire appliance was mobilised from Wellington.

Fire involving small quantity of paper and cardboard. Crews used buckets of water to extinguish the fire.

Coronavirus: The Queen gives special address during pandemic - BBC News

Official statement from Telford and Wrekin Council re Coronavirus

Protecting and caring during the coronavirus pandemic 21 – 28 March
Council leader Shaun Davies' week's round-up

Events have moved very quickly over the last week, so here’s a quick reminder of what’s happened in Telford and Wrekin.

Free School Meals
We’ve delivered around 27,000 packed lunches to children eligible for Free School Meals around the borough.

Thank you for everyone’s understanding - these meals are only for those eligible for a Free School Meal due to financial circumstances.

Check if you’re entitled based on your income

Council Tax Holidays
More than 8,000 households have asked to take a two month council tax holiday and we’re processing these as quickly as we can.

The two-month payment break is to help ease the financial burden people face caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It will mean the bill can be paid over the remaining 10 months of the financial year.

If your financial circumstances have changed and you’re struggling to now pay your council tax bill, you can apply for help through our council tax reduction scheme. Visit www.telford.gov.uk/benefits or by calling 01952 383838 (9am-5pm weekdays).

Supporting residents and businesses
We’ve written to every borough household and business explaining the support available and dealt with approximately 1,060 requests for support from businesses alone and many more from residents.
We’ve also launched our own scheme to recruit volunteers to support vulnerable residents and for vulnerable residents to register for get that support – you can do this online here

Our residents’ helpline 01952 382030 is open 9am to 5pm Monday – Friday, 9am to 1pm over weekends

We’ve also kept people informed through regular website, video, social and other media updates, receiving more than 4,000 messages from residents via social media alone.

Our businesses helpline 01952 383838 is open 9am to 5pm Monday - Friday.

Grants to Telford Crisis Network and homeless charities
We’ve given £80k of emergency grants to charities that work to support the homeless and rough sleepers and Telford Crisis Network, who run the borough’s main foodbank, to help them cope with the coronavirus outbreak, while we’ve also helped to accommodate eight people who were rough sleeping.

Supporting Operation Shield
We’re ready to support Operation Shield., the Government scheme to get food parcels and other necessities to help the most vulnerable in the community isolating at home with no friends, family or neighbours to support them.

The first delivery of supplies are expected to arrive early next week at our food distribution hub where they will be packed and distributed by council staff and partners . But we’ve not waited for this to arrive, we’ve already starting contacting the most vulnerable and, with the help of partners, have started delivering some food parcels to those self-isolating and in greatest need.

If you need such help, contact our residents’ helpline number 01952 382030 (9am to 5pm Monday – Friday, 9am to 1pm over weekends)

Helping to observe the lockdown
Our Public Protection officers have gone out every day, including at night, this week to follow up on reports of businesses that should be closed staying open. Earlier during the week, they visited 20 reported premises. They also checked all of Wellington, Dawley and Newport town centres.

This government list states which businesses must be closed. These must remain closed. We have officers, backed up by the police out throughout the borough to make sure they stay shut.

Play areas and council buildings
While our parks are open so that people can exercise while practicing social distancing, we’ve closed all play areas to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. All our buildings are now also closed to the public unless you have a pre-booked appointment.

Supporting discharges from hospital
We’ve switched extra resources to help reduce the time taken to transfer patients out of hospital to care  homes or to  a care provider – it was 48 hours and in the last week we’ve  been working to reduce  it to 2 hours  –This will help free up beds in our local hospital. We have also set up a dedicated support line for PRH and other Health and Care businesses in the borough and are supporting on daily basis all our care providers.

The superb NHS services rightly take centre stage in the response to the coronavirus pandemic and deserve our unstinting gratitude and support.

But councils like Telford & Wrekin play an absolutely key part supporting the community and making sure that everyone can help play their part in reducing the spread of the virus and easing pressure on the NHS. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.

Help remains available for victims of domestic abuse in Telford and Wrekin

As people are being asked to stay at home to protect the NHS, Telford & Wrekin Council are reassuring victims of domestic abuse that help and support remains available to them.

Councillor Rae Evans, cabinet lead for the prevention of domestic abuse, said: “Coronavirus will impact the most vulnerable in our communities, including those experiencing domestic abuse.

“With more and more people being asked to stay at home, to protect the NHS and to save lives, many victims of domestic abuse are going to find themselves even more trapped and in need of support.

“Telford has been a white ribbon town now for three years in a row, it shows our commitment to protect and care for victims of domestic abuse.

“So we want to remind people during this difficult time that if you, or someone you know, are experiencing abuse, you're not alone. Help and support is available so please get in touch.

Wendy Bulman, Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service Manager, said: “During this pandemic it is important to know that domestic abuse services are still open and available to help.

"We remain committed to offering support via telephone or email. Access to Refuge or alternative safe accommodation is also available should you need to flee”

For help and support contact the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service 0300 303 1191 or email sdas@shropsdas.org.uk.

Scenic beauty spots close car parks to encourage local exercising only

We’re blessed that the Telford and Wrekin area has lots of scenic beauty spots but before you rush out to visit these, we’d like you to ask yourself:

1. Is this an essential journey?

2. Do I need to drive here to complete my daily exercise?

As the government guidelines state, we should stay at home (unless you’re unable to work from home), and journey out only for food and medicines. You can go out for exercise once a day.

Daily walks and exercise should be completed locally in your surrounding areas, alone or with members of your household only.

Car parks surrounding the Wrekin and The Ercall are now closed.

John Hughes of Shropshire Wildlife Trust, which owns the car park at the foot of the Wrekin said “The Forest Glen is one of several car parks we’ve been ask to close to maintain social distancing. Keeping healthy through outdoor exercise is important, but Telford has a wealth of easily accessible and quiet green spaces within walking distance for many people.”

Cllr Carolyn Healy, Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Historic and Natural Environment, and Climate Change said “The reason for this is that the car park then becomes a place that can become very busy and it becomes very difficult for people to keep a safe distance from one another.”

“We must do everything we can to stop the risk of spreading the virus and if this means we can’t go to some of our favourite places for a while then that’s a small price to pay.”

So please don’t drive out for your exercise.

Emergency Services Storm plea

Chief Superintendent Tom Harding from West Mercia Police, on behalf of the multi-agency flood response, said: “We continue to experience flooding as a result of storm Dennis across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire - with major incidents being declared in all three counties today (Sunday 16 February 2020).

“We would like to reassure everyone affected that all partners are working together to keep people safe and plans have been put in place for the coming days.

“There are currently severe flood warnings, meaning danger to life, for the Tenbury Wells area and Ludlow. We are also advised that there is potential risk of further and significant flooding over the next few days in Greyfriars and Hampton Bishop in Herefordshire, Worcester and Upton in Worcestershire and Shrewsbury in Shropshire.

“We are continuing to work hard to identify and evacuate residents where necessary and teams on the ground are there to support communities, particularly the vulnerable. Rest centres are in place for anyone asked to leave their homes.

“We are experiencing unprecedented river levels, particularly in Tenbury and Ludlow, so please do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Many roads are closed and impassable so please respect any road closures and diversions as they are in place to keep you safe. Please do not venture close to swollen rivers or floodwater and follow flood advice.

“I want to thank the public for your help and support of all the agencies, emergency services and local authorities involved in the flood response.

“Information regarding the flooding including road closures,  will continue to be given on social media by the Environment Agency, local authorities and the emergency services, and via local news or radio channels.”

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service dealt with a large number of callouts, many linked to the stormy weather.

Latest official advice is, if you can avoid travelling, please do not travel.

(Image courtesy of Chräcker Heller Pixabay)