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CARMARTHENSHIRE NEWS • EDITION 11 JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2013 Community Safety Partnership


Beware of rogue traders


RESIDENTS are being warned to beware of rogue traders. Householders across the county


have been targeted by rogue traders offering to do house painting, and property maintenance such as gutter cleaning, tree felling and pruning - some parting with significant sums of money. A total of 35 No Cold Calling


Zones have now been established across Carmarthenshire, the latest at Bryn Illtud/Bryn y Mor, Burry Port. New zones are planned in urban and rural areas throughout the county. Executive board member for


community safety Cllr Pam Palmer said: “Protecting residents from unwanted traders and scams is a


high priority for the Community Safety Partnership. “The No Cold Calling Zones offer


protection for residents by making it a criminal offence for uninvited traders to call at the houses within the designated zones.” Rogue doorstep traders will often


offer services at attractive rates and use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions. Work carried out is often unnecessary, of poor standard, more expensive than originally quoted, or not done at all. Avoid being scammed by rogue


doorstep traders - if a trader knocks at your door do not agree to on-the- spot house repairs, or sign anything on-the-spot. Be wary of special offers or warnings that your house is unsafe. Do not make snap decisions, take time to talk to someone you trust before you make a decision. If in doubt, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk


THE internet is a big part of everyday life for many – young, old and everyone in between have embraced the technology. It has revolutionised how we


obtain services and information without having to leave our homes – but it has also made it easier for criminals to access our personal details. There has been an increase of over


100 per cent in the number of these types of offences


reported


throughout the Dyfed Powys Police force area in 2011-12, with an estimated 40 per cent of victims losing money. Some basic measures can protect


people from becoming victims of internet crime. Stay alert to Internet cold-callers


who may claim there’s a problem with your computer/internet or that you’ve won money. If you weren’t expecting the call, never enter into


conversation with them, provide personal details or send them money. Never log onto your computer as a


result of a cold-call claiming your computer has a virus - fraudsters may try to communicate through emails or ‘pop ups’ on your screens. You could receive suspicious messages alleging to be from the


police or other law enforcement organisation


claiming your


computer has visited illegal content and that you need to pay a fine to release it – do not send any money or provide any payment card details. This is a virus. Get the virus removed by qualified IT technicians who will release your PC.


www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk


Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership ˆ


Partneriaeth Diogelwch Cymunedol Sir Gar


Be alert to internet fraud


Mobile police station visits Speeding concerns


RESIDENTS have identified speeding traffic as one of their main crime and disorder concerns. The Community Safety Partnership has been looking at ways its partner


AMMANFORD residents wanting to speak with their local police officers will now be able to do so during their weekly shopping as the Mobile Police Station makes its regular visits to the town centre. The station will be parked near the Wilkinson Store in the main town


car park. It will be operated by a Police Community Support Officer who will be able to assist with all front desk enquiries. During January, the station will be


at the car park every Tuesday between 10am and 2pm, and every Friday between 2pm and 6pm. For further details visit www.dyfed-


powys.police.uk or call 101. In addition to the services provided


at the Mobile Police Station, the public can also attend at the Police Information Point at the Town Hall in Ammanford where the Customer Services Staff from Carmarthenshire County Council can assist with police related enquiries.


agencies, such as the county council and police, can improve the confidence of local people about the way crime and disorder is tackled. A Citizens’ Panel survey in September 2012 showed that the largest number


of those often or frequently affected by crime or disorder - 36 per cent - highlighted speeding as a priority, including concerns about children being knocked down. A number also referred to dangerous driving. In response to an earlier survey, the Carmarthenshire Community Safety


Partnership acquired three additional speed camera guns for its Road Safety Action Group. The hand-held devices have already been used in Llanelli, Burry Port, Ammanford, and Carmarthen.


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