Hello Simon

COMMUNITY SAFETY CHARTER launched to tackle crimes in public spaces

Our new Community Safety Charter, launched today, encourages everyone from individuals, Neighbourhood Watch groups, businesses, and organisations to take an active stance against crimes in public spaces, such as harassment, hate crime, and antisocial behaviour. 

The Charter tagline is #BETHECHANGE, focusing on the role of active bystanders in leading the change within their communities. The Charter supports greater understanding about how we recognise and deal with community safety issues and support victims by knowing where to get help, how and who to report to, enabling a more positive, proactive approach by the whole community when witnessing or experiencing confrontation, hostility, or harassment.

Do I need to make a pledge?

We are delighted to invite you to sign up to the Charter. 

By signing up individuals, businesses, organisations, and groups pledge to four actions:

• PROMOTE -        promote a culture that does not tolerate harmful language, antisocial behaviour and hostility toward others
• ENABLE -             enable others to identify and take an active stance to prevent harassment, antisocial behaviour and intimidation within their community
• REPORT -             actively encourage and support others to report harassment, antisocial behaviour and intimidation and share intelligence about these crimes with the relevant authorities
• SUPPORT -          support those affected by harassment, antisocial behaviour and intimidation and refer victims to the appropriate support agency

What will I receive when I sign up?

You will receive a printable poster, individual pledges to share on social media, and a comprehensive information pack on a specific topic or crime every two months which you can share with your staff/volunteers/colleagues/friends. The topics covered in the first year are:  

• harassment
• hate crime
• antisocial behaviour
• being an active bystander
• dealing with confrontation
• leading the change in our communities 

Where can I find out more?

• Attend our Community Safety Charter and ASB Webinar on the 21st July at 5pm. Book your online place here
• Watch an interactive presentation here
• Contact the Neighbourhood Watch Community Safety Charter Leads - Cheryl Spruce, Head of Membership and Engagement, or Jayne Pascoe, Head of Partnerships and Projects 

How do I sign up?

Simply complete the online form on ourwatch.org.uk/charter. Once you have signed up, we will contact you with you within 5 working days to share the first information pack and other resources. 

Please share the details of the Charter with your networks and encourage them also to sign up and share it. 

#BeTheChange

Central Support Team | NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK
Follow us... ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF CREATING SAFER, CONNECTED AND ACTIVE COMMUNITIES

Please note: This email has been sent to all Neighbourhood Watch supporters within our network

Dear subscriber, 

Action Fraud has received 752 reports in four days relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem. The emails state that the recipient is eligible for a rebate as a result of a newly announced government scheme. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.

Please view our tweet to see a screenshot of the fake emails reported to Action Fraud: https://twitter.com/CyberProtectUK/status/1527657160586444800?s=20&t=RdAiopW83gUlsAymvjnu5g

• Remember, your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text. If you need to check that it’s a genuine message, contact the company using details from their official website or app.
• Spotted a suspicious email? Forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) - report@phishing.gov.uk

For more information on how to stay secure online, please visit: www.cyberaware.gov.uk

June edition of OUR NEWS is here

We are thrilled to share with you the June edition of OUR NEWS, a newsletter for Neighbourhood Watch supporters across England and Wales. 

This edition covers topics from cybercrime to hate crime and heart-warming articles highlighting community connections and celebrations. 

To read it, please click here.

We hope you enjoy it!

p.s. Don’t forget to sign up to our new lottery to support our charity and to be in for a chance to win up to £25,000– more details are in the newsletter!

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team

Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn

Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349

More than £50 million was lost last year to scams where victims are tricked into handing over control of their computer or smartphone to criminals.

New data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, reveals that 20,144 people fell victim to scams where they were persuaded to grant criminals remote access to their device.

Victims reported losing a total of £57,790,384 – an average loss of £2,868 per victim. 

Remote Access scams will often begin with a browser pop-up saying that your computer is infected with a virus, or maybe a call from someone claiming to be from your bank saying that they need to connect to your computer in order to cancel a fraudulent transaction on your account. Regardless of the narrative the fraudster’s use, their goal is to steal your money or access your financial information by tricking you into allowing them to remotely connect to your computer.

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Mullish, from the City of London Police, said:

"While remote access tools are safe when used legitimately, we want the public to be aware that they can be misused by criminals to perpetrate fraud. We often see criminals posing as legitimate businesses in order to trick people into handing over control of their computer or smartphone. 

“You should only install software or grant remote access to your computer if you’re asked by someone you know and trust, such as a friend or family member, and never as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop-up or text message.”

• Only install software or grant remote access to your computer if you’re asked by someone you know and trust, such as a friend or family member, and never as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop up, or text message.
• Remember, a bank or service provider will never contact you out of the blue requesting remote access to your device.
• If you believe your laptop, PC, tablet or phone has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware, follow the NCSC’s guidance on recovering an infected device.
• Protect your money by contacting your bank immediately on a different device from the one the scammer contacted you on.
• Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk. If you are in Scotland, please report to Police Scotland directly by calling 101.