Are you smarter than the scammers?

Cumbria County Council's trading standards will be cracking down on scam correspondence next month with a Scamnesty campaign, where the public are being encouraged to drop off dodgy letters or emails at collection points dotted all around the county so they can be properly investigated.

The drive against scammers will run throughout the month of February and is aimed to raise public awareness of the perils of engaging with companies or individuals who prey on some of the most vulnerable people in society. Scams can take many forms, from fake lottery and prize draw wins, to miracle health cures or ‘get rich quick’ investment cons.

Information collected at the designated bins can help trained trading standards officers obtain valuable intelligence which might assist in preventing more people becoming victims. As well as scam mail which drops through the letterbox, people can also put their scam emails into one of the collection boxes, or alternatively they can report scam emails online at www.actionfraud.org.uk/scam-emails. Consumers can be assured that all material will be treated in confidence.

Cumbria Trading Standards also supports the ‘Think Jessica’ poster campaign. The campaign is named after a particularly tragic victim of scam mail. Jessica Looke was in her 70s when she was first scammed into believing that she had won large cash prizes. Her name was put on a 'suckers' list, by the scammer who sent the first scam letter. This meant that her details were sent to criminals all over the world. No one could convince Jessica that the 30 letters received every day were scams, and soon she was sending nearly all of her pension each week to keep up with their demands. It is believed that Jessica sent thousands of pounds to the scammers over five years. Jessica's daughter Marilyn Baldwin, was left horrified watching her mother suffer at the hands of criminals. Jessica sadly died aged 83 and needless to say never received the windfall she was conned into believing she would get.

Jessica's death certificate said the cause of death was pneumonia - but Marilyn blames the mental torment the scammers inflicted on her over the years for damaging her health.

Cumbria Trading Standards hope that the Scamnesty Bins and Think Jessica posters will raise awareness of postal scams and are advising people to think before sending money to claim fake prizes from bogus lotteries, competitions and catalogues. The poster is also designed to appeal to the families of victims and directly to the victims themselves so that they recognise that what they are doing is responding to a scam.

Angela Jones, Cumbria County Council's Trading Standards Manager, said "Scam mail can leave people in debt and misery and many of the victims are particularly vulnerable, for example those with age-related declining mental health and dementia, the recently bereaved or people who are socially isolated or over trusting. The cost to the victim can be thousands of pounds, but the emotional effects can be even more devastating. People need to be aware that scam mail can be very convincing and scammers can be very smart – we want Cumbrian residents to prove they’re smarter and bin the scam mail."

Cllr Gary Strong, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said "I support this Scamnesty campaign and urge residents to help protect vulnerable neighbours or relatives from scam mail. If someone you know is receiving large volumes of scam letters or mail then report the matter to trading standards or the police and help disrupt these criminals who prey on our communities."

For general consumer advice contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or to report a fraud contact Action Fraud UK on 0300 123 2040.

Local drop off points will be situated in the following locations throughout February:

Ulverston – Booths, Oubas Hill.

Dalton – Co-op, Market Street

Millom – Tesco, Lancashire Road.

Barrow in Furness - Morrisons, Strand.  Age UK Shop, Abbey Road

Grange Over Sands – The Library, Grange Fell Road.

For more info see www.actionforhappiness.org

Islands of Barrow exhibition at the Dock Museum

FREE Grow Your Own workshop - 11th Feb

Peppa Pig at Barrow Library

FREE Holiday Sports this half-term

 

     

Thought for the Week

“If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people.” Virginia Woolf

Shop Front Grant Scheme 2012

Barrow Borough Council has agreed to a further Shop Front Grant scheme for 2012 and has allocated £100,000 to improve shop fronts in Dalton and Barrow Town Centres.

The basic grant is £2,000 and can be used towards signage, exterior finish and improvement of Shop Fronts. It is only available to small independent businesses employing less than 50 staff. Schemes must be approved by the Council before work commences. Retrospective grants are not available.

For application forms and further information please contact Mrs Ann Taylforth, Town Centre and Festivals Manager, Barrow Borough Council, Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2LD Tel 01229 876389 or email ataylforth@barrowbc.gov.uk

'Spook', the dog in the snow ... needs a warm home

'Spook' likes to play in the snow ... but he loves to come back to a warm home

Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria County Council, have joined forces with e.on uk to provide the best deals ever to householders.

Cumbria Warm Homes offers free Home Energy Health Checks that will provide you with a written survey report and quotation for your property.



Find out how to book your FREE Home Energy Health Check at

http://www.cumbriawarmhomes.org.uk/ you may be entitled to FREE or subsidised insulation.

Christmas Drink and Drugs Driving Campaign 2011/12 – The Results

Cumbria police today issued the results of their Christmas Drink Driving Campaign.

The annual crackdown ran from 1^st December 2011 to 1^st January 2012. During that period, officers conducted 3,345 breath tests across the county, of which 88 either proved positive for traces of alcohol, or the driver failed or refused to provide a test. 33 of the positive tests, or failures to provide a test, followed a collision.

This means that 2.6 per cent of motorists tested for alcohol were over the limit.

In December 2010, a total of 1,641 breath tests were taken with a total of 58 drivers providing positive breath tests. This meant that 3.5 per cent of those tested were over the limit. Cumbria experienced particularly bad weather in December 2010, meaning far fewer motorists used the county’s roads and, consequently, a much smaller number of breath tests were carried out by police.

Officers are pleased with the reduction in the rate of people caught drink driving, but disappointed that a minority of motorists continue to put other road users at risk by getting behind the wheel after having a drink.

Inspector Andy Wilkinson from Cumbria’s Roads Policing Unit, said “We are pleased to have seen a reduction in the percentage of positive breath tests but it is still quite shocking that there are so many people who continue to ignore the law and risk the lives of other road users by drink driving.

“The effects of driving under the influence of drink and drugs can be devastating and will not be tolerated in Cumbria.

“We will continue to crack down on those who are intent on driving under the influence of alcohol. Everyone should take responsibility for road safety by reminding friends and family to drive safely and by reporting anyone they know to be drink driving to police immediately.”

Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said “I am disappointed that there are some people who continue to ignore our warnings and put lives at risk by driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

“There is no excuse for this and we will not tolerate those who needlessly endanger the lives of other road users.

“The penalties for drink and drug driving include fines, the loss of driving licences and even prison, but these are nothing compared to the risk of injury and loss of life that rises steeply when motorist’s reactions are impaired by alcohol or drugs.

“During 2012 we will continue to target those who choose to drink and drug drive and are committed to making the roads of Cumbria safer.”

If you suspect someone is drink driving call police on 101 or call 999 in an emergency.

Disability and Benefits Exhibition

FREE 2 day drug and alcohol awareness course

Our Flickr photostream ...

Newest and cutest recruits arrive at Cumbria Constabulary

Cumbria Constabulary will welcome their newest, youngest and fluffiest recruits next week. The three German Shepherd puppies, who are 8 weeks old, will arrive from the Isle of Man to start their training as police dogs for Cumbria Constabulary.

The pups were donated from the dog breeding programme at the Isle Of Man Constabulary and join the existing 12 General Purpose police dogs, 12 drugs dogs and explosives dogs currently assisting the fight against crime in Cumbria.

For the next six months, the new recruits will work alongside their handlers to form a bond, socialise with a diverse range of people and gain experience in a variety of environments and locations.

The pups, two female and one male, are replacing three police dogs which are all due to retire.

PC Steve Jones, PC Simon Hodgkinson and PC Jonathan Chappell will each receive one of the new pups and will start their training as soon as they arrive.

Sergeant Mark Yielder, from the Dog Unit at Cumbria Constabulary, said: “The next six months is all about familiarising the dogs with as many new people, places and experiences as possible, so that they are able to deal with any situation they’re faced with when they start work.

“We spend a lot more time playing with the dogs than you would a family pet, and rather than fluffy animals and balls, these dogs have sets of keys and tools as toys, so that they get used to the kinds of materials and objects they will be expected to search for at crime scenes in the future.

“They are also exposed to loud noises by playing recordings of thunder, lightening and firework noises on a stereo so that they get used to the unexpected, and grow into bold working dogs.”

It will be at least a year before the pups begin training in earnest, and around 18 months before they start working, giving them the time they need to grow in confidence and strength.

Once trained, the dogs will be used during public order incidents, to locate missing people, search crime scenes and hunt for offenders.

Sergeant Ian Kelly, from the Isle of Man Police, said: “It is great to see these dogs going to a force which we have such a good working relationship with. We work closely with our colleagues in Cumbria and attend training courses held by them and have our dogs independently licensed by their instructors when we can. We mutually assist each other in searches, for example, they helped us with security searches last September when we hosted the Commonwealth Youth Games and we have assisted with searches for Royal visits”.

“The parents of these pups are both working police dogs within the Isle of Man. Dad is called Bodie, aged three and a half years and their mother, Saxon is two and a half and both are pedigree Kennel Club registered with lines going back to Slovakia and Belgium. The pups should hopefully adapt to the role of a police dog, although nothing is ever guaranteed with puppies.”

Members of the public will be able to follow the progress of the pups on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cumbriapolice and Inspector Matthew Kennerley has launched a new Twitter site: www.twitter.com/policedogunit  which will provide updates on the puppies progression, information on the Dogs Unit, handlers, training and the incidents they attend.

Details of a competition to guess the name of one of the puppies will be added to Cumbria Police’s Facebook page and the new Dogs Unit Twitter site. The prize will be a visit to the Dog Unit at Cumbria Constabulary where they will meet the puppies and the police officers who work there.

The winter blues

When the sun is shining, people tend to feel energetic and upbeat. But during the cold winter months and shorter days many people can feel lethargic and less sociable.

For some people this may be because they have a condition known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This is a very mild form of depression, also known as “winter depression” because the symptoms are more apparent during the winter months.

In the UK, SAD is thought to affect around 7% of us and symptoms may include:

• being less active
• putting on weight
• sleeping more

Like any type of depression, SAD can be very difficult to deal with and can affect your lifestyle. But there are a number of treatments available such as light and talking therapies.

It is important to remember that you are not alone and many other people across the country may feel just like you. If you are concerned or need help to manage your symptoms then please contact your GP.

For more information about SAD and treatment available, please visit the NHS Choices website.

by Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies

Thought for the Week

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” Marcus Aurelius

Teenage Book Club

Young People's Reading Group

Storytots at Barrow Library

Bookstart Bear Club

Deputy Chief Constable appointed temporary Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary

The Police Authority has appointed Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde as temporary Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary.

After meeting on Friday 13 January, the Police Authority decided to offer Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde the Chief Constable position on a temporary basis until August 2013. DCC Hyde has accepted this post and, as a result, has withdrawn his application for the role of Chief Constable for South Yorkshire Police.

DCC Stuart Hyde will replace Chief Constable Craig Mackey on 23 January 2012 when Mr Mackey will assume the role of Deputy Commissioner for the Metropolitan police.

When the Deputy Chief Constable takes on his new role later this month, Assistant Chief Constables Michelle Skeer and Jerry Graham will split the temporary Deputy Chief Constable post between them, taking it in turns to fill the position until August 2013. ACC Jerry Graham will take up the role of temporary Deputy Chief Constable at the end of January until the end of October 2012.

The Police Authority has decided to leave the remaining Assistant Chief Constable post vacant at this time due to the organisation’s reduced budget and internal staffing reviews that are ongoing.

Police Authority Chairman Ray Cole said: “Since his appointment as Chief Constable in 2007, Craig’s hard work, dedication and leadership has steered the Constabulary through some extremely challenging times.

“As well as guiding us through some of the most tragic incidents experienced in British policing, he has also helped to improve the Constabulary’s performance year on year, leaving Cumbria with crime and anti-social behaviour levels that are among the lowest in the country.

“The Chief Officer Group is strong and I’m confident that the team, led by Stuart, will continue this hard work. We are fortunate to have two experienced Assistant Chief Constables who are dedicated to making Cumbria safer. The Authority has decided to build on their skills and experience and ensure continuity within the Chief Officer Team by offering them both the opportunity to act as temporary Deputy Chief Constable for a nine month period. We have decided to keep one of the Assistant Chief Constable posts vacant at this time but this will be reviewed on a regular basis.

“I know I speak for the whole Authority when I say that we will be very sorry to see Craig leave but look forward to working alongside Stuart Hyde to build upon Cumbria Constabulary’s successes.”

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said: “I am delighted to be offered this position and look forward to beginning a new and challenging role.

“The Chief Officer Team has been working together for three years and will build on our successes. My priority will continue to be ensuring that Cumbria remains safe and that we deliver the best policing service we can afford.”

Thought for the Week

“Nature uses as little as possible of anything.” Johannes Kepler

Neighbourhood Wardens clean-up in Central Barrow

Neighbourhood Wardens, from the Neighbourhood Management team, have been clearing rubbish left in the street by a local resident. It should go without saying that no rubbish should be left out, in front or back streets, except in the appropriate containers such as wheelie bins, recycling bags and boxes etc.

Where the source of the rubbish can be proven Barrow Borough Council will issue fixed penalty notices against people leaving rubbish around the streets.

Please use your common sense, use your bin and recycling containers and remember it is an offence to present waste for collection before 12 midday on the day before collection or leave bins out past midnight on the day of collection.  Failure to adhere to these instructions could result in a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice. For further information please visit http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=106



Photos show Sutherland St corner/rear Greengate St today - rubbish bags dumped in the street and then becoming split open and spreading around nearby grass landscaping.



Following intervention from the Neighbourhood Warden team the the bags have been removed and the site cleaned (see photos below). The Wardens will be providing a local address with information about manging their waste and the problem will be logged on the council's database for reference should future problems re-occur.

                           

            These two photos show the site after clearance by Neighbourhood Wardens.

Please help us look after Barrow and do your bit to present your waste properly and keep your neighbourhood clean and tidy. Thanks for your help.