New Real Time Passenger Information

The village centre bus stops now have Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) signs. These should provide times to the next bus and also any cancellations. Please note that time tables still need to be uploaded to these signs.

4 ways to frustrate a fraudster

Did you know?

 

Fraud accounts for almost 40% of all crime. In just one year, 1 in 17 adults in England and Wales were victims of fraud. That’s nearly 3 million of us.

1 in 5 businesses were also a victim of fraud over a 3 year period. In other words, fraud is rife and it can happen to anyone.

 

Think you’re immune from fraud?

Fraudsters can use highly manipulative methods to get us when our defences are down. Nobody is immune from fraud. We can all be more alert to the risks, and we can all do more to protect ourselves.

4 ways to frustrate a fraudster

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Q1. Do you stop to check who’s really contacting you?

Fraudsters often call or message people, pretending to be from their bank, other well-known and trusted companies, or even someone they know. They can be very convincing, particularly if they’ve already managed to get hold of some personal information, for example by looking on social media. Having earned their victim’s trust, they often ask them to hand over confidential information, make a payment or give them access to their phone or computer.

 

How to reduce your risk

Never take calls or messages like this at face value – always take time to stop, think and check if the caller or sender is who they say they are.

If you’ve received a suspicious call or message:

 

  • don’t be rushed into a quick decision – think carefully before handing over money, personal details or access to your device
  • if you have any doubts, hang up and do not call the number provided
  • be aware that fraudsters can spoof phone numbers, so the number that appears on your caller ID may not be proof of who they are
  • instead, check with the organisation directly using contact details you know are correct, such as those on a utility bill, official website, on the back of your card or by 159 for banks
  • if you get a message from a family member asking you to send money, use known contact details to check if it’s real

Q2. Do you automatically trust offers and click on links?

“Half-price tickets to a sold-out gig!” “Incredible savings on a last-minute holiday – hurry!” Fraudsters know most people love a bargain, so they use discounts, time pressure and FOMO (fear of missing out) to pressure them into paying out for non-existent deals. Or they urge people to click on links in phishing messages that can take them to a fake website, where the fraudster can steal cash and personal details, or infect the victim’s device.

How to reduce your risk

If you see a tempting offer:

  • don’t be rushed into a quick decision – always take time to stop, think and check if the message, offer or advert is genuine
  • don’t automatically click a link, particularly in unexpected messages
  • if you’re not 100% sure, don’t use the link to click through – go direct to the organisation’s website
  • always stay on trusted websites and use the site’s recommended payment methods
  • avoid paying by bank transfer or virtual currency
  • think carefully before you hand over any money or personal details

 

Q3. Do you use the same password for different accounts?

Lots of people use the same password for multiple accounts, such as email, bank account and social media accounts. Less to remember, right? But imagine if a fraudster gets hold of that password. Now they can access all of their victim’s online accounts.

How to reduce your risk

Choose a different password for each account. Too difficult to remember them all? You can keep track of passwords using a password manager, or by using three random words to make them more memorable.

You should:

  • never choose a password that features names, places and numbers that are personal to you
  • choose a different password for each account that is strong and hard to guess but if you can’t change them all at once, prioritise your email account

 

Q4. Do you use 2-step verification?

Even if someone has chosen strong and unique passwords for their email and bank accounts, there’s always a risk – however small – that a fraudster could get hold of them. If they do, there’s nothing to stop them accessing those accounts to steal money and other personal details.

How to reduce your risk

Setup 2-step verification (2SV) on your most important accounts, such as email and social media. 2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity when you’re logging into an online account. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts from criminals.

 

For more information, please visit: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk

Older Driver Workshop

From the Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston

A series of Older Driver Workshops (for those aged 65 and over who are currently driving) will be available in several locations across the county over the coming weeks. These free two-hour workshops are funded as part of the commitment to support the Vision Zero Partnership through grass roots work to ensure the road safety concerns of local communities are listened to and responded to. If you are interested, please read more here.   

PR1001 Barton Greenway Proposed Cycle Priority Measures

Dear all,

Cambridgeshire County Council is publishing this proposal on 28th February 2024. For further details please visit our permanent traffic regulation orders page and select PR1001.  For detailed drawings and more background information please visit GCP Barton Greenway page.

In summary the proposals are as follows:-

  • Alterations to speed limits on A603 Barton Road and in Barton village.
  • A pedestrian and cycle crossing on New Road, Barton.
  • New and changes to cycle tracks on Barton Road, Cambridge.
  • Road humps in Comberton Road and New Road, Barton.
  • Speed tables at Clare Road, Gough Way, Grange Road and St. Mark’s Court junctions with Barton Road, Cambridge.
  • Speed tables at Kings Grove and School Lane junctions with New Road, Barton.

 

If you wish to make any comments they should be submitted in writing, as explained in the public notice, to be received no later than 21st March 2024.

Regards

Gary Baldwin

Policy and Regulation

Transport Strategy and Network Management

Barton Greenways Plans

As many residents are aware, Barton Greenways team presented detailed plans for the works to be carried out along the B1046 in the village hall last December. These plans are now available to view online.

The overview shows in green the works that will be carried out this year. (Note that “red” sections have not been finalized yet but are still part of the overall plans.)

Works in Barton are subject to a Traffic Road Order (TRO) which will be published next week. Once the TRO is approved and in place, the physical work can start. This is likely to be late summer after work in Comberton on the Comberton Greenway scheme is complete.

 

PAINTING WORKSHOPS | Spring 2024

Is this your year to try something NEW? Feeling the need to fill your ‘creative’ cup?

 

It brings me much joy to SHARE my love of painting and my creative process at my PAINTING WORKSHOPS. Now LIVE on my website!

 

Designed to empower you and your creativity to bloom and grow – hosted at my Barton studio (CB23 7BG), in small supportive groups, I will be your guide. Let’s paint together this Spring 💚

 

These workshops are perfect for beginners… because it’s not about the need to create perfectly. It’s more about holistic nourishment.

 

Please SHARE with your friends who might need this too.

 

Click the link to learn more

 

Warning after vans are targeted by thieves

Do you have tools stored in a van overnight outside your home?

 

Between 1 and 15 February, 33 crimes have been raised for theft from vans across the county, with 24 of the vans having tools stolen from them.

 

The breakdown of the offences are:

Cambridge:

  • 5 February: Park & Ride, Babraham Road – forced entry – tools stolen
  • 5 February: Cowley Road – lock drilled – tools stolen
  • 6 February: Teversham Drift – forced entry – tools stolen
  • 12 February: Randal Way – forced entry – tools stolen
  • 15 February: Premier Inn, Ring Fort Road – lock drilled – tools stolen

South Cambridgeshire:

  • 6 February: Queensway, Sawston – forced entry – tools stolen
  • 7 February: Travelodge, Newmarket Road, Little Abington – forced entry – tools stolen
  • 7 February: Riddy Lane, Bourn – forced entry – tools stolen
  • 7 February: Brookside, Toft – forced entry – tools stolen
  • 7 February: High Street, Grantchester – not specified – tools stolen
  • 9 February: Villa Place, Impington – lock drilled – tools stolen
  • 12 February: Clarkes Way, Bassingbourn – unknown method of entry – tools stolen
  • 12 February: The Tanyard, Bassingbourn – forced entry – tools stolen
  • 12 February: Red Lion Hotel, Station Road, Whittlesford – forced entry – nothing stolen
  • 13 February: Rectory Road, Duxford – forced entry – tools stolen

Huntingdonshire:

  • 7 February: Marlborough Road, Eaton Socon – forced entry – tools stolen
  • 9 February: Landsdowne Road, Yaxley – forced entry – tools stolen
  • 9 February: Herne Road, Ramsey – lock drilled – nothing stolen
  • 10 February: Whytefield Road, Ramsey – forced entry – not specified
  • 12 February: Kingsbrook, St Ives – forced entry – nothing stolen
  • 13 February: Constable Road, St Ives – forced entry – tools stolen
  • 15 February: Limes Park, St Ives – lock drilled – nothing stolen

Fenland:

  • 8 February: Shaftesbury Avenue, March – lock drilled – tools stolen
  • 8 February: Church Street, Wimblington – not specified – tools stolen
  • 8 February: Newgate Street, Doddington – lock drilled – tools stolen
  • 8 February: Barton Road, Wisbech – lock drilled – tools stolen
  • 8 February: Nightall Drive, March – lock drilled – nothing stolen
  • 8 February: Church End, Leverington – lock drilled – nothing stolen
  • 9 February: New Road, Chatteris – lock drilled – tools stolen
  • 9 February: North End, Wisbech – lock drilled – tools stolen
  • 13 February: Fillenham Way, Chatteris – vehicle unlocked – nothing stolen

Peterborough:

  • 8 February: Russell Close, Thorney – lock drilled – nothing stolen
  • 9 February: Woburn Drive, Thorney – lock drilled – tools stolen

 

We are finding these thieves are breaking into the vans by drilling into the locks and forcing doors open.

 

While we’re working hard to identify those responsible, there are measures that can be taken to prevent your van from being targeted, such as installing anti-drill panelling.

 

Here are some tips to protect yourself from falling victim to this crime:

  • Get your tools marked. This makes them less desirable and more difficult to sell on as they can be easily identified. This can be done by visiting the immobilise website.
  • You can purchase and install small cameras that are designed to record the inside of vehicles and can help us in identifying offenders.
  • Keep a regularly updated inventory of what is kept in the vehicle, making note of serial numbers. This helps us to reunite the items with their rightful owners if they are recovered.
  • Where possible, reverse your van into a driveway. This makes it harder for thieves to access any rear doors
  • If you do not have any already, install outside lighting that is triggered by motion, as this can deter thieves.

 

Even if you do not own a van, be sure to look out for your neighbours! If you see something suspicious, please report it to us by calling 101 or through our online reports.

 

Always call 999 if you believe a crime is in action or someone is in immediate danger.

 

We would also be interested in seeing any footage from video doorbells or CCTV which may capture any suspicious activity. This can be passed to us via our website’s online reporting function.

North West and West Cambridge Community Forum

The next North West and West Cambridge Community Forum will take place online on Tuesday 13 February at 6pm.

Forums are free, open, public meetings bringing together residents, planners, developers and other stakeholders to discuss and share information about new development. All interested residents are welcome to join.

Find out more: www.scambs.gov.uk/community-safety-and-health/community-forums

New Bus Stop Posters Warning of Emerging SCAM

The force has launched a campaign warning the public about the dangers of an emerging scam.

It works through QR – quick response – codes and can see victims unwittingly download malware or provide fraudsters with sensitive information.

In some cases victims have lost thousands. One victim lost £13,000 after scanning a code on a station parking machine, which took her to a phony website.

Posters have been put up at bus stops in Cambridge in a bid to spread the word about the threat.

The posters show someone scanning a QR code on a menu – just one of the many places QR codes can be found – with the words, “Never been quished? Let’s keep it that way”, written across them.

The posters encourage people to scan a code, which will take them to a dedicated force webpage, packed with messages on how to stay safe from this latest scam. It also highlights how quick and easy it is to scan a code.

Fraud and cyber prevention officer Dave York said: “Quishing, also known as QR code phishing, involves tricking someone into scanning a phony QR code with their phone or device. The QR code then takes the user to a fraudulent website that might download malware or ask for sensitive information. It’s the latest trend used by scammers to get to your hard-earned cash.

“QR codes are often found on things like parking machines, charging points, emails, even restaurant menus. Once scanned, scam codes will take you to a bogus website where you innocently input your details thinking you’re paying for a service or visiting the genuine site, when in fact, you’re sharing all your personal details with the scammers.

“There are a number of things people can do to keep themselves safe, including:

–  If the QR is on a poster in a public area, always check whether it appears to have been stuck over the original. If the sign or notice is laminated and the QR code is under the lamination or part of the original print, chances are it’s more likely to be genuine

–  If in doubt download the app from the official Google or Apple store or search the website on your phone’s internet browser, rather than scanning a QR code to take you there. It may take longer, but it’s more secure

– Check the preview of the QR code’s URL before opening it to see if it appears legitimate. Make sure the website uses HTTPS rather than HTTP, doesn’t have obvious misspellings and has a trusted domain

–  Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t share your details

“It’s hoped the posters, coupled with the webpage, will highlight the potential risks around scanning QR codes, what to look out for and how to keep yourself safe from the scammers.

“Technological advances bring a whole host of benefits, but sadly also a whole host of opportunities for scammers.”

For more on quishing, visit the website.

Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme

Did you know? Last year we received more than 180 applications for information through an important law introduced to protect children.

Sarah’s Law, also known as the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, was introduced following the murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne in 2000.

It allows anyone who looks out for the welfare of a child to apply for information held by police which may indicate whether an individual poses a risk to children. This includes whether they have been convicted of any sexual offences.

In 2023, Cambridgeshire Constabulary received 184 Sarah’s Law applications.

Sarah’s Law is an important piece of legislation which gives people the opportunity to ask for information if they are concerned about someone’s behaviour or a new individual has access to their children.

There are many reasons someone might choose to make an application. A common example is if someone is entering into a new relationship and the person in question is therefore likely to have unsupervised time with their children.

We’d urge parents and carers to be aware of this scheme and consider making an application should a circumstance arise where they feel it is needed.

For more information on the scheme, visit our dedicated website page.