📸 D-Day 80 📸
Photos from Thursday Morning at Bewdley Museum for the celebration of D-Day’s 80th Anniversary.
Bewdley Town Council would like to thank all those involved.
WEEKLY FRAUD UPDATE FROM WEST MERCIA POLICE – ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT – 11/06/2024
Posted on behalf of West Mercia Police
TICKET FRAUD
As we move into the summer, this is not only the season of outdoor events and concerts, but also mainline sporting events including Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics, and not forgetting a continuing programme of star-studded indoor concerts.
So, at the same time this gives the fraudster another opportunity to scam the unsuspecting purchaser with “Too good to be true offers”.
Criminals either set up fake websites, or social media profiles, to sell tickets for major events (such as sports, music or theatre) that are either fraudulent, or just do not exist.
Websites may even look like those of genuine organisations, but subtle changes in the URL can indicate that it is fraudulent. Criminals might have used images of genuine tickets to commit fraud.
They may get in touch via text, email, or direct message to advertise fake tickets. They create fake posts, or pages on social media, to scam those looking for tickets.
You may be sent, or given, tickets only to be told they are fake when you arrive at the venue.
It is always safest to book tickets through official sellers that are members of the self-regulatory body the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR), as anything else could be a scam. If possible, always pay by Credit Card to give yourself some protection on refunds.
WAYS TO SPOT TICKET FRAUD
• You see an offer for a ticket online, in an email or in a message.
• You are offered tickets for a high-demand or sold-out event at a “too good to be true” price.
• You’re asked to pay by bank transfer only, and not via the secure payment methods recommended by reputable online retailers.
• You are told that a customer representative will be arranged to meet outside the venue.
• You see a website that looks similar to that of a genuine organisation but there are subtle changes to the URL.
Whilst this has focused on the summer season of outdoor events, please do not forget the same principles apply to indoor events as well which can leave the ticket buyer vulnerable.
CHECK A WEBSITE
Check a Website is a simple online tool anyone can use to check if a website is genuine or just a scam before you visit it.
It is provided by “Get Safe Online” so all you have to do is visit https://www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite
and enter the relevant suspect website address where instructed.
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Please feel free to share this information with any family, friends, or neighbours that you think it may be able to assist.
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Take Five to Stop Fraud
STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud
ALWAYS REMEMBER:
• Avoid disclosing security details
• Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
• Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number
• Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests
• Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams
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If you’ve fallen for a scam,
report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk
Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.
Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk
If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number – 159 – to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.
Students take part in Young Citizens Challenge
Posted on behalf of West Mercia Police
Officers from North Worcestershire LPA have been empowering students in the annual Young Citizens Challenge (YCC) to build awareness of personal and community safety.
Organised by our Youth Engagement Team and partner agencies, it gives all Wyre Forest, Redditch, and Bromsgrove Year 6 students – approximately 2,300 in total – the opportunity to take part in various scenarios.
The challenges involved student participation around a series of interactive learning situations and included SEND pupils.
This year’s events have taken place at Wyre Forest Police and Fire Station this week and last week and Bromsgrove Police and Fire Station the week before half-term.
Partners represented included police, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS), Severn Area Rescue Association, West Mercia Police Road Safety Team, and National Grid.
Our officers engaged with students over issues including online safety, knife crime and hate crime while our partners worked with them over matters such as substation safety, fire, and open water safety.
Police Constable Neil Sharpe, Youth Engagement Officer for North Worcestershire LPA, said: “This year’s event has been another successful one, empowering young people to make positive choices for their personal and community safety.
“Partners delivered key messages around anti-social behaviour, hate crime, stranger danger, and knife crime as well as fire, road, water, and electrical safety.
“It was a great opportunity for the Year 6 students to work as a team and explore situations in a safe and organised environment.”
JI, Corporate Communications
Planning news – Update from Wyre Forest District Council, Monday 10 June
Weekly planning list
Keep up to date with the latest planning applications which have been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council.
Simply follow the link to our planning portal webpage, select the week beginning Monday 7 June and click search!
If you would like to comment on a planning application please sign up for an account by clicking the register tab on the planning portal webpage.
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee will be held next week on Tuesday 18 June at 6pm.
The full agenda will be available to view on our website shortly, and you can watch the meeting live on our streaming page on the day.
Latest perception data for North Worcestershire – read the results here!
Posted on behalf of West Mercia Police
You can have a look at the data for North Worcestershire here.
Your chance to get involved in the Big Conversation!
Posted on behalf of West Mercia Police
Get involved in the Big Conversation!
Cutting crime, community policing, and supporting victims are at the heart of PCC John Campion’s plans for the next four years, but what are the issues that matter to you?
The PCC is calling on you to put forward your thoughts, feelings and priorities. These will be used to inform the ‘Big Conversation’ with West Mercia’s Chief Constable Alex Murray.
The suggestions and ideas will also help to shape the Police and Crime Plan, outlining the focus for the next four years.
Bewdley Town Council Mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
Join us at 11am for a service to mark the anniversary at Bewdley Museum.
WEEKLY FRAUD UPDATE FROM WEST MERCIA POLICE – ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT – 04/06/2024
Posted on behalf of West Mercia police
HOLIDAY FRAUD
This is the time when many people are looking for that last minute bargain on the holiday market and, as always, the criminals are intent on using this as another opportunity to tempt the unwary buyer with “too good to be true offers”.
Holiday fraud is when a criminal impersonates trusted companies or creates a fake company to trick you into booking a holiday through them and giving out your personal or financial information.
Most holiday scams take place online. Criminals set up fake websites and online ads that appear to sell flights, holiday packages, accommodation, and tour operator packages. They could be for domestic or overseas travel.
HOW YOU CAN SPOT HOLIDAY FRAUD:
• You’re offered a “too good to be true” discount or holiday deal.
• You’re asked to pay via bank transfer rather than a secure payment platform.
• The website you’re purchasing from was only launched a few days/weeks ago.
• You’re asked to pay an invoice you haven’t yet received.
• You’re offered help with a refund by telephone, email or a social media account.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
• Stop and ask yourself why it’s so cheap could it be “too good to be true”?
• Always stay on a secure platform, and pay via the payment platform there.
• Always access the website you are purchasing from by typing it into your web browser, and be wary of clicking on links in unsolicited emails. The website should use the padlock symbol to indicate that the site is secure.
• Research and read the reviews of the company you’re booking through, and where possible, book directly with an established hotel, or through a reputable travel company that is a member of a trade body such as ABTA or ATOL
• Verify that the address exists through web searches and online maps.
• See if you can find a picture of your accommodation on any other websites to check it’s not being copied.
• If possible, use a credit card when making purchases over £100, and up to £30,000, as you receive protection under Section 75
SOURCE: TAKE FIVE:
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Please feel free to share this information with any family, friends, or neighbours that you think it may be able to assist.
———————————————————————————–
Take Five to Stop Fraud
STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud
ALWAYS REMEMBER:
• Avoid disclosing security details
• Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
• Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number
• Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests
• Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams
—————————————————————————————————–
If you’ve fallen for a scam,
report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk
Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.
Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk
If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number – 159 – to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.
Wyre Forest District Council – Wyredin June 2024
If you have not already registered to vote and would like to have your say in the General Election on Thursday 4 July, you need to register by Tuesday 18 June. Voters can also vote by post or proxy. Anyone can apply for a postal vote which allows you much greater flexibility around when you complete your ballot paper. Anyone not already registered for a postal or proxy vote will need to complete an application form, which is available on our website. The deadline for new postal voting requests is 5pm on Wednesday 19 June. For proxy votes it is 5pm on Wednesday 26 June. It is quick and easy to apply for all these things online via our General Election webpage.
| General Election webpage |
Voter ID required
To vote in a polling station you will need to show photo ID. You may already have an acceptable form of photo ID like a passport, driving licence or blue badge. If you don’t you can apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC). The deadline for this is 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.
New Chairman of the Council
At Full Council on Wednesday 15 May, Councillor John Byng, was sworn in as the new Chairman of the Council. Cllr Byng who represents Wribbenhall and Arley ward, will attend a wide range of functions on behalf of the the council. This includes community and charity events and formal openings. He will also chair council meetings and work throughout the year to raise money for his chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation.
| Invite the Chairman |
Watch our meetings
During June we will be live webcasting the following meetings:
Thursday 6 June, Overview and scrutiny
Tuesday 11 June, Cabinet
Tuesday 18 June, Planning Committee
All meetings start at 6pm. If you can not watch live, recordings are available on our website.
| Watch meetings |
Rangers Guided Walk
This month join the rangers for a guided walk through Burlish Top and Burlish Meadows! During the walk you can find out about the work they do, the species we protect, and our strategies for future conservation.
Meet at Burlish Meadows car park, The Kingsway, Stourport on Severn at 10am on Saturday 8 June. The walk will last approximately an hour and a half. Please dress comfortably and wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking. Let us know you’re coming by completing the short form on our website.
| Book your space |
Volunteers’ week
This week is volunteers’ week and we are lucky to have a dedicated group of volunteers who regularly give their time to give back to the community. The week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. We will be sharing some of our volunteers’ stories on social media and highlighting how volunteering can also help you gain valuable new skills and experiences and boost your confidence. You can read more about the volunteering opportunities with our rangers, Bewdley Museum and litter picking in the community on our website.
| Volunteering information |
Adopt a Street – Franche Primary school
We are delighted to welcome Franche Primary School in Kidderminster to Adopt a Street. It is the first school in the district to sign up to our scheme which supports communities to reduce litter. More than 200 streets have now been adopted. If you would like to join in, let us know where you would like to adopt and we will provide you with the litter picking equipment, bags and health and safety information. The scheme is on top of our service and we are also creating a litter blitz squad to help tackle littering in the district.
| Adopt a Street |
Regenerating Kidderminster
Worcester Street update
We have appointed Shropshire based building and civil engineering contractors McPhillips (Wellington) Limited to transform the Worcester Street area of the town centre. The company was successful in a recent tender exercise to deliver our Connectivity Project, which will completely change the look and feel of Worcester Street and the surround public places. The project will connect this area of the town to where the Glades Leisure Centre used to be, and to the area adjacent to the Former Magistrates Court – currently being transformed into a new Creative Hub.
Refurbishment of the Piano Building
A planning application to refurbish the Grade II listed Piano Building in Kidderminster into an attractive mixed-use facility has been submitted. The plans are for the creation of new food and beverage spaces on the ground floor and the re-purposing of the three upper floors to provide a mix of office, co-working and hybrid working space. The Council purchased the building in February. The proposals have been designed by Worcestershire based One Creative Ltd and will be developed and delivered by Malvern based company Speller Metcalfe.
| View planning application |
New community fridge
Kidderminster has its first community fridge!
The aim of the fridge is to reduce food waste. It is located at St Peter’s Community Church in Birchen Coppice and is open Sunday from 9.30am -1pm, Monday 9.30am-12pm and Thursday 7pm-10pm. Food can be donated by individuals, food businesses and supermarkets and this food is then available to any members of the community to take.
The fridge project is a partnership between the area’s community champions, the district council and Worcestershire County Council’s teams in waste and public health.
Job vacancies
Customer Services Advisor – closes Thursday 6 June
Casual Facilities Assistant – closes Thursday 6 June
| Apply for vacancies |
Subscribe to our jobs bulletin
Each Wednesday we send out a job bulletin featuring all our latest vacancies. It’s easy to subscribe to this and all our other newsletters by visiting the subscribe page on our website.
| Subscribe |
I Grew up 80s
This is the last week of our highly successful ‘I grew up 80s’ exhibition which ends on Sunday 9 June. It has been the museum’s most successful exhibition date, with thousands of visitors enjoying reminiscing over this colourful decade. Don’t miss your chance to step back to the 80s, pop along before Sunday.
Natural world exhibition and workshop
Lino print artist Pauline Meade, will be exhibiting a series of works inspired by the outdoors throughout the seasons. It runs from Saturday 15 June to Sunday 14 July. Pauline will also be running a lino print workshop on the Wednesday 17 July from 10.30am to 12.30pm. During the session you will cut and print a design in one colour. More details and how to book are available on the website.
| Book linoprinting workshop |
Hold your wedding with us
Did you know you can get married at Bewdley Museum? If you are tying the knot and looking for the perfect location have a look at what the museum can offer. There is more information on our website or you can get in touch with wedding team and have a private tour of the Guildhall.
| Contact wedding team |
Also coming up this summer…
Yoga and craft retreat day – Saturday 8 June
Bewdley Concert Band – free outdoor concert – Sunday 9 June
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck – outdoor production – Sunday 7 July
Fossil – ask the expert – Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July
| Museum what’s on |
West Mercia Police – Burglary
Posted on behalf of West Mercia Police
Burglary is a crime which has a significant impact on the victims, both financially and emotionally.
A few steps below will give you peace of mind and also helps you protect your property.
1: Fitting anti-snap locks to your doors; What are Anti-Snap Locks?
Anti-snap locks are cylinders that are designed and tested to protect against lock snapping stopping a thief from breaking the lock into two parts. This type of cylinder is usually found on uPVC doors. You may find people refer to Anti-Snap locks as ‘Snap safe Locks’ as well.
2: Keeping doors and windows locked and secure ( including back gates ); When you go to bed or leave the house unoccupied , get into the habit of checking that all windows and doors and locked. With the warmer weather upon us, its easy to forget and tis all a burglar needs to get into your property.
3: Fitting quality steering wheel locks your vehicle; There has been a rise in offenders breaking into peoples house looking for the keys to high value motor vehicles parked on the drive. Adding layers of security to your vehicle is likely to prevent the burglary in the first place. Fitting a quality steering wheel lock and if possible a “drive way post” is a great deterrent.
Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | West Mercia Police
