Police boss warns the lonely about scammers

A police boss has issued an urgent warning to lonely men and women in North Wales not to be fooled by heartless scammers.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin (pictured) spoke out after it was revealed that cruel fraudsters had duped their targets out of nearly £500,000 last year

Mr Dunbobbin said the region’s police force had received more than 100 reports of romance fraud in 2021.

But he fears it could be “just the tip of the iceberg, with many more lovelorn victims who were too embarrassed or ashamed to contact the police about being swindled.

According to Mr Dunbobbin, the increased isolation and loneliness caused by the pandemic had also led to an increase in romance fraud.

One of the cases that came to light involved  a single man aged 57 who was conned out of £150,000 after being groomed over a period of months when he was gradually isolated from family and friends.

The fraudster told him she wanted to renovate a property abroad so that she could sell it to move to the UK so they could spend the rest of their lives together.

The victim was persuaded to send money to the suspect for the work to be completed.

He was persuaded by the scammer that she needed to pretend to be married to claim and inheritance and he was persuaded to pose as her husband.

It ended up with him making “significant payments”  for bogus legal fees to various bank accounts to release the funds to the suspect.

North Wales Police are investigating the case and providing support for the victim.

Tackling fraud is a key priority in Mr Dunbobbin’s Police and Crime Plans which sets out the blueprint for the policing of North Wales.

The commissioner has pledged to bolster the force’s Economic Crime Unit with three extra officers.

Mr Dunbobbin also provides funding for the Victim Help Centre in St Asaph which serves the whole of North Wales.

The centre brings together the support services of North Wales Police, the Witness Care Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the former Victim Support organisation.

The commissioner also revealed that people who fear they have been victims can now call a new hotline, 159, which aims to be a “999 for fraud”.

The 159 number is being trialled by Stop Scams UK, a group of banks and telephone firms and will enable people to speak to their bank instantly about a suspected fraud

Mr Dunbobbin said: “Being a victim of fraud can have a devastating and traumatic impact on peoples’ lives, often leaving them emotionally destroyed.

“The problem is that these scammers are incredibly plausible and have the gift of the gab so it is understandable that people can get taken in, particularly if they are feeling lonely.

“It’s therefore important for people to be on their guard for this kind of crime and not to be fooled by these smooth-talking swindlers whose only interest is fleecing their victims remorselessly.

“Over the past two years it’s understandable that due to the pandemic people have been feeling insecure and lonely which has increased this type of fraud.

“The pandemic has also provided fraudsters with the perfect excuses as to why they cannot meet their victims in person.

“I am  urging anyone who is concerned they may have been a victim to seek help and support.”

If you have been the victim of a fraud you can report it to Action Fraud via the website, www.actionfraud.police.uk or by ringing them on 0300 123 2040 while people who suspect they have been scammed can also call a new hotline by ringing 159.

MS urges people to have their say about policing

Senedd Member for North Wales Sam Rowlands is calling on his constituents to have their say and help the police prioritise their neighbourhood policing activity. 

The initiative, ‘North Wales Talking’, which is aimed at understanding the crime and disorder concerns of local communities across North Wales, is  a key priority of North Wales Police Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

Mr Rowlands said: “I think it is a great idea to ask local people, who live and work in my Region, what issues matter to them in their communities.

“I know that North Wales is one of the safest places to live, work and visit and I welcome any measures which will help to keep it that way.

“It is also good to see people being given the opportunity to have their say and I urge everyone to take part in the survey.”

The short survey asks people what it is like to live in their areas and what issues matter most to them in their community. There is also an opportunity to raise any concerns they may have.

Feedback via North Wales Talking will enable Neighbourhood Policing Teams, together with partner agencies to tackle the issues raised and have a voice in how Neighbourhood Policing activity is prioritised. You can also choose to register for the North Wales Community Alert, NWP’s  free community messaging system where you will then receive updates from your Neighbourhood Policing Team on the action taken to tackle the top three local community issues.

Superintendent Helen Corcoran said: “North Wales Talking will provide residents the opportunity to tell us what issues matter most to them in their local community. It could be anti-social behaviour that is worrying you, or perhaps you have information to pass on about drug dealing in your local area.

"We want your feedback which we will use to help identify the top three issues in your area that our Neighbourhood Policing Teams will work on over the next few months.

* To take part and be part of the conversation, visit: www.northwalestalking.co.uk Or www.gogleddcymrunsiarad.co.uk for our Welsh survey.

 

Brave Elodie will tackle Llangollen Canal Walk just weeks after operation

* Elodie-Mae Davies at Trevor Basin to promote Llangollen Canal Walk.

A determined teenager will launch the Llangollen Canal Walk to support Hope House Children’s Hospice just weeks after having an operation.  

Elodie-Mae Davies, 15, will send ramblers on their way for the 10-mile walk on Sunday, March 6, which raises money to support and care for seriously ill local children and their families.  

Elodie, who lives with her family in Ruabon, has had heart defects since birth which have led to a cardiac arrest, clots in her lungs and mini-strokes.  

She has been through 10 open heart surgeries and has a pacemaker fitted.  

The doctors recently discovered she has pulmonary vein stenosis and, as a result, Elodie has lost her left lung and only has 83% functionality of her right one.  

This means she requires oxygen 24-hours-a-day to allow her to breath. Last year she raised an incredible £2,500 by walking the virtual Take A Hike event – walking 10-miles spread out over a number of weeks.  

“Hope House gives me confidence and independence,” says Elodie. “I love visiting and seeing all the staff, it’s a big family.” 

Elodie will have to undergo an operation two weeks before the event but is determined to send walkers on their way and will make the trip over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in a wheelchair. 

“We are so lucky to have Hope House in our lives and I don’t know what we would do without them,” says mum Jenna. 

“Elodie just wants to help and give a little something back when and where she can.” 

Returning after a two year break the circular Llangollen Canal Walk, sponsored by Net World Sports, will begin at The Trevor Basin in the morning, then taking in five miles of stunning scenery up to the Poachers’ Pocket and returning over the world-famous aqueduct. 

For those who would prefer to complete a 10-mile walk virtually on a route of their choice then tickets are also available for that option too. 

Fundraiser Cat Dowdeswell said: “We’re delighted Elodie will be there to start off the Llangollen Canal Walk, especially after she raised such an amazing amount last year.  

“Every walker that takes part will receive a medal designed especially for this event and a goody bag for their efforts. 

“This really is one of the highlights in our calendar, and tickets are selling fast, so book your places today to avoid disappointment.” 

* Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children and can be purchased at www.hopehouse.org.uk/canal 

Businesses now need to apply for latest Emergency Business Fund

Denbighshire County council is reminding businesses impacted by the latest coronavirus restrictions to apply for the Welsh Government's Emergency Business Fund.

Previously during the pandemic some payments were sent to businesses automatically, however businesses now have to apply for the money.

Under the latest support package, further funding is available for businesses in Denbighshire which fall into one of the below categories:

* Retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses who pay Non Domestic Rates are entitled for £2,000, £4,000 or £6,000 depending on their rateable value.

* Sole traders, freelancers and taxi drivers can apply for £500 and businesses that employ people, but do not pay business rates can apply for £2,000 through the Discretionary Fund.

Businesses applying for funding will need to re-register their details through an online process with Denbighshire County Council to receive their payments.

To help businesses gauge the amount they are eligible for in advance, Business Wales has created an eligibility checker which can be found on their website.

Cllr Julian Thompson-Hill, the council’s Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, said: “We are working hard with Welsh Government to administrate this fund to all eligible businesses in Denbighshire, so we want to ensure that the application process is clear.

“We are encouraging every eligible business to apply for the funding. Anyone unsure can use the eligibility checker provided on the Business Wales website.”

* To find out more or apply you can visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/coronavirus/emergency-business-fund-january-2022.aspx

Erddig one of sites to remember those who died in pandemic

The First Minister has announced the planned locations of Wales’ first commemorative woodlands to remember all those who have died during the pandemic.

The first two woodlands will be created on part of the National Trust Cymru’s Erddig Estate in Wrexham and at a site identified by Natural Resources Wales at Brownhill in the Tywi Valley in Carmarthenshire.

A third memorial woodland will be created in South East Wales – a site is currently being identified.

The memorial woodlands will be a symbol of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic and one of regeneration and renewal as the new woodlands grow.

It is hoped they will be places of commemoration where families and friends can remember lost loved ones.

They will also be locations where the public will be able to reflect on the pandemic and the impact it has had on all our lives.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “It has been almost two years since the coronavirus pandemic hit Wales.

“Too many people have been taken too soon by this awful virus. We will remember all of them and keep them in our hearts and our minds.

“These woodlands will be a permanent and living memorial to all those who have died. They will also be a symbol of the strength the people of Wales have shown over the past two years.”

The woodlands will be planted with a range of tree species, making them resilient to our changing environment.

Planting is expected to begin this year.

Natural Resources Wales and National Trust Cymru will work with local communities and families to plan and design the woodlands.

Clare Pillman, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales said: “Our forests and woodlands are powerful, poignant symbols of life, helping to enhance our environment and biodiversity and providing space for recreation and reflection.

“Our ambition for this commemorative woodland is for it to become a living, growing area for all the community to enjoy, as well as a quiet space for contemplation as we continue to navigate this most challenging of times.

“As part of the journey, we want to engage with local communities and our partners to plan and design the woodland, shaping with them safe and accessible spaces, where people of all ages can come to remember and reflect for years to come.”

We expect the sites to become part of the National Forest for Wales in the future, with opportunities for local communities to help shape the management of the woodland.

Justin Albert, Director, National Trust Cymru said: “For over 125 years, the National Trust has provided places for people to connect with nature, beauty and fresh air. This has felt as relevant over the last two years as it has in any time in our history: knowing that nature has been hugely comforting to many during the pandemic, bringing both pleasure and reassurance as all other aspects of our lives changed.

National Trust Cymru are proud to support the Welsh Government in creating one of the commemorative woodlands for Wales at Erddig. We look forward to collaborating with communities and partners to create a special place in memory of those lost to coronavirus. The woodland will be for remembrance and reflection, but also to provide a future green space for everyone to continue that much needed, beneficial connection with the natural world for ever.”

Mountain rescue team save man in distress near Llangollen

Denbighshire Free Press is reporting how the North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) team helped save a man in 'distress' in the Llangollen area yesterday (Saturday).

* For the full story, see: 

https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19903294.equipment-failure-led-man-walking-dark-moors-near-llangollen/

Work planned on 2020 project for coming week

Work planned for week starting Monday, February 7 on the Llangollen 2020 project is:

* Excavate the footpath on Castle Street west from Market Street to the A5

* Pave Castle Street west from Market Street to the A5.