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PCC alert: update (5 June)

PCC pledges continued support to victims of crime during pandemic

Launching her #ByYourSide campaign, Alison Hernandez underlined her commitment to support people to reach out for help and advice, and the ability to access essential services to help them recover from what has happened.

The aim of the campaign is to remind people suffering with the effects of a crime past or present, such as abuse, violence or rape, that help is available across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Operated by Victim Support, help can be accessed 24/7 online or via telephone, whether a crime has been committed or not.

More on our website: devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk

PCC highlights simple steps designed to stop track and trace scammers

Devon County Council and Torbay Council were selected as beacon authorities to implement local plans after receiving a share of a £300m investment to help establish local outbreak plans which will include local coordination and management of infection control and of local testing and tracing arrangements.

In addition, the national NHS Test and Trace service went live last Thursday.

Commissioner Alison Hernandez urged residents to be mindful that criminals might try to exploit the situation.

“In Devon and Cornwall we are fortunate that we have so far had among the lowest infection rates and by working hard together we can ensure this remains the case,” she said.

“Unfortunately there are some unscrupulous people who try to exploit situations such as this so I am asking residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to take a few simple precautions to ensure they do not fall victim to scams.”

The Devon and Cornwall Police’s Cyber Protect Unit has issued the following advice:

Contact tracers will NEVER:

  • Ask you to dial a premium rate number to speak to them (for example, those starting in 09 or 087)
  • Ask you to make any form of payment
  • Ask for any details about your bank account
  • Ask for your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
  • Ask you for any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up any passwords or PINs over the phone
  • Ask you to purchase a product
  • Ask you to download any software to your device or ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet
  • Ask you to access any website that does not belong to the Government or NHS

The ONLY website the service will ask you to visit is: contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk

PCC welcomes findings of PACT report

The Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed a report issued by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) calling for tighter enforcement of laws and the prioritisation of roads policing to save lives and tackle wider criminality.

PCC Alison Hernandez, who is also the national lead for roads policing for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners highlighted the excellent work of police officers across Devon and Cornwall who are working to tackle enforcement on the region’s roads.

More on our website: devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk

Response to George Floyd protests

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “The death of George Floyd has shocked people around the world and I understand that people want to express their solidarity with his family, friends and those campaigning against racism.

“Intolerance of others based on their ethnic background has absolutely no place in a civilised society. I am pleased that here in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly we have a proud tradition of community policing, a robust response to hate crime and a police force that actively assists people who want to protest peacefully and publicly to make their feelings known to us all.

“I note that those who have been in touch with the force about organising demonstrations say that they will observe the coronavirus regulations. If people take part I would appeal to them to heed advice from organisers, police and health experts so that their actions do not impact negatively on our communities by putting others’ safety at risk.”

Hocking House Podcast

The Commissioner is now updating residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly on police, crime and commissioning via a weekly podcast which is available via iTunes and online at Audioboom.

Episode 9: The PCC fields your questions in the week that littering, anti-social behaviour and concerns about camping dominated headlines. Plus we hear from some of the services still providing help for those affected by crime in Devon and Cornwall. Listen to the most recent podcast here: audioboom.com

Other PCC news

Help and support for victims of crime

Victim Support provide free and confidential support. Victim Support is a charity and is not part of the police.

If you live in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly you can contact Victim Support for information and advice, using a live web chat 24 hours a day 7 days a week: victimsupport.org.uk. You can also contact Victim Support on Freephone 0808 1689 111.

Find out about other ways to contact Victim Support, including if you are deaf or hard of hearing: victimsupport.org.uk

In addition, the Victim Care Unit can be contacted on 01392 475900 from 8am to 8pm on Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm at the weekend. Information on the practical and emotional support on offer is available at victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk

Frequently Asked Questions – Devon and Cornwall Police

Devon and Cornwall Police has published a list of frequently asked questions around Coronavirus on their website. They cover a range of topics including daily life, crime, police response to Covid-19 and day to day police work.

These FAQs are updated frequently and so we recommend you check them regularly: devon-cornwall.police.uk

Reporting crime to Devon and Cornwall Police

In a non-emergency, you can also report a crime 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 101 webchat or on the online crime reporting form – both on the force website devon-cornwall.police.uk.

There’s also a useful AskNed system that provides online advice on a range of issues and by signing up to Neighbourhood Alert regular updates and information. At this difficult time please remain vigilant and report anything you think might be suspicious.

In an emergency situation, always dial 999.

Crime can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website – crimestoppers-uk.org

Recruitment

  • Devon and Cornwall recruitment
    • Special constable for Devon and Cornwall Police (deadline is 7 June) – more information and apply here: devon-cornwall.police.uk
    • Police officer for Devon and Cornwall Police – open for expressions of interest: devon-cornwall.police.uk

Covid-19 update

The situation continues to change rapidly so for up to date advice on the Covid-19 virus please visit the Force website – devon-cornwall.police.uk and gov.uk

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