Forestry and Land Scotland joins with Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to give tips on night time driving
At this time of year and as more people will be driving in the dark, Forestry and Land Scotland is urging drivers to be extra alert to wild deer on the roads.
Wild deer numbers in Scotland have reached record levels at 1 million – double the amount recorded in 1990 – and the consequent danger of deer-related road traffic accidents is predicted to rise. Forestry and Land Scotland previously released the figure of almost 2,000 reported deer-related accidents a year, though figures are believed to be nearer 8,000-14,000.
Collisions with large animals such as deer can be catastrophic, but there are some simple guidelines that can increase chances of avoiding a shocking accident. FLS has joined with RoSPA to offer guidance for night time driving when there could be deer on the road:
Dr Karen McDonnell, Head of RoSPA Scotland said: “When driving on country roads you have to try to anticipate the unexpected.
“Single track lanes, blind corners, and even the possibility of animals crossing can make driving challenging even for the most experienced drivers. To minimise your chances of a collision with a large animal, such as a deer, follow some straightforward steps.”
RoSPA’s tips:
Watch your speed on rural roads Be aware of warning road signs Be vigilant in areas where you have seen deer during daylight If you see a deer, slow down to pass it and keep an eye out for more Be ready to brake if a deer appears on the road Use indicators to warn other drivers if you are passing deer or slowing down
Ian Fergusson, Head of Wildlife Management for FLS said: ”As Scotland’s deer numbers rise and expand their range, it’s really important that those driving on rural roads at night are extra vigilant.
“We are aware that deer accidents are more likely to happen on rural roads adjacent to forests and other wild habitats but they are becoming more common on major roads around towns and cities.
“As we enter the Christmas season, we’ve pulled together advice for motorists. Hitting a large animal is distressing at best and apart from damage to vehicles and potential injury to drivers and passengers, no-one wants to leave a wild animal hurt and in enduring pain.”
To help protect Scotland’s national forests and land from the negative impacts of deer, Forestry and Land Scotland employs a number of techniques, including deer culling and fencing, where appropriate, to keep numbers down to a sustainable level.
This helps to keep herds healthy, mitigates against habitat loss and helps reduce deer/vehicle collisions.
Most recorded road accidents involving deer occur in the Highland, Aberdeenshire, Central Belt, and Fife regions, but areas in west central Scotland, including North and South Lanarkshire have also seen significant increasesForestry and Land Scotland Deer Accidents.jpg in the last decade.
With just four days left to get ‘boosted by the bells’ all remaining over-18s are being urged to come along for their COVID-19 booster.
Latest published figures show 73.5% of eligible adults aged 18 and above in Scotland have now received their booster or third dose, giving them the best possible protection against coronavirus.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf visited the vaccination centre at the Dewars Centre in Perth yesterday to thank staff for their ongoing efforts over the Christmas period, and encourage people to keep coming forward.
Mr Yousaf said: “Since the emergence of the Omicron variant there has been a monumental effort by everyone on Scotland’s vaccination programme to make sure we can deliver booster vaccines as quickly as possible. That’s because it is the single best way to protect people’s health, and the NHS.
“This week we are calling on everyone in the country to rally round and do their bit by coming forward for their booster dose.
“I know that many people will have some well-deserved time off at this time of year. And if you haven’t yet had your covid booster, there is bound to be a vaccination clinic or drop-in centre near to you.
“Please have a look on the online portal to book an appointment, or check your local NHS board’s social media channels to find out where the vaccine is being offered, so you can join the thousands of others who have been boosted by the bells.
“If you’ve yet to have your first or second dose, it still isn’t too late for that either. Our vaccination teams are waiting for you, so please come along. The sooner you have your first dose, the sooner you can then get your second, and then your booster, for the extra protection that gives.”
COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise
Breakdown of daily figures over the festive break
Provisional data indicates an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Figures for 25, 26 and 27 December are the highest daily totals recorded in Scotland since the start of the pandemic.
While the figures for each day covers tests reported in the preceding 24 hour period, the lag in reporting means that the majority of these cases will relate to tests done before the Christmas break.
With the longer turnaround time for test results at the moment, the actual number of positive COVID-19 cases may be higher.
The figures are:
25 December 2021: 8,252 cases
26 December 2021: 11,030 cases
27 December 2021: 10,562 cases
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “While these figures are provisional, the steep increase in cases we have been expecting is now materialising, and this reflects the significantly increased transmissibility of Omicron.
“We would expect to see case numbers rise further in the days ahead – though it is worth bearing in mind that they are likely to have been even higher but for the compliance of the public with the guidance issued in the run up to Christmas.
“These figures underline how important it is that we don’t underestimate the impact of Omicron – even if the rate of hospitalisation associated with it is much lower than past strains of the virus, case numbers this high will still put an inevitable further strain on NHS. This level of infection will also cause a significant and severely disruptive level of sickness absence across the economy and critical services.
“So even though we are all thoroughly fed up with the impact of Covid on our lives, it is really important that over the new year period we follow guidance to help slow the spread of the virus while we complete the accelerated booster programmes.
“In addition to observing good hand hygiene and wearing face coverings, I am asking everyone to limit contacts as much as possible, to keep any essential indoor gatherings to a maximum of three households, and to get boosted by the bells.
“I know sticking to all of these measures is really hard – especially at this time of year – but there’s no doubt whatsoever it will help keep us safer.”
The once-in-a-generation James Webb Space Telescope launched on Christmas Day, with scientists and engineers across the UK playing a vital role in the mission.
The telescope, known as ‘Webb’, blasted off from the Arianespace spaceport in French Guiana on 25 December 2021 at 12:20 pm – the culmination of decades of scientific collaboration.
The mission is led by NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency, with the UK playing a major role by leading the European consortium, which designed, built and tested one of the four main science instruments, working closely with partners in the US.
Science Minister George Freeman said: “Today is a monumental milestone for international and UK space science: the Webb Space Telescope will allow us to go further and deeper to explore and discover our planetary universe.
“The project draws heavily on the world-class expertise of top UK scientists and engineers who were able to deliver vital pieces of this complex and powerful telescope.
“Being at the heart of this international project showcases the innovative talent of the UK’s world-leading scientists and engineers, and emphasises our position as a global science powerhouse.”
Seeing the Universe
The telescope is set to redefine our understanding of the cosmos and unveil some of the secrets of the distant Universe.
Webb will peer through dusty clouds in space to allow scientists to determine how the first galaxies were formed and will see our own solar system in whole new ways and in never-before-seen detail.
Scientists and engineers in the UK were crucial to the development and launch of the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which will be able to see the faint light from the most distant stars, effectively looking further back in time than ever before, and to peer through dust and gas to spot stars being born.
JWST’s Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI), for which the UK leads the European Consortium. Credit: STFC RAL Space
The MIRI development has been funded by the UK Space Agency and the Science and Technology Facilities Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, and ESA.
Caroline Harper, Head of Space Science at the UK Space Agency, said: “Webb is set to re-write the text books on astronomy, showing us things about the universe we have never been able to see before. I am excited to see the fascinating discoveries the spacecraft makes as it reveals the evolution of the universe.
“The UK has played a crucial role in this once-in-a-generation mission, developing the Mid-Infrared Instrument, which will examine the physical and chemical properties of objects in the early universe in greater detail than ever.
“This has been a fantastic example of academic-industry partnership, showcasing the skills and expertise of our scientists and engineers.”
Webb in the UK
MIRI will deliver a host of capabilities, boasting a spectrograph to break up light into its constituent wavelengths, a coronagraph to block starlight and look at fainter objects next to stars, and a camera to take pictures.
MIRI was designed, built, and tested by a European Consortium of 10 member countries led by the UK, in partnership with the US. The European contribution is led by Professor Gillian Wright MBE of STFC’s UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UKATC), and includes STFC RAL Space, University of Leicester, and Airbus UK.
The UK’s lead role in the instrument involves taking responsibility for the overall design, science performance, and the mechanical, thermal and optical design, along with the assembly, integration, testing and calibration software.
The UK (UK Space Agency since 2011 and STFC) has invested almost £20 million in the development phase of MIRI and has continued to support essential post-delivery testing, integration, calibration and characterisation activities by the UK MIRI team.
Intégration EPC au BIL, le 06/11/2021. | EPC integration at BIL. 11/06/2021.
Professor Gillian Wright, European Principal Investigator for MIRI and Director of UKATC, said: “To see Webb launch, with MIRI on board, after more than two decades is a seminal moment.
“MIRI is a special instrument, for the breadth of its science, the team that built it, and being the coolest instrument on Webb. The MIRI team rose to the challenges and brought some exquisite engineering solutions to make it a reality.
“The Webb mission as a whole is an amazing technological breakthrough in scale and complexity, and this extends to the instruments, including MIRI. With the launch, all of us are excitedly anticipating the first MIRI data and the new view of the universe we will have.”
What’s next for Webb
Credit: NASA
Although Webb has successfully launched, its journey is only just beginning.
The giant mirror for the telescope had to be launched as 18 segments folded inside the launch vehicle and it must be unfolded, and all the segments perfectly aligned, in space. A huge sunshield the size of a tennis court is needed to keep the instruments cold enough to work and this must also be unfurled in space.
Webb will then go on a month-long journey to its destination, a million miles from Earth.
In the six months after launch, the observatory commissioning will take place – with first results expected in the summer of 2022.
The 2022 long-awaited MoonWalk Scotland will be back for the first time since 2019, raising money and awareness for those living with breast and other cancers.
This iconic fundraising event on Saturday 11th June is organised by grant-making breast cancer charity Walk the Walk. For the first time ever, the Virtual MoonWalk Scotland will kick off the day, followed by the LIVE MoonWalkers picking up the baton and pounding through the streets of Edinburgh after midnight!
Whilst the cheer and unity of all those taking part will warm the capital pink, they will be joined in spirit by many others across the UK, and the world, helping to make a real difference to the lives of people living with breast and other cancers. Having both a LIVE and Virtual challenge means there is something for everyone to take on a challenge of their choice, in a location of their choice.
Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said; “I am absolutely thrilled that The MoonWalk Scotland is back and for the first time in two years bringing people together again.
“This iconic, joyful event creates such an amazing feeling across Edinburgh, filling the streets of the city with colour and fun. Covid has had a devastating impact on those living with cancer and whilst our ability to raise funds has been very limited, we have continued to make smaller grants to charities that really needed help.
“It is so important that people do come together to take part, not only is every step a healthy one for the participant, it will be making a difference to those who need help now.
“We all need something to look forward to, so with the LIVE and Virtual options, it means that friends and family can unite in the cause wherever they are, but choose the option that suits them. And in true Walk the Walk style if many people do their little bit, we can do so much!”
To sign up for The MoonWalk Scotland 2022 or to make a donation go to:
Researchers at Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde team up with international partners to develop quantum technologies for medical imaging and new materials for better medicines
Researchers at Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde universities team up with international partners to develop technologies of tomorrow
Teams at Heriot-Watt will work on developing quantum technologies capable of measuring single light particles that could be used for medical imaging or detecting objects behind barriers
A team from Strathclyde will develop new materials which could improve the processing and performance of drugs such as tablets and capsules
Leading UK researchers from Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde universities will work with international collaborators to develop the technologies of tomorrow, including quantum technologies for medical imaging and new materials for better medicines.
They are among 12 projects announced today bringing together UK and international researchers to develop cutting-edge new technologies, funded through a £17 million investment from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
One team at Heriot-Watt, led by Professor Gerald Buller, has been awarded a £1.3 million grant to advance quantum technologies capable of measuring single light particles.
Detectors that are capable of measuring the single quantum of light – the photon – are critical to many quantum technologies.
These technologies include quantum communications systems which connect remote quantum processors, and quantum-enhanced imaging approaches for uses such as medical imaging, detecting objects that are faint or behind barriers and satellite communication networks.
The team will work with collaborators at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and California Institute of Technology in the US.
Professor Buller said: “The impact of this project will be found in both advancing the emerging applications of quantum technology, as well as in more ‘blue-sky’ quantum research.
“Accessing the state-of-the-art detect single-photon detectors from this project will enable a range of advances in emerging quantum technologies such as quantum communications and quantum-enhanced imaging.
“In parallel, this project will allow examination of more fundamental studies of quantum entanglement in ultra-high dimensional quantum imaging and communications.”
A team of researchers at Strathclyde, led by Professor Alastair Florence, has been awarded a £1.2 million grant to work with collaborators in the USA, advance the development of amorphous materials, which are rigid and can hold their shape like solids but have disordered atomic structures like liquids.
They have huge potential in medicines manufacturing where they could be used to improve the processing and overall performance of drugs, in particular treatments which are taken orally such as tablets and capsules.
The team will work with collaborators at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and Ghent University in Belgium.
Professor Florence said: “This ambitious new international collaboration will develop new science and digital technologies to de-risk the use of amorphous solid forms, reduce the timescale and cost of their development, deliver innovation in their design and manufacture, and help drive the adoption of this versatile and important class of materials across pharmaceutical industry.
“Crucially, the project will also help to develop the talent pipeline and future research leaders for industry as well as academia.”
UK Science Minister George Freeman said: “From improving cancer treatment and generating clean growth to designing the communication networks of tomorrow, UK science, technology and innovation is developing pioneering solutions to the some of the world’s greatest challenges.
“These 12 international projects will harness the expertise of the UK’s world-leading researchers and global collaborators, helping us accelerate our path to an innovation nation and underline our position as a science superpower.”
EPSRC Executive Chair Professor Dame Lynn Gladden said: ““From better, cheaper medicines to powerful quantum computers and next-generation communications networks, these new technologies have the potential to transform the way we live.
“By bringing together world-leading researchers to deliver ground-breaking science and engineering solutions, these projects will generate impact that will be felt across all of society.”
The projects are:
A project led by Durham University aims to develop molecular quantum technologies for use in powerful quantum computers. They aim to use ultracold molecules cooled to within a millionth of a degree of absolute zero as the building blocks of new computing platforms, exploiting the rich internal structure of molecules to unlock the enormous processing power of quantum computation.
Partners: Imperial College London, University of Oxford, Harvard University (USA), JILA at the University of Colorado Boulder (USA)
Led by the University of Birmingham, researchers intend to develop robust and transportable optical clocks which use light to provide an unparalleled precision in timekeeping. They have a wide range of potential uses, from helping planes and ships to navigate to underpinning ultra-high broadband networks.
Partners: University of Nottingham, NPL, Riken (Japan), University of Tokyo (Japan), the University of Düsseldorf (Germany), PTB (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt) (Germany), Technical University Munich (Germany)
Researchers at Heriot-Watt University will work with US collaborators to advance quantum technologies capable of measuring single light particles. These have a wide range of applications, including medical imaging, detecting objects behind barriers and satellite communication networks.
Partners: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) (USA), California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (USA)
Partners: Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology (Germany) and Rosalind Franklin Institute
Working with collaborators in the USA, a team led by the University of Sheffield aims to develop the technology needed to fabricate ultimate visible light communication (VLC) systems and micro-displays. Using lasers on tiny chips in our devices, VLC could potentially offer bandwidth more than three orders of magnitude larger than conventional Wi-Fi or 5G.
Partners: University of Strathclyde, University of Bath, Harvard University (USA), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)
Researchers led by Newcastle University aim to ensure that electric vehicles using the Internet of Things to optimise energy usage are cyber-secure. They will test the vulnerability of electric vehicles, national grids and charging infrastructure while developing the approaches needed to protect them against cyberattacks including the zero-day attacks.
Partners: Cardiff University, University of Sydney (Australia), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) (Australia)
A project led by The University of Manchester intends to increase, by up to a million-fold, the volume of manufactured materials that can be X-ray imaged to identify defects. Focusing on battery, composite materials and additive (3D printed) manufacturing, this will guide the manufacturing of new products and improve their performance.
Partner: European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (France)
Partners: National Science Foundation Industry-University Cooperative Research Center for Metamaterials (USA), Airbus, BAE Systems, Ball Aerospace (USA), Bodkin Design, British Telecommunications, The City University of New York (USA), Dstl, Metamaterial Technologies, M.Ventures (Merck) (Netherlands), NASA (USA), Oxford Instruments, Phoebus Optoelectronics (USA), QinetiQ, Thales, Transense Technologies, Wave Optics
A team led by the University of Strathclyde will advance the development of amorphous materials, which are rigid and can hold their shape like solids but have disordered atomic structures like liquids. They have huge potential in medicines manufacturing where they could be used to improve the processing and overall performance of drugs, in particular treatments which are taken orally such as tablets and capsules.
Partners: University of Copenhagen (Denmark), Ghent University (Belgium)
A project led by the University of Leeds aims to improve the outcomes of surgical treatments for osteoarthritis, a condition affecting more than 8 million people in the UK and costing the NHS more than £10 billion a year. Researchers intend to use personalised approaches to evaluate devices such as hip and knee replacements so they can be matched to individual patients’ needs, reducing the risk of complications.
Partner: The Center for Orthopaedic Biomechanics, University of Denver (USA)
A project led by the Imperial College London and UCL aims to develop sophisticated mathematical optimisation algorithms that can guarantee finding the best possible designs and operational strategies in industrial processes and their supply chains. These algorithms will be designed and implemented to facilitate use by decision makers across the process industries to balance economic performance, safety and environmental impacts and handle uncertainty
Partner: RWTH Aachen University (Germany)
A project led by Aston University aims to advance frequency comb technology, which allows light to be measured and controlled and has potential in areas such as telecommunications, gas sensing and sensing for the food industry. Researchers aim to design and develop a new family of light sources with improved robustness, performance and versatility to allow for practical applications in a wide range of different fields.
Partners: University of Nice Sophia Antipolis (France), University of Lille (France)
Labour MSP Foysol Choudhuryhas warned that children may be stuck in temporary accommodation this Christmas, with the latest figures showing 850 families in Edinburgh were in temporary accommodation.
Across Scotland, the number of families in temporary accommodation has hit a 10 year high, with latest figures suggesting 3,645 families are in temporary accommodation.
The length of time people are spending stranded in temporary accommodation is also rising nation-wide. Since its low point in 2014, this figure has increased by an astonishing 47 per cent.
In Edinburgh, not only are there 850 families stuck in temporary accommodation, but the average stay for a couple with children is an appalling 541 days.
Edinburgh Labour list MSP Foysol Choudhury said:“It is a scandal that so many children across Scotland will be stuck in temporary accommodation this Christmas.
“Here in Edinburgh there are 850 families in temporary accommodation, with families typically waiting 541. It is simply unacceptable.
“These children are being badly failed by the SNP, who have ignored the warning signs year after year.
“Leaving thousands of children in limbo for months on end will have a devastating impact on these children’s wellbeing, attainment and life chances.
“This is not a housing strategy – it is a total dereliction of duty that should shame the SNP.
“Families must have the safe and secure housing they need, and children should never bear the burden of the failures of the SNP Government .”
Every adult in the country now needs to get a Covid-19 booster vaccine, because two doses does not give you enough protection against catching Omicron.
As part of the national Get Boosted Now campaign to protect against Omicron, a text will be sent out from Boxing Day reminding people to get jabbed.
Every adult needs a COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against Omicron
In partnership with UK phone networks, the UK Government will send out SMS texts on Boxing Day urging people to get a booster
The SMS texts are part of the Get Boosted Now campaign and the latest push in a record-breaking week for daily vaccinations
From yesterday (26 December) people across the UK will receive a text message reminding them to get a booster vaccine to protect us all from the spread of the Omicron.
More than 32 million people – over 60% of adults in the UK – have now had their COVID-19 booster.
The expansion of the booster programme continues at a rapid pace, with all adults able to get their life-saving jab by booking online through the National Booking Service or by visiting their nearest walk-in vaccination centre.
This week, more vaccination sites have opened across the country, making it as easy as possible to Get Boosted Now, including football stadiums and shopping centres.
While two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection against the Delta variant, data from the UK Health Security Agency shows vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection is substantially reduced against Omicron with just two doses over time – but a third dose provides between 60% and 70% protection against symptomatic infection from Omicron two to four weeks after the booster is given.
It is vital to get a first and second jab in order to be eligible for a booster to get the vital protection against Omicron.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We are texting this Boxing Day for all eligible adults to Get Boosted Now. It has never been as important to get protected with the booster – so whether it is in between turkey sandwiches or before the Boxing Day fixtures, whatever your traditions make the booster a part of them this year.
“Millions of vaccine slots are available through the festive calendar so if you’re not boosted and you get this text, take up the offer and get vaccinated.”
Some venues and events in England now require people to have two COVID-19 vaccines or proof of a negative test as a condition of entry. People can access their NHS COVID Pass digitally or receive a paper copy once they have been doubled jabbed.
HMG would like to thank the Mobile Network Operators for their assistance in helping deliver the vitally important Get Boosted Now message.
Skyrora has created Skyprint 2, the largest hybrid printer of its kind in Europe, to optimise the speed and efficiency of manufacturing rocket parts. By allowing printing and machining on the same bed, it will drastically reduce process complexity, cost and printing time by around 30% compared to other printers.
Another key advantage of Skyprint 2 is that it can be manufactured via subtraction or addition processes, which means it can repair parts and machine items that were not originally printed.
Following on from Skyprint 1, and when it starts production in Q2, the bespoke Skyprint 2 will offer a cost-effective, bi-metallic, hybrid manufacturing service to meet the growing demand for small satellite launches and enables Skyrora to take full control of the manufacturing process. Skyrora’s vision is to meet this increasing appetite by combining proven technology with cutting-edge innovation in order to create economical, responsive access to space.
Skyprint 2 will use Inconel, a superalloy known for its mechanical strength at high heat which comprises most of the mass of Skyrora’s rocket engines and makes use of the Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process.
This is an additive manufacturing process in which focused thermal energy is used to fuse materials by melting as they are being deposited.
One of the key features of Skyprint 2 is its ‘near net shape’ process of DED, which minimises material usage. Any residual material that would be otherwise lost due to blowout is instead collected and recycled, enabling greater material efficiency and making the manufacturing of parts more sustainable.
With standard, bulk methods of manufacturing Inconel alloy engine parts (oxidation-corrosion-resistant materials well suited for extreme environments subjected to pressure and heat), it can take around 10 weeks from concept to production, not to mention quality modifications.
Using Skyprint 2, the time needed to manufacture key rocket engine components has been significantly reduced to only two weeks due to 3D printing’s direct forming capabilities. Combined with the increased design dexterity – allowing for greater changes in design between iterations – Skyprint 2 is radically altering what is possible in hybrid manufacturing services.
Volodymyr Levykin, Skyrora’s founder and CEO, said: “Skyprint 2 reinforces our ambitions to not only be the first company to launch from UK soil, but also to do so in the most sustainable way possible.
“By taking greater control of the design and manufacturing process of our parts using our custom-built industry-leading 3D printing technology, we are taking another crucial step closer to offering a significant space service from our own soil.
“Creating this cost – and time-effective solution encapsulates the innovation and talent that resides at the heart of the UK space industry. As an asset, Skyprint 2 is a real game-changer – it will transform Skyrora’s operations and expand the limits of what is possible when it comes to space engineering in general.”
Following Skyrora’s announcement in October 2021 of a multi-launch agreement with SaxaVord that will enable the company to complete 16 launches a year by 2030, the ability to fully design and print parts using Skyprint 2 will substantially reduce the timeframe needed for Skyrora to manufacture its rockets from 2022.
Earlier this year, Skyrora also successfully completed trials of the third stage of the Skyrora XL rocket, including its orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) – a vehicle that once in orbit can refire its engines around 15 times to complete tasks such as acting as a space tug or maintenance and de-orbiting of defunct satellites.
The development of Ecosene – a rocket fuel made of otherwise unused plastics – also highlights the sustainable innovations that are at the core of Skyrora’s business as it strives to solve the biggest issues facing the space industry.
The UK government has urged the public to protect themselves from online sales scams through five actionable steps.
The public must be vigilant in protecting themselves from the threat of online scammers during the Boxing Day sales, the Government has urged today (26 December) after a year which saw a record number of cyber attacks and online scams.
Reports to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, reveal that almost 100,000 people in the UK have fallen victim to online shopping fraud in the past 13 months – with over £60 million being reported lost, leading to this call to action for the public to take five simple steps to protect themselves and their families from fraudsters.
Traditionally, Boxing Day marks one of the busiest days on the high street for retailers, however in recent years more people have been shopping online – with Barclaycard estimating £2.7 billion was spent online by UK shoppers on Boxing Day 2020, an average of £162 per shopper.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is encouraging people to shop online securely by following five actionable steps:
Keeping accounts secure – strong and separate passwords should be used for the most important online accounts, including email, banking or payment accounts (such as PayPal). The NCSC recommends using three random words to create a password. Turning on two-step verification can add an extra layer of protection.
Be aware of emails, text messages or websites that look too good to be true or suspicious – many scammers set up fake messages designed to steal financial and personal information. Members of the public can report suspicious messages to the NCSC via text to 7726 and email to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Choose online retailers carefully – research stores before buying to confirm they are legitimate through trustworthy consumer websites. Some emails or texts about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. If unsure, don’t use the link.
Use a credit card for online payments if possible – most major credit card providers protect online purchases, and are obliged to refund individuals in certain circumstances.
Only provide enough details to complete a purchase – only fill in the mandatory details on a website when shopping online (often marked with an asterisk).
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for Cyber Crime Steve Barclay said: “With a record number of cyber attacks this year, it is crucial we all take some steps to keep ourselves and our families safe from scammers while shopping online, particularly in the Boxing Day sales which have become a firm favourite for fraudsters.
“In the past year, government and police action has seen numerous convictions on cyber fraud, and we should all play our part to stamp out this terrible crime that can ruin lives.”
Paul Maddinson, Director of National Resilience and Strategy at the NCSC said: “Scammers will use any opportunity to try and trick the public and businesses into parting with their money so it’s really important that we all know how to protect ourselves.
“Whilst scams can be convincing, there are practical steps you can take to avoid falling victim to cyber crime which can all be found on the NCSC’s website.”
This warning against online scams comes alongside growing concern about the vulnerability of people’s personal technology. Hackers are targeting individuals’ applications and email accounts, gaining access to personal and financial information and exposing individuals to considerable risk.
As people receive new laptops and smartphones over Christmas, the risks are magnified. The government is also encouraging individuals to ensure that any new devices are protected to keep personal and financial information secure from hackers.However, these dangers are easily avoidable by adopting two key Cyber Aware behaviours:
Turning on two-step verification
Using three random words to secure your email accounts
Police have released images of a man they believe may have information that will assist their investigation into an assault, which occurred on George Street around 3am on Wednesday, 1 December.
The man is described as white, around 5’8” in height and of slim build with short dark hair.He was wearing a dark baseball cap, grey shirt, white-t-shirt, dark trousers and white trainers.
Anyone who recognises the man, or who has any information about this incident, is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference 0256 of 1 December 2021.
Crimestoppers can also be passed information anonymously on 0800 555 111.
