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Police launch annual Shut Out Scammers campaign

Doorstep crime is a problem that continues to plague our communities’ year on year. These incidents can have a devastating and lasting effect on victims from disruption to their homes, or property and financial loss that impacts heavily on their emotional wellbeing and health.

This is why we feel it is so important to run a yearly Shut Out Scammers campaign, in our effort to raise awareness and provide guidance on the matter of doorstep crime.

This year’s campaign, titled ‘It is not easy to spot a rogue trader’, aims to highlight the signs to look out for when trying to identify a rogue trader or bogus caller at your door, and the support mechanisms available to help you do this.

With the main message of the campaign being:

It’s not easy to spot a rogue trader. They will often look genuine. They will look professional, have a branded van, a website, and business cards. They may even have their company listed on review sites, and appear to be endorsed by reputable trade associations. They may look authentic, but cowboy traders just want to scam you.

Don’t let scammers in to your home.

Just say no.

How Can You Spot a Rogue Trader?

The most common types of work offered are roofing, driveways and gardening. They mainly operate during the spring and summer months when lots of people are looking to get work done around the house and garden.

It is difficult to tell the difference from a real tradesman; however they will:

Offer to do small jobs cheaper than competitors. However, once started they claim that urgent and more expensive repair work is needed on your property when this is not the case.
Claim they can start immediately and offer special discounted deals if you pay in cash now, trying to rush your decision.
Complete similar work in your area to give you confidence in them. However, scammers have been known to finish one job in order to get into a local area. They then go on to scam, mislead and overcharge additional customers in the surrounding area.
They can have a local telephone number and claim to have a local business premises. Telephone numbers can now be purchased and business units can be let short term. Scammers will often go to great lengths to make you believe they are local.
They may even drive a branded vehicle and have a website that they can direct you toare able to supply a business card.

Due to the current COVID 19 pandemic, remember that you and the tradespersons should adhere to the social distancing guidelines to keep safe.

Call 101 to report any suspicious activity. If you feel scared or threatened call 999 and ask for the police.

For more information on spotting the signs of a rogue trader visit Trading Standards site, while further advice in relation to COVID19 scams can be found here.

What can you do to shut out the scammers?

If you don’t want any cold callers, you can request a No Cold Calling sticker from your local Trading Standards office.
Always ask for identification.
Ask to see a business card or letterhead for full contact details for the company. Call the business to check it exists and that the contractor does work for them.
Request to see proof of qualifications in their trade.
Consult your local Trusted Trader Scheme via approvedtrader.scot and obtain three quotes for any maintenance work.
Check to see if the contractor is a member of a trade association by searching the trade association websites.
Never feel pressured into making a decision on the spot. Any legitimate trader will be happy to return at a later date, use this time to research their business.
Never agree to a trader starting work straight away and never hand over any money without seeing proper paperwork.
Making sure that you understand the terms and conditions, including cancellation rights. Make use of your cooling off period to think about the proposed work.
Never be afraid to say ‘No thank you’ and close the door.
You can also sign up to the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alert system to receive timely alerts about local crime prevention and safety issues from partners such as Police Scotland.

‘If it’s urgent, it’s urgent’: more Scots taking medical advice

New research has highlighted that people in Scotland are more likely to go to their GP practice or to hospital with an immediate medical concern not related to coronavirus (COVID-19) than they were two weeks ago.

The research, commissioned to support the recently launched NHS is Open campaign, shows just over half of those surveyed (51 per cent) stated they wouldn’t avoid going to their GP practice or a hospital at the moment, compared to 41 per cent a fortnight before – a shift that has been welcomed by the GP fronting the campaign, Dr Carey Lunan, and the Scottish Government’s National Clinical Director, Jason Leitch.

While around a third (34 per cent) agreed they would still delay attending their GP or hospital at the moment, this figure has fallen from 45 per cent before the campaign began.

The Scottish Government is encouraging people to seek medical help for urgent health issues not related to COVID-19, and has launched a campaign in response to figures indicating patients were delaying contacting their GP or going to hospital during the pandemic, that there was a drop in urgent suspected cancer referrals, and a reduction in families bringing their children for immunisation appointments.

People who need immediate medical assistance are being urged to call their GP surgery, or 111 out of hours, and in emergencies to dial 999.

https://youtu.be/lDaVtO81e2k

Dr Carey Lunan, a working GP and Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners in Scotland, who features in the TV adverts said: “The NHS is open and it’s encouraging to see that the campaign is getting the message across.

“However, I want to reiterate that if it’s urgent, it’s urgent, and it is just as important as ever for people to seek help if they have an urgent health concern, or are worried about a potential cancer symptom. You are not being a burden, it’s what the NHS is here for and we want to hear from you.

“Your health and safety are our top priorities, and both GP practices and hospitals are working differently during the pandemic to minimise infection risk. It’s important to reassure you that patients with coronavirus are treated in separate parts of hospitals.

“Likewise, immunisations against other infectious diseases remain a vital part of protecting the people of Scotland, so please do attend your appointments for these. They can easily be rescheduled if you or your family members are showing signs of coronavirus at the time of your appointment.”

Jason Leitch said: “Thank you to all our health and social care staff for their continuing extraordinary efforts as we face this pandemic. Thanks to them, the NHS remains open because it is vital that you receive urgent medical attention if you need it.

“Your community pharmacy and your GP are open. Your first GP appointment may be by telephone or video but it is still a hugely important step in finding out if you, or your loved one, needs urgent medical help.

“Don’t ignore early cancer signs and symptoms, and certainly don’t delay getting checked – your GP practice is still here for you. If you or anyone in your household notices a rapid deterioration in health, seek help immediately – please don’t ignore the early warning signs of serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, severe asthma, or diabetic collapse.

“Immunisation appointments are a legitimate reason to leave your home and now more than ever vaccinations in children and pregnant women should be up to date. Our childhood immunisation programmes continue, and we urge parents to take their children to be vaccinated so they can be protected against very serious disease, including meningitis and measles.

“We are so thankful to those who are staying inside to save lives and our NHS, but the NHS is still open and there for you.”

#YouAreNotAlone: UK Government launches domestic abuse campaign

Home Secretary Priti Patel has launched a new public awareness raising campaign highlighting that if anyone is at risk of, or experiencing domestic abuse, help is still available.

The campaign, under the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, will aim to reassure those affected by domestic abuse that support services remain available during this difficult time.

It will encourage members of the general public to show their solidarity and support for those who may be suffering, by sharing government digital content or a photo of a heart on their palm, and asking others to do the same, to show victims that they are not alone and to convey to perpetrators that domestic abuse is unacceptable in any circumstances.

The campaign will be publicising support available including the freephone, 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number – 0808 2000 247 – run by Refuge, and www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

From next week, adverts raising awareness of where people can seek help will run across social media and materials will be made available to a wide range of partners including charities and supermarkets.

Additionally, the Home Secretary announced that the Home Office is working with charities and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner to provide an additional £2 million to immediately bolster domestic abuse helplines and online support.

Charities have reported a surge in activity since the social distancing guidelines came into force, so the funding will help to ensure that all victims can access vital support safely and securely.

Tools such as online support services, including a messaging service with domestic abuse experts, will help those most at risk of abuse seek support and help and guidance during periods when it might be difficult for them to talk on the phone.

This follows Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s £750m boost to the charity sector, which will benefit domestic abuse charities, to support the most vulnerable in our society. This £750m funding will support charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the Covid-19 crisis. Domestic abuse charities are being urged to bid when the new scheme is up and running in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the Government’s daily coronavirus press conference on Saturday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Coronavirus has opened Britain’s enormous heart and shown our love and compassion for one another as we come together to help those most in need.

“And I am now asking this nation to use that amazing compassion and community spirit to embrace those trapped in the horrific cycle of abuse.

“And to help us all look out for those who need help, we have created a new campaign and we have created symbol of hope – a handprint with a heart on – so that people can easily show that we will not tolerate abuse as a society, and that we stand in solidarity with victims of domestic abuse.

“I ask you and I would urge everyone to share it on social media or in the windows of your home, alongside a link to the support available, to demonstrate just how much this country cares.

“And to show victims of domestic abuse, that they are not on their own.”

Sandra Horley, CBE, chief executive of national domestic abuse charity Refuge said: “Refuge is grateful for the Government’s support at this critical time. We have worked around the clock to ensure our national helpline and frontline specialist services remain open and accessible to women experiencing domestic abuse.

“What is needed now, more than ever, is to ensure every woman experiencing domestic abuse is aware of the confidential support available.

“We hope the Government’s campaign will reach the tens of thousands of people experiencing domestic abuse, helping send the message – you are not alone.”

Week of action to focus on vulnerable road users

Police Scotland’s Road Policing Division is carrying out a week of action this week focusing on the safety of vulnerable road users.

The campaign, which will run from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 March, will see officers carry out enhanced activity at locations with a higher number of cyclists and pedestrians, such as schools, colleges and universities as well as town centres.

The aim is to interact with drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to raise awareness about how they can all contribute to making our roads safer.

In Scotland in 2018, Police Scotland responded to 1,253 pedestrian casualties, with those aged 12-15 or over-70 being most impacted for fatalities and serious injuries respectively. In the same period, there were 637 pedal cyclist casualties, 87% of which took place on built-up roads.

Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Head of Road Policing, said: “Road safety is an absolute priority for Police Scotland and it is vital that everyone is aware of the risks associated with using our roads, whether you use them as a motorist, a pedestrian, cyclist or any other activity.

“This campaign provides us with an excellent opportunity to highlight our collective responsibilities as road users. Some simple steps, being readily visible to others, being alert to your own surroundings, being aware and courteous to other road users, all go a long way to improving road safety.”

Police launch anti-rape campaign

Dozens of people have reported being raped on a first or second date, according to new figures released by Police Scotland.

Launching its latest #GetConsent campaign, Police Scotland is warning that sex without consent is rape. Continue reading Police launch anti-rape campaign

Tonight at Leith Depot: Music to Save Leith Walk

In the face of the continuing destruction of local community, we are showcasing some local talent. From political folk to performance poetry and everything in-between, together we stand up to the powers that be and say #opentheshops and #stopthedemolition. In aid of the Save Leith Walk campaign. Free entry.

Doors open 19:30 and featuring:

Duchess Betsy
Suky Goodfellow
Dog On A Swing
Storm The Palace
Gen Electrica
Louis Rive

72% of Scots have been affected by cardiovascular disease, new survey reveals

New research by national charity Heart Research UK has highlighted the severity of heart disease in Scotland, revealing that almost three quarters of Scots have been personally affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD). Continue reading 72% of Scots have been affected by cardiovascular disease, new survey reveals

Scots could be kinder, finds Red Cross survey

98% agree that if we all did one kind thing, the world would be a better place
78% admit they could do more to be kinder to others
British Red Cross campaign asks us to make a difference with One Kind Thing

The majority of people believe we can all be kinder to each other, according to a survey of the public for the British Red Cross. Continue reading Scots could be kinder, finds Red Cross survey

Samaritans launch awareness campaign to encourage men to seek help

Two in five (41%) men in England, Scotland and Wales aged 20-59 do not seek support when they need to, because they prefer to solve their own problems. The survey also showed that men often don’t want to feel like a burden and don’t feel their problems will be understood.

Samaritans is launching a campaign, supported by National Rail, called Real People, Real Stories. The campaign sees men who have overcome tough times share their stories to encourage men, who are most at risk of suicide, to seek help by contacting Samaritans 24/7 free on 116 123 or Samaritans.org.

Paul McDonald, Executive Director of External Affairs at Samaritans, said: “We didn’t want to create just another awareness campaign. We wanted something authentic and emotive from men who have been through tough times, sharing their really powerful, positive and hopeful stories to encourage other men to seek help before they reach crisis point.”

“Our survey results found that although 78% of men aged 20-59 say it’s okay to admit you’re not feeling okay, many still avoid speaking out when they’re finding life tough. A quarter (25%) felt their problems weren’t important enough to warrant calling a helpline, which is one of the reasons this awareness campaign is so important.”

Tony Robertson, 38, suffered from undiagnosed depression for most of his life. Tony struggled to cope when he lost his job, his home and partner, and attempted to take his own life.

“I was in my hospital bed the morning after and I saw my mum sat there upset, and something clicked. I started talking to my mum about how I was feeling. I think having that human connection really does bring that home. Talking really can save lives.”

I hope by sharing my story as part of the campaign, it will encourage other men to speak up and seek help before getting to the stage that I got to – Tony.

The survey found that some of the main reasons why these men find life tough and struggle include debt or financial worries (36%), relationship breakdown or family problems (30%), loneliness or isolation (29%) and job loss or job-related problems (25%).

Ollie Mehra, 23, has suffered from anxiety and depression since he was fifteen. When his relationship ended, he described it as “the straw that broke the camel’s back”. He began to have suicidal thoughts.

“When I told my friends how I was feeling, four of them said: ‘Mate, so have I. I know how you feel.’ Instantly I thought to myself, right, I’m not the only one. It isn’t a weird thing. I should have got help sooner, we all should have talked about it sooner.”

Almost 3 in 10 (29%) of the men surveyed said loneliness and isolation had made them feel low in the past, Paul explains; “At Samaritans we understand the value of talking and the power of human connection. Just two people talking can really help that person to stop, breathe and start to see a way through their problems. Samaritans gives people the space to be themselves. We won’t judge or tell you what to do, we’re here to listen.”

Darran Latham, 38, shares his story: “It was pretty difficult the first time I rang Samaritans. I was homeless by that point and I’d been put in some emergency shelter. I was drinking quite heavily.

“I’d had suicide attempts in the past, but it was usually when I was drunk. One morning I woke up and I didn’t have that to hide behind. I didn’t want to not be there. That’s when I reached out and called Samaritans. And I’m really glad I did.”

Ex-Premier League footballer and professional boxer, Leon McKenzie is supporting the campaign, sharing his story to help encourage other men to seek help. “I know how tough it gets when you’re in that dark place. I’ve been there, not wanting to exist anymore. By sharing my story and supporting the campaign, I hope other men understand that you can climb back up with some help.”

It’s so important to seek help early on and Samaritans are here to listen – Leon McKenzie

There will be more than fifty local events in England, Wales and Scotland to help promote the campaign.

Find out more about Real People, Real Stories at: http://www.samaritans.org/realpeoplerealstories,

where you will find real stories from real men who have been through tough times.

You can also support by following the campaign @samaritanscharity on Instagram or sharing the video on Twitter @samaritans or Facebook at www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity, using the hashtag #RealPeopleRealStories.