Tag: tips

RoSPA: Make it an accident-free December to remember

  • RoSPA: with overall hospital admissions up across the board it’s more important than ever to prevent accidents and both reduce pressure on the NHS and ensure people’s Christmas isn’t ruined by spending hours in overcrowded A&Es.
  • RoSPA: Have fun and enjoy the festive period safely

Enjoy the festive season but make it a safe one too, that’s the message from accident prevention experts, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), ahead of the Christmas chaos.

NHS figures show that overall total hospital admissions for all causes were up last year[i], with over half a million emergency admissions – the equivalent to the population of Edinburgh requiring urgent treatment. 

Jim Oram, Public Health Project Officer at RoSPA advises reducing accident risk to avoid spending hours in overcrowded accident and emergency departments:  “It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement during the festive period, but having more people in the home can add to the risks.

“With some forward planning and awareness of potential hazards, your festive season can be safe and happy for everyone.”  

Here are RoSPA’s top tips to stay safe this festive season:   

  1. Reduce the risk of a fall

In the UK, we saw 7,229 patients admitted to hospital last December with hip fractures and that was up 20 per cent on the year before[1]. Keep yourself and loved ones safe by keeping the floor, stairs and walkways clear, and clean up any spillages as soon as you can. And if the weather takes an icy turn, grit the paths and walkways outside. 

  1. Only purchase gifts from reputable traders

When buying presents, opt for reputable retailers, especially when shopping online. If a trader does not have a high street presence in the UK, check online reviews before buying.  Online sellers should have a UK address listed on their website.

Look for the CE, UKCA, UKNI, and Lion marks on toys, and check for age-appropriateness and warnings.

Button batteries in toys should always be inside a lockable compartment, and any magnets used in toys should be secure to avoid ingestion.
 

  1. Prepare for young visitors

There are some fantastically fun novelty decorations out at this time of year, but it’s important to remember these are not toys and therefore do not have to comply with toy safety regulations.

If you have a young family or have children visiting, always be mindful of decorations they could put into their mouths. Some decorations are particularly risky, such as ones with unsecure button batteries, ones made from glass and those with magnets inside. It’s also worth having a check that cleaning products, vapes and medications are kept out of reach, and blind cords have the appropriate safety fixtures. 

  1. Think fire safety

Last year there were nearly 200,000 house fires in the UK alone[2], so taking fire safety seriously is key.

Use electrical candles over real flames, keep decorations and cards away from heat sources, replace old Christmas lights and try not to leave anything plugged in overnight. 

  1. Maximise kitchen safety

It’s a familiar scene – the chef cooking the roasties while helpers ferry plates from A to B, and children run around high on the festivities of the day. And while everyone should enjoy the atmosphere, it’s best to keep spirits high by avoiding accidents. Allow ample time to avoid accidents from rushing and where possible, keep non-helpers out of the kitchen.

Figures from the Hip Fracture Database indicate a peak in falls around December[3], so be sure to clean up spills and clutter promptly to reduce the risk of your family or friends falling over.

  1. Keep hot crockery and drinks out of reach

Burns are the fourth common form of trauma worldwide, after road traffic collisions, falls and interpersonal violence[4], with around half of those affected children. With a higher frequency of hot drinks, food, and cooked edibles around, be mindful to keep hot pans, plates and drinks out of reach. 

Campaign launched to keep Scotland’s homes safe in winter

Edinburgh urged to get winter ready after chilling -8C lows

A WATER expert is calling on the public to get their homes prepared for winter to avoid burst pipes and irreparable damage during Scotland’s coldest months.

With the Met Office reporting temperatures as low as -8C in Edinburgh last winter, Scottish Water has launched its ‘Be Winter Wise’ campaign sharing simple steps to save water, save money and protect homes.

In 2022 the public body reported a surge in burst pipes due to rapid thaw, resulting in millions of pounds worth of damage and an additional 250 million litres of water a day pumped into the network.

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water, said: “If last winter is anything to go by, homeowners, landlords and businesses around the country need to take early action to protect their properties and their pockets this year.

“Something as simple as insulating pipes can have a positive impact on safeguarding homes and workplaces. And reducing the amount of hot water you use, like taking two minutes off your shower, can also help save money too.

“We’re hoping the launch of our six crucial tips and tricks will put Scotland’s properties in a better place as the days get considerably colder.”

Now, Scottish Water has shared its top tips to help the public prepare for sub-zero temperatures and to prevent problems such as burst pipes, flooding and water leakages – and the inconvenience and expense that come with them.

Scottish Water’s six top tips for winter safety are:

  1. Protect your pipes

When temperatures fall below zero, water in pipes expands as it freezes. It then contracts as the temperature rises, which can cause pipes to crack or burst. Insulating pipes and water tanks is one of the simplest and cheapest things that can be done to help protect properties from the cold.

  1. Locate your stop valve

If pipes do freeze or burst, you must find and turn off your stop valve immediately. It is often under a sink or near the hot water system. If in doubt, check with a local, licensed plumber.

  1. Warm yourself, not the room

Stay cosy with hot water bottles and drinks, but only boil what you need – a full mug boils faster than a full kettle.

  1. Save on energy bills

Shorter showers can reduce energy bills and save water, which is a win for you and our planet. Try taking just two minutes off your shower and save up to £130 off your annual energy bill*.

  1. Avoid blocks and floods

Stovies, soups and stews are great winter warmers for this time of year. But don’t pour fats, oils or grease down the sink – when they cool, they congeal and cause blockages in your pipes, which could lead to flooding. Why not make your own ‘gunk pot’ – www.yourwateryourlife.co.uk/homemade-gunk-pots/

  1. Save water and money

Using a dishwasher or washing machine on its eco setting can save you money on energy and save water – which is good for the planet. Washing full loads make sense too, getting your money’s worth out of each cycle. 

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water, said: “Winter can be an expensive time of year, so it makes sense to save on your energy bills by using less water. Water is always worth saving at any time of year and making small lifestyle or business changes can do just that.

“We want everyone to be as prepared as possible to minimise winter’s impact. We want to work with our customers – whether they’re householders or businesses – to ensure we are all ready for cold weather.”

Publicly owned Scottish Water will be visiting communities as part of a winter roadshow, giving in-person advice to customers. Drop in events will be held in Newton Mearns, Stirling, Rutherglen, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness throughout November and December.

Details on the events can be found here: 

https://www.yourwateryourlife.co.uk/events/

Howl-oween: Guide Dogs prepare puppies for spooky season

As Halloween approaches, charity Guide Dogs is highlighting the importance of preparing puppies ahead of the big day, with Halloween festivities exposing young dogs to many potentially overwhelming new experiences.

Puppies are naturally curious but can become fearful when confronted with unfamiliar situations. Early socialisation helps dogs to build confidence and adapt to new situations, making them more able to handle situations calmly.

All guide dogs are carefully socialised throughout their time as puppies before undertaking  comprehensive 6-month training programmes once fully grown. If they are successful in their training, they become trusted companions, helping people with sight loss live active, independent, and full lives. 

The sight loss charity recently hosted a Halloween socialisation afternoon for a litter of seven five-week old prospective guide dog puppies, exposing them to new and unusual objects they might encounter during spooky season from pumpkins, to fancy dress and ghostly decorations. 

As well as being alert to new and potentially scary experiences, the charity is also encouraging new puppy owners to be extra vigilant of what their four-legged pals are eating at this tempting time of year, as Halloween typically sees a surge in dogs getting hold of sweet treats, such as chocolate, which is poisonous to dogs. 

To help get your puppy Halloween ready and avoid them getting spooked, tricked or freaked this Halloween, Hannah Wright, National Dog Training Lead from Guide Dogs reveals the charity’s top tips: 

1.    Walk your dog earlier in the day, before any trick-or-treaters are out on the streets. Plenty of exercise will also likely mean your dog is more relaxed and calmer in the evening if there are strange-looking visitors or noises outside.

2.   If you know your dog may struggle when the areas around your house are busier, plan ahead and create some soothing enrichment activities you can do with them at home if they wish to.

3.   If you have children coming to your home for sweets, make sure your dog has a cosy quiet den well away from the front door. You can always leave a bowl outside on your front step with a sign to stop people knocking or ringing the doorbell. If you are not open to trick-or-treaters, make sure the front of your house is dark.

4.   If your dog is frightened by someone in a costume or mask or struggles to recognise a family member when they are dressed up, don’t force them to interact. Halloween can be confusing – it’s best to remove strange accessories if it makes your dog feel more comfortable.

5.   And leave the costumes for the humans. Dogs should not be dressed up in Halloween outfits, as they may find this a stressful experience. Such costumes can be hot, irritating or limit your dog’s movement.

6.   The candle inside a jack-o’-lantern can be very dangerous; never leave a lit candle alone, and never have them on the floor when you have children or dogs present.

7.   Keep all Halloween sweets and chocolate well out of reach, and make sure any visiting children know they are not to share any of their treats with pets. Chocolate, raisins and the sweetener Xylitol are all toxic to dogs, and ingesting plastic wrappers or foil can cause issues too.

To support the charity, enrich your dog’s life and receive treats for you and your four-legged friend, subscribe to Good Dog! at: 

https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/good-dog

Preparing pets for firework season early – PDSA’s advice

Fireworks can be super scary for our pets. According to the 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, 41% of dogs and 30% of cats are scared of fireworks – that’s 4.1 million dogs and 3.3 million cats across the UK.

“Fireworks can be very scary and stressful for our pets,” explains PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing. “It’s difficult for them to understand that they aren’t and shouldn’t be in danger when they hear or see fireworks, but as their senses are much stronger than ours, they experience fireworks so much more intensely than we do.

“Fortunately, there are plenty of little things you can do to keep your cats and dogs calm throughout fireworks season, and the earlier you start, the easier it will be on the night!”

Preparation is key

  • Check the dates of any nearby firework displays so you know when to expect the loud bangs and flashes.
  • Make sure you have curtains/blinds on all your windows and close them to block out the flashes of light.
  • Shut and secure all windows, doors and cat flaps and play some music or have the TV on to drown out some of the noise outside
  • Build pets a safe haven den
  • Ensure your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date to give you a better chance of being reunited if they run away from home.
  • Plug in a pheromone diffuser

Create a ‘safe space’ for them by making a firework den

“A cosy, safe den can help your pet feel safe and secure if they are frightened on fireworks night,” suggests Nina.

  • Make it somewhere they go when they feel worried. Cats often feel safest when they’re up high, so they’ll probably like their den to be on a shelf, on top of a wardrobe, or in the top of a cupboard. A covered cat bed is ideal for helping them feel protected, but make sure it’s well secured and won’t fall off wherever you put it. Dogs may prefer their den behind the sofa, under a table, in a crate, or inside a big, safe, empty cupboard. You know your pet best!
  • Make the den a few weeks before fireworks season starts so they get used to it, and give them treats/praise when they go in so they think of it as a nice place.
  • Make it as enclosed as possible by using an enclosed bed, a cardboard box, or by draping blankets over whatever you’re using.
  • Make it comfortable with their bed or lots of cushions and blankets, put some of their favourite toys and treats in it, too.
  • Give them access to it at all times, but never force them into it or shut them inside it.
  • Make sure they have a bowl of water very near to it.
  • Don’t be disheartened if they don’t use it, or choose to hide somewhere else.
  • Keep an eye on them when they’re in the den, but don’t disturb them – if they’re in it, it’s likely they want to be alone.
  • Never force them out of the den even if they’ve been in it for a long time – just make sure they have access to food and water.

Pheromones for cats and dogs – get started early

“Pheromones are chemical messages that animals produce to mark their territory and communicate with each other, some of which help them feel calm,” explains Nina.

“You can help your pet feel extra calm on fireworks night by using a pheromone diffuser, or spray, which contains man-made ‘happy’ pheromones.

“For the best effect, plug a diffuser in a few weeks before firework season begins and keep it topped up until the season has ended. If you’re using a spray (for more immediate effect), let it settle for 15 minutes before allowing your pet into the room so all the alcohol in it has evaporated – it’s not dangerous, they just don’t like the smell.”

When to contact your vet

“If you have tried all the recommended steps and your pet is still scared of fireworks, your vet may be able to prescribe medication to help relax them on the night.

“These medications should only be used as a short-term solution. Speak to your vet well before fireworks season to allow yourself enough time to find the most effective medication for your pet.”

Desensitisation

“It is possible to teach your pets that firework noises aren’t frightening, this is called ‘desensitisation’, then to convince them they are a good thing, this is called  ‘counterconditioning’,” explains Nina.

“However, unfortunately this is not a quick process, and has to be taken slowly, so it’s unlikely to benefit your pet straight away. If your pet struggles over the next few months, talk to your vet about setting up a training program for next year.”

Step 1: Play firework sounds through a speaker at home, at a very low volume. Act normally, but watch your pet for any reaction which might indicate stress or anxiety. If they react at all, stop the session and start again the next day at a lower volume. If they seem comfortable, keep playing the sounds for a few minutes before turning them off.

Step 2: Repeat at the current volume a number of times over a few days, and if they seem completely comfortable, increase the volume slightly, and start again from step one – take this slowly, don’t rush to turn the volume up.

Step 3: Once they are completely happy with very loud firework noises and don’t react at all (desensitisation), you can start convincing them that the noises are a good thing (counterconditioning). Do this by turning on the firework sounds and giving them a treat straight away. As soon as they finish the treat, turn the sounds off. Eventually, your pet will start to associate the noises with a treat and might even start to enjoy the noises or get excited!

For more information. and to download PDSA’s free fireworks guide, visit:

psda.org.uk/fireworks

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store gives customers hot tips for summer gardening

Free workshops this August

With summer in full swing, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is sharing its expertise to help gardens thrive this season. Dobbies’ gardening experts in Edinburgh are hosting two free sessions, for both children and adults, to help them learn about what plants do well during sunny spells and how to protect your garden in the warmer months.  

According to Your Weather, the last two summers in the UK have been drier than the historical average. Dobbies’ horticultural experts will lend a hand to offer free advice to customers in Edinburgh about how to maximise their outdoor space and ensure their gardens are prepared for whatever the weather may bring.

Dobbies’ interactive Grow How session takes place on Saturday 5 August at 10:30am where customers will be invited along to further their gardening expertise. Attendees will get advice on plants that will thrive in sunny spots, insider tips for getting the garden to grow and the different types of drought-friendly plants to keep your outdoor space vibrant all summer long.

The Little Seedlings Club takes place on Sunday 6 August and is ideally suited for children aged 4-10 years old, offering a jam-packed interactive workshop with educational content and craft activities. Kids will learn about summer as a season, what the warm weather means for the environment, how plants adapt to dry weather, specific plants to grow and how we can be safe in the sun.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “The hottest summer months can have an impact on the overall health of your plants and the success of your garden. Choosing the correct plants for the right position and soil in your garden is essential.

“Many plants have adapted and evolved to cope with hot and dry weather conditions, and gardeners in Edinburgh can take advantage of this by potting up plants such as Lavender and Rosemary or by growing palms or outdoor succulents. 

“Certain plants like Salvia, Lemon trees and Dahlias all burst with vibrant colours and thrive in a sunny spot, a great choice for south facing gardens or balconies that get sunlight all day.

“Our in-store experts are looking forward to speaking with customers and our Little Seedlings Club members to make sure everyone is putting their best foot forward this summer.”

For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ sessions, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres

Password loss ‘as stressful as a personal illness’

Around 70% of British people consider password loss as stressful as a personal injury or an illness, financial problems, or dismissal from work, the latest digital stress survey conducted by NordPass indicates.

The study, which investigated the effects increasing cybersecurity demands have on people’s mental health, reveals that 67% of adults in the United Kingdom (UK) fear losing access to an important account without a reset option.

To compare, fewer people — 64% — find a personal injury or illness highly stressful. Dismissal from work and financial problems terrify 70% and 72% of people respectively.

Tomas Smalakys, the CTO of NordPass, said: “The fact that password management issues cause more worries for British people than personal health matters is concerning.

“This insight again proves passwords no longer fit  people’s needs, and the switch towards alternative methods of online authentication should become the key priority for service providers,”

Why do passwords cause so much stress?

NordPass found that the fear of losing access to an account is related to a person having too many passwords at hand and, as a result, struggling to recall which password belongs to which account.

In the UK, almost half (45%) of internet users agreed password management is a challenge for them. In the US, even more people (56%) feel this way.

According to NordPass data, an average internet user has around 100 passwords to manage. This number contains both personal and business accounts, many of which are used on a daily basis.

As Smalakys explains, with so many credentials to remember, people tend to create weak passwords and reuse them, which then results in data breaches:

“It’s an unfortunate cycle. We fear losing access to our accounts and  create simple passwords so we don’t forget them, while the most direct way to lose an account is actually to create a simple password for it,” says Smalakys.

Based on the latest Verizon Data Breach Investigations report, 74% of all breaches include the human element, and creation of weak passwords is among the key causes.

Tips to reduce password management induced stress

To ensure password management is less challenging, Smalakys recommends using the following cybersecurity practices:

1. Adopt a password manager. This solution allows someone to securely store all passwords, passkeys, credit cards, and other digital assets in one place, autofilling them on websites and sharing them with others in an end-to-end encrypted environment. Password managers also generate secure passwords consisting of at least 20 digits.

2. Give passkeys a try. Many tech companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Apple, offer a passwordless login with passkeys. Passkeys are a new technology, approved by the prestigious FIDO Alliance and considered the healthiest and the most convenient alternative to passwords.

3. Delete accounts you no longer use. Rarely used accounts often get abandoned, which makes them attractive to cybercriminals. The passwords for these accounts become outdated and are then easily crackable.

July Gardening Advice: Everything You Need to Do This Month

July is a beautiful month for enjoying the garden. Traditionally the hottest month of the year in the UK, July is all about spending time in the garden and enjoying your outdoor space.

When it comes to maintaining the garden, this month is all about keeping on top of your blooms, nurturing your plants, and providing your garden with that extra bit of TLC that it needs to prevent damage or dryness.

Expert gardener Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has a list of top tips on what you need to do in your garden during the month of July. Take a look at the list below:

Get The Watering Just Right

With July being typically the hottest month, watering is key. Your plants will be very thirsty at this time and may be prone to drying out. With this in mind, you want to make sure you maintain your beautiful blooms by regularly watering your container plants. Add a balanced liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks, as this will help to encourage continual flowering and strong, healthy growth. Remove all dead flowers as soon as you notice them to encourage new growth.

You also need to remember to water your shrubs, trees, and perennials. Water the base of the plant and avoid watering the leaves, as the leaves won’t absorb water. Wet leaves can encourage fungal diseases, which is why you must always aim to water the base of the plants.

Aim to water your plants first thing in the morning, as this is when the sun rises, and the plants will begin using the water.

Thin Out Your Fruit Trees

In the month of July, you may find that your fruit trees can abundantly over-produce due to the optimal conditions. Large levels of heavy fruits on branches can result in a final crop of much smaller fruits due to the high demand for the tree’s resources and the limited sunlight that is blocked by the large fruit.

This month, you want to focus on thinning out your crops by removing all of the damaged or excess fruits. This will enable the tree to develop a much more even and more appealing crop of fruits.

Show Your Lawn Some Love

During the summer months, everything in the garden grows very quickly. This means you’ll need to make some extra effort to mow the lawn. Aim to mow your lawn once a week to keep it in good shape. It’s also important to keep on top of watering your lawn regularly to prevent it from drying out and turning brown. If the ground becomes dry, gently spike it before watering to allow the moisture to penetrate easily.

Reduce the cutting height of your lawn during hot weather, as this can also help to prevent the lawn from drying out. Keeping your grass blades slightly higher can help the grass thrive and can prevent it from becoming damaged by the additional summer wear.

Take Cuttings From Perennials

When it comes to perennials, it’s important to take cuttings to encourage new growth. Place supports around your tall perennials to prevent any damage from wind, rain, or other typical British weather phenomena.

If you have any tender perennials in your garden, such as Fuchsias, you can use the cuttings for propagating. These perennials are best propagated from cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the new growth for the season. You can either pot the plants now or keep hold of your cuttings until next spring. If you pot the plants now, they will have enough time to develop a sufficient root system so that they can survive through the winter months.

Get a Head Start on Sowing

If you want to be one step ahead with your gardening routine, consider beginning some of your sowing now. Biennials such as wallflowers, forget-me-nots, and foxgloves can be sown now and ready for planting in autumn. This will provide you with a stunning display next spring.

Sow your plants into large seed trays or, alternatively, a dedicated seed bed. After that, when the seedlings are large enough to handle, you can separate them.

You can also sow late summer and winter crops now, such as carrots, cabbages, and leeks. In addition, you can continue to sow radishes, lettuce, and beetroot at this time.

Check Plant Supports

During this month, you should spend some time inspecting your climbing plants to ensure they are able to handle strong winds and torrential rain. If you think your plants need new or additional support, now is the time to take care of that.

The typical British weather can put a considerable amount of pressure on your garden. It’s much easier to deal with this now than to wait until late summer.

Now is also a time for checking for weeds in flowerbeds, as weeds can affect your plants. It’s much easier to deal with weeds now while the weather is good.

Ratflation: Councils tackled 618 rodent infestations a day in 2022

  • Local authorities dealt with 225,430 residential rodent infestations in 2022 – equivalent to 618 per day
  • On average, each council spent more than £100,000 on pest control visits to homes
  • Swansea, Southwark and Birmingham councils tackled the most infestations while Eastbourne Council saw the biggest annual increase (188 per cent)
  • London faced more than 40,000 infestations in 2022 – almost one in five of all infestations

Local authorities dealt with 225,430 rodent infestations in 2022, equivalent to 618 per day, according to new research from Direct Line Home Insurance1. There has been a significant rise in residential rodent infestations in the last two years, increasing 12 per cent from 201,871 infestations (552 per day) in 2020.

The research found that each local authority spent an average of £101,044 dealing with residential rodent infestations. In total, local authorities could be spending an estimated £36 million tackling rodent infestations each year2. Almost one in five (19 per cent) local authorities provide pest control services to residents for free. For those households that don’t qualify for discounts, councils typically charged £80 for pest control related services.

Rodents can cause significant structural damage to homes by gnawing under floorboards, within stud walls and drywall linings, or by making holes in loft insulation which can cause condensation and rot in the joists.

If mice and rats chew through plastic pipes it can also lead to damp, or flooding whilst chewing through electrical cables could cause significant fire risks. Some rodents also carry diseases such as Salmonella and Listeria, which can easily spread to humans, normally through rodent urine, droppings, or by coming into contact with food preparation areas.

Table one: Local Authorities dealing with the most infestations

RankLocal Authorities20212022y/o/y change
 1City & County of Swansea15,51616,7678 per cent
 2Southwark Council8,76116,66490 per cent
 3Birmingham City Council14,464       12,736-12 per cent
 4Liverpool City Council12,03210,373-14 per cent
 5City of Glasgow7,89410,32331 per cent
 6Sunderland City Council3,2325,96885 per cent
 7Wigan Metropolitan Borough5,3824,715-12 per cent
 8North Lanarkshire Council3,469 4,46229 per cent
 9London Borough of Lambeth3,2463,64512 per cent
10Nottingham City Council4,115         3,573-13 per cent

Source: Direct Line Home Insurance 2023

The City & County of Swansea dealt with the most residential rodent infestations in 2022, a total of 16,767. Southwark Council and Birmingham were the second and third busiest councils last year, dealing with 16,665 and 12,736 infestations respectively.

Eastbourne Council saw the highest increase in rodent infestations in 2022 with 598, up from 208 in 2021 (a significant 188 per cent increase). London Borough Councils dealt with 40,768 infestations in 2022 – 18 per cent of the total for the UK.

One estimate suggests there are now 150 million rats in the UK3. Some ‘super rats’ are now resistant to traditional pest control methods and can grow to be as big as a cat.

Dan Simson, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance, said: “Mice and rats pose a real risk to the home and people’s health. They take advantage of issues like broken pipes, slipped roof tiles or holes in skirting to gain access to a property, often causing serious damage to the structural integrity of a building or belongings.

“We recommend that anyone with an infestation contacts either their local authority or an extermination service to have it taken care of professionally.” 

Ian Andrew, Chief Executive at the British Pest Control Association, commented: “Rodents are a serious public health pest and they have rapid breeding cycles, which means infestations require swift action as they can escalate quickly.

“Unfortunately, being unable to afford pest control increases the likelihood of people either ignoring infestations or attempting DIY pest control methods, which can make the issue worse and endanger other people or non-target species.

“A pest professional such as a BPCA member will have the technical knowledge and experience required to deal with an infestation quickly and safely, as well as having access to products not available to the public.

“Pest management is vital for maintaining the safety, health and wellbeing of people, so it would be great to see something in the UK like the proactive approach New York City are taking, with the appointment of a ‘rat tsar’.”

To help homeowners prevent pest invasions, Direct Line Home Insurance has provided the following five tips:

  • Keep refuse bins sealed: Avoid attracting rodents to your property in the first place by keeping all rubbish bins containing food waste properly sealed, clearing away garden waste and by using rodent safe bird feeders.
  • Keep surfaces clean: Rodents are drawn to food debris so wiping down surfaces regularly, clearing up food spillages and throwing away uneaten food will help to prevent unwanted visitors.
  • Fill cracks and crevasses: Many rodents are crafty at finding entry routes into the home. Prevent them from getting in by sealing gaps around doors and windows. Also block holes above or under the sink as many pests will use this area to gain access to water.
  • Seal food: Store food in safe and enclosed containers to prevent rodents from being tempted to visit your home.
  • Avoid clutter: Rodents love hiding in dark areas so keep the home clutter-free to remove opportunities for them to set up a home in your house.

Online banking: 12 ways to stay safe

Dodge online banking fraudsters with these 12 cybersecurity tips

A recent Which? study tested the security of 13 of the UK’s most popular online banking sites between September and November 2022. The study found that Virgin Money, TSB and Nationwide were the worst at protecting their customers from online scammers.  

With so many well known banking sites falling short when it comes to blocking fraudsters, cybersecurity experts at VPNOverview have compiled a list of 12 safety tips to keep your money safe from malware and phishing scams. 

What are the possible dangers of online banking?

Financially motivated cybercrime, using malware and phishing, is growing at a rapid pace. In fact, by 2023, the number of internet users is set to increase by 275%, creating more targets for online banking fraudsters. Banks worldwide are doing all they can to protect their customers from banking fraud by raising awareness and utilising new technology to make online banking safer.

Malware

Cybercriminals can use malware like spyware to break into your phone or computer and potentially steal your banking details. Cybercriminals can use a keylogger to track your keystrokes and steal your banking login details as you are typing them. In the worst-case scenario, a hacker can infect your computer with a virus, allowing them to gain total control of your computer and possibly transfer your money straight into their account. 

Phishing

Phishing is where a cybercriminal attempts to obtain someone’s sensitive information by pretending to be a party this person trusts, such as a bank. This imposter would contact the victim via email or phone to trick them into surrendering login information. The scammer will often produce a plausible reason why they are asking for this sensitive information. It is essential to stay vigilant and remember: it is highly unlikely that your bank will ask you for login details, PIN codes or confidential information.  

12 online banking safety tips

1. Be wary of transfers: Only transfer money to parties you trust. Money transfers cannot usually be reversed without the explicit permission of the receiving party. 

2. Use a unique password and login details: Make sure your banking login details are different from your other online portals or services; it is much safer to have a different password for your bank if a hacker gains access to your device. The most secure password you can create will be at least ten characters long, containing a minimum of one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one symbol. It would be best if you considered changing your password to a new unique password every six months. 

3. Keep login details safe: Do not give your online banking login details to anyone. If you receive a phone call or an email asking for you to enter your banking login details, sensitive information or PIN codes, this could be a phishing scam. 

4. Use fingerprint and face ID: Make use of the newest technology when it comes to signing into your online banking apps. Using a fingerprint or Face ID login is much safer than the traditional username and password. Another security measure to consider is using two-factor authentication, essentially providing two methods of logging in to ensure that the right person is logging in.

5. Update apps: Ensure your device’s operating system is up-to-date. The same goes for your online banking app if you use one. The best practice is to configure your settings to update all updates automatically. 

6. Never click on suspicious hyperlinks: If you receive an email or a text from a number or address you don’t recognise that contains a hyperlink, don’t click on it. Do not download any files they may contain. 

7. Be wary of suspicious emails: Cybercriminals may send you a convincing-looking email with your bank’s logo and a professional-looking layout. If this email asks for sensitive information, including your password, login details or PIN code, delete this email. 

8. Check HTTPS connection: Always ensure the website you visit has a secure HTTPS connection before you log in to your online banking account. Many browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer, show whether your connection to a certain website is secure. Some of these browsers may display a padlock symbol inside the address bar indicating the safety of a website’s connection. If not, you can check the URL: 

If the URL you visit contains “https://”, this is secure as the ‘s’ stands for secure. If you see “http://” the connection isn’t secure. You may have to click on the URL in the search bar to see the “https://” appear. If the connection isn’t secure, do not share any personal details with that page. 

9. Install antivirus software: Install antivirus software on your device to protect yourself from malware and viruses. The best antivirus programs will offer a built-in firewall, essentially a network security device that provides a barrier between a trusted network and an untrusted network. 

10. Be wary of phishing: If you suspect you have come across a potential phishing email or call that claims to have been sent by your bank, contact your bank immediately to notify them. If they do not know about this request, you were likely almost a victim of a phishing scam. 

11. Check your banking app frequently: Frequently check your online bank for peculiar activities and alert your bank of any transactions that you don’t recognise. 

12. Trust your gut: Ultimately, if something doesn’t feel quite right as you’re transferring a payment or entering sensitive details, trust your gut and don’t continue. 

A spokesperson from VPNOverview commented: “Although banks around the world are working hard to make online banking as safe as possible, it is still a good idea to take some safety measures yourself when managing your finances.

“By taking charge of your own online safety, you can prove to your bank that you are not negligent and are more likely to be reimbursed by your bank if something bad happens. By following these tips to protect yourself while online banking, managing, paying and receiving money will become a lot safer.” 

Tracker data reveals over 30 ‘Chop Shops’ were uncovered in 2022

In joint operations, Tracker Network (UK) and the UK police force uncovered 32 illegal chop shops during 2022 – over a 300% increase on the number of chop shop closures recorded by Tracker since 2021.

Alongside vehicles recovered that were fitted with Tracker units, it has helped return 100’s of other non-Tracker fitted vehicles to their rightful owners as well as seize valuable vehicle parts worth millions of pounds.

With the popularity of chop shops amongst organised crime gangs significantly on the rise, the stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, Tracker, is warning vehicle owners to be extra vigilant.  

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker said, “We have seen a record number of chop shops being discovered and closed down in the UK last year.

“Essex has always been and continues to be the UK’s chop shop prime hot spot. Only recently, Essex police and Tracker found a number of stolen vehicles at a Tilbury chop shop site, which had been stolen over the weekend from the Met Police area. Other key regions for chop shops being found include, London, Kent, Bedfordshire, Manchester and the West Midlands.

“The lack of parts for new car manufacturing in recent years has driven a surge of sales in the second-hand car market, which in turn, generated a higher demand and price for used car spare parts, especially in 2022.

“This resulted in creating a perfect opportunity for thieves. Inside the illegal shops, batteries, engines, and steering wheels are stripped from cars ready to be sold for cash or on the black market.  Criminals are working 24/7 to steal cars for their parts to then sell-on to criminal networks, not only in the UK but also in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“We work very closely with UK police forces recovering stolen cars in ‘chop shops’ nationwide. A large percentage of vehicles that are stolen to order, are taken to ‘chop shops’ where the criminals strip the parts and try to mask their identities, which can often happen within just a few hours of them being taken. Given the current cost of living crisis this industry is booming adding demand for high-value parts being removed for re-sale.”

Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces.

Tracker’s SVR solutions work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t know it’s there. The combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology unique to Tracker, confirms its SVR devices as a superior security defence against determined thieves.

Tracker’s top tips for vehicle security

Protect your key fob: Keyless car theft works through a relay-style electronic device tricking your key fob signal into thinking the key is near to the car and then the device can assume all key fob power. To prevent this, keep the key – and the spare too – away from where the vehicle is kept when not in use, and block the signal by keeping the key fob in a closed tin or faraday bag.

Switch off and lock up: Never leave your car running idle and unattended, even when defrosting windscreens and windows on a cold morning.

Make life difficult: Fit security posts or a substantial gate if parking on your drive, physical barriers will make thieves think twice.

Don’t advertise your stuff: Never leave your belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you.

Keep paperwork indoors – Don’t store car documents or spare keys inside the car as it makes it easier for thieves to sell it on.

Plan for the worst: Take car security measures to protect your car from being stolen in the first place, such as installing security lighting where you park your car and using a steering wheel lock. If criminals find a way to steal your car, having a vehicle tracker fitted can help the authorities to recover your vehicle.