WEST MERCIA POLICE – ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT – MONTHLY FRAUD BULLETIN – JULY 2025
DON’T LET CRIMINALS RUIN YOUR HOLIDAY
Fraudsters can operate all around the world. So, it’s important to keep your cards, and card details safe when travelling. International card fraud losses for 2023 were £134.5 million.
BEFORE YOU GO OVERSEAS:
• Only take the cards you intend to use, and leave the others in a secure place at home
• Make sure your card company has your up-to-date contact details.
• Ensure you have your card company’s 24-hour telephone number with you in case you need to contact them.
• If you are registered with a Card Protection Agency, take that contact number and policy number with you.
WHEN YOU ARE OVERSEAS:
• Don’t let your card out of sight, especially at restaurants and bars.
• Don’t give your PIN to anyone, even if they claim to be the police or your card company.
• Shield your PIN when typing it in, and never give your PIN to anyone, even if they claim to be from the Police or Card company
• Check which currency you are being asked to pay in.
• Paying with your Credit Card gives greater protection on any payments made over £100 and less than £30,000
• Check your bank transactions when you can to see if there’s anything unfamiliar.
• Look after all your other belongings like passports, wallets, purses, travel, and ticket information.
WHEN YOU GET BACK:
• Check your bank and card statements for any unfamiliar transactions. If you do spot any, report them to your bank immediately.
• Fraudulent transactions can be reported to the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks using the short phone number – 159
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WINTER FUEL PAYMENTS
The Government recently announced the reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments to eligible pensioners with an income lower than £35,000.
So once again the criminals have seen an opportunity to defraud unsuspecting victims by sending texts and emails claiming to be from the Department of Work and Pensions – DWP.
The first clue that these are a Scam is the fact they refer to an “Energy Allowance” in the heading, as opposed to Winter Fuel Payments.
Secondly, they infer that you will have to apply by clicking the link in the message with a very short application period, so using the usual tactic of creating a sense of urgency for potential victims to sign up.
DWP will never ask you to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment, all eligible pensioners will be paid automatically by DWP and there is no need to provide any details or complete any application forms.
Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours
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PROW – Volunteers
Our fantastic PROW volunteers were busy today! They installed a new way marker on the footpath adjacent to Maple Close and trimmed back overgrown vegetation on footpaths by Grove Avenue and along the Stratford to Westbourne route. Their efforts help keep our local walking routes safe and accessible for everyone to enjoy. 🚶♀️🚶♂️
Denise Liebermann Art – Present Open Studio
Time : 10 am – 4 pm
Dates: Saturday 21st June & Sunday 22nd June 2025
Thursday 26th, Friday 27th, Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June 2025
Thursday 3rd, Friday 4th, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July 2025.
Venue: Granary Cottage, 43, School Street, Honeybourne.
WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
(C2006 Buckle Street/C2006 Station Road, Honeybourne) (Temporary Closure) Order 2025
Order made: to close that part of Closure 1 – C2006 Buckle Street from its junction with C2114 Pebworth Rd to its junction with C2006 Station Rd. Closure 2 – C2006 Station Road from its junction with C2006 Buckle St to its junction with U45036 Dudley Rd.
Reason: Underground cabling works by Openreach
Exemptions: to permit access to any land or premises fronting the highway affected where there is no other form of access; and to allow the works to be undertaken.
Alternative route: C2006 Buckle St (part), C2114 Blakes Hill, U45031 School Ln, B4085 Cleeve Rd, B4085 Station Rd, B4085 Blackminster, B4085 Birmingham Rd, B4035 Bretforton Rd, B4035 Main St, B4035 Weston Rd, Into Gloucestershire, C2006 Weston Rd, C2006 Station Rd (part) and vice versa.
Maximum duration: 18 Months. Anticipated duration: 3 days Commencing: 24 June 2025
Thomas Pollock Head of Commercial Law (Legal & Governance) County Hall Spetchley Road Worcester
19 June 2025
Honeybourne Hawks Reach Final in Prestigious Football Tournament
Local football team Honeybourne Hawks FC achieved remarkable success at the FA affiliated Crowle Football Tournament on Saturday 17th May, with several players from Honeybourne School representing the village with pride.
The tournament, featuring 24 teams from various FA affiliated leagues across the Cheltenham and Worcestershire area, proved to be a challenging competition that showcased the talent and determination of our young local players.
Honeybourne Hawks made an impressive start to the tournament, winning their opening two matches with goals from William Attridge. Their defensive resilience was particularly noteworthy, as they managed to keep clean sheets in their first three games, including a hard-fought draw against a strong Stratford Town side.
The team’s defensive determination continued through the group stages, with the Hawks not conceding a single goal until their fourth match – their only group stage defeat. Lucas Spiers stepped up to score the crucial goal in their fifth match, securing another victory, and a final group game draw was enough to see the team through to the semi-finals.
The semi-final against Perdiswell proved to be a nail-biting affair. With no goals scored during regular play, the match went to a penalty shootout where Honeybourne’s young players showed exceptional character under pressure.
All five penalty takers held their nerve, with Honeybourne School pupils Alfie Mitchell, Dexter Saunders, and William Attridge joining Leo Corbett and Jake Fay in successfully converting their spot kicks. A fantastic penalty save by goalkeeper William Giddings sealed Honeybourne Hawks’ place in the final.
The final against Chaddesley was a closely contested match that saw Honeybourne dominated possession of the game. The Hawks created several scoring opportunities and showed great bravery in expressing themselves on the ball under pressure. Despite their strong performance, they were ultimately defeated by a single goal in what proved to be an entertaining final.
Coach Steve Attridge praised the team’s achievements, noting that reaching the final of such a high-standard tournament was an incredible accomplishment. “Congratulations to all the players who showed amazing composure, character, determination and ability,” he said.
The team featured five players from Honeybourne School: Alfie Mitchell, Dexter Saunders, Lucas Spiers, William Attridge, and Leo Callaghan, alongside players from outside the village: Leo Corbett, Jake Fay, Sam Reynolds, Oscar Matthews and William Giddings.
This outstanding achievement reflects the quality of young football talent in our community and demonstrates the positive impact of local sports clubs in developing both athletic skills and character in our young people. The entire village can be proud of how these young players represented Honeybourne on such a prestigious stage.
Public Footpath Clearance Work Completed
Local Public Rights of Way (PROW) volunteers have successfully completed clearance work on two key footpaths within the parish on Sunday morning, 18 May 2025.
Work Completed:
The Leys footpath – fully cleared and restored to safe walking condition
Mickleton Road footpath – vegetation cut back to ensure clear passage for pedestrians
The volunteer team worked during the morning to remove overgrown vegetation and debris that had been obstructing these popular walking routes. Both footpaths are now fully accessible and safe for public use.
These improvements ensure continued public access to important local walking routes and maintain the parish’s network of public rights of way. Regular maintenance of these paths is essential for community recreation and preserving countryside access.
The Parish Council extends its sincere gratitude to all PROW volunteers who donated their time and effort to this important community work. Their dedication helps maintain these valuablepublic amenities for residents and visitors alike.
HONEYBOURNE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK!
Any Honeybourne resident can attend and everyone is welcome.
TUESDAY 6TH MAY 2025, 6:30PM
HONEYBOURNE VILLAGE HALL
This is not a Parish Council meeting or a church meeting, this is the yearly meeting hosted by the Parish Council for residents in Honeybourne to discuss ‘Parish affairs’
Recruitment Information for Lay Member of the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel
West Mercia Police and Crime Panel – Independent Lay Member
We are looking for one member of the public to serve as an independent lay co-opted member of the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel for a four-year term. The Panel covers the geographical areas of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Worcestershire. Support for the Panel is provided by Worcestershire County Council.
The Panel is part of the governance arrangements for policing in the West Mercia area. Its role is to maintain a regular check and balance on the performance of the directly-elected West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.
The role of the Panel Member is an important and demanding one. The commitment required from a Panel Member will vary but is expected to average one day a month (including preparation time). Meetings will generally be held during normal working hours at venues throughout the West Mercia police force area.
All Panel members can claim a reasonable amount for travelling and subsistence expenses and will receive induction and other appropriate training. This is not a paid position.
The Panel wishes to reflect the breadth of communities in West Mercia and welcomes applications from all eligible people (there are some exceptions which are listed in the application pack).
Applications from people with experience (in paid or unpaid roles) in community safety, victim support, criminal justice and related issues would be particularly welcomed.
Applicants must be resident in or work within the West Mercia police force area.
If you wish to find out more information about the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel and for details on the application process, please visit our website:
West Mercia Police and Crime Panel | Worcestershire County Council
Please return applications by 5pm on Friday 16 May 2025 either by email to: sjmorris@worcestershire.gov.uk
or by post to:
Samantha Morris, Interim Democratic Governance and Scrutiny Manager,
Worcestershire County Council,
County Hall
Spetchley Road
Worcester
WR5 2NP
