Public Protection - Kent

We have received reports of doorstep criminals in Tunbridge Wells

🔴 Doorstep criminals (also know as rogue traders, cowboy builders, building and gardening scammers) cold call on unsuspecting households offering convincing deals to try to get you to agree to having work carried out. We know that if you accept work from a doorstep criminal you'll pay much more than you intended for very poor, unnecessary and sometimes dangerous work.

🚫 Do NOT engage with cold callers. Legitimate traders don’t turn up uninvited.

📞 If someone comes to your door or you see suspicious people going door to door, report it:
➡️ CrimeStoppers (100% anonymous): 0800 555 111 or https://loom.ly/es89zdQ
➡️ If they refuse to leave or act aggressively, call 999.
➡️ For advice: Citizens Advice: 0808 223 1133

✅ Need work done? Use a safe local trader from Trading Standards Checked: https://loom.ly/CAsm6xA

📣 Please warn vulnerable friends, neighbours and family.

Come on England! Whether we win or lose the match today, let's show the red card.

Join the goal to end violence against women and girls at www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk

Emergency: call 999 (BSL - www.999bsl.co.uk app)
Non-emergency: Call 0808 16 89 111
www.signlive.co.uk - search Victim Support
Live chat: www.victimsupport.org.uk

www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk

⚠️ Kent Police have received numerous reports of Courier Fraud across Kent.

❌ All reports state residents receive a call from the Police and they either need to give their address for a courier to come and get their bank card or money. The scam can change from having a family member arrested and you need to call 999 or that fraud has taken place on your account.

🚨 These are all scams.

❎ The Police never telephone and ask your bank card and pin number to be collected by a courier or withdraw cash to assist in an investigation.

❎ Always check the dialing tone after your call to ensure scammers are not still on the phone, use another telephone if possible or call a trusted friend first.

🚨 If a courier arrives at your property ring 999.

Watch 'Courier Fraud Warning: Stay Wise, Don't Compromise' https://loom.ly/0GG4H_c

If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report to Kent Police on 101.

⚠️ Vice Versa Boutique Leo Face Sticker recalled as it is presenting a serious chemical risk.

🚨Hazard: The product presents a serious chemical risk as they have been found to contain excess concentrations of phthalates.

✅Advice for consumers
The product has been withdrawn from the market by Vice Versa Boutique. Consumers should stop using the product immediately.

More information: https://loom.ly/RpkDaf0

⚠️Know the first aid for an acid attack

Learn what to do in the event of an attack by following the below guidelines, created by NHS England in partnership with the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).

More information: https://loom.ly/5my59yc

⚠️ IKEA recalls 365+ VÄRDEFULL Garlic Press.

The product presents a risk of injuries as small metal fragments may detach during use and contaminate the food.

🔴Product Details
Brand: IKEA 365+
Article number: 201.521.58
Affected date stamps: 2411 to 2522 (YYWW)

✅Advice for consumers
Stop using the product immediately and return it to your nearest IKEA store for a refund.

➡️ More information: https://loom.ly/f00eIBw

⚠️ Scammers are selling fake World Cup merchandise online.

They advertise cheap kits, shirts, and “limited edition” items but after you pay, items may never arrive or turn out to be poor-quality fakes.

How to protect yourself:
✅Only buy from official or trusted retailers
⚠️Check the website carefully for signs it may be fake
❌Avoid deals that seem too cheap or rushed
✅Use secure payment methods, such as a credit card

🚨We are all vulnerable to scams, be wary and warn others.

➡️ Report to:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: https://loom.ly/5j18s4U

This week is Loneliness Awareness Week. 💛

KCC Community Wardens Gary Groombridge, Aaron Kluibenschadl and Jason Gordon were pleased to support a multi-agency community event at Margate Baptist Church Hall, organised by SpeakUp CIC.

The event brought local services and community groups together to offer advice, information and support; while celebrating SpeakUp CIC’s 15th anniversary and the valuable work it does to support people living with mental health needs across Thanet and East Kent.

Events like this help people feel more connected, find support close to home and learn where to turn for help. They are also a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, conversation and community in tackling loneliness and improving wellbeing. 💬🏡✨

If you or someone you know needs support, local groups and services are here to help. ⬇️
Find your local Warden: https://loom.ly/qTDIApk
Find out about the Positive Wellbeing intervention: https://loom.ly/1iNqgfs

⚠️ Residents have received letters claiming they have won money in an “International FIFA World Cup Online Lottery”.

🚩 This is a scam
Fraudsters often use well-known names like FIFA or major international events to make letters appear legitimate. These scams typically claim you’ve won a lottery you never entered, pressure you to act quickly, and ask you to contact someone or keep the information confidential.

How to protect yourself:
❌Don’t respond to the letter or contact the sender
❌Don’t share personal or financial information
❌Never pay fees to claim a prize
🚨Remember: genuine lotteries don’t contact people like this

If you’re unsure, speak to someone you trust before taking action.

➡️ Report to:
Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: https://loom.ly/5j18s4U
Kent Police: https://loom.ly/kg53yqQ