Thames Valley Police Alerts

Police presence will be high in the area ahead of the upcoming Henley Royal Regatta event in Henley-on-Thames. 

Neighbourhood officers are proactively carrying out increased visible patrols alongside Project Servator deployments taking place in the area, designed to disrupt criminal activity, keep residents and visitors safe and to provide reassurance to the public. 

You may see officers engaging with the community and local businesses as part of this proactive policing approach. If you have any concerns, please speak to an officer. 

We encourage anyone visiting the area to remain vigilant and report anything that doesn’t feel right, either to an officer or by calling 101.  

In an emergency, always dial 999. 

We are committed to working with our communities and partners to ensure Henley remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone attending the event.

Criminals use ‘spoofing’ software to intentionally cover up their real caller ID and instead, mirror the phone number of a legitimate organisation. They do this to make it appear that calls or text messages are coming from a trusted organisation like the police, banks or government agencies.

These scam calls may be automated, or from a real person. Their main goal is to trick you into sharing personal information or to transfer money.

This week, the City of London Police launched its courier fraud campaign to raise awareness of this type of fraud as it evolves across the UK, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated and persistent tactics.

Courier fraud typically begins with an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or bank employee. Victims are told their account is at risk or that they are assisting with an investigation, before being instructed to withdraw money, purchase items, or disclose sensitive information. A courier is then sent to collect the items such as jewellery, cash, bank cards and PINs. In reality, this is the work of criminals, and anything handed over is lost.

Report a suspicious phone call

If you've lost money or have been hacked as a result of responding to a phishing message or scam call, you should report it to Report Fraud.

In England, Wales or Northern Ireland, visit https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland by calling 101.

You should also report suspected scam calls by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ and the caller's number.

If you’ve shared personal information with a suspicious caller

• Learn how to protect yourself if you think you’ve shared personal information.

If you’ve visited a website you think is suspicious, you can report a scam website or link to us.

Our survey is your opportunity to share your views on the Government's proposal to merge police forces across England and Wales, and the impact this will have on local policing in the Thames Valley.

This follows a letter Matthew Barber (Police and Crime Commissioner) has sent to the Home Secretary today, setting out his concerns on the Police Reform White Paper.

The government is currently carrying out an Independent Review of Police Force Structures, having confirmed its intention to merge the current 43 forces across England and Wales into larger regional forces as part of reforms. 

We don’t yet know what this means for Thames Valley Police as it will be dependent on the outcome of the review. 

However, if forces are reduced to 12 regional forces Thames Valley could become part of a larger regional South East force.

Complete the survey and share your views by visiting our website: https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.

We would now like to share our next Quarterly reports of road safety statistics with you. This is Quarter 4, October - December 2025

We prioritise enforcement and education for drink and drug driving, the non wearing of seatbelts, excessive speed, careless driving and driving whilst distracted.

We create reports on a quarterly basis to share with our policing teams and partner agencies. 

We are sharing the reports with you as you have expressed via Thames Valley Alerts that you are interested or concerned with Road Safety and speeding.

Community Speedwatch is an educational scheme run by our local volunteers.

The figures for the Mobile Camera enforcement are from our dedicated Safer roads police staff and the Fixed penalty notices are from any Officer on patrol dealing with a motorist.

In the Thames Valley area, losses to courier fraud have been significant. We have seen a recent rise in the Berkshire area - underscoring the need for vigilance locally. 

Criminals are sending convincing SMS and email messages that urge recipients to click a link (for example, to “resolve a bank issue”, “rearrange a delivery”, or “verify an account”). The link leads to a fake website designed to steal personal and banking details. Victims are then contacted—often by a caller spoofing a bank or the police—and persuaded to hand over bank cards, PINs, cash, foreign currency, or high‑value items to a courier for “examination” or to transfer funds to a so‑called “safe account”. 

Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, Head of Central Fraud Unit at Thames Valley Police, said:

“Courier fraudsters are exploiting phishing texts and emails to harvest personal and banking details before calling victims while pretending to be police\bank asking for assistance with an investigation. 

• Neither Thames Valley Police nor any financial institution will ever ask you to move money, share your PIN or one-time passcode, withdraw cash, buy high‑value items, or hand anything to a courier as part of an investigation.
• If you receive an unexpected message with a link, don’t click it. If in doubt about a call, hang up and dial 159 to reach your bank safely.
• Please report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam texts to 7726.
• If you’ve lost money or personal data report it at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. 

Share this advice with relatives and neighbours - your pause and scepticism can stop a scam at the front door.”

How this scam works

• The hook (SMS/email): You receive an unsolicited message with a link. The goal is to capture your credentials or payment details. 
• The follow‑up (call): A fraudster impersonating your bank or a police officer calls, using details you may have just entered, and creates urgency to make you comply. 
• The handover (courier): You are told to withdraw cash, buy items (e.g., gold or jewellery or gift cards), hand over cards/PINs, or transfer to a ‘safe’ account; a courier is sent to collect. No bank or police service will ever ask you to do this, as part of an investigation. 

Red flags to watch for

• Unsolicited links in texts/emails, or requests to “verify”, “reactivate” or “update” details.
• Pressure and urgency: “act now”, “within 2 hours”, “final warning”. 
• Impersonation of authority (bank/police), including caller ID spoofing.  
• Requests to hand over cards/PINs, withdraw cash, buy high‑value items, or send a courier.

If you receive a suspicious SMS or email

• Do not click links. Navigate to the organisation’s official website or app independently. 
• Report it: 
  • Forward emails to report@phishing.gov.uk (NCSC). 
  • Forward texts to 7726 (free) to alert your mobile provider.  
• Delete the message and block the sender once reported.

If you’ve clicked the link or given details

• Contact your bank immediately via 159 (a secure, spoof‑resistant number that routes you straight to your bank), or use the number on the back of your card. 
• Change passwords for any affected accounts and enable 2‑step verification. 
• Report the phishing message (see above) and monitor accounts for unauthorised activity. 

How to report a financial loss or attempt

• Report Fraud: reportfraud.police.ukor 0300 123 2040 (online reporting available 24/7 for England & Wales). 

Key reminders to share with family, friends and neighbours

• Banks and police will never ask for your PIN, full password, to transfer money to a ‘safe’ account, to withdraw cash, or to hand anything to a courier. If asked, it’s a scam—hang up.
• Stop, Challenge, Protect: take a moment to stop, challenge unusual requests, and protect yourself by contacting the organisation on a trusted number (or by dialling 159 for your bank). 

 “Fraudsters prey on creating pressure which is designed to make you act quickly but Stop! Think Fraud empowers us to collectively join together to help stop fraud in its tracks.”

If you’ve lost money or provided your financial information to someone, notify your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

Emotional and further practical support is available from Victims First who may be contacted on 0300 1234 148, or via Victims First Online Referral Form or Live Chat. 

Victims of romance fraud lost more than £102 million last year, as criminals continue to exploit online relationships to manipulate people into transferring money.

Analysis shows people aged 55 to 74 experienced the greatest financial losses, accounting for almost half of the total amount stolen. Although men submitted a higher number of reports overall, women experienced higher individual losses, making up just over 40 per cent of the total value reported.

Romance fraud remains closely linked to online platforms, particularly social media and dating sites, where offenders can create convincing false identities. Investigators are also seeing increased use of AI‑generated images and messages to support these profiles. In many cases, it is also linked to fake investment opportunities, including cryptocurrency, increasing the financial risk to victims.

As part of this campaign, we are urging the public to stay cautious when forming relationships online and to recognise the warning signs:

• Be cautious of individuals who develop relationships very quickly or express strong feelings early on

• Be wary of excuses not to meet in person or to avoid live video calls

• Never send money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to someone you have not met face‑to‑face

• Be alert to requests linked to investments, medical emergencies or travel costs

• Speak to a trusted friend or family member if something feels unusual or pressured

If you think that you have been targeted, please report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. 

If money has already been transferred, you should contact your bank immediately. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101.

Our Complaints and Standards Panel is made up of community volunteers who independently review and scrutinise Thames Valley Police's complaints process.
 

But what is the role of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)?

Watch our video where Daniel from the IOPC explains its role in the police complaints process, and the importance of community scrutiny in improving trust and confidence:

• The role of the IOPC (opens in YouTube)
   

To find out more about the independent scrutiny of policing, please visit our website: Complaints and Standards Committee - Thames Valley PCC

City of London Police and Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, are urging the public to remain vigilant following a rise in payment diversion fraud - commonly known as conveyancing fraud. This type of fraud often involves criminals impersonating solicitors or estate agents to intercept large financial transfers during property transactions. 

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, 143 cases of conveyancing fraud were reported to Action Fraud, resulting in £11.7 million in losses. The vast majority involved residential property transactions, accounting for 140 reports and £10.97 million in losses, with an average loss of £78,393 per case. 

What is conveyancing fraud or payment diversion fraud?

Conveyancing fraud, also referred to as lawyer or solicitor impersonation fraud, occurs when criminals gain access to email chains between property buyers, sellers, solicitors, and estate agents. Once inside, they impersonate a trusted party and send convincing messages requesting that funds, such as deposits or final payments, be transferred to bank accounts under their control.

These scams are often timed to coincide with the final stages of a transaction, when large sums are expected to be moved quickly. Fraudsters apply pressure, claiming urgency, and convincing victims that delays could jeopardise the deal.

This type of fraud isn’t limited to home purchases - it has also been reported in rental agreements and probate transactions, where funds are transferred as part of estate settlements. Fraudsters will often use hacked or spoofed email accounts so that their messages can appear highly authentic. Victims may not realise they’ve been deceived until the money is gone.

How to protect yourself from conveyancing fraud:

• Receiving bank details securely: always get your solicitor’s bank details in-person or over the phone at the start of the conveyancing process, and request that any changes to these details be communicated with you in-person, by phone call, or by letter. 
• Email or texts asking you to change bank details: if you receive a message that feels suspicious, such as a request from your solicitor asking you to amend payment information, STOP! Think fraud. Contact your solicitor directly, over the phone or in-person, and verify that the request was genuine.  
• Prioritise your email security: you should use three random words to create a strong and separate password for your email account. Enable two-step verification to add an extra level of security. 

What to do if you are a victim of conveyancing fraud:

• If you have made a payment: inform your bank as soon as possible, they can help you prevent any further losses.  
• Report: if you become the victim of conveyancing fraud, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Action Fraud online at http://actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you're in Scotland, you can report it to Police Scotland on 101. 

• You could be targeted again: fraudsters sometimes re-establish contact with previous victims claiming that they can help them recover lost money, this is just a secondary scam. Hang up on any callers that claim they can get your money back for you. 

If you've ever wanted to be the steady voice when someone needs help, the person others turn to in difficult moments, or someone who makes a real impact when it matters most - this could be the career for you. 

Being a police officer is much more than blue lights and fast cars. It’s protecting the vulnerable when they need you most. It’s working in partnership to tackle serious and organised crime, and it’s making critical decisions that can change lives forever. You’ll investigate a wide range of offences - from burglaries to assaults - and go the extra mile to gather evidence, support victims, and give each case the best possible chance of securing a conviction. 

Real Training. Real Experience. Real Purpose 

Explore our entry route options and find the right programme for you. You’ll be fully trained and supported from day one, working towards a nationally recognised qualification while gaining real-world experience that puts you at the heart of the community. 

This is a role where you’ll be challenged - emotionally, mentally, and physically. But you’ll also be supported every step of the way by an experienced team who understands what it takes. 

A Career with Progression and Impact 

Starting salary of £32,907, including a £3,000 South East living allowance.

Progression to £51,000 after 7 years.

Specialist career paths including neighbourhood policing, roads policing, investigations, counter-terrorism, armed response, and more.

Whether you're helping a vulnerable person find safety, responding to fast-moving incidents, or gathering evidence to bring justice to victims - no two days are ever the same. 

What We’re Looking For 

You’ll need to be compassionate, resilient, and capable of making decisions under pressure. This is a role where you’ll meet people on the best and worst days of their lives. Your ability to stay calm, communicate clearly, and do the right thing - even when it’s tough - is what will set you apart. 

If you're ready to take on a career that truly matters, where you can make a difference every single day - apply to become a police officer with Thames Valley Police. 

Learn more about a career in policing, visit our website: tvpcareers.co.uk/roles/police-officer and see if you could be the difference someone needs.  

Matthew Barber (Police & Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley) is asking the public to report crime and anti-social behaviour so action can be taken.

In a new video, the PCC highlights his role as the voice of the people in policing to deliver an efficient and effective police service and safer communities:

Matthew Barber said: “Overall crime is falling and Thames Valley Police is doing a good job but there is more work to do. Some crimes have gone up, as reporting has increased and that is what I have been encouraging people to do: Report crime, don’t assume someone else will do it. As citizens, we all have a role to play. Reporting on social media, turning a blind eye or assuming that crimes will be dismissed won’t lead to action. Only reporting crimes to the police will lead to more criminals being caught, and if cases can be prosecuted, victims getting the justice they deserve.”

Shop theft reporting has increased and so have charges as a result of the work the PCC has been doing with Thames Valley Police and retailers, increasing the visibility of officers, using technology and sharing information, which has had a positive feedback from companies in the Thames Valley. For instance, there were 1055 shoplifting charges from February 2024 to January 2025 in Oxfordshire, a massive increase compared to the previous year (charges were 514 then).

Matthew Barber added: “I’ve always said I wanted retail crime numbers to rise as these types of crimes have been historically underreported. I also want residents to report anti-social behaviour, which I know can have a devastating impact on communities and is often associated with other crimes. Not all anti-social behaviour will be categorised as a crime and may need a multi-agency response however it can be addressed with proper reporting.”

You can report crime and anti-social behaviour online at www.thamesvalley.police.uk. In an emergency, always call 999.

Action Fraud is warning savers to stay vigilant and protect their pensions and investments from fraudsters trying to trick people out of their lifetime savings, as new data reveals £17.7 million lost to pension fraud last year with an average loss of £46,959 per person. Thames Valley Police saw a total reported loss of £737,591 across 20 cases. 

Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn of The Central Fraud Unit, said: “Pension fraud can not only cause life changing large financial losses, but it also serves to shatter lifelong dreams and goals with many having to alter their plans for later life. Fraudsters will present as ‘experts’ with your best interests at heart, but their number one goal is always to leave you out of pocket. Always seek advice, being pressured or rushed is a sure sign something is not right. Do not be afraid to challenge, this is your money you have worked for, and you have every right to say no. 

Claire Webb, Acting Director of Action Fraud, said: “Criminals will go to great lengths to trick anyone out of their money, in this case, it’s someone’s lifesavings at risk. Losing any sum of money saved for retirement can be devastating. “Prevent a fraudster from taking away the hard-earned cash you’ve put towards your retirement by protecting your pension and investments and doing the research on who you’re dealing with before making any big changes. “Avoid pension opportunities offered out of the blue, like pension reviews or too good to be true investment opportunities. Don’t let anyone rush you into making big decisions and seek advice from an independent professional service or trusted family and friends.” 

Pension fraud often includes free pension reviews, too good to be true investment opportunities, pension transfer opportunities, or offers to help release money from your pension , even if you’re under 55. which is generally not permitted and can lead to you incurring penalty charges. 

Steve Smart, Joint Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight, at the Financial Conduct Authority, commented: “It doesn’t matter the size of your pension pot, scammers will target anyone to destroy their retirement dreams so it’s vital that consumers know how to protect themselves. “The best way to protect yourself is to know who you’re dealing with. Always check the FCA Register to make sure that anyone offering you pension advice, or any other financial service is authorised by the FCA to perform the service they are providing for you, and that the details they are providing are the same as those on the Register. “Unexpected and unsolicited offers, free pension reviews, promises of high returns which sound too good to be true and pressure to make a decision quickly are all warning signs of scam. Use the information and tools on the FCA Website to protect yourself and your retirement.

How can you protect yourself? Here are some steps to protect yourself fraudsters trying to get your pension. 

• Unsolicited communication about your pension: if you get a call out of the blue (a cold call) about your pension, the safest thing to do is hang up. It’s illegal and probably a fraudster. 
• If you get offers via email or text, you should simply ignore them. Seek advice first: if you’re thinking about changing your pension arrangements, you should get financial advice beforehand. If you want to find an adviser, make sure they’re authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Never take advice from the company that contacted you, this may be part of the scam. 
• Investment opportunities: don’t be rushed into making an investment. Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into investing on the spot. You should treat investment opportunities with extreme caution if there’s: 

Pressure to invest (eg time-limited offers); Downplayed risk of losing your money; or Promised returns that sound too good to be true. 

For more information on pensions, please visit: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/ 

What to do if you have been a victim: 

• Report it
• If you’re worried about a potential scam, or you think you may have been contacted by a fraudster, report it the Financial Conduct Authority. Call them on 0800 111 6768 or use the contact form to get in touch. 

• If you have made a payment: inform your bank as soon as possible, they can help you prevent any further losses. Monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity. 

WhatsApp group chat members are being warned they could be targeted by criminals, as Action Fraud reveals it has received 636 reports from victims of the messaging app this year.

The fraud often begins when a member of the group receives a WhatsApp audio call from the fraudster, pretending or claiming to be another member of the group. This is done to gain the individual’s trust, and often the scammer will use a false profile picture and/or display name, so at first glance it would appear to be a genuine member of the group.

The fraudster will tell the victim they are sending them a one-time passcode which will allow them to join an upcoming video call for group members. The criminal then asks the victim to share this passcode with them so they can be “registered” for the video call.

In reality, the criminal is asking for a registration code to register the victim’s WhatsApp account to a new device so they can take over their account.

Once the fraudster has access to the victim’s WhatsApp account, they will enable two-step verification which makes it impossible for the victim to regain access their account. Other members of the group, or friends and family in the victim’s contacts, will then be messaged asking them to transfer money urgently as they are in desperate need of help.

How to secure your WhatsApp account:

• Set up two-step verification (2SV) to give an extra layer of protection to your account. Tap Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
• CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person outside of WhatsApp to confirm their identity.
• Report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.

If you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101.

Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk

Opportunist vehicle crime is preventable, if you can’t take them with you, you simply need to ensure that valuables are not left on display and that you close windows and lock your car doors whenever you leave it.

Unfortunately though some relatively common makes and models of cars are been targeted at this time, across the local area by organised criminal groups, who appear to be prepared to travel considerable distances to locate the cars they want, often as they are worth more to criminals and easier to dispose of as parts rather than as an actual car.  Over the past few months BMW's, Mercedes, Mustang and Lexus cars have been targeted repeatedly.

If you have a car that requires a physical door/ ignition key, make sure you don’t leave it unattended and at home don’t leave it on display on a window sill or in the entrance hall where it can be “fished” out through your letter box. Some thieves have been known to break into a home in order to simply locate and steal keys for a car that was outside on the driveway.

However increasingly modern cars have keyless entry and ignition systems, these may be more convenient to the car owner but thieves have developed various ways of overcoming the manufacturers security.

Either they utilise electronic devices whilst outside a house to scan for the signal which the vehicle’s key will be transmitting, and then use devices to transmit the signal to the car, to unlock doors and start the ignition without causing any damage.

A vehicle keys electronic signal can be contained by using a purpose made “Faraday Pouch” readily available on line or in car stores, however dropping them in a tin can or storing them in a metal box will also prevent the signal been picked up by a scanner.

Recently though, as featured on BBC’s “The One Show” this week, it has become apparent that certain models of car have design weaknesses that enable thieves to readily access certain physical electronic components and then override the vehicles computerised security in order to gain access into the car and then to start its ignition.

Because of these potential vulnerabilities Police recommend that when provided owners fully utilise the manufacturers security systems, possibly as simple as ensuring a PIN code is entered, so that like a bank ATM card or home Wi-Fi it can’t be used by anyone who doesn’t know the security number.

Police also recommend owners of such cars also consider utilising tried and tested forms of physical security 

Examples are; 

• An overt wheel clamp or Steering lock – either of which are readily available at motorist stores
• A concealed “kill switch” to prevent the engine from starting – a relatively easy installation 
• Installing a rising/ folding security bollard to block your driveway
• Parking so your car is blocked in my other vehicles

 In addition to these measures having your driveway or parking space covered by motion activated lighting and good quality CCTV will be a deterrent. 

If you have seen anything suspicious, have any CCTV or Dashcam footage of suspects, or know anything about these thefts please report this information to police by dialling 101 or using the Thames Valley Police on line reporting portal found on their website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk
If you want to remain anonymous or don’t want to speak to the police you can pass any relevant information via the independent charity Crimestoppers  on 0800 555 111 free of charge.

For more advice on how to keep your vehicle safe, visit the Thames Valley Police website; www.thamesvalley.police.uk

The Rural Crime Action Group (Wokingham) are a group of volunteers and representatives from organisations including Thames Valley Police, Wokingham Borough Council and the National Farmers Union who are passionate about keeping the rural communities safe.

Rural crime tends to fall into one of four categories:

• Agricultural 

Covers working farms, farm machinery, farm buildings and smallholdings. Offences include theft of equipment or fuel, damage to property and livestock worrying. 

• Equine 

Covers working stables and equestrian centres and includes offences like tack theft and livestock worrying.

• Wildlife

Includes hare coursing, poaching and interfering with protected species. You can find out more about wildlife crime on our website www.thamesvalley.police.uk

• Heritage

Defined as 'any offence which harms the value of England's heritage assets and their settings to this and future generations'. This can include offences such as lead theft from churches, damage to ancient monuments and illegal metal detecting.

Rural crime can also fall under environmental crime, which covers illegal waste dumping, fly tipping, polluting watercourses and land.

If you are concerned about rural crime or your own security, a member of the RCAG can visit you and offer security and crime prevention advice for you, your premises or your home. Where, appropriate, assistance is available for those who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

You can contact the chair of the RCAG, Hugh Payen, at hugh.payen@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk or contact the Twyford neighbourhood policing team on TwyfordNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk 

Please note that as a team of volunteers, your enquiry may not receive an immediate response.

The RCAG do not respond to incidents of rural crime so please continue to report these on 101, online at www.thamesvalley.police.uk or call 999 in an emergency.

If you have information about crime or anti-social behaviour in your area but you do not want to speak to the police, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.