Doorstep Scams

These were around long before Scammers took to the Internet but still exist today, and reports of residents being defrauded in this way continue to appear.

Basically, these are cold callers on your doorstep either selling goods and services, as well as attempting to buy high value items on the doorstep such as gold, silver, jewellery or antiques.

Everyone has at some time come across those persons trying to sell cleaning materials backed up by a story of being an ex-offender and trying to make a new life. Or it may have been the “tradesman” offering to repair or clean your roof, clean your block paving or re-lay your tarmac drive.

Dealing with someone face to face on the doorstep puts the householder under extra pressure and these fraudsters will always try and smooth talk you, or pressure you, into agreeing to something you never really wanted.

So how can you protect yourself?Firstly, always be on your guard and be suspicious of anyone turning up out of the blue and uninvited – a sign at the door saying uninvited callers not welcome can often helpNever let any stranger into your home and also be aware of distraction callers when one person keeps you talking, whilst their partner goes around the back of the property to gain entry, so make sure doors are secured.Use of Smart Doorbells with cameras are a good deterrent, and also gives you the facility to talk to them without opening the doorAnyone selling goods door to door should be in possession of a “Pedlar’s Licence” which you can ask to seeAlways ask for an ID to prove they, and their business, are genuineNever be rushed into signing up for a deal, and always ask for written quotations on their company headed notepaper so you can check they are genuine; it is also helpful to ask for references for a tradesman’s previous customers Get competitive written quotes for any job or service and check of there is a “cooling off period” before acceptingBeware of requests for upfront payments before a job has been completedYou can also get your Utility Companies to set up a Password so then you know when someone claiming to be from the Electric, Gas, Telephone or Water Company is genuine If the caller remains persistent then call the Police, either 999 if you feel in immediate danger, or 101 if you do not feel in immediate danger

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours

If you have fallen for a fraud, 

Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via www.reportfraud.police.uk

⚠️ Think Before You Click ⚠️


Many young people don’t realise that some online actions can be criminal offences, with consequences that can impact their education, future careers, travel opportunities, and more.

From unauthorised access to systems and data to making purchases without permission or taking part in DDoS attacks, even “low-level” cybercrime can have serious repercussions.

Parents, teachers, and carers play a vital role in helping young people understand the risks and make positive cyber choices. With skills in coding, gaming, and cybersecurity in high demand, there are countless opportunities to turn digital talent into a rewarding career.

✅ Educate
✅ Support
✅ Inspire

Let’s work together to help young people stay safe online and use their skills for good. For help and resources head to – Cyber Choices: https://padlet.com/WMPCyber/cyber-choices-15ftygig6x9x2vo2

ROAD CLOSURE STARTING TOMORROW

➡️ Next phase of the infrastructure works at Tasley and the temporary traffic management being introduced to facilitate the installation of a new water main.

➡️ From Monday, temporary traffic management will be in place along Wenlock Road and the A458. These arrangements are expected to remain in place until 31 August.

➡️ As part of these changes, the slip road on Wenlock Road will be closed for the duration of these works. This closure is necessary to allow the water main installation to be carried out safely while maintaining traffic flow on the surrounding road network.

⛔️ No right turn onto Wenlock Road from westbound traffic on A458

⛔️ No right turn onto A458 from Wenlock Road. Left turn only

⛔️ No access to slip road if coming from Shrewsbury direction

Speed Enforcement on the A458, Much Wenlock

A MESSAGE FROM PC STRANGWOOD:

Speed Enforcement on the A458, Much Wenlock
1️⃣ What do we want the public to know?As part of our ongoing commitment to improving road safety and responding to community concerns around speeding, Inspector Kelly and PC Strangwood conducted speed enforcement on the A458 in Much Wenlock.Using West Mercia Police’s new TruCAM speed detection technology six motorists were detected driving above the 30mph speed limit. All six drivers will be dealt with through prosecution for the offence.This activity supports local policing priorities around road safety and reducing the risk of serious collisions caused by excessive speed.2️⃣ How do we want the public to feel?We want our communities to feel reassured that concerns about speeding are being taken seriously and that proactive enforcement is taking place to help keep residents, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users safe.3️⃣ What do we want the public to do?Please continue to report any road safety concerns or locations where speeding is a problem through Neighbourhood Matters so that we can target our patrols and enforcement activity where it matters most.

Do you have anything you wish to speak to the police about? Pop along to their drop-in…

Your local Safer Neighbourhood Team will be at Starbucks on Chartwell business park, Bridgnorth on 05/08/2026 at 17:00 – 18:30. 

Please take this opportunity to pop in for a chat and raise any concerns or just get some advice .

For more information please contact me – Pcso Mandy Leek  – bridgnorth.snt@westmercia.police.uk 

MESSAGE FROM PCSO MILLER OF YOUR SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM:

Surgery’s in August

Your local Safer Neighbourhood Team will be holding community Surgeries throughout August, offering residents the opportunity to speak with Officers about any local concerns or issues. We will be at the following locations:

Tuesday 4th August

• Morville Village Hall – 1300–1330hrs

• Shipton Village Hall – 1400–1430hrs

• St Mary’s Lane Car Park, Much Wenlock – 1500–1530hrs

Thursday 13th August

• Barrow St Café, Much Wenlock – 1400–1430hrs

Monday 17th August

• Mikey’s Kitchen, Broseley – 1400–1430hrs

These sessions are an opportunity for residents to meet their local Policing team, raise concerns and discuss any matters affecting the community.
Message Sent By
Declan Miller
(West Mercia Police, Police Community Support Officer, Broseley and Much Wenlock SNT)

🐕‍🦺🚜 Help Us Tackle Hare Coursing and Rural Crime

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM:
1. What do we want the public to know?We are now entering the period of the year when reports of hare coursing and related rural crime tend to increase. Hare coursing can cause significant distress to landowners, farmers, and local communities, as well as damage to crops, fences, gates, and agricultural land.Your local Safer Neighbourhood Team is committed to tackling rural crime and protecting our countryside. We are encouraging residents, farmers, and visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.Signs of potential hare coursing may include:Vehicles parked in unusual locations near farmland.Groups of people with dogs in fields without permission.Individuals using binoculars or scanning fields.4×4 vehicles driving across agricultural land.Tackling rural crime remains a priority under the West Mercia Police Community Charter, and information from the public plays a vital role in helping us identify offenders and prevent offences.2. How do we want the public to feel?We want our rural communities to feel reassured that reports of hare coursing are taken seriously and that local officers are working to protect our countryside, support landowners, and respond to intelligence provided by the public.3. What do we want the public to do?If you see anything suspicious or believe hare coursing may be taking place, please report it as soon as possible. Timely information can make a significant difference in helping officers respond effectively.You can share information and concerns with your local policing team through https://www.neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk.If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate threat to life or property, always call 999.

🚨 Financially Motivated Sexual Extortion (FMSE) Awareness 🚨


We have recently received a number of calls relating to FMSE…… But what is FMSE you ask…..

FMSE is when criminals use fake or compromised online profiles to build trust, persuade people to share intimate images, and then demand money while threatening to share those images with friends and family. This is known as Financially Motivated Sexual Extortion (FMSE) or “sextortion”.

Victims of any age or gender can be targeted, although teenage boys and young adult males are particularly at risk.

As a parent, you can help by:

✅ Having regular, open conversations about online safety.
✅ Reassuring your child they can come to you without fear of judgement.
✅ Encouraging privacy settings on social media and gaming platforms.
✅ Talking to them around the dangers of sharing intimate images.
✅ Reminding them that if something goes wrong, it’s never their fault.

If you are being threatened:

❌ Don’t pay.
✅ Stop communication.
✅ Save evidence.

Remember, if this happens to you, it is not your fault. Help and support are available.

Make a report to West Mercia Police on 101 or via the online reporting form. The platform the message was received on and to Report Fraud online or via 0300 123 2040

Additional guidance and support can be found through CEOP (for under 18s), https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/ or the Revenge 🤬 Helpline website (for adults) https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/ and via our Padlet page – Cyber & Fraud Protect – Family Resources https://padlet.com/WMPCyber/cyber-fraud-protect-family-resources-4xjhar8o0cj8niex