Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership

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Latest: Scams advice from Scam Share   &   North East Crime Alert & Business Crime Prevention Newsletter

The latest Scam Share Bulletin from our partners at Trading Standards Scotland contains excellent information and links on the most prevalent scams being perpetrated in Scotland at the present time.Updated 05/12/2024. Plus the latest from Aberdeenshire's Trading Standards (29/11/2024). Plus Police Scotland's CyberByte for November Read more

Police Scotland have issued their new North East Crime Alert for December. It covers: Staying safe while driving during winter, How to keep your home secure ‘After Dark’, Probationer Training, What the Stonehaven Community Policing Team are up to, How to keep your bike secure, How to manage your passwords safely. Read more Police Scotland have issued their first Business Crime Prevention Newsletter Read more

Latest: Stay Safe Online at Christmas

Santa's not the only one making a list. Keep an eye on your bank statements for any suspicious activity during the holiday season. Read more

Shopping online for Christmas gifts? Use secure websites and avoid public Wi-Fi to protect your financial information from cyber Grinches. Read more

Latest: Firewood Scam   &   Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter

Criminals are taking advantage of the cold snap with fraudulent adverts for firewood on Facebook. Several residents in Aberdeenshire have fallen victim to the scam. Read more

Neighbourhood Watch Scotland have issued their Community Buzz newsletter for November. It covers winter essentials to help you prepare your home, vehicle, and personal safety measures for the months ahead. Read more

Security of heating oil tanks   &   Housebreaking warning

Residents in rural areas are reminded to review the security of their heating oil tanks following several thefts in the Huntly area. Read more

A spate of housebreakings has been reported in Aberdeenshire. Learn how to protect your home. Read more

School Road Safety Banner   &   Investment Scams on Social Media

A Safety Group has funded a road safety banner for a primary school. Read more

The internet, particularly social media platforms, has become a prime hunting ground for scammers. Investment scams have seen a significant increase of late. Read more

Gift card Scam   &   Alert - Oversharing online

Police Scotland have seen a recent rise in Gift Card scams, with fraudsters targeting unsuspecting individuals claiming to be officials from various government departments. Read more

Thanks to the internet it’s easy to share about what you’re doing, how you’re feeling, your opinions, likes, dislikes, passions and interests. But what if what you share doesn’t have the effect you intended it to because it’s oversharing? Learn how to protect yourself. Read more

Car relay thefts on the increase   &   Investment Fraud & a new Self Help Tool Centre

Police Scotland has recently been made aware of increased reports of vehicle crime across Scotland using Relay Theft. Read more

Investments are a favourite trick used by fraudsters to steal your money … either funds you’ve put aside ‘for a rainy day’ or life savings to be used for a dream holiday or your retirement. Read more

WhatsApp scam messages   &   Push Payment or Safe Account Scam

Three Aberdeenshire residents have recently lost considerable sums of money after falling victim to WhatsApp frauds. Click the link to learn how to protect yourself. Read more

During January 2024, an elderly Aberdeen resident received a telephone call from a male purporting to be from his banks Fraud Team. They were advised that their accounts had been compromised and were asked to assist with an investigation. It was a scam. Read more

Computer Hacking   &   Holiday Booking Scam

An Aberdeen resident was on their computer looking at news articles and clicked on one which caught their attention. After they clicked out of the article an alert came up on their computer which stated that their computer had been hacked. It was a scam. Read more

If you're booking your next holiday, watch out for fake deals and clone websites as criminals increase their efforts to trick holidaymakers out of their money this summer. A local family lost nearly £2,000 in a scam. Read more

Elderly targeted by scammers   &   Bike Security

Following reports of two elderly men being scammed in the Grampian area, Police Scotland is encouraging you to discuss the risk of fraud and scamming with elderly relatives, friends and neighbours. Read more

Bikes are being stolen from across the North East. Many have been poorly secured or in some case not secured at all. Learn how to protect your bike. Read more

Rural Matters & Security

Read the updated North East Crime Reduction Teams’ "Rural and Agricultural Security Advice" booklet. HERE Read the simple to follow cyber security guide which will also help keep your business safe online with advice on keeping your computer virus free and why it’s important to keep your data backed up. HERE

Home Fire Safety Visits

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service can provide a free home fire safety visit. This safety check is carried out by firefighters from a local fire station. They will look at all areas of fire risk within your home. They will also give advice and information on how to stay safe from fire. Read more

Road Safety Clip-On Reflectors

The Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group has distributed Clip-On Reflectors to five Primary Schools. Read more

Fires Connected To Lithium-ion Batteries

The UK is facing a worrying spike in fires connected to lithium-ion batteries, which power e-bikes and e-scooters. These batteries can release a similar amount of stored energy as the amount of TNT contained in six hand grenades if a fault occurs. Read more

Police Impersonation   &   Push Payment Frauds Alert

Criminals are experts at The Art Of Impersonation – convincingly pretending to be acting on behalf of the police. Read more

PC Irvine from Police Scotland North East Crime Reduction Unit would like to remind people of the ongoing issues with Authorised Push Payment Fraud. In the past week, two Grampian residents, have each lost six figure sums to criminals via this fraud. Read more

Quad bike and equipment thefts   &   Online Marketplace Frauds - North East

Police Scotland are appealing for witnesses following the recent theft of quad bikes, motor bikes and other equipment in Aberdeenshire. Read more

Police have received reports of fraud from members of the public selling items online. In the most recent scam, the Moray victim advertised a mobile telephone for sale on an online marketplace. Read more

WhatsApp Scam   &   Rogue Traders - North East

WhatsApp scam that steals access to a victims’ WhatsApp account! Read more

Following a recent report of potential rogue traders operating in the Stonehaven area, Police Scotland encourage people to remain vigilant. Read more

Garage break-ins and golf club thefts   &  Remote Access Scams

After a spate of garage break-ins, Police are warning anyone with a garage or lock-up to be more vigilant. Three garages in Aberdeen were broken into and thousands of pounds of golfing equipment was stolen. Read more

Did You Give a Scammer Remote Access To Your Computer? Here’s how to regain control of your computer, identify future remote access scams, and protect yourself from malicious hackers. Read more

A new WhatsApp Scam   &   Facebook Marketplace Scam

Over the last week we have seen a number of Aberdeen residents falling victim to a WhatsApp fraud. Read more

Local Police have seen numerous North East residents being ‘scammed’ when buying and selling high value items online via social media markets in recent weeks. The Police have issued advice an how to avoid being scammed. Read more

Criminals pretending to be your bank or the police   &   Increase in Vehicle Thefts

Criminals are experts at TheArtOfImpersonation – convincingly pretending to be your bank or the police. Read more

Police are asking residents in the Aberdeen area to be vigilant following several incidents recently of vehicles being stolen using their true key. Read more

Heating Oil and Diesel Thefts   &   Rogue Trader Alert

Police are warning residents in Aberdeenshire to consider the security of their oil storage tanks after seeing recent thefts of oil from them. Read more

Police are encouraging residents in the area to remain vigilant following reports of rogue trader activity after an elderly woman lost money to workmen claiming to clean paving stones and weed her garden. Read more

Ofgem - Direct Debit Energy Scam   &   Royal Mail Scam

An Ofgem direct debit scam is circulating online. Read more

Police have issued a warning, regarding another Royal Mail fake text scam where an Aberdeenshire resident has lost nearly £10K. Read more

Protect yourself from Remote Scams   &   Livestock Attack And Worrying New Legislation

Over 20,000 people fell victim to remote access scams costing them more than £50 million. Learn what remote scams are and how to protect yourself. Read more

Did you know, those charged with livestock worrying can face a fine of up to £40,000 or face up to 12 months in prison? Read more

Data Breach Guidance   &   Fuel Tank Security Advice

A data breach occurs when information held by an organisation is stolen or accessed without authorisation. Police Scotland has produced a guide which contains useful advice regarding a data breach and how it can affect you.. Read more

Police Scotland have been responding to a rising number of calls regarding theft of fuel from domestic and commercial tanks across the North East. Read more

Police warning - thefts from vehicles in the North East   &        Bank Fraud - Fake Accounts

Police Scotland are reminding motorists not to leave valuables in their vehicles overnight following thefts from motor vehicles in Aberdeen and in Kinloss, Moray in recent days. Read more

Police Scotland North East Crime Reduction Unit would like to remind people of the ongoing issues with Authorised Push Payment Fraud. Read more

Amazon Gift Card Frauds - Police Warning   &   Guide To Identifying A Police Scotland Officer

Police Scotland are warning members of the public to be vigilant following reports of an old but sophisticated scam involving Amazon Gift Cards. Read more

Police Scotland have issued a Guide To Identifying A Police Scotland Officer and how to check an officer's identity. Read more

Whatsapp Fake Message Scam   &   Royal Mail Text Scam

Police have issued a warning, regarding a WhatsApp Fake Message Scam, following another incident in Aberdeen. Read more

Police have issued a warning, regarding another Royal Mail fake text scam. Read more

WhatsApp Scam   &   Fake E-Mail warning

Have you, or anyone you know, received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number claiming to be from a family member, followed shortly after by a request to help with money? Read more

NE Police issue warning over fake e-mail scams. Read more

Fuel Theft Protection Alert   &   Wise Up To Winter advice

Due to the recent rise in theft of fuel from domestic and commercial tanks across Scotland, Police Scotland have issued some tips to avoid becoming a victim of such a crime. Read more

A campaign encouraging householders in Scotland to minimise the risk of a fire has been launched by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.; Read more

Playstation Scam   &   Livestock Worrying

A Scottish resident was contacted through their PlayStation asking for their username and password as there was a problem with their account. Their response caused them problems. Read more

Dog owners are reminded to keep their dogs under close control following a recent incident near Inverurie which resulted in the death of two sheep. Read more

Avoid Scams - New Fire and Smoke Alarm Legislation   &   Five new scams

Trading Standards Scotland has issued advice in view of the potential for scammers and rogue traders to take advantage of the those unsure of the new legislation and installation deadline for Fire and Smoke Alarms at home. Read more

Five recently reported scams and how to avoid being caught out by them. Read more

Police Alert: New Way To Avoid Financial Fraud  &   Police Scotland After Dark Campaign

There is a new way to avoid financial fraud. A secure and easy-to-remember phone number to contact your bank on in order to avoid painful scams. This could prove to be the safest way for many to make contact with your provider if you have suspicions and concerns about your accounts. Read more

Police Scotland have launched their annual national "After Dark" campaign which is designed to raise awareness around home security and help prevent housebreaking. Read more

Fraud Vehicle Crime   &   Lost Pets Scam

Police are asking residents in the Aberdeen area to be vigilant following several incidents over the weekend of vehicles being entered and stolen. Read more

Police Scotland are warning that scammers are targeting pet owners when they use social media to appeal for the return of a lost pet. Read more

Quad bike theft Huntly   &   Warranty Scams Alert

Police are appealing for information following the theft of a quad bike from a farm near Bridge of Marnoch, Huntly. Read more

Trading Standards Scotland have issued advice on Warranty Scams - What To Look Out For - What To Do Read more

Staying Safe Outdoors   &   Launch of Vehicle Crime Awareness Campaign

With lockdown measures continuing to ease in most areas and many people in Scotland choosing to have a “staycation” this year, outdoor safety and leisure partners have pulled together to provide some key messages to help keep members of the public safe. Read more

Police Scotland has launched an awareness raising campaign to prevent vehicles being targeted by criminals following a rise in the number of cars, vans and motorcycles being stolen, or having items stolen from within. Read more

Road Safety Benefits from Covid-19  &   Don't Get Caught Out By Fake DVLA Sites Charging More For Driving Licences

Transport Scotland’s Key Reported Road Casualties Scotland publication shows the impact of Covid-19 on north east road safety performance during 2020. Read more

Have you received a genuine licence renewal letter from DVLA? Don't pay more than you need. Avoid official-looking websites that charge extra when applying for a new licence. Read more

Rural Rogue Traders Alert   &   House & Vehicle Security Alert

Police are encouraging residents in rural communities to remain vigilant following reports of rogue trader activity in the Stonehaven area. Read more

Following a recent housebreaking in Fettercairn, Police would like to remind householders of some simple steps to keep their property safe. Read more

SCAM Warning – National Insurance Number   &   Livestock Disturbance & Theft

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a warning about a National Insurance Phishing SCAM. Read more

Following incidents of livestock thefts in the Aberdeenshire area over recent months, Police Scotland have issued some reminders of security measures that could help reduce this. Read more

Quad Bike & ATV Thefts

Sadly quad bike and all-terrain vehicle theft continues to be an increasing issue across Scotland. Read more to find how to protect your property Read more

Darker Nights alert from Police Scotland   &   Parcel Delivery Scams

Darker Nights mean it is easier for thieves to target your property so follow the advice from Police Scotland to keep your home safe after dark. Read more

Please be aware that criminals are sending phishing emails, texts and making scam telephone calls purporting to be from legitimate delivery companies with the purpose of obtaining your personal and bank details. Police Scotland Cyber Harm Prevention have produced a document containing details of the scam and simple steps to keep you, your family, neighbours and community safe. Read the document HERE

Facebook scam warning   &   H.M. Courts & Tribunals Service scam

Police Scotland are aware of an increase in fraudulent activity regarding Facebook. Read more

Scam Warning - H.M. Courts and Tribunals Service - Emails. A scam email purporting to be from HM Courts and Tribunals Service is circulating. Read more

SFRS Self Assessment for Home Fire Safety   &  Crimestoppers report increased harm

A new online fire safety quiz has been launched by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to support people to stay safe at home – and potentially save lives. The Fire Safety in the Home - Self Assessment survey asks a series of simple questions and then automatically generates a home fire safety report for them. Read more

Over the past three months, independent charity Crimestoppers has received a record number of reports from the public across Scotland on domestic abuse, drug dealing and child harm and neglect. Read more

Social Media Scams   &   Increasing Dangers for Walkers

You’re probably familiar with some of the ways in which fraudsters approach victims - emails, texts, phone calls, letters and sometimes doorstep scams. But did you know that social media is also a favourite place for scammers? Read more

Following the pandemic, there has been increase in the number of people walking and cycling in our neighbourhoods and countryside. However, concerns have been expressed that some cyclists are behaving irresponsibly. Read more

Keep Safe on Email   &   Car Relay Theft Warning

Email has always been the fraudsters' favourite way to scam you. it's become even worse recently. Read more

Increasingly keyless vehicles have been stolen yet the owners are still in possession of both keys and there are no signs of forced entry to the vehicle itself. Find out how to protect your vehicle. Read more

No one should live in fear - Women or Men.

During these uncertain times, support services including Grampian Women’s Aid, Grampian Rape Crises, Police Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council, continue to offer support, advice and guidance to anyone experiencing abuse. No one should live in fear. Read more

The Charity, Abused Men In Scotland (AMIS), supports men who are or have experienced domestic abuse. They are reaching out to raise awareness, and to protect and support men across all of Scotland's local authorities. Read more

The Gambling Education Hub Launched   &  Violence Against Women Partnership Launched

The Gambling Education Hub offers free training and support to organisations working with young people and families across Scotland. The mission of the Hub is to make it possible for every young person in Scotland to have access to gambling education and prevention opportunities. Download the Gambling Education Hub Flyer  PDF file

Aberdeenshire's Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership has launched a strategy and action plan shaped directly by the voice of survivors. Read more

New Law on Drug Driving   &   BT Phishing Scam Warning

From 21 October 2019 there was a new law on driving after taking certain drugs (including some medicines) in Scotland. This law states that it is an offence to drive with certain drugs above specified blood levels in the body, whether your driving is impaired or not. This will make it easier for the police to tackle drug drivers. Use the link to find out more (promotional materials). Find out more

Emails are circulating supposedly from BT regarding changes when the United Kingdom leaves the European Union and we also leave the EU's General Data Protection Regulations. These are phishing scams, click the link to learn more and how to protect yourself. Read more

Police Scotland Ransomware Campaign   &   Lockdown Your Online Accounts With 2FA

Police Scotland Ransomware Campaign During October Police Scotland’s Cyber Harm Prevention Team is raising awareness of Ransomware attacks as part of European Cyber Security Month. Click the link to find how to protect yourself. Read more

Whether it’s your Amazon or Netflix account, the explosion in popularity of online apps and services means more and more of us need to remember a seemingly endless list of passwords. Sometimes that leads to shortcuts that are bad for our online security, such as using the same password for multiple accounts, or creating a simple password that can be guessed easily. Lockdown Your Online Accounts With 2FA. Read more

Community Safety Booklet   &   Bogus Callers Incidents Scotland

This is a booklet packed with practical tips on how to keep you, your family and your community safe – from protecting your home and possessions to helping your children enjoy the benefits of the internet in safety. Download the booklet  Large PDF file

Following a noticeable increase in Bogus Caller/Doorstep Crime incidents across the country please be alert and consider how you can protect yourself, family friends and neighbours. The old adage "If in doubt, keep them out" is a simple but effective message. Everyone has a part to play to keep the community safe. Read more

Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership website  &   Domestic CCTV Advice from Police Scotland

The main focus ot The Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drug Website is to provide communities with ease of access to information and guidance about alcohol and drug issues. Read more

The Police Service of Scotland is committed to the prevention and detection of crime and considers all measures that have the potential to assist in this commitment. They have produced a document providing advice on a range of CCTV related issues for domestic users. Read more

ICE - in Case of Emergency   &   NSPCC Social Media Guide - NetAware

When you're in need of emergency medical treatment, a common place paramedics and other care providers will look for your emergency details is your mobile phone. But if it's locked, how will they find what they need? Read more

The NSPCC has produced NetAware - a guide to the social networks your kids use. Stay up to date and keep your child safe in today's digital world. Read more

Prevent Doorstep Crime   &   Keep Children Safe

Police, Local Authority Trading Standards Services, Citizens Advice and retail partners have joined forces to raise awareness of doorstep crime and to promote how the public can protect themselves from becoming a victim of this type of offence.

Keeping a child safe by parking considerately when dropping off and collecting children from school is the message in the Park Smart campaign. Read more

Meet the Safer Community Wardens & Read the Latest Aberdeenshire ADP e-bulletin

Meet the new Safer Community Wardens who are now working across Peterhead and Fraserburgh. Read more

Read the October Aberdeenshire ADP e-Bulletin. In this issue; Alcohol Free Space Campaign; Macmillan coffee morning; ADP learning and development; Recovery cafes; Advice and help. and more … Read more LARGE PDF File

Smoke Alarm Tester & Emergency Contact Disc for drivers

Is it awkward to test your smoke alarm weekly? Do you know someone who has difficulty in reaching their smoke alarm to test it? The smoke alarm tester may be the answer. Read more

The Emergency Contact Information Disc for your car replaces the old tax disc on your windscreen. It provides vital information for the emergency services in the event of an accident. You can download a copy. Download here

A Drop-In-Shop for non UK nationals & Free Home Fire Safety Visits

The service is available in Aberdeen Read more and in Fraserburgh Read more

Minority Ethnic Housing Project and Shelter Scotland are working together to run an one-stop-shop providing advice and information alongside a computer club for non-UK nationals living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Trained advisors are available to look at complex housing, welfare rights and employability issues and to help with applications forms.

Don't let this happen to you or to a vulnerable person you know - get a FREE Home Fire Safety Visit. Read more

An Updated Guide to the North East & A Guide to Scots Law

The Guide "Living and Working in North East Scotland" has been updated in various languages: Arabic, English, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese and Russian. Read More

New Arrival? Learning to live in a new country can be difficult. Welcome to Scotland: A Guide to Scots Law can help you understand the everyday rules and laws that will affect you in your new home. Download here PDF file. The guide is also available in a number of foreign languages Here

Read the Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership Strategy document (updated Feb 2022) HERE.

Opening hours and contact details for Aberdeenshire Police Stations

Aberdeenshire North Police Stations 
Aberdeenshire South Police Stations