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04/09/2026

What counts as anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour, or ASB, can take many different forms.

It could include:

🔊 Repeated or unreasonable noise
🚨 Harassment, threats or intimidation
🎨 Vandalism or graffiti
🚮 Fly-tipping or persistent littering
🐕 Persistent problems involving animals
💊 Drug-related activity
🏍️ Vehicles being used in an anti-social way

The important thing is the impact the behaviour is having on people and the community.

Not every annoying incident will be classed as ASB. Everyday things such as children playing or occasional noise from a neighbour are generally part of living in a community.

If you're experiencing behaviour that is causing you concern or affecting your everyday life, you don't have to work out what to do on your own.

If you've been affected by anti-social behaviour and would like support, please get in touch: vcas.uk/contact-us

02/09/2026

Think before you click!

Scammers are getting better at making messages, adverts and websites look genuine. Taking a moment to stop and think could save you money and protect your personal information.

Here are a few links we'd think twice about clicking:

📱 Unexpected delivery messages
Waiting for a parcel? Don't click a link in a text or email. Instead, check the delivery company's official website or app.

📢 Social media adverts
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of adverts for amazing bargains, investment opportunities or competitions.

🌐 Copycat websites
Need to access a service? Type the web address yourself or use an official app rather than clicking a link from a search result or message.

🚗 Car park QR codes
Before scanning a QR code, check it hasn't been covered by a sticker. If possible, use another way to pay or access the information.

🔒 Unexpected password reset emails
If you receive a password reset email you weren't expecting, don't click the link. Go directly to the company's website or app and check your account there.

⚠️ Any message asking you to act quickly
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to make you panic. Take a moment to stop, think and check before you click.

If you're ever unsure, don't click. Contact the organisation using details you know and trust.

01/09/2026

"My wife and invested a considerable sum which we thought we'd lost. My wife's bank refunded her investment within a few days of our registration of the fraud. Mine however, did not.

"I made calls to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), to Barclays who were not interested, to the bank who received my money, and finally to the FCA.

"The FCA took on my case and Akmal took the bull by the horns and negotiated with various fraud agencies and Barclays fraud hierarchy, and after 7 long months my refund arrived.

"Without the FCA involvement I would have been in limbo.

"I urge anyone who has lost money fraudulently to involvement the FCA. Your money has gone, you have nothing else to lose so call them. You could get your money back."

Thank you for your kind feedback. We're pleased that Akmal was able to provide support during such a challenging time and help achieve a positive outcome. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

If you need help from the Victim Care and Advice Service you can call us on 0303 040 1099 or email [email protected]

28/08/2026

Want to know more or need support now?

We're here for you across Cleveland. Free, confidential and completely at your own pace. Drop us a message or visit our website to find out how Restorative Justice might help you.

📞 03302 234312
✉️ [email protected]

26/08/2026

❤️ People across the UK lost more than £102 million to romance fraud last year ❤️

Meeting someone online can be exciting, but sadly criminals use dating sites and social media to build fake relationships and trick people into sending them money.

Figures from Report Fraud show that 10,784 romance frauds were reported across the UK in 2025, a 29% increase on the previous year.

So, what should you look out for?

🚩 Someone who gets close very quickly

🚩 Excuses for why they can't meet or video call

🚩 Requests for money, gift cards or help with an emergency

🚩 Someone asking you to invest money or cryptocurrency

If something doesn't feel right, talk to someone you trust before sending any money.

And remember, if you've been caught out by a scam, it's not your fault and there's no need to feel embarrassed.

For more information and to report fraud visit the website: https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/

Source: Report Fraud

24/08/2026

Like so many in our community, we are all struggling to process and find words for the devastating loss of lives and the circumstances that led to it at the weekend.

Two Cleveland Police officers never returned home from work to their families. Behind each loss are families and friends, whose worlds have changed forever.

Our thoughts are with our colleagues across Cleveland Police and anyone affected by these devastating losses.

We are very aware of the impact this is having on our community.

20/08/2026

🔒 Keeping kids safe online

The internet is a big part of children’s lives, from gaming and YouTube to chatting with friends and sharing photos. But it’s important to help them stay safe too.

A few simple things you can do:

▪️ Talk to them – let them know they can come to you if something online worries them.
▪️ Check privacy settings – make sure they know who can see what they share.
▪️ Know what they’re using – take an interest in the apps, games and websites they enjoy.
▪️ Be aware of strangers – remind them that not everyone online is who they say they are.
▪️ Block and report – if someone makes them uncomfortable, encourage them to block and report them.
▪️ Don’t blame them – if something goes wrong, reassure them that they can always ask for help.

You don’t need to know everything about the latest app or game. Just keeping the conversation going can make a big difference.

19/08/2026

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.

We're pleased to hear that you had a positive experience with our Victim Care and Advice Service and that the support you received made a difference. Comments like these are always appreciated by the team.

If you need help from the Victim Care and Advice Service, please contact us: https://vcas.uk/contact-us/

17/08/2026

Stay safe when it comes to weight loss medication.

Prescription weight loss drugs should only come from a registered doctor and pharmacy. Buying from unlicensed sellers could be dangerous and may put your health at risk.

If you have information about the illegal sale of these drugs, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously. Together, we can help keep our communities safe.

You can contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on:
📞 0800 555 111
🌐 www.crimestoppers-uk.org

13/08/2026

Myth vs Fact: Is Restorative Justice a soft option?

MYTH: Restorative justice is a soft option.
FACT: It's about taking responsibility and understanding the impact of crime.

A common misconception is that restorative justice allows offenders to avoid the consequences of their actions. The reality is quite different.

✅ It does not replace a criminal sentence.
✅ It can take place alongside the criminal justice process.
✅ It encourages offenders to recognise the impact of their actions and take responsibility for the harm they've caused.

For many people, facing the consequences of their actions and hearing directly from those affected can be one of the most challenging parts of the process.

If you'd like to learn more about restorative justice in Cleveland, we're here to help.

📞 Call us on 03302 234312
📧 Email: [email protected]

Address

Corvette House
Stockton-on-Tees
TS183TX

Telephone

+441642664440

Website

http://www.safercommunities.org.uk/

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