WINSHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Updated 10th February 2026

10-02-2026
Counterfeit £20 notes circulating-Be vigilant

We are urging residents and businesses to be vigilant following reports counterfeit £20 notes are in circulation in Taunton.

Officers have received reports the counterfeit notes have been used in separate transactions at two outlets and are now issuing advice on how to spot them.

The first incident was reported at a filling station on Priory Bridge Road at around 7.30pm on Thursday 29 January and at a retail outlet in East Street at around 10.35am on Thursday 5 March.

Similar incidents have occurred in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, and we’ve also received reports counterfeit notes have been used to purchase items which have been advertised for sale on social media selling sites.

PC Luke Elliot, officer in the case, said: “We are aware a small number of counterfeit notes have entered circulation, and we want to warn businesses and the public to remain vigilant and follow our advice to prevent more people becoming victims of fraud.

“A full and thorough investigation into how these notes have entered circulation is being carried out, and we are issuing advice so people can be confident they’re accepting genuine payments for goods and services they are providing.”

If cash transactions are necessary, please follow the advice in the attached PDF.

Attachments:

Knowle St Giles, Chard

Date/Time: Between 11:30pm on the 14th and 7:10am on the 15th

Entry Method: Via gateway; store entered without force

Items Stolen: Copper cylinders, brass, and scrap metal

A garage/store in Knowle St Giles, Chard was unlawfully entered sometime between 11:30pm on the 14th and 7:10am on the 15th. Offender(s) accessed the property through a gateway and then gained entry to the store without using force.

Once inside, a quantity of copper cylinders, brass, and other scrap metal was stolen.

Please remain vigilant and secure outbuildings, workshops, and access points where possible.

Any information, CCTV images, please contact the Police on 101 quoting reference number: 5226043397 stating NHW. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you for your support.

Don’t turn your home into a gold mine. Burglars are targeting households for gold, jewellery, cash and even stealing whole safes.

Do what you can to make your home a harder target:

Please see the attached advice.

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Please find attached this month’s Cyber newsletter, focusing on the topic of AI and online safety, ahead of Safer Internet Day on February 10th.

 

AI is increasingly becoming part of everyday life, but it is also being used by criminals to make scams more convincing and harder to spot. From realistic scam emails and text messages to voice cloning and fake images, AI-enabled cybercrime and fraud can affect anyone. This alert aims to raise awareness of how AI is being misused online and to share simple steps NHW coordinators can pass on to help keep their communities safe.

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We have received reports of rogue traders approaching residents in Crewkerne and surrounding areas. Please take this opportunity to remind everyone:

How to Spot Rogue Traders

• Unsolicited doorstep offers: Legitimate traders rarely knock on doors offering urgent repairs.

• Pressure tactics: Claims like “I’m only in your area today” or “your roof is dangerous” are red flags.

• No written quote: Always insist on a detailed, written quote before agreeing to work.

• Cash-only or upfront payment: Avoid paying in full before work starts; reputable traders accept secure payment methods.

• No credentials or ID: Genuine professionals will show ID and proof of qualifications.

• Too-good-to-be-true deals: Extremely low prices or “special offers” often indicate a scam.

Tips to Avoid Rogue Trader Scams

1. Get multiple quotes – Compare at least three written estimates.

2. Check reviews and references – Use trusted directories like Checkatrade or TrustMark.

3. Verify credentials – Ensure they are licensed and insured.

4. Never make snap decisions – Take time to consult family or neighbours.

5. Avoid cash payments – Use traceable payment methods.

6. Don’t let anyone pressure you – If they refuse to leave, call 999.

Reporting Rogue Traders in Somerset

• If they are on your property now or you feel threatened: Call 999 immediately.

• Suspicious activity or scams: Call 101 or report online via Avon & Somerset Police.

• Consumer complaints: Contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service (0808 223 1133) – they will forward details to Trading Standards.

• Report Fraud (Formerly Action Fraud): Report financial scams at Contact us - Report Fraud

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We’ve received reports from areas including Weston-Super-Mare, Bath and Bristol, where items including laptops, game consoles and mobile phones have been advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace and upon collection of the item, the buyer pays, often hundreds of pounds, with counterfeit currency which is sadly worthless.

Please see the attached for more information.

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In an effort to make it easier for the public to report rural and wildlife crime, we are excited to announce the launch of our new online reporting form.

This initiative is designed to streamline the process of reporting crime, making it more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly for everyone.

The new forms provide clear guidance on which type of crime to report and the appropriate form to use.

Please see the attached for more information.

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Just received the attached guidance from Trading Standards regarding Rogue Traders.

Do please take a moment to view the attached and share with your members where possible.

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If a friend reaches out on social media, our natural reaction is to help.

But is it a friend? Or a criminal, who has compromised your friend’s account and now wants to access your social media or email account - and your valuable data?

If you agree to help, you’ll likely be sent a link to help the friend ‘recover’ their account. This will take you to a cloned social media page controlled by the criminal – so when you log in, you’re giving your login details to them.

Once they have your login, they can hack into your account using your credentials – giving them access to your personal photos and messages, contact details of your friends and family and private information.

This can be used to extort money, send malicious links to your contacts or trick your family and friends into sending them money.

Action Fraud, the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre, has good advice on how to keep hackers out of your email and social media accounts, how to act fast if your account is hacked and how to report: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/secureyouraccounts

Remember: always be wary of social media messages that ask for your login details or authentication codes - even if the message appears to be from someone you know.

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Dear Coordinators,

Attached is an update on Crypto currency fraud, do please take a few minutes to read.

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You may be familiar with the names, Street Safe, Walk & Talk - we hope you are - but for anyone that isn't, the attached documents provide information on both initiatives. These show why both are so beneficial to our communities and how you can get involved.

Please take a moment to view these documents and share them with your families and friends.

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Help defeat Phishing E-Mails and Texts

Follow the link below- learn how to protect yourself in a couple of minutes
CLICK HERE