Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, Matthew Ellis spoke to over 25 members of Yoxall WI about policing in Staffordshire during their latest meeting.
Mr Ellis talked with members during their meeting at Yoxall Parish Hall about how the nature of crime is changing and becoming more complex. He also spoke about cyber crime and the threats people now face online including the various types of email scams that people often receive.
Mr Ellis also provided an update on the use of body-cams which were provided to all frontline police officers, PCSOs and Special Constables in Staffordshire over two years ago and how they have led to a reduction in the number of spurious complaints that are made against officers.
Whilst updating the ladies of the WI about the Staffordshire Police Cadets, Mr Ellis told them that the scheme offers youngsters an alternative to other uniformed services where they can work towards recognized qualifications as well as learning to become better citizens.
Mr Ellis said: “I would like to thank the ladies of Yoxall WI for inviting me to be their guest speaker, the reception they gave me was fantastic.
“It was fantastic to talk to them about the work currently taking place in Staffordshire around cyber safety and some of the different forms that cyber-crime can take. A recent scam emails claiming to be from HM Revenue and Customs suggested the individual was owed a tax refund which then linked to a false website that tried to corrupt your phone or computer.
“I would also like to thank them for their generous donation of £40 to the Staffordshire Police Cadets, which will go towards funding their uniforms and providing further opportunities.”
A campaign launched in September 2016 aims to raise awareness about online crime to help prevent people becoming victims as well as reduce the amount of money criminals snatch from people through the internet.
More information about the Cyber Safe Staffordshire campaign is available at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/cyber-safe-Staffordshire
Community groups can contact the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office on 01785 232270 or email pcc@staffordshire.pcc.pnn.gov.uk to request a visit from the PCC. They can also write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Staffordshire Police HQ (Block 9), Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0YY.
To read more about the Police and Crime Commissioner’s key priorities in his Safer, Fairer, United Communities strategy go to: www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/saferfairerunited/
