Highley Parish Council

03/06/2026

A TRIO OF FAKES



As we have often mentioned in previous messages, criminals seize on topical opportunities to defraud the public. So firstly, what can be more topical than the FIFA World Cup about to kick off in the USA?



· FOOTBALL FAKES

There are two areas where criminals will be poised to defraud anyone looking for last minute opportunities to celebrate the World Cup.



Firstly, FAKE TICKETS will be circulating at too good to be true prices usually on social media and fake websites.

· Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails and social media

· If you are told that someone will meet you at the venue to handover tickets it is probably a scam

· Use secure payment methods such as a Credit Card, and be wary of payments by bank transfer

· Always buy tickets through official sellers and re-sellers and double check any websites for any subtle changes to make sure they are genuine.

Secondly, criminals will also take the opportunity to produce FAKE FOOTBALL TEAM KITS. These are usually poorly made and often marketed at too good to be true prices on the internet and other outlets.

So always check the product number on the inside label, if it is a genuine make it should come up on a search engine with an image of the genuine make of kit.

Check for pen marks on the label, another sure sign it has come from a factory making fakes.

And as before, if it sounds too cheap, then it is almost certainly a fake.




2.FAKE DELIVERIES

Criminals are consistently impersonating delivery and courier companies to defraud the public hoping that thought you were expecting a parcel delivery.



The criminal might send you a text, email or other message claiming they have been unable to make a delivery and ask you to pay a fee or provide additional details to rearrange. They may include a link to a convincing but fraudulent website asking for personal or financial information. The link could also download malware to your device.



Protect yourself:

· Remain vigilant and check delivery notifications very carefully to ensure they are genuine.

· Always access websites by typing them into the web browser and avoid clicking on links in texts.

· Check what you’ve ordered online and track your parcel through the official websites of legitimate delivery companies.

· Report suspicious messages by forwarding them to 7726.

SOURCE: TAKE 5



3.FAKE NOTES

A few weeks ago, we highlighted the number of counterfeit notes in circulation and especially being used to make purchases from online marketplaces such as Facebook. This problem has not gone away so be aware when accepting cash payments

How do you check if a bank note is genuine?

· Check the holographic window – inside you should see an image of King Charles III or Queen Elizabeth II and the value of the note around the edge, as well as the wording “Bank of England”

· Check the foil – if you tilt the note the words change between the value of the note and the word “Pounds”

· Raised Print – you should be able to feel the print such as the words “Bank of England” in the bottom right-hand corner

· Detection Pens – these were designed for paper notes so are not safe to use on the new polymer notes

· Compare with a genuine note - small differences in colour, print clarity and the overall feel of the note should be obvious



If you are unsure, then do not accept the note, and ask for an alternative method of payment such as a bank transfer.

For fuller details download the Bank of England guide by clicking on the following link:

How to check your banknotes



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





If you have fallen for a fraud,



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



Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudulent caller’s phone number.



Forward Fake Emails received [email protected]



If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.

Report Fraud UK is the place to report, prevent, and learn about cyber crime & fraud

03/06/2026

We’re proud to be supporting 'Rear Face for Safety' - a new national campaign launched during Child Safety Week (1st - 7th June) to help better protect children on UK roads.

The campaign is encouraging parents to keep children rear-facing until at least four-years-old - and preferably longer where possible - supported by evidence showing children are up to 5X safer travelling rear-facing than forward-facing.

Despite the UK and Sweden following the same legal requirement for children to travel rear-facing until at least 15 months and 76cm in height, rear-facing travel remains significantly more common in Sweden, where parents are typically told what is safest for their child rather than simply what the law requires.

Rear Face for Safety brings together organisations and experts from across road safety, policing, child injury prevention, public health and academia.

Find out more and support the campaign here: https://49zub.share.hsforms.com/2RSq7HCtsQpS5fUZJpThBEA

03/06/2026

🌈 Pride Month 🌈

Pride is a celebration of love, identity, courage and community.

It is a time to celebrate the diversity of LGBTQIA+ people while recognising the challenges that many still face, including discrimination, isolation and mental health struggles.

At SAPUK, we want every member of the LGBTQIA+ community to know that you are seen, valued and supported.

Whether you are le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, non binary, q***r, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, gender diverse or identify in another way, there is a place for you and your story matters.

This month, we honour the pioneers, activists and advocates who helped create a more inclusive world through courage, compassion and determination.

We remember trailblazers including Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Harvey Milk, Alan Turing, Bayard Rustin, Magnus Hirschfeld, Mark Ashton, Simon Nkoli, Audre Lorde, Lou Sullivan, Brenda Howard and Edie Windsor. Their work helped challenge discrimination, increase visibility and create opportunities for future generations to live more openly and authentically.

We also celebrate those continuing to make a difference today, including Lady Phyll, Laverne Cox, Munroe Bergdorf, Elliot Page, Jonathan Bailey, Billy Porter, Ncuti Gatwa, Yasmin Benoit, Juno Dawson and countless activists, volunteers, allies and community members whose voices continue to inspire change across the world.

Their collective legacy reminds us that progress is possible when communities come together, support one another and continue to stand up for equality.

💜 To those who are finding life difficult right now

💜 To those who are worried about coming out

💜 To those who have experienced rejection because of who they are

💜 To those who are figuring out who they are

💜 To those who feel they have no one to turn to

💜 To those who are living their truth every single day

💜 To those who are proud, thriving and helping others feel seen

Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe, accepted and proud to be themselves.

03/06/2026

World Cup 2026 is a time of excitement and community, but for some people, it can also increase the risk of domestic abuse. Heightened emotions, alcohol use and financial pressures can make situations worse, but abuse is never acceptable and always a choice.

If you are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. Support is available:
https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/
In an emergency call 999. If you can’t speak, press 55.
You can also contact:
Samaritans on 116 123 (24/7)
NHS 111 (option 2)
Text SHOUT to 85258

If you’re worried about someone else, reach out safely. If you’re concerned about your own behaviour, support is available to help you change. Seeking help now can prevent further harm and support healthier, safer relationships. Please contact Cranstoun. https://cranstoun.org/help-and-advice/domestic-abuse/west-mercia-domestic-abuse/

If you or someone you know re struggling with their mental health or experiencing thoughts of su***de or self-harm, pick up the phone you are not alone. Everyone in Shropshire has the right to safety and support. Call 999 for emergencies. Reach Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7), or call NHS 111 and select mental health (option 2). Text STW to 85258 for mental health support. https://www.shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk/your-health/where-to-get-advice-and-help/mental-health-services/need-help-with-your-mental-health/

02/06/2026

https://newsroom.shropshire.gov.uk/2026/06/financial-report-shows-scale-of-challenge-and-early-signs-of-progress/

Shropshire Council has published its Financial Outturn Report for 2025/26, ahead of it being discussed by the Finance and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 8 June.

02/06/2026

Come along on Sunday and support your local Foodbank and the Firefighters charity ❤️

02/06/2026

https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/posts/pcc-backs-tougher-action-on-speeding

Your PCC is responsible for overseeing policing in West Mercia, ensuring that your local police are meeting community needs.

02/06/2026

👮‍♀️ Safer Neighbourhood Team – Out in the Community 👮‍♂️

📍 Highley | Cleobury | Burwarton | Kinlet | Tenbury Wells

✅ What do we want you to know?

Your local Safer Neighbourhood Team will be out in the community, face to face, on the dates below.
These are in‑person engagement sessions, giving you the chance to speak directly to your local officers and PCSOs about what matters most in your area.

Being visible and accessible is a key part of neighbourhood policing and supports NPCC community engagement principles and local parish priorities.

🗓️ Face‑to‑face engagement dates: • Seven Centre, Highley – 2 June (14:00–15:30) CSO Fletcher & 19 June (19:00–21:00) PC Nolan
• Open Farm Fun Day, Willowdene – 2 June (09:00–14:00) & 26 June (10:00–12:00) CSO Fletcher
• Cleobury Café, Hugh Street – 8 June (10:00–11:30) CSO Fletcher
• Boyne Arms Car Park, Burwarton – 10 June (11:00–12:00) PC Ives
• Eagle and Serpent Public House, Kinlet – 11 June (13:00–14:00) PC Ives
• Market Hall, High Street Cleobury – 20 June (18:00–20:00) PC Nolan
• Hospital Car Park, Burford (Tenbury Wells) – 21 June (13:00–14:00) PC Ives & PC Nolan
• Boraston Church Car Park – 21 June (14:15–15:15) PC Ives & PC Nolan

💙 How do we want you to feel?

Confident and reassured that your local officers are visible, approachable, and listening, and that policing in your area is shaped by community voices.

📣 What do we want you to do?

Come along, say hello, and talk to us face to face.
If you’re unable to attend, you can still tell us what matters most to you by visiting:
👉www.neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk

👮‍♀️ Your community. Your priorities. Your Safer Neighbourhood Team. 👮‍♂️

02/06/2026

Thousands of volunteers from all walks of life are here every day and night, making sure no one has to face their darkest moments alone.

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating every single one of our incredible volunteers. Help us say thank you by leaving a 💚 in the comments.