News

Fraud and cybercrime cost Dyfed-Powys £4m in last year

Published

8 years ago

October 18, 2016

PEOPLE in Dyfed-Powys are being urged to start making every day safer as the latest online crime figures from Get Safe Online and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reveal that a staggering £4 millionwas lost by the area as a result of fraud, including cybercrime in 2015/16.

Nationally, this figure rose to a staggering £10.9 billion over the same period which equates to approximately £210 per person over the age of 16 living in the UK, but represents only reported fraud and cybercrime to Action Fraud.

However, a specially commissioned survey to mark Get Safe Online Day (Oct 18) reveals that the UK figure is likely to be much greater, with respondents who had been a victim of online crime alone losing an average of £523 each – this being more than the average weekly earnings figure for the UKwhich currently stands at £505.

In addition, 39% of people who said they’d been victims of online crime said they hadn’t reported the incident – this meaning that the overall amount of money lost by the UK could in fact be even more.

In Wales, 30% said that they had a limited understanding of the risks they face when going online, but 91% said they were somewhat or very concerned about their online safety and security. 88% also said they felt online crime was as damaging or more damaging than physical crime.

The victims of cyber criminals

The research found a worrying gap in people’s understanding of what constitutes an online crime – 89% of people from Wales said they had not been targeted by cyber criminals in the past 12 months. But, 61% had in fact been targeted in a variety of ways:

51% received fraudulent emails or messages which have attempted to direct them to websites where their personal information could have been stolen, including bank details, user names and passwords
25% reported being contacted by someone who was trying to trick them into giving away personal information
11% had their email or social media accounts hacked
2% had been victims of ransomware, a fast-growing online crime

Of those who said they had been a victim of cybercrime, 67% said they felt that the matter was too trivial to report. Worryingly, 57% also said that they felt there was nothing that could be done.

Poor online safety habits

But, many people in Wales are still not taking the basic steps to keep themselves safe online with as many as 39% saying that they use the same password for multiple online accounts. In fact, even when a company warns people to change their password after a breach – 28% have been contacted to do so – 14% said they did not follow the advice. The survey found that people use an average 10 passwords across devices and accounts.

The research also showed that respondents in the area only update their security software every 7 months and 25% do not update their device operating systems at all. When it comes to taking care of personal information, 22% said they never update their privacy settings on social media, with 66% saying they did not know how to. Additionally, 26% don’t back up their documents and photographs at all.

Tony Neate, Chief Executive of Get Safe Online, said: “The fact that the UK is losing nearly £11 billion to cyber criminals is frightening and highlights the need for each and every one of us to make sure we are taking our online safety seriously. It is clear from our survey that people are very concerned, and rightly so.

“The fact that over a third of people felt there was nothing that could have been done to stop them becoming a victim is alarming indeed – particularly when it’s so easy to protect yourself online. Also, as our research shows, people are losing large sums of money on average – £523 being the equivalent of a holiday abroad or the price of a new piece of technology in the home. As a result, it seems there is still a big education job to do.

“Let’s not let cyber criminals get away with it anymore by ensuring that each and every one of us is updating the operating systems of our various devices and ensuring security software is always updated. What’s more we all need to ensure that we have a different password for each online account we own and website we visit. Online safety needs to be part of our everyday routines.”

Pam Kelly, Assistant Chief Constable, Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Cybercrime are our hidden streets and we need to keep people safe within the online community. I urge the public to take online security seriously and to think carefully about the Get Safe Online Day messages, paying particular attention to the passwords you use online. Using strong passwords is an essential part of crime prevention and disruption and I urge the public to think seriously about the importance of this message.

“The easiest way to create a strong, memorable password is to use three random words.”

Making online safety part your everyday routine

This year’s Get Safe Online Day is encouraging everyone to start making every day safer by following a few simple steps:

Review the passwords you use on your online accounts: Make sure they’re strong enough and that you’re not using the same ones for more than one account. Consider how you’re going to remember them all – such as using an online password safe.
Check your social media privacy settings. Make sure your information and updates are seen only by those you trust.
Update your operating system and software programs/apps on your computer, mobile phone and tablet if you’ve been prompted to do so. It takes only a few minutes and with your mobile devices, you can even do it while you’re asleep.
Back up your information – using the cloud is a great way to save all your documents, photos, music, emails and other irreplaceable files.
Check that your internet security software and apps are up to date and switched on.
If you have children, think about whether you’re doing enough to help ensure they’re staying safe online.
If you’ve lost money report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre by calling 0300 123 20 40 or by visiting actionfraud.police.uk If you are a victim of online abuse or harassment, you should report it to your local police force.
Take a few minutes to read the expert, easy-to-follow, free advice on all of these and considerably more subjects at www.getsafeonline.org

Entertainment

Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience torock Tenby Blues Festival

Published

1 hour ago

November 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE soulful, genre-bending blues act, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, is set to take the main stage on Friday at Tenby Blues Festival, bringing their high-energy mix of blues, rock, and soul.

Ranked #3 on both the Roots Music Report UK and the UK IBBA Most Played chart in September 2024, Pat Fulgoni’s latest album, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, has captured the hearts of blues lovers across the UK. Released on September 27, 2024, the album has received praise for its dynamic fusion of blues, funk, and soul. Tracks like “Drifter,” “Keep The Blues Alive,” and “Stickin’ the Knife in Blues” showcase Fulgoni’s powerful vocals, which have been hailed by Billboard magazine, describing him as a singer who “could sing a pearl from its oyster.”

The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience began as a spontaneous lineup supporting a food bank fundraiser in Huddersfield. Since then, Fulgoni and his band have performed at numerous blues festivals, from Colne Blues to Blues Alive in the Czech Republic, and have built a reputation as a sought-after live act. The band’s lineup features rising guitar talent Jacob Beckwith, alongside the rhythm section of bassist Rory Wells and drummer Zebedee Sylvester, with Sam Bolt on piano. Together, they deliver a distinctive blend of original tracks and classic covers, including “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and “Midnight Train.”

For fans of soulful, energetic blues, don’t miss Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience this Friday at Tenby Blues Festival. More information and music are available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and other platforms.

Track Listing:

Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven
Drifter
Keep The Blues Alive
Midnight Train
Bleeding Heart
Lady Day & John Coltrane
Confusion Blues
The Thrill Is Gone
Stickin’ the Knife in Blues

For press inquiries, contact Matt at Chocolate Fireguard on 07974 675244 or email [email protected].

For more updates, follow Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience on Facebook @patfulgonibluesexperience or explore their latest releases on Bandcamp.

News

Multi-million pound grant funding for transport projects sought

Published

2 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is seeking £10.3 million grant funding from Welsh Government for a range of important transport improvement and active travel projects.

The projects will benefit local communities all over the county, said Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader.

Cllr Miller added: “By approving the need for these bids to be submitted we are demonstrating our commitment to improving communities for all residents, across Pembrokeshire.”

Among the Local Transport Fund grants bids being made are Public Transport Interchange Improvements at Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock.

A detailed scheme update on the Milford haven scheme was provided to the Cabinet last month. Subject to confirmation of further funding contributions from Welsh Government, work could start to begin on site next year and be completed in 2026.

***Milford Haven*** **could see improvements with a new transport interchange**

This project is a key enabler for improving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.

It also supports the work being done with Welsh and UK Governments as well as Great Western Railways to secure the return of direct, high speed, intercity services to the town.

The scheme involves improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

The Pembroke Dock Interchange scheme is for a new public transport and active link from Pembroke Dock Retail Park, and subject to grant award, work would concentrate on design of connectivity into the interchange from London Road, and the installation of Traffic Signals.

The Active Travel Fund is an opportunity to seek funding for the completion of schemes in Saundersfoot, at Stammers Road and Francis Road.

The Resilient Roads Fund bid will cover a bid for the Newgale Coastal Adaptation and A487 Diversion. An update was provided to Cabinet meeting on 9th September.

There has been extensive engagement and consultation on this scheme, and the solution recommended is based on significant data and evidence which is contained in the project website library. There remains some discussion over the scheme proposal from some members of the community, and the Council is committed to listing to all views, and explaining its stance on adaptation to the challenges presented by climate change at this location.

Preparation of a Planning Application, including the statutory Pre-Application Consultation, is due later this financial year, which will again allow open and transparent scrutiny of proposals.

The Council’s proposals are about adaptation to tackle the scale of the problem of climate change.

Meanwhile, the county’s provision of electric charging points is seeking a boost with an application for grant to further expand the network and related infrastructure.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services added: “These bids, if approved, will bring to improvements to travel for all aspects of transportation in Pembrokeshire. Drivers, commuters, cyclists, pedestrians and others will all benefit.”

News

Accident investigators issue update following fatal train collision

Published

2 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has issued its latest updates following a rail crash in Wales last month.

On October 21, at approximately 7:26 pm, Transport for Wales passenger train 1J25, en route from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth, collided with train 1S71, the Machynlleth to Shrewsbury service, near Talerddig, Powys. The crash, which occurred on Network Rail’s Cambrian line, claimed the life of one passenger and left four others seriously injured. Eleven additional passengers required hospital treatment. Both trains sustained considerable damage, although neither derailed.

Immediate response

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) was alerted at 7:45 pm and quickly dispatched inspectors to the site. Working alongside the British Transport Police, Office of Rail and Road, and involved railway companies, RAIB secured evidence to support an independent safety investigation. Network Rail was cleared to begin site repairs on October 23, and the trains were removed by October 25.

Preliminary findings

The collision involved two 2-car class 158 diesel multiple units equipped with wheel slide protection and automatic sanding systems, designed to improve traction. Both units operate on the Cambrian line, which uses the European Rail Traffic Management System to transmit signalling data directly to trains, eliminating the need for traditional lineside signals.

Initial analysis indicates that train 1J25, headed west, was supposed to stop in a passing loop near Talerddig to allow the eastbound train 1S71 to pass. Data from the on-train recorder shows that 1J25’s driver applied the brakes upon approaching the loop. However, emergency braking was initiated shortly afterward due to persistent wheel slide, which continued until the collision occurred. The westbound train passed through the loop but was unable to stop before rejoining the single track, eventually colliding with train 1S71 about 900 meters beyond the loop.

Key areas of investigation

The RAIB’s ongoing investigation will examine several factors, including:

The events leading to the collision and the actions of involved personnel
Levels of wheel/rail adhesion on the approach to Talerddig and at the collision site
The functionality of train 1J25’s braking, wheel slide protection, and sanding systems
The response and policies of Transport for Wales and Network Rail regarding low wheel/rail adhesion on the Cambrian line
Measures taken to manage overrun risks and any relevant underlying issues

RAIB will release further updates as its investigation progresses.