Kent Police Alert - Fraudulent phone calls

Over the last couple of days Kent police have received various calls from Swale residents reporting that they have received phone calls from someone claiming to be a police officer.  They give a fake police officer name and force number and state they are part of the Economical Crime Team at Sittingbourne Police Station (There isn’t such a department).  They claim there have been some irregularities spotted within the bank account of the person they are calling before requesting the person hangs up and calls the police.  The criminal pretending to be a police officer will keep the line open their end and when the poor victim calls 999, they will pretend to be a police call taker where they then ask for the victim’s bank details.

This type of crime is highly sophisticated, and the criminals are well trained in what they are doing. 

The below link details what to do if you are unsure as to whether the person calling you is a genuine police officer.

https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/how-to-check-an-officers-identity/#:~:text=How%20to%20check,123%202040.

12.03.2025

An update on the Water Leak in Ferry Road:

Following an independent water test the Parish Council asked Southern Water and Kent County Council to carry out, Southern Water have provided this response:

"Further investigations are ongoing, but our process scientist has reviewed two sets of results and (one from a tap and one from the puddle of water) and it is possibly the same source of water. This could indicate a leak on our smaller 3-inch main, instead of the 18-inch main.

Leakage detection develops all the time and we now have access to new detection kit, which we are vey keen to try in Iwade in the coming weeks.

Residents may notice an increased presence in the area over the next few weeks. As part of our checks, we will be shutting off the water for approximately 30 properties for three hours. A date for this hasn’t been confirmed yet, but once it has, we will make those properties aware with advance notification."

Update on the Three Mast 14.03.2025:

The Three Network have confirmed the site is now active and delivering 4G and 5G connectivity.