Slough residents may be in lockdown as part of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic but criminals are still out there.

Alan Sinclair, director of adults and communities on Slough Borough Council, said: “The country is fighting the coronavirus public health emergency by staying at home but criminals will still strike.

"They are out there on the streets of Slough looking for opportunities and still operating. We have had reports of property being grabbed through open windows.

“There are also scammers who are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police on the phone and online. They spend hours researching their victim hoping they will let their guard down for just a moment when they can act.

“We are reminding people to conduct the basics like making sure windows are closed but also use up to date security software online.”

Criminals can strike when people go out for essential food shopping, exercise or helping vulnerable people. Windows and doors must be secured.

Criminals are also prowling online to scam people and businesses, offering goods and services that do not exist, or to obtain personal details. These scammers can knock on the door, or contact people by phone, email, text, or on social media.

The council’s trading standards department is reminding residents or businesses that police or a bank will never ask people to withdraw or transfer money to a different account or probe for a PIN.

Contact the bank immediately if you think you have fallen victim to a scam and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

There is bespoke advice about COVID-19 fraud on the Action Fraud website. Reporting to Action Fraud can be done online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040 and follow Action Fraud on Twitter.

To report offers of financial assistance from HMRC contact phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.

There is also a tool for reporting phishing e-mails at report@phishing.gov.uk where you can forward suspicious mails.

There is also a lot of useful information about home security on the Thames Valley Police website - https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/police-forces/thames-valley-police/areas/advice/home-security-guide/