Coventry Falcons Active in South West

Background Information:

The Coventry Falcons are a group of thieves, specialising in the thefts of purses and handbags and the fraudulent use of stolen credit cards. They target a range of victims at hotel based conferences, local authority offices and hospitals and clinics, both NHS and private. In the last 18 months there are at least 500 crimes recorded on NHS property.  

Their method is simple. The thieves will dress smartly and often wear an NHS / Council style lanyard. They will wait around the access controlled entrance to the administration area until they are able to follow a staff member through the door. This is known as ‘tailgating’. Once inside they will check offices until they find one that is unoccupied that has an unattended handbag or jacket. They will then steal the purse or wallet. It is not unknown for them to steal several purses in one visit. They then leave the building and go to a waiting car, driven by another member of the group. After a short while the victim will receive a telephone call from a well-spoken male or female who will explain that they are from the fraud department of the victim’s bank. After a very convincing conversation regarding a fraudster using the card, they will extract the PIN. They will often know the victims personal details from their driving licence, which they will use to appear genuine.  

Once in possession of the PIN a group member will use an ATM to check the balance of the account and will also remove up to £250 if available. A, usually female, member will then enter the bank and remove the balance from the account over the counter. There have been no incidents of violence displayed by any members of the group. If confronted they will often give a cover story such as being a visiting nurse from another trust, administrators or trainee. They will then quickly leave the scene.

Action required:-

It is important that members of staff members follow the following guidelines –

• Never allow anyone to follow you through an access control door unless you recognise them as a person authorised to be there.
• If you see a stranger in a restricted access area, even if they are wearing a Council ID card ask them if you can help and never be afraid to politely challenge a stranger.
• Always lock perrsonal items in a cupboard or drawer and never leave a handbag or purse in plain sight.
• If you are the last to leave a room, even for a short period, ensure the door is locked.
• Remember that your bank will never ask for your PIN.
• If you receive a call from your bank take a number from them, check it out by calling customer services and call them back.
• If you have suspicions about anyone take a good description and write it down at the earliest opportunity and contact the police.  

For more information contact Mandy Riley, Project manager, Safer Communities Torbay mandy.riley@torbay.gov.uk or 841265.