Detectives in York have issued an urgent warning after three men from the York area have been blackmailed by a woman claiming to be called Cathy Wong.

She has then told the men, who are all students, that her grandmother is ill and needs money and has asked them each to send £3,000 via money transfer.

When they refused to send the money, she has threatened them with uploading the video to Youtube.

It is believed that the scam is occurring world wide, however these are the first cases reported in the York area. The men are not known to each other and officers are concerned that there may be other victims. Officers are exploring the possibility that the scam is operated by an organised crime group.

Police are urging internet users, particularly students, to be on their guard and to contact them if they believe they have been targeted. 

Detective Sergeant Rebecca Dyer of York CID, said: “This scam is causing considerable distress to the victims and I urge anyone who uses any kind of social networking site to be very wary of what they are getting into.

“I am concerned that there are other victims of this scam who are too embarrassed to come forward about what has happened. I urge them to please get in touch with the police. Your information will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and with sensitivity. Please do not suffer in silence.”

To report an incident, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and pass information to the Force Control Room.

Or you can email Rebecca.dyer@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

You can also pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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#AskTheChief webchat: your chance to quiz the chief

Chief Constable Dave Jones is hosting a live webchat to give residents in North Yorkshire the opportunity to talk to him about crime and anti-social behaviour in their area.

Mr Jones will be online between 5pm and 6pm on Monday 12 January 2015,  at www.northyorkshire.police.uk/webchat.

He would like to discuss people’s experiences with North Yorkshire Police and to hear suggestions about how the policing service in the county can be further improved.

Police appeal after car damaged in Clifton Moor, York

Police are appealing for witnesses after a car was damaged at Clifton Moor in York.

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Magazine theft suspect sought by police

York police have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a number of magazine thefts from a shop in the city centre.

Over the past few weeks cycling and fishing magazines have been taken from WH Smith on Coney Street.

Officers are investigating the thefts and are urging anyone who recognises the man in the images to contact them with information

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Chapelfields gets PCSO again

A new PCSO (Chris Simpson) has been appointed in to operate in the Chapelfields estate. There had been a few complaints about lack of policing profile in the estate over recent months.

During the time that the Acomb Police Station is being renovated, staff and volunteers will be using Sanderson House on Bramham Road as a base.

The volunteer front counter enquiry services will be available at Sanderson Court Community Centre at the following times:

• Monday: 10am to noon;
• Tuesday: 2pm to 4pm;
• Wednesday: 6pm to 8pm;
• Thursday: 6pm to 8pm;
• Friday: 2pm to 4pm;
• Saturday: 10am to noon; Sunday: Closed

Police investigate Strensall motorbike theft

Police in York are appealing for the public’s help after the theft of a motorbike near the city.

It occurred between 9.30pm on Saturday 8 March and 5.30am on Sunday 9 March 2014, from the driveway of a house on Toby Court, Strensall, where it had been securely chained up.

The Honda VTR SP1 is orange and purple with the registration number W407RNF.

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Custom motorbike stolen in York – can you help locate it?

York police have issued images of a stolen motorbike as they appeal for the public’s help to trace it.

It was taken between 12noon on Saturday 8 March and 1pm on Sunday 9 March 2014, from Huntington Road, where had been secured with a chain.

The Suzuki SJ has black custom paintwork with orange wheels.

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Police investigate York sculpture theft

York police are appealing for information about a theft of a sculpture in the city.

It was stolen between 3pm and 4pm on Sunday 2 March 2014, from the Whitewall Gallery, Davygate.

The limited edition sculpture of a boat measures 9in by 12in, and is valued at £300.

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Nine suspects being questioned after Operation Hawk arrests

Police have made nine arrests as Operation Hawk’s crackdown on travelling criminals continues to have an impact.

Officers on Operation Hawk patrol stopped a Ford Transit van travelling southbound on the A1(M) near Boroughbridge at around 5.30pm on Wednesday 12 March 2014.

During a search of the vehicle officers found a large container containing what is believed to be stolen diesel.

More click here

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