I see Essex Police Authority has just been recruiting Independent Members for its Police Authority although the closing date was on Oct 27th even though the web page concerned maintains there is still time left to apply (but sadly now only if you have access to a Tardis).

www.essex.police.uk/authority/news.php?articleId=2641

Police warn of debt collection scam
[ Date published: 31/10/2006 ]

Brighton & Hove police have issued a warning about a bogus debt collection scam.

Many people have contacted police to say they have received a threatening letter from a company called Astradelph International Debt Collection based in the Czech Republic.

The letter tells the recipient that they owe money, usually between £250 and £650, and that if the money is not paid, legal action will be taken.

PC Karen Langrish said: "We have recently received many calls from worried local residents saying that they have received a threatening letter in the post from this company. At the bottom of the letter there are various telephone numbers listed which are all international codes. They look like premium numbers which cost a fortune to dial. These numbers go straight to an answering machine where a dialling tone kicks in, tricking the caller into thinking they have not yet been connected when, in fact, they have. The letter also gives account details so that payments can be made directly to the organisers Astradelph.

"We believe this is a scam operating to obtain large amounts of money either from people ringing the premium lines or sending money to the account.

"Anyone who receives such a letter should contact us on 0845 60 70 999."