This week’s community update covers advice for protecting yourself from fraud, appeals for information to help locate two wanted individuals in North Yorkshire, and support available through the Masham Food Share Scheme.
Local Priorities: Fraud Awareness
Fraud is a growing concern, and students are often targeted through fake job adverts and accommodation scams. Knowing how to spot these risks can help you protect your personal and financial information.
Job Application Fraud
Students seeking work may encounter fake job adverts promising high pay for little work or requesting upfront payments for “consultations” or services that are never delivered. Always research employers and recruitment agencies, never pay to secure a job and use trusted recruitment websites to verify companies.
Rental Fraud
Students looking for accommodation can be targeted with fake property listings asking for advance payments. Stay safe by viewing properties in person or asking someone you trust to do so, checking listings online for duplicates or inconsistencies, paying by card rather than bank transfer and seeking advice from your university or employer if relocating from overseas.
Report any incidents to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Wanted Persons Appeals
Local residents are being asked to help locate two wanted individuals with links to North Yorkshire:
Shaun Clarke, 33, from Harrogate – Wanted on suspicion of burglary, assault and criminal damage. He may be in Skipton, Ripon, Harrogate, or the Bramley/Stanningley area of Leeds, with connections to Grimsby and Preston.
James Murfitt, 29, from Sowerby near Thirsk – Investigated in connection with an arson attack on two cars at Thirsk Market Place on 29th September 2025, along with alleged threats and criminal damage. He is believed to be in the Thirsk and Northallerton area.
If you have information about their whereabouts, call North Yorkshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or online. Shaun Clarke reference: 12250177967 and James Murfitt reference: 12250183160.
Local Support: Masham Food Share Scheme
Each day, the Co-op clears unsold food nearing its sell-by date. Masham Food Share volunteers rescue this food from going to landfill and bring it to community pantries, where it is available free of charge to anyone who needs it.
The scheme aims to make sure that anyone who might need a little extra help to keep food on the table feels welcome to pop in. Food parcels can also be collected from community pantries if it’s easier to take home. By saving perfectly good food from waste, the Food Share Scheme not only supports local residents but also helps reduce environmental impact. Find out more here.
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