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DVLA warning to UK drivers over driving licence scams

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Latest figures show that in 2024, almost 20,000 customers called DVLA’s contact centre to report fraudulent activity.

Criminals are employing more complex methods to deceive motorists, making vigilance and awareness of the signs of such scams more crucial than ever.

The DVLA took to social media to warn motorists of the potential scams.

They said: “Scammers are targeting drivers with fake texts and emails pretending to be DVLA.

  • Think before you click
  • Don’t share personal info
  • Always use http://GOV.UK

“Protect yourself with DVLA’s top tips.”

Firstly, they stressed that motorists should only access the DVLA’s official information and services via the gov.uk website.

Any other websites might charge more for services that are less expensive or even free on gov.uk, and some may even be fraudulent, the DVLA stated.

They urged motorists: “always use GOV.UK when transacting with DVLA.”

The DVLA also warned against sharing driving licence or vehicle information online, as scammers often use these details to steal identities or even clone vehicles.

This can result in victims receiving penalties for parking, congestion, or speeding violations they did not commit.

The DVLA cautioned: “Both documents contain key identifying details that scammers can use to steal your identity or even clone your vehicle.”

Fraudsters are known to send unsolicited emails or text messages, asking recipients to confirm personal details, like bank or payment information.

These may sometimes propose that the recipient is eligible for a significant vehicle tax refund.

The DVLA stressed they would never ask for bank account details nor request confirmation of payment details.

Any vehicle tax refunds are issued automatically and never through an email with a link, they added.

Consequently, recipients of such emails or texts are advised not to click on any links but to report them to the National Cyber Security Centre and delete them immediately.

The DVLA further cautioned about scam websites impersonating the DVLA.

These deceptive sites often charge extra fees for services obtainable at a lower cost or free on gov.uk.

Such services include driving licence applications, vehicle tax transactions, and Clean Air Zone (CAZ) payments.

Motorists are always advised to search for these services on gov.uk.

If individuals encounter these scams or any suspicious activities, they can help combat fraud by reporting phishing emails to the National Cyber Security Centre, online scams to Report Fraud, and misleading adverts to search engines.

The DVLA stated that most of their services are accessible online on gov.uk.

People can sign up for email alerts for the latest DVLA information.

Motorists are encouraged to take these precautions to protect themselves from becoming the next victim of scams.





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Crime & Safety

Free Bicester Sundays in the Park returns to Garth Park

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‘Sundays in the Park’ took place in Garth Park on May 31, thanks to a collaboration between Bicester Town Council and Bicester Live.

Visitors enjoyed performances from Ukesnaile, Bicester Concert Band, and Malish, offering a variety of covers from pop to garage.

Food was provided by Garth Park Kitchen, with options like British bockwurst, halloumi buns, and wood-fired cheeseburgers, while others brought their own picnics to enjoy in the sunshine.

The council’s events team said: “We can’t wait to welcome you all for an afternoon of live music, great food, and community fun in the beautiful surroundings of Garth Park.”

The next ‘Sundays in the Park’ event will be held on June 14, featuring Hook Norton Brass Band and local soloists, starting at 12.30pm.





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Oxfordshire group protest following murder with Laurence Fox

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In a Facebook post on ‘Raise the Colours: Oxfordshire’, the principal leader of the group asked campaigners to join the demonstration for ‘justice for Henry Nowak’.

The protest follows days of demonstration outside the police station following the murder of University of Southampton student Henry Nowak.

Protesters hurled bins, chairs and bricks at police as hundreds gathered outside the station.

READ MORE: Nationalist group to protest after murder of student

Screen grab taken from PA Video of police and protestors clashing in Southampton during a protest following the death of Henry Nowak. Vickrum Digwa was jailed at Southampton Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Digwa stabbed Henry to death with a Sikh kirpan ceremonial knife five times in the incident in Belmont Road, Southampton, on December 3 2025. Picture date: Tuesday June 2, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jamie Lashmar/PA WireScreen grab taken from a video of police and protestors clashing in Southampton during a protest following the death of Henry Nowak. (Image: Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire)

Activist Tommy Robinson and former actor Laurence Fox were among those who spoke to the crowd.

Speaking to the crowd Robinson said: “I heard someone say this wasn’t about race, this is about race.

“A white boy who done nothing was handcuffed, a murderer in possession of a knife who stabbed someone five times isn’t.”

Demonstrators were heard chanting “Henry, Henry” as large group moved across town and threw object at police in riot gear.

The controversy surrounding the murder of Mr Nowak centres on the initial police response after the 18-year-old student was stabbed in Southampton in December 2025.

Screen grab taken from PA Video of police and protestors clashing in Southampton during a protest following the death of Henry Nowak. Vickrum Digwa was jailed at Southampton Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Digwa stabbed Henry to death with a Sikh kirpan ceremonial knife five times in the incident in Belmont Road, Southampton, on December 3 2025. Picture date: Tuesday June 2, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jamie Lashmar/PA WireScreen grab taken from a video of police and protestors clashing in Southampton during a protest following the death of Henry Nowak. (Image: Jamie Lashmar)

A trial heard that officers arriving at the scene were allegedly misled by the killer, Vickrum Digwa, 23, who claimed he had been the victim of a racist assault.

Police initially placed Mr Nowak in handcuffs.

In camera footage Nowak can be heard telling officers that he had been stabbed, with an officer on the scene replying “don’t think you have mate”.

Hampshire police’s Deputy Chief Constable Robert France said that within three minutes of interacting with Nowak they were starting to perform CPR.

He added that: “This is a complete tragedy and I am sorry that they couldn’t save Henry that night and I’m sorry that Henry was handcuffed and arrested as he lost consciousness.”

Screen grab taken from PA Video of police and protestors clashing in Southampton during a protest following the death of Henry Nowak. Vickrum Digwa was jailed at Southampton Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Digwa stabbed Henry to death with a Sikh kirpan ceremonial knife five times in the incident in Belmont Road, Southampton, on December 3 2025. Picture date: Tuesday June 2, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jamie Lashmar/PA WireScreen grab taken from a video of police and protestors clashing in Southampton during a protest following the death of Henry Nowak. (Image: Jamie Lashmar/PA Wire)

In a statement to the press outside Southampton Crown Court after Digwa was sentenced, Mark Nowak, Henry’s father, said: “We are calling on the Government to treat knife crime as the national emergency that it is.

“Henry did not die with dignity. He did not die with the care he deserved. He lost consciousness before anyone believed him.”

A group of Oxford ‘patriots’ are due to protest in Oxford this week as well.

Aiden Noble, organiser of the protests, is calling on the public to stand in ‘justice for Henry Nowak’ on Friday, June 5.

The group will gather at 6pm outside Carfax Tower to ‘demand answers, accountability, and justice for Henry Nowak’.

The protests join other demonstrations in Southampton, Birmingham, Nottingham, Blackpool, Liverpool, London, and Gloucester.

Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years served on Monday for the murder of 18-year-old Mr Nowak in Southampton.





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Iceland set to make major changes in stores across the UK

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It is part of its new ‘Frozen Pledge,’ aimed at helping shoppers reduce their grocery bills.

The decision follows reports that the supermarket’s prices rose by 5.8 per cent in April.

It was the second-highest increase among supermarkets and well above the industry average of 3.8 per cent, according to The Telegraph.



However, executive chairman Richard Walker disputed this data, calling it “flawed” and arguing the figures were skewed by “very specific lamb deals in place last year.”

He also said the figures did not reflect new products or deals introduced this year.

According to The Grocer, Mr Walker said: “Doing the right thing for customers has never been more important and this Frozen Pledge is a huge commitment to both our new and existing shoppers.

“It’s one of our biggest-ever refreshes on deals and now includes hundreds of our frozen products across our stores.

“We know people from all walks of life are continuing to feel the pressure of rising costs, so we want to help people save money just when they need it most.”



As part of the refresh, Iceland is extending its multibuy offers and adding new items to its promotional calendar over the coming months.

What products will be reduced?

The £2 ice cream deal now includes reduced prices on several branded packs.

Snickers ice cream four-packs, previously £2.89, are now £2.

Other reductions include Solero Strawberry Twists, reduced by 75p for three, and five-packs of Calippo Strawberry Minis, reduced from £2.75.

Starting July 28, three-packs of Magnum Almond, Mint, and Salted Caramel will also be reduced from £3.50 to £2.



The supermarket said it has halved the price of other branded staples.

The Chicago Town Tiger Crust Pepperoni Pizza has dropped from £4 to £2.

Young’s Chip Shop XL Battered Fish Fillets are down from £4.50 to £2.25, and McCain Smiles now cost £1.25 instead of £2.50.

Iceland has also added nine more own-label pizzas to its £1 Pizza Cabinet and extended its 10-for-£10 multibuy deal through to at least July 6.

Which is your favourite supermarket? Let us know in the comments





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