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Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Warning issued after scam QR code found on parking meter

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk Trading Standards and Mid-Suffolk District Council have warned residents about a fraudulent QR code discovered on a parking meter in Stowmarket amid a rise of similar scams nationwide.

Why it matters: This type of scam, known as "quishing", could put Suffolk residents' bank details and personal information at risk if they scan fraudulent QR codes thinking they're making legitimate parking payments.

The big picture: QR code scams are becoming increasingly common across the UK, with fraudsters targeting:

  • Parking meters

  • Electric vehicle charging points

  • Restaurant menus

  • Marketing emails

A sign with payment instructions for a car park in Ipswich
Residents are being warned about fraudulent QR codes at car parks, known as "squishing"Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

How it works: Criminals place fake QR code stickers on payment machines. When scanned, these codes direct users to convincing but fraudulent websites that steal personal and banking information.

Be smart: The council advises residents to:

  • Check if QR codes appear unusual or like stickers placed over existing codes

  • Verify website addresses match official parking services

  • Consider using official parking apps or websites instead of scanning codes

What to do if you're targeted:

  • Contact your bank immediately if you've shared financial details

  • Report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or through their website

The bottom line: While QR codes offer convenience for parking payments, residents should remain vigilant and verify any codes before scanning them with their devices.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Martlesham pub makes history with record-breaking pint pour

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The Douglas Bader has etched its name in the history books after participating in the largest simultaneous pint pour ever recorded.

Why it matters: The Martlesham Heath pub was one of 114 venues nationwide to set a new Guinness World Records title, showcasing the growing demand for both traditional and alcohol-free draught beer options.

The Douglas Bader in Martlesham, Ipswich
The Douglas Bader in Martlesham, IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

How it happened: The nationwide "The Big Pour" event took place on 7 April, with publicans connecting via video call to pour pints of Heineken and Heineken 0.0 in perfect synchronisation.

  • Participants had just 10 seconds to complete their pours under the watchful eye of an official Guinness World Records adjudicator

  • The Douglas Bader was among pubs from across the UK, ranging from Scotland to Surrey, that took part in the record attempt

The bigger picture: The event celebrated Heineken installing its 1,000th alcohol-free draught tap in UK pubs.

  • This milestone makes Heineken 0.0 the most widely available alcohol-free beer on draught in the country

  • The company says it now has more alcohol-free draught installations than any other brand

What they're saying: Lawson Mountstevens, Managing Director Star Pub at Heineken UK, said: "Part of the ritual of going to the pub is watching your pint being freshly poured from the tap – the tilt of the glass, the smooth cascade, and mouthwatering anticipation of the first sip."

  • "This draught experience is central to pub culture, and for non-alcoholic beer to become truly mainstream, it needs to be part of that experience"

  • "It needs to be poured from the tap like any other pint, not just another option in the fridge"

The bottom line: The Douglas Bader's participation in this record-breaking event highlights Ipswich's place in brewing history while reflecting changing consumer preferences in the pub industry.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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