Monday, 31 March 2025

URGENT APPEAL: Stolen Brown BMW 435 in Welling - AE15 HLN

Vehicle Stolen: Brown BMW 435, 2015 model Registration Plate: AE15 HLN

 

Date & Time of Theft: 31st March 2025, approximately 1:05 AM

Location: Outside residential pavement, lower end of Montrose Avenue, Welling.

We are appealing for urgent assistance following the theft of a brown BMW 435 (registration AE15 HLN) from Montrose Avenue, Welling in the early hours of this morning. The owner reports that the steering lock was unfortunately not engaged at the time. It is believed that the suspects may have used a scanner to gain access to the vehicle.

We are urgently requesting all residents in the Montrose Avenue area, and surrounding streets, to:

  • Check any CCTV footage or other surveillance devices you may have installed. Even seemingly insignificant footage could prove crucial in identifying the suspects or the vehicle's movements.
  • Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity witnessed around the time of the theft.

The owner has reported the theft to the police (CAD ref 2306/31Mar25). If you have any information, or have seen or heard anything suspicious, please contact:

Your assistance could be vital in recovering this stolen vehicle and apprehending those responsible. Please share this appeal with your neighbours and within your local community groups.

Thank you for your cooperation.


Thursday, 27 March 2025

Four sneaky text scams

For some mobile users, barely a day goes by without receiving a dodgy text. These scams, known as 'smishing', are popular tools for fraudsters and some are sneakier than others.

We've rounded up four particularly nasty examples to watch out for, including a fake emergency text and a convincing delivery text scam.

Be prepared for these scams

Source: Which? (26 Mar 2025)

Rogue traders conned a victim out of £6,000

After contacting what appeared to be a well-reviewed local roofing company, Maureen was scammed out of £6,250 by rogue traders.

Initially Santander refused to reimburse her, but after our scams expert stepped in and investigated, the bank agreed to pay up. Find out what you need to do to recover your money if something like this happens to you.

How to recover your money after a scam

Source: Which? (27 Mar 2025)

Trending job scams to watch out for

Scammers are preying on job seekers again with appealing, but too-good-to-be-true, offers.

The latest examples we've seen have been fraudsters impersonating genuine recruitment firms to make their scams even more convincing. See what these scams look like so you can avoid falling victim.

How to spot a job scam

Source: Which? (25 Mar 2025)

Bexley SNT list map search

Finding out and search for your ward SNT list.

Tutorial to show how to navigate the Bexley SNT list map for ease of reference.

Thursday, 20 March 2025

Watch out for bogus QR codes

Quick Response (QR) codes, are those black and white patterned squares you scan with a smartphone. They have become popular methods to pay for parking or at restaurants, but they've also become a useful tool for scammers.

These nasty scams can convince you to scan a dodgy QR code to pay for parking, only to sting you with a monthly subscription trap. Find out the six checks you can make to tell if a QR code is safe to scan.

How to tell if a QR code is safe
 
Source: Which? (19 Mar 2025)

Be savvy about email scams

Email scams, also known as 'phishing' scams, often involve a fraudster sending you an email purporting to be from a well-known brand or retailer.

They could contain malicious software, or links to dodgy websites that aim to steal your financial details. If you suspect an email is a scam, don't click on any links or download any attachments – our experts explain how to spot and report this kind of scam.
 
Avoid falling for an email scam
 
Source: Which? (19 Mar 2025)

URGENT APPEAL: Stolen Brown BMW 435 in Welling - AE15 HLN

Vehicle Stolen: Brown BMW 435, 2015 model Registration Plate: AE15 HLN   Date & Time of Theft: 31st March 2025, approximately 1:05 AM ...