Fire at scrap metal recycling yard - Erith🔥

Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters have been called to a fire at a scrap metal recycling yard on Manor Road in Erith.

Around 400 tonnes of scrap metal is affected by the fire.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Arnold, who is at the scene, said: "Crews are working hard to bring the fire at a scrap metal recycling yard under control. This will be a protracted incident, with firefighters expected to be on scene for most of the day.

"The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke in the vicinity, which is moving east towards Dartford. 

"We strongly urge people who live or work nearby to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area where possible."

One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders is being used at the scene as a water tower to tackle flames from height.

The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of 16 calls to the fire at 0456 and sent fire crews from Erith, Bexley, Plumstead, Sidcup and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

 

Source - LFB (28/03/2026)

How to Check if You Are Owed Money for Past Car Finance

If you bought a car, van, or motorbike on finance before 28 January 2021, you might be due a significant refund. A major investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is currently looking into "hidden commission" deals that saw many UK drivers overcharged.

Here is a simple guide on how to use the free tools provided by MoneySavingExpert (MSE) to see if you are eligible and how to start your claim.

What is the Car Finance Scandal?

For years, some car dealers and finance companies had "discretionary commission" arrangements. This meant lenders allowed dealers to increase the interest rate on a loan so the dealer could earn a bigger commission. This was often done without the customer’s knowledge, meaning many people paid much more than they should have.

Step 1: Find Your Past Agreements

If you can’t remember who your finance provider was or how many agreements you had, Martin Lewis recommends using a credit reporting tool like MyEquifax.

By checking your credit file, you can see a list of previous lenders and the dates of your agreements. This is a vital first step if you no longer have your original paperwork.

Step 2: Use the Free Reclaim Tool

You do not need to pay a lawyer or a claims management company to do this for you. MoneySavingExpert has launched a that makes the process straightforward.

1. Enter your details: Use the MSE tool to generate a formal request.

2. Use the template: The tool provides an easy template letter/email.

3. Submit to the provider: You send this directly to the bank or finance company that provided the loan.

The goal of this letter is to ask two simple questions: Was there a discretionary commission arrangement on my loan? And if so, I want to lodge a formal complaint.

Step 3: Wait for the Investigation

The FCA has paused the deadline for firms to respond to these specific complaints while they finish their investigation (expected by May 2025). However, it is important to get your complaint in now to log your place in the queue and protect yourself against any future time limits.

A Warning: Beware of Scammers

Because this is such a high-profile news story, scammers are currently targeting people via text, email, and phone calls.

• Ignore "Cold Calls": If someone contacts you claiming they can get you a car finance refund for a fee, be extremely cautious.

• Avoid "No Win, No Fee" Firms: These companies often take a large cut (30% to 50%) of any money you get back. You can do this yourself for free using the MSE tool.

• Stick to Official Sources: Only use reputable sites like MoneySavingExpert or go directly through the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Summary

If you had a car on finance (PCP or Hire Purchase) before January 2021, it only takes a few minutes to check. Use your credit report to find the lenders, use the MSE template to send your emails, and keep a record of your correspondence. It could result in a payout of over £1,000 depending on the size of your loan.

Source: For more detailed advice visit https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/reclaim-car-finance/#tool

Free tools to stop scammers

Scams are constantly evolving, so it pays to stay one step ahead. But you don't need to download expensive software to protect yourself – many of the most useful anti-scam tools are already built into your phone and online accounts.

A few small changes will make a big difference. We run you through how to use these free tools and reduce your risk of being scammed.

Source: Which? (26 Mar 2026)

10 things every smartphone owner should do now

Smartphones help us communicate, make payments on the move and store sensitive data. As a result, learning how to secure your device against threats is crucial.

It takes just a few minutes to make some tweaks to your device settings that will have a huge impact. Our tech expert, Tom Morgan, has rounded up some tips to keep your phone secure.

If you'd benefit from 1-to-1 help with your smartphone or other tech products, you can join Which? Tech Support and chat to our friendly experts on the phone or by email, as often as you need. Find out more about the support on offer and get 50% off a Tech annual membership for the first year. Offer ends 6 April.

Source: Which? (23 Mar 2026)

How to use public wi-fi safely

Public wi-fi hotspots are convenient when you're out and about, but be careful to keep your data safe. For starters, you'll need to be wary of nosy onlookers peering at your screen if you're in a bustling café. But there are plenty of other ways to keep your information private.

We share eight security tips for phone and laptop users, including how to check whether a network is safe to join.

Source: Which? (26 Mar 2026)

Local Priorities Theft Of Motor Vehicles Message - MetEngage Crayford

I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles,  which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

A white Ford Transit Tipper has been stolen from Green Walk between 19.00 on 22nd March and 05.45 on 23rd March. Should you see a distinctive vehicle such as this and believe it to be abandoned/stolen please call 101.
Please review your vehicle security.

We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe:  

• Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked.  

• Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door.  

• If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months.  

• Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space.  

• Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme.  

• Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others. 

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. 

 

 We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/419109/Local-Priorities-Theft-Of-Motor-Vehicles-Message

Local Priorities Burglary Message - MetEngage Crayford

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

 

There has been a burglary in Crayford. It took place on Friday 20th March between 13.30-14.00. Entry was made via the rear of the property, there was an untidy search and the suspect(s) left the building via the front door. Laptops, jewellery, the keys to a vehicle and the vehicle were stolen.
Burglary is not a regular occurrence in Crayford so please take a few moments to review your home security.

While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you:  

• Double lock your door every time you leave the house  

• If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access.  

• Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows.  

• Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through.  

• If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house.  

• Make sure all valuables are out of sight. 

• Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps.  

• In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on.  

• Set your burglar alarm 

• Lock your  shed or garage 

• Mark, register or record your valuables. 

Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Get Involved

Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on.  Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 

Please click here to complete the survey

 

We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/419102/Local-Priorities-Burglary-Message