Local Priorities Theft Of Motor Vehicles Message - MetEngage Sidcup

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.

Sidcup ward has experienced several incidents of note involving vehicle crime over the past week.
In the early hours of Wednesday 17th June, a BMW was stolen from Church Avenue, Sidcup. CCTV shows suspects approaching Church Avenue from Church Road at approximately 02:48hrs. The suspects initially approached the victim’s vehicle before walking further down the road. They later returned to the vehicle and, at approximately 03:16hrs, drove it away.
The victim discovered the vehicle missing later that morning and confirmed they were still in possession of both sets of keys. It’s likely this vehicle was stolen using a Relay device.
Today the neighbourhood policing team have been in the Church Road and Church Avenue making further enquiries.

We also had a report of an attempted theft from a motor vehicle reported in Knoll Road, Sidcup. Two suspects were seen approaching an unsecured vehicle parked on the driveway on Sunday 14th June. The windows to this vehicle were open and suspects managed to briefly get inside the vehicle before activating the vehicle alarm. Both suspects fled the scene and fortunately nothing was stolen.

Finally, a vehicle was criminally damaged on Friday 12th June. Victim discovered passenger window had been smashed.

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/458667/Local-Priorities-Theft-Of-Motor-Vehicles-Message 

5 card fraud tactics to be aware of

For a while, it appeared the tide had turned on card fraud. But criminals are gaining ground again, despite security checks designed to stop them in their tracks.

We’ve previously exposed banking security flaws that help scammers hijack digital wallets, spend money on cancelled cards and set sneaky subscription traps. We've rounded up five tactics you need to be aware of to protect yourself against card fraud. 

Source: Which? (18 Jun 2026) 

‘I'm a scams expert - these are my tips for reporting scams’

Every week, we're asked by our Scam Alert subscribers whether we can share our tips for reporting scams.

It's true that reporting scams is important in the fight against them. But knowing how and where to report these scams can be a minefield, and some reporting channels aren't very effective. Our scams expert, Tali Ramsey, shares her tried-and-tested methods for successfully reporting scams on social media, emails, texts, calls and more. 

Source: Which? (17 Jun 2026) 

Beware fake AI influencers and their 'artisan' wares

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The videos all centred around made-up sob stories about an artisan creator not being able to sell their apparently handmade products, before asking if the public would be so kind as to support them. We reveal what to look out for so you don't get caught out. 

Source: Which? (18 Jun 2026)

Domestic Abuse During the world Cup - MetEngage Barnehurst

As we enter the World Cup period, many people will be coming together to watch and celebrate matches. Alongside this, there is evidence that incidents of domestic abuse increase by as much as 38% when the England men’s team loses.

It is important to emphasise that domestic abuse is never caused by sport or events themselves. Abuse is a choice made by perpetrators. However, factors such as heightened emotions, alcohol consumption and increased time spent at home can contribute to a rise in incidents during these periods. At Bexley, we take this issue seriously and remain committed to raising awareness and ensuring that anyone experiencing domestic abuse knows how and where to access support. To support this, we have developed a 2026 awareness campaign to coincide with the tournament. Posters are attached, and we would greatly appreciate your support in displaying and sharing these across your organisations and networks to help extend their reach. As a White Ribbon UK accredited borough, we continue to work with partners to challenge harmful behaviours and promote safer communities. Domestic abuse is everyone’s business. It is estimated that one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime. Support from specialist services remains vital. Solace continues to provide refuge, advocacy and practical support for women and children, helping them to move forward safely. We encourage you to raise awareness within your teams and communities and to signpost anyone who may need support to the services below: Bexley One Stop Shop Every Wednesday 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm Central Library Townley Road Bexleyheath DA6 7HJ Solace Advice Line 020 3198 4659 Thank you for your ongoing support in helping to raise awareness and keep our communities safe.

Attachments domestic abuse 2026 awareness posters A4 Posters final (4 types).pdf

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/458447/Domestic-Abuse-During-the-world-Cup

Our latest scam warnings

Our dedicated team of fraud experts is always on the lookout for scams targeting people across the UK.

This week, watch out for a Netflix scam email and Argos account hacking. Check out the full list, based on your reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and scam sharer tool

Source: Which? (10 Jun 2026) 

Weight-loss patch scams

Demand for weight-loss products is soaring, but scammers are capitalising on this by creating online ads for fake or dubious products at temptingly low prices.

We've found two scam ads peddling dodgy weight-loss patches, using AI-generated images of people wearing hospital uniforms and stolen before-and-after pictures. Find out more about this scam and what you should do if you spot one.

Source: Which? (11 Jun 2026)