WELCOME TO the official blog of Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association (BBNWA), Bexleyheath Police Station, 2 Arnsberg Way, Bexleyheath, Kent DA7 4QS. Mobile Tel: 07496 385471 bexleynw@outlook.com Charity No: 1072368
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.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.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.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
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
Dear Residents,
Firstly I would like to say thank you for signing up to MET ENGAGE!
Just to let you know that we will be holding “Street a Week” soon. The nights are getting longer and the weather will be getting better for us to hold these. This will give you an opportunity to come and meet the team and discuss any local issues you may have.
I will let you know when and where we will be doing this. We will drop letters to houses and also send out a message by MET ENGAGE.
Crime on Barnehurst Ward is relatively low. The team continue to patrol the area. Showing a presence on the Ward to reassure residents on the and also to help prevent crime.
If there are any burglaries or car thefts we will visit the victim and carry out CCTV enquiries to surrounding neighbours and focus on proactive patrols around the location.
Thank you again for your support from the Team!
Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/420023/Message-from-the-Team
A new wave of phishing emails is targeting UK users, claiming their cloud storage is "100% Full" due to a failed subscription payment. This is a scam designed to steal your credit card details and personal information.
You receive an email with the subject line "RE: Storage Warning: Account at 100%". The email uses urgent language to panic you into acting quickly, claiming:
Your subscription has been suspended.
Your account has been downgraded to a 5 GB free tier.
Your photos and videos are "at risk of deletion."
There is a prominent "Renew Now" button.
Even though the graphics look professional, there are several "red flags" that give it away:
The Sender’s Address: In recent examples, the email came from a random Outlook address (e.g., giordano.629arny@outlook.com) rather than an official company domain (like @https://www.google.com/search?q=google.com or @apple.com).
Generic Greeting: It doesn't use your name, just "to me."
Artificial Urgency: Scammers love to threaten the loss of your data (especially photos) to make you click without thinking.
RE: in the Subject: Adding "RE:" makes it look like part of an ongoing conversation you never actually started.
Do NOT click any links or the "Renew Now" button.
Check your account manually: If you’re worried, go directly to the official website or app of your storage provider to check your status. Never use the links provided in an unexpected email.
Report it: Forward the email to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.
Delete it: Once reported, delete the email from your inbox and your "Deleted Items" folder.
Stay vigilant and keep your data safe!
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| scam email (click to view enlarged) |