Bexley Community Lottery: Win a Sony home theatre bundle

This June, you could win an amazing Sony Home Theatre Bundle, including a 4K 55" smart TV and a wireless home theatre 5.1 sound system. This incredible combo will bring the magic of the big screen into your home, so you can watch blockbuster movies, enjoy gaming, or catch the big cup final the way they're meant to be seen.

To enter, simply get your tickets by Saturday 24th June. Tickets can be found at https://www.bexleycommunitylottery.co.uk/support/bexley.

This is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your home entertainment system and experience the best possible viewing experience. Don't miss out!

Here are some of the benefits of the Sony Home Theatre Bundle:

• 4K 55" smart TV: This TV delivers stunning picture quality with sharp, vibrant images. It also has a built-in smart TV platform, so you can access all your favourite streaming services.
• Wireless home theatre 5.1 sound system: This sound system delivers immersive surround sound that will transport you to the heart of the action. It's also wireless, so you can place the speakers anywhere in your room.

Enter now and you could be the lucky winner of this amazing prize!

Bexley Community Lottery is a weekly online lottery that raises money for good causes in Bexley, London. Tickets are only £1 per week, and 60% of all funds raised go to support local good causes. There are also a number of prizes available each week, including a top prize of £25,000.

To play, simply visit the Bexley Community Lottery website and create an account. You can then choose to play weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Your ticket will be automatically entered into the next draw, and you'll be notified if you win.

The Bexley Community Lottery is a great way to support your local community and have a chance to win some great prizes. So why not give it a try today?

Here are some of the benefits of playing the Bexley Community Lottery:

• You can support your local community.
• You have a chance to win some great prizes.
• Tickets are only £1 per week.
• It's easy to play.

If you're looking for a fun and easy way to support your local community, the Bexley Community Lottery is a great option. So why not give it a try today?

Will you be affected by the expansion of the ULEZ?

The Mayor of London plans to expand the ULEZ to all of London, including Bexley, from August this year.

The London Borough of Bexley is one of several Councils that have formed a coalition to legally challenge this decision.

This short survey will help us to have up-to-date information on the number of people who will be affected.  It is made up of eight questions and should take no longer than two minutes to complete.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE said;

"We know that our residents, businesses and visitors to our borough feel strongly about the Mayor's plan to expand the ULEZ.  

We support improvements to air quality but we do not agree that expanding the ULEZ is the best way to do this, because public transport infrastructure is poor in Bexley and many of our residents are dependent on their cars.

The ULEZ charge will hit many of our residents and businesses hard and it will discourage people from outside London from travelling into our borough.

We are keen to find out more how people will be affected by the Mayor of London’s plans. Please take the time to fill out this short survey and let us know.”

The survey does not ask you to share any identifiable personal information.

Please share the survey link with family and friends, including those who travel into Bexley for work, family or leisure reasons.

The survey will close on 23 June 2023.

Source: Bexley survey

UK Holiday Fraud Report: £15 Million Lost in Last Financial Year

 Here is a summary of the UK holiday fraud report:

• In the last financial year, victims reported losing a total of £15,319,057 to holiday fraudsters.
• The top 10 hotspots for holiday fraud in the UK are London, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Thames Valley, West Yorkshire, Hampshire, Essex, Sussex, Avon and Somerset, and Kent.
• People in their 20s and 40s accounted for 44% of all reports of holiday fraud.
• The most common types of holiday fraud are clone comparison websites, airline websites, and holiday websites.
• Fraudsters often use counterfeit Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) protect numbers on their fake webpages.
• To avoid falling victim to holiday fraud, you should:
  • Do your own research and check the company's reputation before booking.
  • Look for the ABTA logo on the company's website.
  • Pay with a credit card, if possible.
  • Secure your email.
• If you think you've been a victim of holiday fraud, contact your bank and report it to Action Fraud.

Here are some additional tips to help you avoid holiday fraud:

• Only book through reputable travel websites.
• Be wary of any deals that seem too good to be true.
• Don't pay for anything in advance, unless you're absolutely sure the company is legitimate.
• Keep copies of all your travel documents.
• If you have any doubts, contact the company directly.

Source: Action Fraud (23-05-2023)

For further information, visit https://www.caa.co.uk/

For a full list of tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, please visit https://www.atol.org/about-atol/how-to-check-for-protection/ or https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/how-avoid-travel-related-fraud.

If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040, or call Police on 101.

Warning: Scam Emails Purporting to be from Virgin Media and TV Licensing

Scammers are sending fake emails pretending to be from Virgin Media and TV Licensing. These emails are designed to trick people into providing their personal and financial information.

fake emails pretending to be from Virgin Media and TV Licensing

Virgin Media scam emails

The fake Virgin Media emails usually have the subject line "Renew your TV licence scam email" or something similar. The email will state that your TV licence is due to expire and that you need to renew it immediately. The email will include a link that you are supposed to click on to renew your licence.

TV Licensing scam emails

The fake TV Licensing emails usually have the subject line "Virgin media scam email to update mail" or something similar. The email will state that there is a problem with your TV licence and that you need to update your details. The email will include a link that you are supposed to click on to update your details.

How to protect yourself

If you receive an email from Virgin Media or TV Licensing, do not click on any links in the email. Instead, go directly to the Virgin Media or TV Licensing website and log in to your account. If you do not have an account, you can create one.

You can also check the sender's email address. If the email address does not look like it is from Virgin Media or TV Licensing, it is probably a scam.

What to do if you have been scammed

If you have been scammed, you should contact your bank or credit card company immediately. You should also report the scam to Action Fraud.

Here are some tips to help you avoid being scammed:

• Be suspicious of any email that asks for personal or financial information.
• Do not click on links in emails from unknown senders.
• Go directly to the website of the company that is supposedly sending you the email.
• Look for spelling and grammar errors in the email.
• If you are unsure whether an email is legitimate, contact the company directly.

For further information, visit https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2020/10/beware-tv-licence-phishing-email-or.html and https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2021/12/warning-virgin-media-phishing-scam-email.html

Bexley Police warn of bogus callers offering garden work

Bexley Police are warning residents to be on the lookout for bogus callers who are offering to do garden work. The callers, who have been reported to have a red truck and one of them is very overweight, have been targeting older residents with overgrown gardens.

The police are advising residents to:

• Never open the door to anyone they don't know.
• Ask for identification.
• Never feel pressured into accepting an offer of work or service. Politely refuse.
• Never accept any offer to be taken to a bank to withdraw money.

If you think you have been targeted by a bogus caller, you should contact the police immediately.

Here are some additional tips to help you protect yourself from bogus callers:

• Keep your doors and windows locked, even when you're home.
• Install a security system.
• Get to know your neighbours and watch out for each other.
• Be aware of the latest scams and frauds.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from bogus callers.

If you are not already a member of your local neighbourhood watch, we encourage you to join. Neighbourhood watch schemes are a great way to help keep your community safe. You can learn more about them on this blog.

Source: Crayford Community on facebook

The 4 most convincing scams we’ve seen in 2023

Online scammers are continually evolving their tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals. For example, what starts as a fake missing persons appeal on social media can quickly turn into an investment scam once the post goes viral.

It's crucial to stay vigilant and informed about the latest scams to protect yourself and reduce the risk of falling victim. Here are this year's most devious and convincing scams and some tips on how to dodge them.

Fiendish frauds

 

Source: Which? (22 May 2023) 

Beware of doorstep scams

It can be challenging to distinguish between a genuine doorstep seller and a scammer.

Doorstep scammers are people who show up at your front door out of the blue with the intention of either tricking you out of money or gaining access to your home.

It's important to be cautious when dealing with strangers who appear unannounced at your doorstep. Learn about the different types of doorstep scams and how to identify potential scammers.

Dodgy doorstep scams

Source: Which? (24 May 2023)

How to get your money back from a scam

More than four in 10 respondents to a recent Which? survey told us they were not confident that they would know how to get their money back after falling victim to a scam.

While recovering your money can be challenging, our new video outlines the steps you can take to get your money back, depending on the payment type you used.

Remember to stay alert and shield yourself from scams, including being cautious with sharing personal information online.

Recovering your money

 

Source : Which? 

Crime alert: Suspects caught on camera stealing lead from building site

Does anyone recognise these guys?

(click each image to view enlarged)

They were caught on a Ring doorbell allegedly stealing lead from a building site on May 18, 2023 at 6:30 AM on Broom Mead DA6 7NY.

If you recognise these men, please contact the police immediately. Their actions appear to be a crime and they need to be brought to justice.

We kindly request all residents in the area to check their CCTV footage or any other surveillance devices that they may have installed, especially if you live in the vicinity of Broom Mead DA6 7NY. If you have seen them or have any information about this crime, we urge you to come forward and report it to either Bexleyheath Police on 101, or 020 8721 2021. You can also contact them via email at bexleyheath.snt@met.police.uk. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in this matter.

Source: Nextdoor (24 May 2023)

Your Digital Footprint: What It Is and How to Protect It

What is a digital footprint?

A digital footprint is the trail of information you leave behind when you use the internet. It includes everything you do online, such as the websites you visit, the things you search for, the comments you make, and the photos and videos you share.

What are the risks of having a digital footprint?

Your digital footprint can be used by others to learn about you, your interests, and your activities. This information could be used to:

• Target you with advertising
• Scam you
• Discriminate against you
• Harm your reputation

How can you protect your digital footprint?

There are a number of things you can do to protect your digital footprint, including:

• Be careful about what information you share online
• Use strong passwords and security settings
• Be aware of the privacy settings on social media and other websites
• Think before you post
• Review your digital footprint regularly and remove anything you don't want others to see

Top tips for managing your digital footprint

• Think twice before sharing information about yourself, family members or friends that would be better kept private.
• Think before you post. Even if your social media privacy settings are set up correctly, there’s no guarantee that your posts or photos won’t be shared beyond those who you want to see them.
• Be aware that every time you visit a website, your activity is visible to tech companies like website owners, browsers and search engines.
• Read terms and conditions and data privacy policies on websites and apps before providing any personal data or making transactions. What can the providers do with your data, and why would you agree to it? If you’re not comfortable with the information being requested, don’t provide it.
• Check geolocation settings on mobile devices, apps and cameras. If you don’t want anybody to know your whereabouts – or where you’ve been – disable them.
• Never stop enjoying the many excellent benefits of using the internet, but always bear in mind the digital trail you may be leaving, who may be able to access it and how they may be able to use it.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your digital footprint and keep your personal information safe.

Source: GetSafeOnline and their Tread With Care leaflet (pdf)

Beware of the new warning on Mobile fraud: Thieves 'shoulder surfing' victims to steal phones.

Microchipping Pets and the GDPR: What You Need to Know

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). The UK GDPR is the UK's implementation of the GDPR.

Microchipping pets is a way of identifying them in case they get lost. It involves implanting a small chip under the skin of the pet, which contains a unique identification number. This number can be scanned by a vet or animal shelter to identify the pet and its owner.

There are some concerns that microchipping pets may violate the GDPR. This is because the chip contains personal data about the pet, such as its name, breed, and owner's contact information. However, the GDPR does allow for the processing of personal data for certain purposes, such as identification.

In the UK, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued guidance on the use of microchips for pets and the GDPR. The ICO states that microchipping pets is lawful under the GDPR, provided that the following conditions are met:

• The pet owner has given their consent to the microchipping.
• The data collected is limited to what is necessary for the purpose of identification.
• The data is kept securely and only for as long as necessary.
• The data is not transferred outside of the EEA without appropriate safeguards in place.

If you are considering microchipping your pet, it is important to be aware of the GDPR requirements. You should also check with your vet or animal shelter to see if they have any specific policies on microchipping.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• The GDPR does not specifically mention microchipping pets. However, the general principles of the GDPR apply to all processing of personal data, including microchipping.
• The ICO's guidance on microchipping pets is helpful, but it is not legally binding. If you have any concerns about the GDPR, you should seek legal advice.
• It is important to remember that the GDPR is a complex piece of legislation. If you are unsure about how it applies to microchipping pets, you should seek advice from a qualified professional.

Microchip company refuses to tell woman where her lost cat was due to data protection.

https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2022/02/warning-about-unauthorised-pet.html

Stay Safe from Hidden Cameras

Spy cameras are becoming increasingly small and sophisticated, making them more difficult to detect. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of spotting them.

• Look for unusual objects. Spy cameras are often hidden in unusual objects, such as smoke detectors, clocks, pens, and air fresheners. If you see an object that you don't recognise, or that seems out of place, take a closer look.
• Check for small holes or lenses. Spy cameras often have small holes or lenses that can be difficult to see. If you see a small hole or lens in an object, it's possible that it's a hidden camera.
• Use a flashlight. Turning off the lights and using a flashlight can help you to see the infrared light that many spy cameras emit. If you see a red or purple glow coming from an object, it's possible that it's a hidden camera.
• Scan the room with your phone. There are a number of apps available that can help you to detect hidden cameras. These apps use your phone's camera to scan the room for infrared light.

If you find a hidden camera, it's important to take steps to disable it. You can unplug the camera, remove the battery, or cover the lens with tape. You should also report the camera to the authorities.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe from hidden cameras:

• Be aware of your surroundings. If you are in a hotel room, motel room, or other private space, be aware of the possibility that there may be hidden cameras.
• Keep your belongings close to you. If you are carrying a bag or purse, keep it close to your body and don't let it out of your sight.
• Be suspicious of any unknown objects. If you find a small, unusual object in a place where it doesn't belong, be suspicious. Don't hesitate to investigate further.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from the potential dangers of hidden cameras.

How to Protect Yourself from AirTag Stalking

AirTags are small, coin-sized tracking devices that can be attached to belongings to help users track them down if they are lost. However, AirTags have also been used for nefarious purposes, such as stalking and theft.

If you are concerned that you may be being tracked by an AirTag, there are a few things you can do to check:

• Check your iPhone for notifications. If you have an iPhone, you will receive a notification if an AirTag that is not registered to you is detected moving with you.
• Use the Find My app. You can also use the Find My app to scan for unknown AirTags. If an AirTag is found, the app will display the AirTag's serial number and the last time it was seen.
• Look for a small, white dot. AirTags have a small, white dot on the back. If you see a small, white dot on something you own, it is possible that an AirTag is attached to it.

If you find an AirTag that you believe is being used to track you, you can take the following steps:

• Disable the AirTag. You can disable an AirTag by removing the battery.
• Report the AirTag to Apple. You can report an AirTag to Apple by following the instructions here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227
• Report the AirTag to law enforcement. If you believe that you are being stalked or harassed, you should report the incident to law enforcement.

It is important to be aware of the potential for AirTags to be used for nefarious purposes. By taking the steps outlined above, you can help to protect yourself from being tracked by an AirTag.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe from AirTag stalking:

• Be aware of your surroundings. If you are in a public place, be aware of people who may be following you or trying to get close to you.
• Keep your belongings close to you. If you are carrying a bag or purse, keep it close to your body and don't let it out of your sight.
• Be suspicious of any unknown objects. If you find a small, white dot on something you own, or if you receive a notification from your iPhone about an unknown AirTag, be suspicious. Don't hesitate to report the AirTag to Apple or law enforcement.

How to Protect Your Money from Scammers: Tips from Pleasant Green

Pleasant Green is a YouTuber who exposes scammers. He does this by pretending to be a victim of the scam and then leading the scammer on a wild goose chase. In some cases, he has even been able to get the scammers to admit to their crimes. Pleasant Green's videos have helped to raise awareness of scams and have even led to some scammers being arrested.

Here are some of the scams that Pleasant Green has exposed:

• Tech support scams: These scammers call people pretending to be from Microsoft or another tech company. They say that there is a problem with the person's computer and that they need to pay for a fix.
• IRS scams: These scammers call people pretending to be from the IRS. They say that the person owes taxes and that they need to pay immediately or they will be arrested.
• Lottery scams: These scammers send people emails or letters saying that they have won a lottery. They ask the person to send money in order to claim their prize.
• Romance scams: These scammers create fake profiles on dating websites and apps. They pretend to be someone they are not and then build relationships with people in order to get money from them.

Pleasant Green's videos are a valuable resource for people who want to learn more about scams and how to protect themselves. He has helped to save people a lot of money and has even helped to put some scammers behind bars.

Here are some tips for protecting yourself from scams:

• Never give out personal information over the phone or online unless you are sure of the identity of the person you are talking to.
• Be suspicious of any unsolicited emails or letters. If you are not sure if something is a scam, you can always check this blog or the NCSC.
• Never pay for anything with a gift card. Gift cards are difficult to trace and are often used by scammers.
• If you think you have been scammed, you should report it to the authorities. You can also file a complaint with Action Fraud or visit https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/p/reporting.html

Most of his videos are based in US but a useful resource to learn from, and here are some examples:

Fraudsters stole £2,300 a minute from victims in 2022

UK Finance reports that victims lost a total of £1.2bn to scammers last year.

The latest data shows the shocking extent of losses to unauthorised and authorised fraud.

Unauthorised fraud occurs when a scammer carries out transactions without your consent or authorisation – for example, if your bank card is stolen. Authorised fraud, or APP fraud, occurs when you're tricked into sending money to a criminal's account.

It's crucial to be aware of how these scams work and take precautions to protect yourself. Learn more about the different types of fraud and how to spot them.

Source: Which? (11 May 2023)

Is this the UK’s longest-running identity theft?

A man whose driving licence was stolen in 2019 has seen his identity repeatedly used to scam others while he gets the blame from angry victims.

Since the theft, dozens of fraudulent listings for high-value goods have appeared on Facebook Marketplace using his stolen identity. This resulted in victims of those scams directing their anger at him, wrongly 'outing' him online and even turning up in person to confront him.

Learn about the telltale signs of identity theft and the steps you can take to reduce your chances of being targeted.

Source: Which? (17 May 2023)

The return of the Keto diet pills scam

Diet pill scams are doing the rounds again, with scammers continuing to use fake Dragons' Den endorsements to trick unsuspecting victims. 

These emails typically include fake ‘before’ and ‘after’ images of women who have supposedly taken a 'clinically proven' diet pill and link to dodgy websites that encourage you to enter your details to complete an order. 

If you enter your details, you'll be handing them over to scammers. It's important to be vigilant when dealing with online advertisements and offers, especially if they make claims that seem too good to be true. 

Find out how to spot and dodge scam emails and websites.

Source: Which? (16 May 2023)

Outreach Coronation Newsletter and Insight Session open to the public at New Scotland Yard

 

Smart Tags & trackers: A Helpful Guide for Keeping Track of Your Belongings including pets!

Smart tags are small, Bluetooth-enabled devices that can be attached to items you're prone to losing, such as your keys, wallet, or phone. When you lose one of your items, you can use your smartphone to make the smart tag ring, making it easy to find. Smart tags also use a network of other smart tags and smartphones to help you track down your lost items, even if they're out of Bluetooth range.

There are a number of different smart tags on the market, including the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, the Apple AirTag, and the Tile Mate. Each of these smart tags has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to do your research before deciding which one is right for you, including some youtube comparison videos.

Here is a brief review of some of the most popular smart tags:

• Samsung Galaxy SmartTag: The Galaxy SmartTag is a small, round device that's easy to attach to your keys or other belongings. It uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone, and it has a built-in speaker so you can make it ring if you lose it. The Galaxy SmartTag is also water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about it getting wet.
• Apple AirTag: The AirTag is a small, circular device that's similar in size and shape to the Galaxy SmartTag. It uses Bluetooth to connect to your iPhone, and it has a built-in speaker so you can make it ring if you lose it. The AirTag also has a U1 chip, which allows your iPhone to more accurately track the location of the AirTag.
• Tile Mate: The Tile Mate is a small, square device that's similar in size and shape to the Galaxy SmartTag and the AirTag. It uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone, and it has a built-in speaker so you can make it ring if you lose it. The Tile Mate also has a replaceable battery, so you don't have to worry about it running out of power.

Ultimately, the best smart tag for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a small, affordable smart tag that's easy to use, the Tile Mate is a good option. If you're an iPhone user and you want a smart tag with a U1 chip for more accurate tracking, the AirTag is a good choice. And if you're a Samsung user and you want a smart tag that's compatible with your Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy SmartTag is a good option.

Here are some of the pros and cons of smart tags:

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Can help you find lost items
• Can be used to track pets
• Can be used to control smart home devices

Cons:

• Range can be limited
• Battery life can be short
• Can be easily lost themselves
• Not compatible with all smartphones

Overall, smart tags are a great way to help you keep track of your belongings. They're easy to use, affordable, and can help you find lost items quickly and easily. If you're prone to losing your keys, wallet, or phone, a smart tag is a great investment.

https://tractive.com/ [GDPR]

Danson Park Run Event With Police

Police personal safety event at Danson Park on Saturday 3^rd June 2023 from 9:00am.

Pop down for a chat and meet your local violence against women and girls lead.

Danson Park Run Event With Police

[click image to view enlarged]

https://www.facebook.com/bexleyparkrun

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/bexley/

https://twitter.com/bexleyparkrun

map | Events

The Pros and Cons of AirTags and OBD Carlock Devices for Car Theft Prevention

Compared to traditional physical barriers of preventing car theft, both AirTags and OBD carlock devices can help to prevent car theft, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.

AirTags are small, lightweight tracking devices that can be attached to your car's exterior or interior. They use Apple's Find My network to track the location of your car, and they can be used to sound an alarm or send you a notification if your car is moved. AirTags are relatively inexpensive, and they are easy to use. However, they are not as secure as OBD carlock devices, and they can be easily removed from your car.

OBD carlock devices are installed in your car's On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) port. They use your car's existing wiring to prevent it from being started without the device's authorisation. OBD carlock devices are more secure than AirTags, and they are more difficult to remove from your car. However, they are more expensive than AirTags, and they require professional installation.

Ultimately, the best device to prevent car theft depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for an inexpensive and easy-to-use device, then an AirTag may be a good option for you. If you are looking for a more secure device that is difficult to remove from your car, then an OBD carlock device may be a better choice.

Here is a table that summarises the pros and cons of each device:

Device	Pros	Cons
AirTag	Inexpensive, easy to use, can be used to track the location of your car	Not as secure as OBD carlock devices, can be easily removed from your car
OBD carlock device	More secure than AirTag, more difficult to remove from your car	More expensive than AirTag, requires professional installation

CarLock OBD device is a smart car monitoring system that plugs into your car's OBD port and uses GPS, accelerometer, and other sensors to monitor your car's location, movement, and other parameters. It can send alerts to your smartphone if it detects unusual activity, such as unauthorised movement, towing, or impact.

Compared to AirTag, CarLock OBD device provides more comprehensive and real-time monitoring of your car's activity, and it can alert you to potential theft or damage in a timely manner. Additionally, it can track your car's driving performance, fuel efficiency, and maintenance needs, which can be useful for managing your car's health and expenses.

However, CarLock OBD device is a relatively expensive option compared to traditional car locks or basic GPS trackers, and it requires a subscription to access all of its features. Additionally, it may not be compatible with all types of cars, and it can drain your car's battery if left plugged in for an extended period.

Overall, CarLock OBD device can be a good option for those who want comprehensive car monitoring and theft prevention, but it may not be suitable or affordable for everyone.

Urgent Appeal: Black BMW X3 Stolen from Hall Place Area - Please Report to Police if Seen

This is  an urgent appeal regarding a stolen car in the Hall Place area. A black BMW X3, with car registration LV72 UGH, was stolen between 2.30AM and 03.50AM on the 11th of May 2023.

We kindly request all residents in the area to check their CCTV footage or any other surveillance devices that they may have installed, especially if you live in the vicinity of Hall Place. If you have seen this car or have any information regarding its whereabouts, we urge you to come forward and report it to either the owner or Crayford Police on 101, or 020 8721 2584. You can also contact them via email at crayford.snt@met.police.uk. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in this matter.

For further information, Ask the Police.

Source: Nextdoor (11 May 2023)

Government launches fraud crackdown - what you need to know

The Government is taking steps to tackle fraud and protect consumers from scams. This includes a ban on cold calls selling financial products in an attempt to stop scammers from tricking people into buying fake investments over the phone. The government hopes that by banning these cold calls, consumers will feel more confident to hang up and report scammers.

Find out how the government plans to tackle fraud and how it may affect you.

Source: Which? (3 May 2023)

Watch out for fake B&Q product giveaways

Fraudsters are impersonating B&Q in dodgy emails which promise free products in exchange for filling out a survey.

If you click on these emails, you’ll be taken to a recently created website where you’re asked to complete a short survey. You’ll then be asked to fill out a form and pay £2 for postage. At this point, scammers will steal your personal information and bank details.

It’s important to be aware of phishing emails and fraudulent websites designed to trick people into giving away personal and financial details. Learn more about how this scam works and what to do if you encounter a fake email or website.

Source: Which? (10 May 2023)