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
In the first half of 2023, purchase scams rose by 43% year on year, and as we enter the peak shopping period of the year, the numbers are likely to grow further. But the good news is that many scam sites can be avoided if you know what to look for. Here are our seven tips on how to stay safe when shopping online.
Stay safe online
Source: Which? (29 Nov 2023)
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| Cold Blow Crescent Residents Group Xmas Newsletter Click to View in PDF |
The Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association (BBNWA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Peter Faulkner, a staunch advocate for community well-being and a tireless champion of justice. For many years, Peter served as the editor of the online newsletters "Kent Community Magazine" and "London Community Magazine," both of which provided invaluable resources and support to our members.
Peter's unwavering commitment to community safety shone through his relentless efforts to expose fraudsters, inform the public about current scams, and celebrate the contributions of volunteers and voluntary groups like Neighbourhood Watch. His dedication to upholding the law was evident in his coverage of police arrests and the publication of culprits' sentences, ensuring that perpetrators were held accountable for their actions.
Peter was a staunch supporter of numerous Neighbourhood Watches across Kent and London, providing them with invaluable guidance and encouragement. His passion for community empowerment and his unwavering belief in the power of collective action made him a true pillar of strength for countless individuals and organisations.
Peter's passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. His infectious enthusiasm, unwavering dedication, and unwavering commitment to community betterment were an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by the BBNWA, the communities he served, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Peter's son, Scott, and his family during this difficult time. May his legacy of community service and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire us all.
Vehicle crime is a serious problem in the UK. It costs the country billions of pounds each year and can have a devastating impact on victims.
Types of Vehicle Crime
There are many different types of vehicle crime, including:
* Vehicle theft: This is the most common type of vehicle crime. In 2022, there were 130,521 vehicle thefts in England and Wales.
* Theft from vehicles: This is when personal belongings are stolen from a vehicle. In 2022, there were 212,900 thefts from vehicles in England and Wales.
* Criminal damage to vehicles: This is when a vehicle is damaged deliberately. In 2022, there were 407,521 incidents of criminal damage to vehicles in England and Wales.
Impact of Vehicle Crime
Vehicle crime can have a significant impact on victims. It can cause financial hardship, inconvenience, and emotional distress. In some cases, it can also lead to physical injury or even death.
Factors that Contribute to Vehicle Crime
There are a number of factors that contribute to vehicle crime, including:
* Opportunity: Vehicles that are left unlocked or unattended are more likely to be targeted by criminals.
* Location: Vehicles that are parked in areas with high crime rates are more likely to be targeted.
* The type of vehicle: Some types of vehicles are more popular targets for criminals than others. For example, SUVs and vans are more likely to be stolen than cars.
Preventing Vehicle Crime (*also see below)
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent vehicle crime, including:
* Locking your vehicle: This is the simplest and most effective way to prevent vehicle crime.
* Parking your vehicle in a well-lit area: This will make it more difficult for criminals to target your vehicle.
* Removing valuables from your vehicle: If you leave valuables in your vehicle, you are making it an easy target for criminals.
* Using a security device: There are a number of security devices available that can help to deter criminals, such as alarms, immobilizers, and steering wheel locks.
Reporting Vehicle Crime
If you are a victim of vehicle crime, it is important to report it to the police. This will help them to investigate the crime and apprehend the offenders. You can report vehicle crime online, by phone, or in person at a police station.
Conclusion
Vehicle crime is a serious problem, but it can be prevented. By taking simple precautions, you can help to protect your vehicle from harm.
Additional Resources (gdpr)
* Office for National Statistics (ONS): https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice
* Crime Prevention Agency: https://crimepreventionservices.co.uk/
A local borough resident is reaching out to the community for assistance in recovering his beloved a black Range Rover Sport, year 2016, which was stolen from his driveway on Gipsy Road, Bexleyheath on Wednesday, November 22nd, at 22:47 pm. The car's registration number is LV16TYY.
The last known location of his vehicle was on Sydney Road, Bexleyheath, where the tracker was mysteriously removed. This suggests that the perpetrators may have ditched the tracker in this area. However, the tracker's signal still leads to this location, offering a glimmer of hope for its recovery.
Here's a summary of the details:
Residents are urged to check CCTV footage and surveillance devices for information. Contact the owner or West Heath Police at westheath.snt@met.police.uk or on 101 or 020 8721 2885 with any leads.
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| Stolen Range Rover Sport - LV16TYY |
It's Black Friday weekend when shoppers eagerly anticipate the best deals, primarily online. But it's also prime time for fraudsters. Between November 2022 and January 2023, a total of £10.6m was lost to online shopping scams.
If you come across deals that seem too good to be true, think twice before making a purchase. Learn how to dodge scam deals and stay safe while shopping online.
Black Friday scams
Source: Which? (22 Nov 2023)
Vehicle-buying scams are on the rise
Vehicle-buying scams shot up by 74% in the first half of this year, with most of them starting on Facebook. While we know these scams can be difficult to spot, find out how these scams work and which vehicles fraudsters target most.
Fake vehicles for sale
Source: Which? (22 Nov 2023)
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| Stolen Lexus 450RXH Sport - LY18VLA |
Crypto scams are up 23% this year, and victims are losing an average of £10k. Typically, these scams convince people to set up a digital wallet on a legitimate trading platform like Coinbase or Binance, then later they’re tricked into transferring money directly to the fraudster or giving the scammer control of their account.
Read more on investment scams, and see examples of crypto scams to watch out for.
Crypto scams
Source: Which? (10 Nov 2023)
Halifax customers are being targeted by a new scam that sends convincing text messages impersonating the bank, directing recipients to a copycat website.
Never confirm sensitive information, such as login details, via text or links in a message. Learn more about how this scam works so you don’t fall victim to it.
Fake Halifax texts
Source: Which? (14 Nov 2023)
From impersonating your friends to imitating trusted brands, scammers use social media to trick you into sharing your personal information through private messages or by clicking on a suspicious link.
While these scams may seem convincing at first glance, they are not. Stay one step ahead of the scammers by following our six top tips for spotting a social media scam.
Our six tips
Source: Which? (15 Nov 2023)
POST ALERT: Emails from Sky Yahoo Mail asking to click on link marked "Upgrade Now to Newest Version" are a scam!
Sky Yahoo Mail will never send you an email asking you to click on a link to upgrade to the newest version. If you receive an email like this, it is a scam.
Do not click on the link in the email. If you do, you may be taken to a fake Sky Yahoo Mail website that looks like the real one. This website may try to steal your personal information, such as your username, password, and credit card number.
To protect yourself from this scam:
If you think you may have fallen victim to this scam:
Please help spread the word about this scam to protect your friends and family.
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| Beware of Sky Yahoo Mail upgrade scam |
Purchase fraud, where you are deceived into paying for an item or service that doesn't exist, is up by 35%, according to data from TSB. Scammers create fake social media listings and websites that offer fake bargain deals to defraud unsuspecting online shoppers.
Stay vigilant when shopping online ahead of the Black Friday sales. Follow our tips to help you dodge these scams.
Purchase fraud
Source: Which? (8 Nov 2023)
In anticipation of Black Friday, a time when we all hope to find great deals, scammers have been using Facebook to promote fake Currys websites with attractive but unrealistic offers.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. We have examples of these fake websites, so you can avoid falling prey to them.
Dodgy deals
Source: Which? (7 Nov 2023)
Which? helped a scam victim who had been offered a fake Cineworld film reviewer job.
The victim initially received small payments, but was soon persuaded to make payments themselves, including taking a loan out to release their earnings. Santander only reimbursed the victim £919 and a further £900 after Which? intervened, but there’s still a way to go for the victim to recover all the money they lost.
If you have lost money to a scam, seek our expert advice on the appropriate steps to take next.
Get our help
With Christmas rapidly approaching here are a few seasonal tips to help keep you safe at home, shopping, visiting, and after Christmas too:
1. If you need to store Christmas food and drink, presents and other goodies within garages and outbuildings, ensure what you are storing is out of sight and that the building is securely locked with good quality well fitted locks. Treat your shed to a shed alarm.
2. Avoid tempting window shopping burglars; don’t leave presents and valuables on full view in front of a window. Having parcels delivered, may be out, make sure that you make suitable secure delivery arrangements to reduce the risk of theft.
3. Whenever leaving the house always ensure that your windows and doors are closed and locked (remember your face covering). Don’t attract burglars to your home by leaving it in darkness; leave lights on timers, perhaps treat yourself to a TV simulator too.
4. Lock gates to keep unwanted visitors from getting to the rear of your home.
5. When you go to leave the house and find that your car is all iced up, don’t leave it unattended with the engine running to de-ice it. It only takes a second to steal your car and it would invalidate any insurance claim.
6. Park safely; look for a Parkmark accredited car park www.parkmark.co.uk/car-park-finder Check that your car is locked before you leave it and don’t leave valuables and gifts on display in your car.
7. Whether an evening out or Christmas shopping keep your bags, handbags, wallets and mobile safe. Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times.
8. A Christmas get together – make sure that you have considered how you are getting home in advance and avoid using unlicensed taxis. Ensure you drink responsible, social distance and are aware of your surroundings, whilst keeping your drink and belongings safe.
www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/FAQs/Category/personal-safety
9. Watch what you put on social media; check your settings to ensure that you are not broadcasting when you are not at home and the lovely gifts you may have received.
10. After Christmas don’t advertise your nice gifts to the thieves by putting the empty boxes out for collection, disguise them, fold them up inside out or put them inside another non-descript box.
11. Record your new property free on www.immobilise.com install tracking and security apps on relevant electrical and computer products.
12. Have a Great Christmas and New Year!!
For further crime prevention advice contact Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association at bexleynw@outlook.com
What is a wildlife crime?
Report it: If you think a wildlife crime is being committed then contact Bexley Police, lets protect our wildlife and the green spaces we have left.
With thanks to Colin Freeman Brentwood NW Member.
Christmas Safety Tips
Christmas is a time for celebration and joy, but it's also important to be safe. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe at home, while shopping, visiting, and after Christmas:
Home
Shopping
Visiting
After Christmas
Wildlife crime
Wildlife crime is a serious problem, and it's important to be aware of it. If you see a wildlife crime being committed, report it to Bexley Police.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during the Christmas season.
AI-powered chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Bard, can produce well-written text, which could arm cybercriminals with the tools to send convincing phishing messages. Find out whether ChatGPT and Bard are doing enough to protect you from scammers.
AI chatbots scams
Source: Which? (27 Oct 2023)
Fraud victims often face a frustrating and unpredictable process when trying to recover their losses. Some banks reimburse almost every penny, while others barely cover a fraction of the losses.
The regulator has released a ranking of the 14 largest UK banking groups based on the amount of money they refunded to victims in 2022. So, find out where your bank ranks.
Your bank’s ranking
Source: Which? (31 Oct 2023)
Sim swapping, also known as SIM hijacking or SIM splitting, is a sneaky way hackers can steal your money and personal information. Here'...
