R.I.P Ray Hudson: A Dedicated Champion of Our Community

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ray Hudson on 20th January 2024, a man who tirelessly dedicated himself to improving the lives of those around him. Ray's commitment to our community spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on Neighbourhood Watch and countless individuals.

A Pillar of Service:

From 1975 to 2001, Ray served as a Magistrate, upholding justice and fairness. His dedication to education led him to be a School Governor from 1976 to 2014, shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. His passion for community engagement saw him lead the Lesness Residents Association from 1997 to 2016, advocating for residents' needs and improving local living conditions.

Leading the Way in Neighbourhood Watch:

Ray's impact truly unfolded with Bexley-NW. Joining the committee in 1992, he quickly rose to become Vice-Chairman in 1995 and ultimately Chairman from 2004 to 2013. He played a pivotal role in:

• Securing Bexley-NW's registered charity status in 1997.
• Establishing the RINGMASTER telephone warning system in 1998.
• Elevating Neighbourhood Watch's profile, fostering collaboration with the police, council, and local press.
• Expanding NW membership from 350 coordinators covering 14,000 homes in 2008 to 450 coordinators covering 25,000 homes in 2013.

His dedication saw him recognised with numerous awards, including a Long Service Award from Bexley-NW and a London Achievement Award presented by Mayor Boris Johnson.

An Enduring Legacy:

Even after stepping down as Chairman in 2013, Ray remained actively involved, offering guidance and support. His passing leaves a void, but his legacy lives on in the stronger, safer community he helped build. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment and the countless lives he touched.

Ray Hudson receives Award in 2011

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Urgent Appeal: Stolen Car in Bexleyheath - Help Find a White Mercedes E220!

Stolen Car in Bexleyheath

A white Mercedes E220 Class car, registration WG18UFJ, year 2018, was brazenly stolen from a driveway on Martin Rise, DA6 8NB, Bexleyheath on the 23rd of January 2024 at 1:55 am.

The owner is desperately seeking your help in recovering their beloved car. We urge all residents in the Bexleyheath area, especially those living near Martin Rise, to:

• Check your CCTV footage or any other surveillance devices you have installed. Even a brief glimpse of the car or suspicious activity could be crucial.
• Share this post with your neighbours and local community groups. The wider the net, the better chance of finding the car.
• Report any sightings or relevant information immediately. Don't hesitate to contact the owner directly, Bexleyheath Police at bexleyheath.snt@met.police.uk on 101 or 020 8721 2021, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111.

Here are some additional details that might help:

• Make: Mercedes
• Model: E220 Class
• Year: 2018
• Registration number: WG18UFJ
• Colour: White
• Date and time stolen: January 23rd, 2024, at 1:55 am
• Location: Martin Rise, DA6 8NB, Bexleyheath

Remember, no piece of information is too small. Together, we can help reunite the owner with their car and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Please share this post widely and be vigilant!

By working together, we can make a difference!

Source: Nextdoor

Appeal for Stolen Motorbike in Barnehurst, Greater London

URGENT: My motorbike was stolen between 3:30am and 4:00am on Wednesday, January 24th, 2024, from outside my door on Eversley Avenue in Barnehurst, Greater London (DA7 6RG).

The motorbike is a White Yamaha WR, year 2016, and it is very loud, so it's likely someone has heard it being ridden in the area.

Stolen Motorbike in Barnehurst

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Police have been informed (reference number 3901227/24), and I have been searching for the motorbike myself. I believe it was taken towards the dual carriageway and up in the direction of Erith.

My motorbike is my only form of transportation, and I rely on it for work in Maidstone and to care for my three children. I am desperate to get it back, and any information leading to its recovery would be greatly appreciated.

If you have seen or heard my motorbike, or have any camera footage from the area, please contact me on Nextdoor immediately or the police on 101 or Barnehurst Police at barnehurst.snt@met.police.uk or 020 8721 2577.

Please share this appeal with your friends and neighbours in the Barnehurst area. Thank you for your help.

Source: Nextdoor (24 Jan 2024)

Firefighters tackled a house fire on Manor Road in Erith

Half of the ground floor of a two-storey mid-terraced house was damaged by fire. Two adults were rescued from the first floor of the house wearing fire escape hoods by crews wearing breathing apparatus. One adult and two children were also rescued from the first floor via a ladder They were all taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews suffering from smoke inhalation.

Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people. If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier. 

The Brigade was called at 0404 and the fire was extinguished by 0508. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Erith, Bexley, Plumstead fire stations attended the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Source: LFB (23 Jan 2024)

Phishing Scams: Beware of Fake NCA Emails

Since the beginning of December 2023, Action Fraud and the Suspicious Email Reporting System (SERS) have received over 180 reports concerning the impersonation of National Crime Agency (NCA) agents.

The victims describe receiving an email purporting to be from the NCA. The email states that the NCA has evidence that the recipient has accessed and viewed “child pornography” or other “illegal pornographic content”.

The emails demand that the recipient make contact within a specified deadline. If they do not, the email claims that a warrant will be issued for their arrest and that the recipient’s details will be added to the sex offenders register, quoting legislation in an effort to make the threat sound legitimate.

It is assessed that the intention of the email is to prompt the victim into initiating communication with the suspects so that personal information can be disclosed to be used for blackmail or to commit fraud. Unlike other emails which impersonate law enforcement, there is no up-front demand for money however, where victims have engaged with the suspects, they have demanded money at a later stage.

The use of such threatening language creates a significant and emotional impact upon the recipient. The time pressure that is applied encourages victims to panic and act without thinking, unknowingly exposing themselves to compromise and blackmail.

What you need to do

• The NCA will not send unsolicited correspondence requesting money or bank details. If you have doubts about the authenticity of a message received from the NCA, please call 0370 496 7622.
• Remember, your bank (or any other official source) will not ask you to supply personal information over email.
• If you think an email is suspicious, you can report it by forwarding the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk.

Every report counts

• If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to us at online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Source: Action Fraud (05-01-2024)

Attention East Wickham Ward! Hit by Morning Burglary Spree - Game Consoles, Car Stolen

Summary:

• Date/Time: Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 5:30 AM
• Location: Montrose Avenue, East Wickham Ward
• Incident: Attempted burglary and theft via back garden fence
• Suspect: Unknown male
• Stolen: Game consoles and car (from another property)
• Actions Taken: CCTV footage captured (see below), police notified online and visited the scene from the first incident (CAD 1763/21Jan24) and saw the footage, providing a link to upload it to them.

Details:

• CCTV footage shows a male suspect moving to another property via the back garden fence at 5:30 AM on January 21st.
• The police have been notified and have already visited the scene.
• Further reports indicate that the suspect may have broken into another property and stolen game consoles and a car.

Here are some helpful resources:

• Bexley Watch Contact Information: https://www.bexleywatch.org.uk/index.php 07496 385471
• East Wickham Ward Metropolitan Police: 020 8721 2025
• Neighbourhood Watch Scheme https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/p/more-about-bbnwa.html

By staying informed, proactive, and supportive of each other, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

For further useful information visit https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/p/reporting.html and https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/p/bexley-snt-list.html

Similar modus operandi in another ward at https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2024/01/attention-st-marys-st-james-ward.html

Another resident reported and forwarded the following footage to assist the police:

Attention St. Mary's & St. James Ward! Suspicious Activity and Car Break-In Reminder

Be proactive and stay safe! Early this morning, a male individual was spotted on Ring video devices peering into driveways and cars using his phone flashlight. While the reason for this behaviour remains unclear, it's crucial to be vigilant and take preventative measures.

Preventative Steps:

• Clear your car of valuables: Don't leave anything tempting in sight, even empty bags or jackets.
• Double-check security: Lock doors, windows, gates, and sheds. Consider additional physical security for your car.
• Report suspicious activity: If you see anything out of the ordinary, even seemingly harmless, inform the police and your neighbours.

Important Reminder:

While this situation may cause concern, let's avoid spreading unnecessary anxiety. Trust that authorities are investigating and work together as a community to stay safe.

Here are some helpful resources:

• Bexley Watch Contact Information: https://www.bexleywatch.org.uk/index.php 07496 385471
• St Mary's & St James Ward Metropolitan Police: 020 8721 2816
• Neighbourhood Watch Scheme https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/p/more-about-bbnwa.html

By staying informed, proactive, and supportive of each other, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

For further useful information visit https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/p/reporting.html and https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/p/bexley-snt-list.html

£75m a year is lost to investment fraud on social media

Over the past three years, there has been a significant increase in investment scams on social media. According to Action Fraud's data, investment scams related to social media have tripled since 2019, with total losses rising from £13m to £75m.

Which? reveal the total losses and reports of investment scams across various social media platforms, along with our five tips for dodging them.

Our five tips

Source: Which? (11 Jan 2024)

Fake driving licence ads on Facebook and Instagram

Which? discovered multiple dodgy adverts claiming to sell UK driving licences on Facebook and Instagram. One ad promises to provide one for £600 within a few days, without requiring any theory or practical tests.

Although some ads claim that they comply with the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), official UK driving licences can only be obtained after passing a theory test taken at an official Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) test centre, and a practical driving test conducted by instructors accredited by the DVSA.

Which? have examples of these misleading ads so that you can avoid them.

Dodgy ads

Source: Which? (17 Jan 2024)

eSIM for Travel: A Guide and Top Tips

Travelling abroad can be an exciting adventure, but staying connected can sometimes be a hassle. Enter the eSIM, a virtual SIM card that's embedded in your phone and lets you download local data plans on the go, ditching the need for physical cards and avoiding expensive roaming charges.

Why Use an eSIM for Travel?

• Convenience: No more hunting for SIM cards at airports or dealing with tiny trays. Simply purchase and activate your eSIM online before you leave, or scan a QR code upon arrival.
• Flexibility: Switch between local plans easily as you travel through different countries, choosing the best deals for each destination.
• Cost-effective: Avoid exorbitant roaming charges and get local rates for data, calls, and texts.
• Multiple Devices: Share your eSIM data plan with other compatible devices like tablets or laptops.
• Environmentally Friendly: No more plastic SIM card waste!

Top Tips for Using eSIM When Traveling:

1. Know Your Device: Check if your phone supports eSIM technology. iPhones XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and most Samsung Galaxy flagships are compatible.
2. Purchase Before You Go: Research and buy eSIM plans online from reputable providers like Airalo, WorldSIM, Holafly, Maya or Nomad. Choose a plan that suits your data needs and travel duration.
3. Activate on Arrival: Download and activate your eSIM as soon as you land. This usually involves scanning a QR code or following on-screen instructions.
4. Regional vs. Country Plans: Consider regional plans if visiting multiple countries in the same region, or individual country plans for longer stays in specific destinations.
5. Mind Your Data Usage: Download offline maps, use Wi-Fi whenever possible, and limit streaming or video calls to avoid exceeding your data allowance.
6. Download Emergency Contact Info: Save important contact information like your embassy's number or local emergency services before you lose connectivity.
7. Pack a Portable Charger: Staying connected can drain your battery, so a portable charger is a travel essential.
8. Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing a few key phrases in the local language can be helpful if you need assistance with your eSIM.
9. Research Local Scams: Be aware of potential scams targeting tourists, especially regarding phone plans and internet usage.
10. Enjoy the Journey!: Don't get bogged down by connectivity issues. Relax, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create lasting memories.

Bonus Tip: Download travel apps that work offline, like Google Maps, Tripadvisor, and currency converters.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your eSIM and stay connected seamlessly throughout your travels, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Happy and safe travels!

Mobile eSIMs explained by Which? (13 Jun 2023)

UK Crime Prevention Tips: Stay Safe While Shopping & Walking

Be mindful in crowded areas:

• Keep valuables secure: Use zipped pockets, avoid back pockets, and keep phones concealed.
• Stay aware: Look around, avoid distractions like headphones, and be wary of anyone watching your PIN at ATMs.
• Protect your belongings: Don't leave bags unattended, use seat hooks if available, and keep shopping close.
• Beware of distractions: Pickpockets may bump or talk to you to create an opportunity.

Extra vigilance on the go:

• Watch for snatchers: Be aware of thieves on e-scooters, mopeds, or bicycles targeting phones and valuables.
• Walk smart: Face traffic to spot potential threats approaching, and avoid using phones in unsafe areas.

Remember:

• Be discreet about expensive purchases.
• Consider alternatives to carrying large amounts of cash.
• If pickpocketed, shout for help and report it.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime while shopping or walking in the UK. Stay safe and enjoy your time!