Protect Your Pension: Don't Be a Victim of Fraud!

Action Fraud is warning people to be vigilant against pension scams. Here's what you need to know:

• The Threat: Fraudsters stole a staggering £17.7 million from unsuspecting victims in 2023, with an average loss of £46,959 per person.
• Common Scams: Be wary of unsolicited offers like free pension reviews, "too good to be true" investment opportunities, pension transfers, or unlocking your pension before age 55.
• Warning Signs: Scammers often pressure you to make quick decisions, promise high returns, and avoid discussing risks. Cold calls about pensions are illegal and likely a scam.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Don't Rush: Never make decisions about your pension under pressure. Legitimate companies will give you time to consider your options.
• Seek Independent Advice: Talk to a financial advisor authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) before making any changes to your pension.
• Verify Credentials: Always check the FCA register to confirm the advisor's legitimacy.
• Ignore Unsolicited Offers: Hang up on cold calls and delete emails or texts about pensions.
• Beware of Tax Implications: Unauthorised pension payments may incur high tax penalties.

What to Do if Scammed:

• Report It: If you suspect a scam, report it to Action Fraud online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040.
• Contact Your Bank: If you've made a payment, inform your bank immediately to stop further losses.
• Monitor Statements: Regularly check your bank statements for suspicious activity.

Stay Informed:

• Learn more about pensions: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement

By following these steps, you can protect your hard-earned retirement savings and avoid falling victim to pension scams.

Spread the word! Share this post and help others safeguard their financial future.

Source: Action Fraud (10-09-2024)

Stolen BMW 330e: Urgent Appeal

Have you seen this car?

Stolen BMW from The Green, Welling

A BMW 330e with the registration LP66DXX was stolen from our driveway on The Green, Welling at 2:26 AM on September 7th. The theft was captured on our Ring doorbell footage. The perpetrator used a device to intercept and clone the signal from a key fob inside our house, allowing them to open the car and drive away.

We have already reported the incident to the police (reference number 01/812538/24).

We urge residents in the Welling area, particularly those living near The Green, to review any CCTV or surveillance footage they may have. If you have seen this car or have any information regarding its whereabouts, please contact us directly or report it to the police.

Here are the reporting options:

• Falconwood & Welling Police: 101 or 020 8721 2022
• Email: falconwood.welling.snt@met.police.uk
• Crimestoppers: 0800 555 1111 (anonymous)

Please be aware of this type of theft and take steps to secure your vehicles.

Thank you for your assistance.

Source: Nextdoor (September 7, 2024)

Bexley Council Opposes Silvertown Tunnel Charges

Bexley Council has expressed strong opposition to the Mayor of London's plans to introduce charges for drivers using the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels. The council fears that these charges could create a "two-tier City," disproportionately affecting residents in east London.

In a statement, Bexley Council highlighted the need for greater parity with west London, where there are currently no charges for crossing the Thames. The council is calling for a more comprehensive package of concessions and improvements, including:

• Extended resident discounts: The council wants the area of coverage for resident discounts to be expanded to include adjacent boroughs like Bexley.
• Clarity on the duration of charges: The council is seeking more information about how long the charges will be in place.
• Improved public transport: Bexley Council emphasizes the need for enhanced public transport options, especially for cross-river journeys. The council has long advocated for increased investment in transport infrastructure, including an extension of the Elizabeth Line and DLR, as well as improved bus, cycling, and walking routes.

Cllr Richard Diment, Bexley's Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, expressed concerns about the current proposals: "We need more information from TfL and a broader commitment on public transport investment. As things currently stand, it looks like the interests of Bexley’s residents have once again been ignored by TfL."

The council is also requesting additional technical information, such as traffic modelling and details on how the charges and discounts have been calculated. Without this information, Bexley Council maintains that it cannot provide a fully informed response.

For more information on the charging proposals, please visit the TfL website.

Source: LBB (Bexley Bulletin - 6 September 2024)

Is Your Number Up? A Guide to UK Number Plate Laws

Many drivers are unknowingly cruising the roads with illegal number plates. This can lead to hefty fines and even MOT failure. Don't let your car become a ticking fine machine!

This guide will equip you with the knowledge to ensure your number plates are road legal:

Understanding Your Plate:

Number plates, also known as licence plates, display your vehicle's registration number. This format was introduced in 2001 and consists of:

• Two letters indicating the region of registration
• Two numbers showing the year of issue
• Three random letters

Twice-Yearly Updates:

New cars are registered with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) twice a year:

• March 1st to August 31st: receive a "24" plate (e.g., AB24 CDE)
• September 1st to February 28th: receive a "74" plate (e.g., XY74 FGH)

Number Plate Legalities:

The DVLA has strict standards for number plates. Here's what you need to know:

• Materials: Reflective material is mandatory for visibility, with white background for the front plate and yellow for the rear.
• Colours: Only black characters are allowed. No patterns or background designs that obscure the registration.
• Size and Spacing: Specific dimensions are mandated for letters and numbers, along with spacing between characters and groups.
• British Standard: Plates fitted after September 1st, 2021, must display the "BS AU 145e" mark, signifying compliance.

The Cost of Non-Compliance:

Ignoring these rules can be expensive:

• Fines: Up to £1,000 for displaying incorrect plates.
• MOT Failure: Incorrect plates can cause your car to fail its MOT test.

Private Number Plates:

If you have a personalised plate, the DVLA issues a certificate (V750) for legal display. These plates must also adhere to the same regulations as standard plates.

Keeping it Clean:

Dirty number plates are not just unsightly, they can also be illegal.

• Fines: Obscured plates can lead to a £100 on-the-spot fine or up to £1,000 later.
• MOT Failure: Dirty plates can cause MOT failure.

Ghost Plates and Clones:

Beware of illegal practices like using "ghost plates" (infrared reflective, unreadable by cameras) or cloned plates (replicas of existing plates). These are serious offences with hefty fines.

Stay Legal, Stay Safe:

By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you can avoid unnecessary fines, ensure your car passes its MOT, and contribute to safer roads. Keep your number plates clean, legal, and visible – it's a simple step towards responsible driving.

For more information visit Displaying number plates and Private (personalised) number plates. Also visit DVLA new rules regarding number plates.

Empowerment and Safety: A Community Forum on VAWG

Based on the flyer you provided, the VAWG event will take place on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, at 7 PM.

Location: Slade Green and Howbury Community Centre, Chrome Rd, Erith, DA18 2EL

Purpose: This event aims to discuss gender-based safety concerns, provide information and advice, and allow residents to ask questions related to violence against women and girls in the Slade Green area.

Who is invited: Ladies that work or live in Slade Green are welcome to attend.

For more details, you can visit: www.bexley.gov.uk/vawg

[click screenshot to view enlarged]

Source: FB

Avoid this copycat parking scam

A convincing new scam text about an unpaid parking fine is circulating and leads to a copycat government website.

The text from a random number tells you: ‘an unpaid parking fine was found on your vehicle,’ and that you need to ‘pay immediately.’ Check out the new scam and get clued up on how to spot and report it.

How to spot a parking scam

Source: Which? (04 Sep 2024)

Fraud protection to be watered down

A new mandatory scheme to protect fraud victims will launch next month, but a last-minute change to reduce the reimbursement limit on claims from £415,000 to £85,000 has been proposed, which could mean that victims of high-value frauds, such as conveyancing scams, will lose out.

Make sure you understand the new rules and find out what you can do if you think your bank hasn't handled your claim correctly.

See what's changing

Source: Which? (04 Sep 2024)

4 ways to spot a rental scam

As the new academic year begins, large numbers of students looking for accommodation could be at risk from rental scams, Action Fraud warns.

But it's not just younger people who should be vigilant. Anyone who rents through the private sector could also fall victim of this type of scam. Discover the warning signs to avoid.

What to watch out for

Source: Which? (04 Sep 2024)

Bexley Crime stats ward summary Aug 2024

Source: Bexley Watch Viz

Storage container fire - Sidcup 🔥

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire in a storage container on Maidstone Road in Sidcup. 

A steel storage container was destroyed by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries. 

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by mechanical damage to electrical items within the container. 

The Brigade was called at 2220 and the incident was over for firefighters at 2342. Crews from Orpington, Sidcup, Eltham and Bexley fire stations attended the scene.

Source: LFB (24 Aug 2024)

Grass fire - Crayford 🔥

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a grass fire on Maxim Road in Crayford.
A acre of grassland and shrub was damaged by fire. There are no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade was called at 2008 and the fire was under control by 2126. Crews from Plumstead, Bexley and Erith fire stations attended the scene.
Source: LFB (21 Aug 2024)

Be aware of ATM distraction thefts.

Be aware of ATM distraction thefts. Here are a few things to look out for to help keep you and your money safe 👀 :

Be aware of ATM distraction thefts

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Source: Bexley Police (Nextdoor) and (X)

ATM Distraction Theft Prevention Tips

Stay Alert and Aware:

 * Scan your surroundings: Before approaching an ATM, take a quick look around to identify potential threats.

 * Be mindful of distractions: Thieves often use distractions to divert your attention while they steal your card or money.

 * Trust your instincts: If something feels off, don't hesitate to leave the area or cancel your transaction.

Protect Your Card and PIN:

 * Shield your PIN: Always cover your keypad with your hand while entering your PIN.

 * Keep a firm grip: Never let go of your card during the transaction.

 * Destroy old cards: When you get a new card, shred the old one to prevent unauthorised use.

Report Suspicious Activity:

 * Notify the bank: If you suspect an ATM has been tampered with or if you've been a victim of theft, contact your bank immediately.

 * Contact the police: Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

Additional Tips:

 * Avoid using ATMs in isolated areas.

 * Consider using a cash withdrawal app.

 * Check your account regularly for unauthorised transactions.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to ATM distraction thefts and protect your hard-earned money.