Bexley Crime stats ward summary May 2026

 

Source: Bexley Watch Viz

Drugs stop - MetEngage Northumberland Heath

Last week , your local officers were conducting targeted patrols around Londonderry Parade , Stelling Road due to recent raised concerns of youths congregating and smoking drugs. Officers managed to block in a group of youths and they were all searched , these were positive stops with warnings given to each individual about coming back to the block.

The youths are getting access to the block due to to the broken doors of the block , we have had this raised as a matter of urgency to Orbit who have assured us they will be fixed asap.

Your local officers will continue to conduct targeted patrols and stop searches within the area.

Source:  https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/450485/Drugs-stop

Community Safety and Inclusivity: The Slade Green Engagement Forum

We are pleased to invite all residents and frequent visitors of Slade Green to a vital local event focusing on Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG). This forum is a unique opportunity to directly engage with the Bexley Community Safety Partnership (BCSP), local police, and council services, with a specific focus on Slade Green.

The goal of the engagement forum is twofold: to provide clear, essential information on ongoing work and support services in the area, and to create a safe space for you to voice your concerns and ask questions directly.

By attending, you can:

• Discuss concerns: Share any local issues or specific safety worries related to gender-based safety.

• Learn about progress: Get up-to-date information on the initiatives that the BCSP and local services are undertaking to keep Bexley and Slade Green safe.

• Obtain advice: Access support and advice from experts present at the forum.

• Ensure inclusivity: This is a family-friendly event, and children are welcome.

We have a shared responsibility for community safety. Your voice is essential in shaping the solutions that make Slade Green a safer place for everyone.

For more information and resources on VAWG in Bexley, please visit: www.bexley.gov.uk/vawg

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 11th June 2026 Time: 12:30pm – 2:30pm Location: Orchard House Orbit Hub, Slade Green DA8 3PY

Community Event: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls in Slade Green

 

Water Safety at Five Arches Bridge, Foots Cray Meadows - MetEngage St Marys and St James

Police are reminding members of the public to take extra care around the water near Five Arches Bridge in Foots Cray Meadows, particularly as warmer weather approaches and more people visit the area.

While the location is a popular beauty spot, the river can present hidden dangers, including:

Sudden changes in water depth

Slippery banks and structures

Cold water shock, even during warm weather

We are urging everyone to:

Avoid entering the water, especially jumping from bridges or raised areas

Keep a close eye on children and ensure they are supervised at all times

Stay well back from the edge where surfaces may be unstable or slippery

In an emergency:

Call 999 immediately and ask for the appropriate emergency service

Your safety and the safety of others is our priority. Please enjoy the area responsibly and help us prevent avoidable accidents.

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/449888/Water-Safety-at-Five-Arches-Bridge-Foots-Cray-Meadows 

Theft of Motor Vehicle on Martens Avenue - MetEngage Bexleyheath

Good morning Resident,

On Sunday 31st May at approximately 22:50hrs a silver Volvo XC90 was stolen on Martens Avenue. 

As you live within the location of this theft, I am reaching out to see if anyone had seen or heard anything at this time. If you have any CCTV, it would be greatly appreciated if you could review at the time stated above to see if anything has been captured. Please reply to this message if you have any information. 

Please be assured that officers will be patrolling the area in an attempt to detect and deter crime.

If you have a vehicle yourself, please be aware of this theft and follow the below link for information on how to protect yourself from motor vehicle crime

 Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | Metropolitan Police

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/450004/Theft-of-Motor-Vehicle-on-Martens-Avenue 

Can you spot a deepfake video?

Deepfake videos are created using AI technology. These videos can appear ultra-realistic, making it seem like someone is saying or doing something they did not.

Fraudsters use deepfakes to create scam adverts online, mostly on social media sites. Take a look at some recent examples, including a fake Boots advert, and get tips from our scams expert Tali Ramsey, on how she spots deepfakes

Source: Which? (27 May 2026)

This month's trending scams

Our team of fraud experts is dedicated to keeping you in the loop about scams that are targeting people across the UK.

The latest tactics to watch out for include scam banking texts, an email about free wi-fi boosters, and messages claiming to be from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Check out the full list so you can stay in the know. 

Source: Which? (26 May 2026) 

Fraudsters posing as fake customer service agents

Scam victims and others seeking help on social media should beware of fraudsters posing as customer service agents. We found dodgy profiles lurking on a Facebook support group for Booking.com customers, attempting to get customers to contact them for help.

We reveal how these scams work and how you can spot and report them

Source: Which? (22 May 2026) 

Local Priorities Dangerous driving / speeding Message - MetEngage East Wickham

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding dangerous driving and speeding, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Speed Enforcement Operation – East Wickham Ward
On 26/05/2026 , the team conducted a speed enforcement operation within East Wickham Ward. The operation focused on monitoring vehicle speeds and improving road safety in the area.
During the deployment:
A number of vehicles were checked for compliance with speed limits.
Community reassurance patrols were also carried out to address local concerns regarding speeding traffic.

The operation aimed to deter speeding, reduce the risk of collisions, and improve safety for residents and road users. Overall, the activity contributed to increased visibility of policing presence within the ward.

If someone is driving a motor vehicle, they should always be doing so in a safe and considerate manner. Even momentary lapses in judgement can have life changing or devastating consequences for those in the vehicle or innocent bystanders. 

Activities such as street racing, cruising or performing tricks can count as anti-social behaviour. If you are concerned about this in your area, visit our website for the latest guidance and how you can report this. You can also report dangerous driving in your area. 

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/448030/Local-Priorities-Dangerous-driving--speeding-Message 

Which apps have access to your data?

If you click 'Continue with Google' or 'Sign in with Apple' as a speedy way to login to your online accounts, you might be surprised by how many apps have access to your data.

Should one of these services suffer a data breach, any personal information it holds about you could be leaked, leaving you more exposed to scams. Here's how to check which apps have access to your Google or Apple accounts and how to remove the ones you don't want.

If you'd benefit from 1-to-1 support with your tech or online security, you can join Which? Tech Support and chat to our friendly experts on the phone or by email, as often as you need. Find out more about the support on offer and get 25% off a Tech annual membership for the first year. Offer ends 8 June

Source: Which? (19 May 2026) 

What not to click from Which?

Lisa Barber is the editor of Which? Tech magazine and has worked in consumer tech journalism for more than 20 years. Her experience has taught her that staying safe online comes down to spotting the red flags before it's too late.

She reveals the links, messages and websites she'd never click on to avoid falling victim to an online scam, from fake delivery texts to dangerous QR codes

Source: Which? (20 May 2026)

How to avoid a bogus boutique

Watch out for dodgy retailers using slick websites to sell sub-par clothing, shoes and accessories. As just one example, our investigators ordered what was advertised as a knitted cardigan, which turned out to be a polyester top printed with a knitted pattern.

We reveal how these dodgy shops operate and how to avoid getting conned.

Source: Which? (20 May 2026) 

Local Priorities Drug dealing/ drug use Message - MetEngage Longlands

I wanted to provide an update regarding drug dealing / drug use, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Dear Longlands Residents,

Members of the ward have emailed and raised concerns with young teenagers/adults in cars parking up and doing drugs before and after college.

We have this morning with the help of SIDCUP combatted this ASB problem.

One car found and dealt with!

Driver fined 90 pounds for possession of cannabis
TWO ASB warnings issued for being apart of the problem.
All subjects where dealt with by another mean also, which should stop that problem in its tracks.

If you have any issues similar to this give us a message on met engage and or contact our ward email SNTRY-.Longlands@met.police.uk.

PC ALEX FRANCIS 1565SE Dedicated ward officer

We are committed to tackling drug dealing wherever we find it. We will keep you updated on our efforts to do this in your area, but if you have any concerns or evidence, it is important you report this as soon as possible.  

 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/439836/Local-Priorities-Drug-dealing-drug-use-Message 

 

Free scam-checking tools

Scams evolve and often become more sophisticated over time, but so do the tactics for detecting them. Whether it's a suspicious phone call or a potentially AI-generated image online, there are tools that can help you spot a con.

We asked our Which? Scam Action and Alerts Facebook community to tell us their favourite tools for spotting scams. 

Source: Which? (07 May 2026) 

Bank impersonation scams: how to stay safe

We spoke to someone who, after receiving a genuine call from their bank about a fraudulent payment on their account, was later called by a scammer attempting to con them again by impersonating their bank.

This scam relied on the genuine call to prime the victim to trust the fake one. If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank, the safest thing to do is hang up and dial 159, which will connect you with your bank. Find out what else our fraud expert, Faye Lipson, recommends you do if this happens to you. 

Source: Which? (04 May 2026) 

Our latest scam warnings

Our team of fraud experts is always on the lookout for scams targeting people across the UK.

Recent tactics to be aware of include a TV licence scam email, dodgy car finance texts and fake messages from Apple. Check out the full list, based on reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and scam sharer tool. 

Source: Which? (05 May 2026) 

Bexley Crime stats ward summary Apr 2026

 

Source: Bexley Watch Viz

Sim-swap fraud warning

Sim-swap fraud is when a scammer steals your phone number by tricking your network provider into transferring it to a Sim card they own. The scammer then attempts to hack into your accounts using one-time passwords sent via text.

Recent cases point to weak email security opening the door to fraudsters, but are mobile networks doing enough to protect customers? Find out what's really happening and what you can do to protect yourself against this nasty scam. 

Source: Which? (30 Apr 2026) 

5 scam calls and texts to watch out for

You're much more likely to answer a call or text that comes from a familiar contact, but criminals can use software to change the number displayed on your phone – they can even mimic your bank's phone number.

This is known as number spoofing, and despite efforts by the government and mobile networks to stop it, fraudsters continue to exploit loopholes to carry out their schemes. We reveal the latest tactics and give you four ways to avoid number-spoofing scams

Source: Which? (29 Apr 2026) 

The rise of fake days out on social media

We're warning social media users about a growing trend for fake days out. From Buckingham Palace markets to hot air balloon festivals, scammers are using AI images and videos to lure visitors to attractions that don’t exist.

Our travel experts have investigated – they explain how to identify fake or AI-generated social media posts, plus tips to buy event tickets safely. 

Source: Which? (30 Apr 2026) 

Local Priorities Anti Social Behaviour Message - MetEngage Falconwood and Welling

Please review the following update regarding Anti Social Behaviour which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Officers from your team will be proactively patrolling the Ward on foot and in vehicles concentrating on area affected by Anti Social Behaviour including Danson Park and the surrounding areas. Please approach us if you have any concerns.

Antisocial behaviour can come in many forms and can require support from more organisations than just the police. There are 13 different types of antisocial behaviour that we may be able to help with, including abandoned vehicles, littering or drugs paraphernalia and street drinking. A full list of what we categorise as antisocial behaviour is available on our website.  

 

If you have witnessed or experienced antisocial behaviour, you can report it online.

 

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. 

 

Get Involved

 

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.

 

Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to 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

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/435994/Local-Priorities-Anti-Social-Behaviour-Message

Beware the "AI PDF Assistant": The Remote Access Scam Catching Out Thousands

You may have seen it featured on BBC's Rip Off Britain: a chilling new wave of cybercrime targeting UK residents through what looks like a helpful browser tool. Fraudsters are now using the hype around Artificial Intelligence to trick people into installing malicious software that grants criminals complete control over their computers.

Here is everything you need to know to stay safe.

How the Scam Works

The "AiFrame" campaign is a sophisticated operation that has already claimed over 300,000 victims. It doesn't start with a shady email, but often with a simple search for productivity tools.

1. The Hook: You find a browser extension (usually for Chrome) that promises to be an "AI PDF Reader," "AI Sidebar," or "Gemini/ChatGPT Assistant".
   
2. The Installation: Once installed, the extension looks and acts like a real AI. It might even give you plausible answers to your questions by "proxying" a real AI service in the background.
   
3. The Hidden Payload: While you think you're just summarising a document, the extension is actually a remote access broker. It uses hidden code (iframes) to connect your browser to a server controlled by hackers.
   
4. The Theft: The scammers can now "scrape" everything you do. This includes:
   
• Reading your private emails and drafts in Gmail.
  
• Capturing passwords as you type them.
  
• Stealing API keys or session tokens to bypass two-factor authentication.
  

Why It Is So Convincing

Unlike the clunky scams of the past, these "AI assistants" are incredibly polished.

• Official Stores: Many of these were found on the official Chrome Web Store, some even sporting "Featured" badges from Google, which gives users a false sense of security.
  
• Brand Hijacking: They often use names like "Gemini AI" or "ChatGPT" to piggyback on the trust you have in major tech companies.
  
• Professional Logic: The extensions use "Readability" libraries—the same tech used by legitimate "Reader Mode" apps—to scan your pages, making their activity look like normal browser behaviour to most security software.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Fake AI Tool

As highlighted on Rip Off Britain, you should be on high alert if an add-on:

• Requests "Read and change all your data on all websites". While some legitimate tools need this, it is a massive red flag for a simple PDF reader.
  
• Comes from an unknown developer. Always click the developer name in the Web Store. If they have no website or a very generic-looking one (like "tapnetic[.]pro"), steer clear.
  
• Is pushed via unsolicited ads. Be wary of "sponsored" links at the top of search results or adverts on social media promising "free" pro-level AI features.
  

What to Do if You’ve Been Ripped Off

If you have installed one of these extensions, or something similar, take these steps immediately:

1. Remove the Extension: Go to your browser settings and delete any AI-related add-ons you don't 100% recognise.
2. Change Your Passwords: Because these tools can "scrape" your screen, consider all passwords entered while the extension was active to be compromised.
3. Check Your "Sent" Folder: Scammers often use your Gmail to send "Hi Mum/Dad" or recruitment scams to your contacts.
4. Report It: In the UK, you should report the incident to Action Fraud (the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime) and JobsAware if it involved a fake job offer
   

The Bottom Line: If a new AI tool feels "too good to be true" or asks for deep access to your browser, it probably is. Stick to well-known, verified applications from major developers.

Beware the "AI PDF" SCAM

[click image to view enlarged]

Protect Your Inbox: A Quick Guide to Spotting Phishing Scams

Cybersecurity is a team effort. If you’ve recently spotted a suspicious email in your inbox, you aren’t alone. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using convincing branding and urgent language to trick people into handing over personal details or financial information.

Here is what you need to know to stay safe and how to help the authorities fight back.

---

How to Spot a Phishing Attempt

Phishing emails often masquerade as legitimate organisations like HMRC, Royal Mail, your bank, or even popular streaming services. Look out for these common red flags:

• The "Urgent" Tone: Emails that threaten to close your account or fine you if you do not act immediately.

• Suspicious Sender Addresses: Check the actual email address, not just the "Friendly Name". If it’s a string of random characters or a personal account (like @hotmail.com or @gmail.com) claiming to be an official service, it’s a scam.

• Generic Greetings: Phrases like "Dear Customer" instead of your actual name.

• Dodgy Links: Hover your mouse over any links (without clicking!) to see the actual web address they lead to.

What to Do if You Receive One

1. Do Not Click: Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments, as these can install malware or lead to fraudulent websites.

2. Report It: Forward any suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. This goes to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which can take down malicious sites.

3. Delete and Block: Once reported, delete the email from your inbox and your "Deleted Items" folder.

Better Safe Than Sorry

If you are ever unsure, the safest route is to log in directly through an official app or website by typing the address into your browser yourself. Never use the links provided in a suspicious message.

---

Received a suspicious text? You can also report "smishing" by forwarding the message to 7726 (which spells 'SPAM' on most keypads). It is free of charge and alerts your mobile provider.

Phishing Email Scam

Phishing Email Scam

Phishing Email Scam

Phishing scam guide

[click the images above to view enlarged]

The AnyDesk Trap: Lessons from BBC’s Scam Interceptors

If you’ve been watching the latest series of Scam Interceptors on BBC One, you’ll know the feeling of shouting at the telly. Watching the team, led by Rav Wilding and ethical hacker Jim Browning, race to stop a remote-access theft in progress is gripping, but it’s also a sobering reminder of how easily "standard" tech is being weaponised.

The most common tool in the scammer's arsenal? AnyDesk.

What is the "AnyDesk Scam"?

AnyDesk is a legitimate piece of software used by IT professionals to help people with computer problems remotely. However, scammers use it as a digital skeleton key.

In Series 4 and 5 of Scam Interceptors, we see this play out repeatedly. A victim receives a call—often claiming to be from "Sky Technical Support," "Amazon," or "BT"—warning of a security breach. They are told to download AnyDesk to "fix" the issue. The moment the victim hands over their unique ID code and clicks "Accept," the scammer has total control of their device.

Why it’s so Effective (and Dangerous)

It’s easy to think we’d never fall for it, but these episodes show just how sophisticated the manipulation is. In Series 4, Episode 9, we watched in horror as a scammer used a remote connection to take photos of a man’s credit cards. In Series 5, Episode 1, the interceptors showed how scammers black out the victim's screen so they can’t see the money being moved out of their bank account in real-time.

The "AnyDesk" red flags include:

• The "Black Screen": If your screen goes dark and they claim "it's just an update," they are actually hiding their movements.

• Banking "Verification": They will ask you to log into your bank while they are connected. Never do this.

• The Sense of Urgency: They will tell you your money is at immediate risk to stop you from thinking clearly.

How to Stay Safe

The best way to fight back is to spread the word. If you have friends or family who aren't tech-savvy, share these three golden rules:

1. Zero Remote Access: No legitimate bank or utility company will ever cold-call you and ask to "remote in" to your computer.

2. The "Ten-Minute" Rule: If a caller pressures you, hang up. Wait ten minutes for the line to clear, then call the company back using a trusted number from an official statement or the back of your bank card.

3. The AnyDesk ID is a Key: Treat your AnyDesk ID like your house keys. You wouldn't give them to a stranger on the street; don't give them to a voice on the phone.

Take Action

If you want to help "highlight" this beyond just talking about it:

• Report IDs: If you receive a scam call, report the AnyDesk ID directly to AnyDesk’s Abuse Channel to get their access revoked.

• Community Groups: Post warnings on Nextdoor or local Facebook groups. Scammers often target specific UK regions in "waves," so a local heads-up can save a neighbour’s life savings.

• Watch and Learn: Encourage others to watch Scam Interceptors (specifically Series 4, Episode 3). Seeing the scam in action is often the best deterrent.

Scam Interceptors does a brilliant job of showing the reality of these crimes, but the best "interception" starts at home. By staying informed, we can make sure these scammers find a dial tone instead of a victim.

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00164f1/episodes/guide
• https://anydesk.com/en/abuse-prevention

Beware the "AnyDesk" scam

[click The AnyDesk Trap image to view enlarged]

Grass fire - Sidcup 🔥

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a grass fire near Riverside Road in Sidcup.

An acre of shrub and grassland was destroyed by the fire. There are no reports of any injuries.

Control Officers took the first of four calls at 1659 and mobilised crews from Eltham, Bexley, Lee Green and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 1859.

Source: LFB (22/04.2026)

Unexpected password reset emails: have you been hacked?

If you receive a password reset email for your social media, online banking, email or shopping account that you didn’t request, it could be a sign that someone is trying to access your account without your permission.

These emails aren't always a sign that you've been hacked, but it's important to know how to respond. Our tech expert, Tom Morgan, explains how to tell if the email is genuine, and what steps you should take next if you didn’t make the password reset request yourself. 

Source: Which? ( 22 Apr 2026)

How to get rid of a computer virus

Viruses are a persistent problem. A single mistake, such as clicking on a dodgy link or opening an unknown file, is all it takes for your computer to become infected.

Once a virus is on your system, it can steal personal data or even lock your files entirely. Fortunately, there are some simple steps to remove it. Plus, we've got some top-notch antivirus recommendations to prevent it from happening again.

To see our Best Buy antivirus software and to get 1-to-1 help with your tech, you can join Which? Tech Support and chat to our friendly experts on the phone or by email, as often as you need. Find out more about the support on offer

Source: Which? (22 Apr 2026)

A convincing recovery scam

'Recovery fraud' is when you've lost money in a previous scam and then scammers contact you claiming they can help get the money back. This is almost always not true – it's just another attempt to steal from you again.

We've recently seen an example of this where fraudsters are impersonating Coinbase, a cryptocurrency company, and sending out dodgy emails claiming to recover funds lost to an 'unauthorised transaction'. See how this scam works and what to do if you're targeted.

Source: Which? (22 Apr 2026) 

Stephen Lawrence Day - MetEngage Longlands

Today, 22 April, marks Stephen Lawrence Day. This year’s theme, ‘Every Future Needs a Foundation’, highlights the importance of giving young people the skills and support they need to reach their full potential.

Since Stephen’s tragic murder in 1993, far too many more lives have been lost to violence, leaving lasting impacts on families and communities. On the anniversary of Stephen’s death, we pause to reflect and honour all those lives lost to violence and consider how we, as a partnership and as individuals, can stand up to racism and hate, and work towards a safer, more inclusive future for all. 💚

Hate and knife crime don’t just affect the victim — they impact families, friends, and entire communities. We are committed to working together to keep Bexley safe. We will not tolerate hate crime or knife crime. 

Report incidents:
👉www.met.police.uk or call 101
👤 Anonymous reporting: www.crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111
🚨 In an emergency, always call 999

Support is available for victims, witnesses, and families:
🤝 London Victim and Witness Service: 0808 168 9291
🌐 Services via www.bexley.gov.uk/hate-crime

 

Find out more: www.stephenlawrenceday.org

#StephenLawrenceDay #KeepingBexleySafe #EveryFutureNeedsAFoundation

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/429652/Stephen-Lawrence-Day 

Stalking awareness week - MetEngage Bexleyheath

📢This week is Stalking Awareness Week, a period to highlight the impact stalking has on victims and to strengthen our collective understanding of how to recognise and respond to it.

Stalking is not about isolated incidents — it’s a pattern of unwanted, fixated, and obsessive behaviour that causes fear or distress. It can include repeated messages, unwanted gifts, monitoring someone’s movements, showing up uninvited, or using technology to track or harass.

This week, we will be raising awareness of Stalking and support. Join us!

👉 Bexleyheath Shopping Centre (outside the Entertainer), Monday 20 April, at 2pm. Come talk with us, get safety information and resources.

 

👉 Suzy Lamplugh Trust will also be holding a virtual conference titled ‘Fatal Fixation: Understanding the Link between Stalking and Homicide’ on Tuesday 21 April, 10am – 1pm. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fatal-fixation-understanding-the-link-between-stalking-and-homicide-registration-1984759321559?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

Victims often describe feeling constantly watched, controlled, or unsafe. Many minimise their experiences or worry they won’t be believed. That’s why awareness matters.

This week, we encourage everyone to:

📝Learn the signs of stalking and understand that it is a criminal offence

👂Listen and take concerns seriously

💡 Know where to signpost for support

❌Challenge myths that minimise or excuse stalking behaviour

Together, we can help create an environment where victims feel believed, supported, and safe to seek help. 💚

#KeepingBexleySafe #StalkingAwarenessWeek

www.bexley.gov.uk/vawg

 

Stalking is a crime. You are not overreacting. If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour, help is available. 💚

This #StalkingAwarenessWeek, make a commitment to raising awareness and educating yourself on what to do if you or someone you know thinks they are being stalked. 

For more information, visit www.bexley.gov.uk/vawg 

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/429648/Stalking-awareness-week 

Dispersal Zone put in place in Sidcup - MetEngage Sidcup

Good afternoon,

Due to ongoing incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) along Sidcup High Street over the past few evenings, a Dispersal Zone has been authorised by Inspector Evans under Section 35 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

This power allows officers to take swift and effective action to prevent further ASB.

Powers under Section 35

Under this authority, officers may:

Direct any individual who is contributing to, or is likely to contribute to, anti-social behaviour to leave the specified area

Require individuals to leave immediately and not return for up to 48 hours

Require the surrender of items that may be used or are likely to be used to cause ASB

Use reasonable force if necessary to enforce a direction

Arrest without warrant anyone who fails to comply with a direction given under Section 35

These powers should be used where necessary and proportionate to prevent further anti-social behaviour.

Officers attending Sidcup High Street during this period are encouraged to make use of this power where appropriate. If ongoing ASB is observed, please contact the police on 101 to report it so that we can respond accordingly.

📅 Duration of the Dispersal Zone

From: 1700 hrs on 17 April 2026

To: 1700 hrs on 19 April 2026

📍 Area Covered

Sidcup High Street, from Cross Road to Christchurch Road

Including 100 metres into:

• Craybrook Road
• St John’s Road
• Hadlow Road
• Hatherley Road
• Station Road
• Christchurch Road
• Elm Road
• The Crescent
• Nelson Road
• Church Road

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/430398/Dispersal-Zone-put-in-place-in-Sidcup

Community Safety in Focus: Met Engage and Bexley Watch at Bexleyheath Library

On Thursday, 16th April 2026, the local community gathered at Bexleyheath Library for a productive day of engagement focused on resident safety and crime prevention. The event brought together representatives from Met Engage and Bexley Watch Coordinators, providing a vital opportunity for members of the public to speak directly with those working to keep the borough safe.

Expert Advice on Hand

The library’s heritage area was transformed into an information hub, with a dedicated stand featuring a wide array of resources. Officers and coordinators were available throughout the day to discuss local concerns and provide practical, actionable advice.

The primary focus of the session was empowering residents with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves and their property. From home security to staying safe in the digital world, the team covered a broad spectrum of safety topics.

Practical Tips for Resident Safety

The event highlighted several key areas of crime prevention, many of which are detailed in the new "Bexley Resident Safety & Crime Prevention" guide. Key takeaways from the day included:

• Protect Your Home: Simple steps can make a significant difference. Installing quality, certified locks and securing all entry points—including back gates and windows—are essential first steps. Many residents also discussed the benefits of smart doorbells and security cameras as effective deterrents.

• Stay Secure Online: With the rise of sophisticated phishing attempts, the team emphasized the importance of using unique, strong passwords and a password manager. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on all critical accounts remains one of the best ways to protect personal data.

• Vehicle Security: Simple habits, such as ensuring valuables are removed from cars and keeping keys out of sight and away from doors and windows, were highlighted as crucial measures to prevent opportunistic theft.

Getting Involved with Bexley Watch

One of the highlights of the day was the promotion of the Bexley Neighbourhood Watch. Community safety is a collective effort, and the event encouraged residents to join local schemes, sign up for safety newsletters, and attend community meetings with their Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

By staying informed and looking out for one another, residents play a vital role in creating a more secure environment for everyone.

How to Report Concerns

The team also reinforced the correct channels for reporting crime:

• In an emergency, always call 999.

• For non-emergencies, call 101 or use the advanced reporting portal at met.police.uk.

• Anonymous reporting can be done via Crimestoppers.

Events like these are essential for building stronger links between the Met and the Bexley community. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the library to share their thoughts and pick up safety resources.

For more information on local initiatives and upcoming events, please visit metengage.co.uk.

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