Local Priorities Theft Of Motor Vehicles Message - MetEngage East Wickham

I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles,  which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Local Priorities Update – Theft of Motor Vehicle / Theft from Motor Vehicle
Current Concern:
Theft of motor vehicles and theft from motor vehicles remain a local policing priority. Recent reports indicate that offenders are targeting vehicles left insecure, as well as vehicles containing visible valuables such as bags, tools, mobile phones, and electronic devices.
Police Activity:

High-visibility patrols continue in identified hotspot locations.
Officers are conducting reassurance patrols and engaging with residents and businesses.
Intelligence gathering and crime pattern analysis are being used to identify repeat offenders and vulnerable locations.
Partnership work is ongoing with local authorities and community groups to reduce opportunities for vehicle crime.

Crime Prevention Advice:
Residents are encouraged to:

Always lock vehicles and fully close windows.
Remove valuables and avoid leaving items on display.
Use steering wheel locks, immobilisers, or tracking devices where available.
Park in well-lit and secure locations whenever possible.
Report suspicious activity, persons, or vehicles immediately via 101 or 999 in an emergency.

How the Community Can Help:
Information from the public remains vital. Anyone with information relating to vehicle crime is encouraged to report it to police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Outcome Sought:
Reduce vehicle crime through prevention, disruption of offenders, increased community awareness, and targeted police enforcement activity.

We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe:  

• Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked.  

• Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door.  

• If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months.  

• Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space.  

• Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme.  

• Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others. 

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/464131/Local-Priorities-Theft-Of-Motor-Vehicles-Message 

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 

Bexleyheath Police Station Front Counter - MetEngage East Wickham

Bexleyheath Police Station Front Counter

 Please note that Bexleyheath Police Station front counter is now closed overnight.

The new opening hours are:

Monday to Friday: 10am – 10pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 10pm

 

The police station itself is not closing overnight. Emergency response officers and custody services remain operational 24 hours a day.

If you need emergency police assistance outside front counter hours, a yellow emergency phone box is available outside the police station, providing direct access to emergency services. Or Call 101 or 999 in emergency.

Thank you for your understanding, and please continue to spread the word in your community about Met Engage – let’s get as many residents signed up. 

 DSU Melanie Pressley

 

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/426512/Bexleyheath-Police-Station-Front-Counter 

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES/CCTV FOOTAGE: Hit-and-Run in Welling

We are urgently appealing for any witnesses or CCTV/dashcam footage following a serious hit-and-run incident that severely damaged our parked car, a dark blue Mazda CX-5, registration DX73 GZS, on Montrose Avenue, Welling, last night (Saturday 25th October 2025).

The collision occurred at approximately 23:20 (11:20 PM). The vehicle that crashed into our car and failed to stop is believed to be a white Ford C-Max.

The other driver drove off, and the impact caused significant front-end damage to our vehicle (see attached photo).

 We are looking for:

* Any CCTV or doorbell camera footage that covers Montrose Avenue, Welling, or surrounding roads, around the time of the incident (circa 23:20 on 25/10/2025).
* Witnesses who saw the incident or saw a damaged white Ford C-Max leaving the area.
* Anyone with information about the white Ford C-Max's number plate (VRM), even if it is only a partial registration, any distinguishing marks, or logos.

It is suspected the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol, given the nature of the crash and failure to stop.

If you have any information, please contact the police on 101 (non-emergency number) and quote the crime reference number 209-6449-25-0101-VERY. It was reported to them online on 26 October 2025, 00:17. Or via Crimestoppers or on 0800 555 1111

Any detail, no matter how small, could be crucial. Thank you for your help.

🚨 STOLEN VEHICLE ALERT: Grey Hyundai IONIQ in Welling 🚨

We are heartbroken to report that our car was stolen off our driveway on Lyme Road, Welling, very early yesterday morning.

The vehicle is a grey Hyundai IONIQ with the registration number DP23 OCL.

It was taken sometime around 12:15 AM (midnight) on Thursday, October 3rd, 2025 (the exact time noted is 00:18).

Key Details to Look Out For

The car contained essential family items that might help identify it if it's been dumped or seen:

• Child Seats: It had a 360-degree baby swivel seat and a pink booster seat inside.

We are incredibly sad to hear from previous posts that this type of theft seems to be happening more often in our area.

Can You Help?

If you live locally or were in the Lyme Road area around that time, or if you have dashcam or doorbell camera footage that might have captured a grey Hyundai IONIQ or any suspicious activity, please check it.

If you see a vehicle matching this description with the registration DP23 OCL, do not approach it.

Please contact the police immediately by calling 101.

You can quote the Crime Reference Number: 01/8045725/25.

Or via Crimestoppers or on 0800 555 1111

Any information, no matter how small, could be vital. Thank you so much for your help and for keeping an eye out.

Source: Facebook

Urgent Appeal: Beal Close Residents, Check Your CCTV! £1000 Reward Offered After Burglary

A desperate plea has been issued by a resident of Beal Close, Welling, following a distressing burglary.

Our community is being asked to come together to help catch those responsible for a recent break-in that has left a resident shaken and significantly out of pocket.

The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, returned home in the early hours of March 3rd, 2025, at 2:26 AM to find their flat on Beal Close ransacked. They had left for work the previous day, March 2nd, 2025, at 3:00 PM.

Tragically, a substantial amount of cash was stolen, but no electronic items were taken. Police have attended the scene, and forensic teams have been unable to retrieve fingerprints, suggesting the perpetrator(s) wore gloves.

The resident is now appealing directly to their neighbours and anyone in the vicinity for help.

"I am asking anyone in the area of Beal Close, Welling, if they have CCTV (like a Ring Door Bell) to help with burglaries that have been happening in the local area," they said. "I got my flat broke into and a large amount of money has been stolen. Police are investigating and forensic came and couldn’t took any fingerprints as the thief or thieves was wearing gloves."

Crucially, the resident has also discovered that a number of similar burglaries have been occurring in the Beal Close area. This highlights a worrying trend and the urgent need for community vigilance.

They are offering a £1000 reward for any information that leads to the identification and conviction of the person(s) responsible.

Here's how you can help:

• Check Your CCTV: If you have any CCTV cameras, including Ring Doorbell footage, covering Beal Close or the surrounding area, please review the footage from March 2nd, 2025, between 3:00 PM and March 3rd, 2025, 2:26 AM.
• Report Any Suspicious Activity: If you saw or heard anything unusual or suspicious during this time frame, no matter how small, please contact the police or the resident directly.
• Spread the Word: Share this appeal with your neighbours, friends, and family who live in the area.

This is a call to action for our community to stand together and support one another. We must work together to make Beal Close a safe place for everyone.

If you have any information, please:

• Contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting the relevant crime reference number 01/7222482/25.
• Contact the resident directly if you have been able to find their contact information.
• If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Let's work together to bring those responsible to justice and ensure that Beal Close residents feel safe and secure in their homes.

Source: Nextdoor

Don't Be Fooled: Tampering With Cars is a Crime in the UK! 🇬🇧

Think a quick tug on a car door handle is harmless? Think again! In the UK, interfering with a vehicle is a crime, even if the perpetrator doesn't gain entry.

This might surprise some, but thieves often test their luck by trying door handles first. They're checking for unlocked cars – easy targets for later theft.

Here's the bottom line: If you see someone messing with a car – pulling handles, peeking in windows, or anything suspicious – don't hesitate to call 999 immediately.

Here's why you should take action:

• Thwarting Theft: By reporting suspicious activity, you could be preventing a crime from happening altogether.
• Protecting Property: Every car break-in is a hassle for the owner. Your quick thinking could save someone a lot of trouble.
• Deterring Criminals: Knowing they're being watched discourages thieves.

Remember: Even if the person doesn't seem to be getting in, their actions are still criminal.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe:

• Keep your car doors locked, even in seemingly safe areas.
• Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
• Consider installing a dashcam to capture any suspicious activity.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Report it!

By working together, we can make our communities safer and deter car crime. Let's keep our streets secure, one watchful eye at a time.

Spread the Word! Share this post with your friends and family to raise awareness about vehicle interference.

Together, we can keep our cars – and our neighbourhoods – safe!

Source: https://x.com/MPSEastWickham/status/1766394077216416211?s=08

URGENT: Stolen Car - Toyota Rav 4 (RK20YUA) - Please Help!

Stolen Car - Toyota Rav 4 (RK20YUA) (East Wickham)

[click on each image for an enlarged view]

Location: Welling Way, DA16 2RL (East Wickham Ward) 

Date & Time: Tuesday, June 4th at approximately 10:30pm

Vehicle Description:

• Make: Toyota Rav 4
• Year: 2020
• Colour: White
• Interior: Cream
• Registration: RK20YUA

Information:

My car was stolen from my driveway on Welling Way. While I have a tracking app, it's not showing an updated location. Stolen vehicles are sometimes left abandoned for a few days before being moved.

We need your help!

If you see a car matching this description, please:

• Do not approach the vehicle.

• Note the location and any distinguishing details.

• Contact the Metropolitan Police:

• Call reference number: CAD 1028/05Jun24
• Crime number: 01/428141/24
• Phone: 101 (non-emergency) or East Wickham Police at eastwickham.snt@met.police.uk or 020 8721 2025

Alternatively:

• Report information anonymously to Crimestoppers: 0800 555 1111.

Sharing is caring! Please share this post with your neighbours and local community.

Thank you for your help!

Urgent Appeal: Stolen Vehicle - Silver Toyota RAV4 - *Update* car FOUND!

Our silver Toyota RAV4 was stolen from our driveway in Welling, Lyme Road, DA16 1RJ on the night of 5th June 2024 at approximately 2:20am.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of our vehicle, please contact Eastwickham Police Station at eastwickham.snt@met.police.uk or by phone on 020 8721 2025, quoting crime reference number Ref: BC758468.

Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 1111.

We appreciate any assistance you can provide in getting our vehicle back.

Source: Nextdoor (11 June 2024 - *Update* car FOUND!  It was found on Shooters Hill Road by a neighbour).

Stolen Vehicle - Silver Toyota RAV4 from East Wickham ward Silver Toyota RAV4 - * Update* car FOUND!

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:

Give East Wickham, Crook Log & West Heath Policing Team - Your survey Feedback

We are here to listen to you and work for you. Give your Local Police Team feedback, by clicking on the following link, or scan the QR code below:

click image to view enlarged

Source: https://twitter.com/MPSEastWickham/status/1699397436907893092

URGENT ALERT: Stolen Van and tools - Please Help Us Find Them

A white Ford Transit Tipper van with the registration CP08DUV and year of manufacture 2008 was stolen from Montrose Avenue, Welling today, 25th April 2023 at 1pm.

The theft occurred while the owner, who is a contractor, was working on a resident's property. The van contained essential tools, a sat nav, and mobiles, which are crucial for the owner's livelihood. This unfortunate incident has caused significant distress to the owner.

What you can do to help

• Check your CCTV footage for any suspicious activity or if you have seen or heard anything related to this incident.
• Contact the owner or East Wickham Police on 101 or 020 8721 2025. You can also reach out via email at eastwickham.snt@met.police.uk.
• Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111 to provide any anonymous information.

Together, we can make a difference

By working together, we can help to keep our community safe. If you have any information about this incident, please come forward and help us to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Thank you for your cooperation.

For further information, Ask the Police.

The van looks similar to the picture below:

URGENT ALERT: Stolen Car and Kids' Seats - Please Help Us Find Them

Our car was stolen early this morning on Sunday 23 April 2023 at 12.30 am from Stevedale Road DA16 1ND. The car is a grey Hyundai Santa Fe Premium SE with registration number GD68YAJ, year 2018. We appeal to anyone who might have seen the vehicle or has any information that can lead to its recovery to come forward and contact us immediately.

Stolen grey Hyundai in Welling

It's not only the car that was stolen, but also the kids' seats, which are of great sentimental value to us. We suspect that the thieves may have parked the car nearby to see if trackers were fitted, so please keep an eye out in your area. Both keys were in working Faraday pouches, but they still managed to steal it.

We are asking for the public's assistance in locating our vehicle. If anyone has any CCTV footage or doorbell cam that caught something on or near Stevedale Road on Sunday 23 April 2023 at 12.30 am, please let us know. Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Please contact us ASAP if you see the car or have any information about its whereabouts. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

This is an appeal to residents to check your CCTV footage or If you think you may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or have any information related to this incident then please contact the owner or East Wickham Police on 101, or 020 8721 2025, or via email at eastwickham.snt@met.police.uk alternatively you can call them above or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.

For further information, Ask the Police.

Source: Nextdoor (23 Apr 2023)

Stolen Kia Sportage LV69ABN Alert: Request for Assistance

stolen Kia Sportage in East Wickham

A Kia Sportage LV69ABN was stolen from a driveway at DA161NS by two men who opened the door with a rucksack at 10:30 on March 13th 2023 from East Wickham area. The resident posted the theft on Nextdoor.

stolen Kia Sportage in East Wickham

This is an appeal to residents to check your CCTV footage or If you think you may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or have any information related to this incident then please contact the owner or East Wickham Police on 101, or 020 8721 2025, or via email at eastwickham.snt@met.police.uk alternatively you can call them above or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.

For further information, Ask the Police.

Burglary Attempt in East Wickham Area on March 19, 2023

On March 19, 2023, in the East Wickham area, a suspect wearing a hooded jacket attempted a burglary at around 2am and 2.15am.

The suspect was caught on CCTV footage both on Newlyn Road

and Tidford Road,

but was unsuccessful in both attempts. However, the suspect was disturbed by a dog on Newlyn Road.

Residents in the area should be cautious and vigilant of any suspicious activities.

Original Footage and Posters Sourced from Nextdoor Community Platform.

Another BMW Cat theft in East Wickham - Appeal for information

Please be aware that on Tuesday 18 January 2022 20:31hrs 3 male offenders jacked up a car and cut off it's catalytic convertor and stole it from the car, a BMW, year 2009, from the resident's drive in Montrose Avenue, Welling. The resident immediately alerted the brazen incident on her Neighbourhood Watch Whatsapp group, followed by reporting it to the Police and given a crime reference.

BMW Cat theft in East Wickham

BMW Cat theft in East Wickham

BMW Cat theft in East Wickham

Another resident reported a silver van like ford connect transit hanging about the bridge and turned in towards Welling Way that maybe linked to this crime. This crime is very similar to a recent BMW cat theft in the area and about the same time.

This is an appeal to residents to check your CCTV footage or If you think you may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or have any information related to this incident then please contact East Wickham Police on 101, or 020 8721 2025, or via email at eastwickham.snt@met.police.uk alternatively you can call them above or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.

Cat theft in East Wickham - Appeal for information

BMW Cat theft in East Wickham

BMW Cat theft in East Wickham

BMW Cat theft in East Wickham

On Wednesday 5^th January at 8.28pm in Harriet Mews (off Leigh Place) 3 men jacked up a car and cut off it's catalytic convertor.  A car drove into the cul de sac and turned around, the men got out as the driver drove out of the road (with car lights off) and waited in Leigh Place.  The men took exactly 30 seconds to lift the car up and remove the catalytic convertor!  The BMW's alarm was going off and yet this did not perturb the thieves.  The 3 men made off on foot to get into the waiting car.

This is an appeal to residents to check your CCTV footage or If you think you may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or have any information related to this incident then please contact East Wickham Police on 101 or alternatively you can call them above or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.

Glenmore Road, Welling, Coordinator Appeal

Neighbourhood Watch are appealing for help with the existing Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Glenmore Road, East Wickham.  

There are currently 2 coordinators, but the road is long and ideally, needs one or two residents to become coordinators.  

If anyone is interested, they should contact bexwatch-office@btconnect.com for information.

Ring Doorbells & CCTV Sign Up >50

 

We are pleased to report that in just over its third week already over 50 Montrose Ave/Close Watch residents have joined the new CCTV register that’s designed to help police quickly identify where any CCTV is situated should they need to investigate an incident.

The register, which does NOT involve any live access to householders private CCTV, also covers ‘RING” doorbells as these devices also provide very effective CCTV. Montrose Ave/Close Watch, who launched the CCTV Register scheme in the Borough of Bexley, are appealing to people who might not have yet registered to do so and for householders that have CCTV doorbells to also register.

“We have been overwhelmed by the speed at which so many residents from across Montrose Ave/Close Watch have signed up to the CCTV register so far. It shows there is a real great community spirit in our town. With 51 properties already now registered we’d love to get the number to at least over another 50 or more properties because that’s such a message about Montrose Ave/Close Watch that will help drive crime prevention and encourage offenders miss out our town and go elsewhere.”

“We love to hear from people who have not yet got round to registering and also from householders who have “RING” type doorbells that record people approaching the door, it’s CCTV and it would be great to have it on the register.”

“All we need for residents to register is their name, address, email and ideally their telephone number and that’s it.” They can contact their local coordinator who will send them an online form link to make it easier and faster to register as has been the case so far.

Often CCTV images can help the police track or discover a wider level of activity by offenders. The Bexley scheme has been successful in this respect. Residents, who are now signed up to the CCTV register, all provided images of persons approaching their property what resident’s thought were individual events were pieced together by police who then had evidence that the area was being targeted. Consequently, offenders were duly investigated and where there was a burglary, a forensics team followed the enquiries..

For more information or to register your CCTV or RING doorbell please go to this link:
https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2021/06/how-you-can-help-deliver-step-change-in.html

Montrose Ave/Close Watch Camera Scheme hits 45 in second week

Montrose Ave/Close Watch residents are again being praised for getting behind an innovative new scheme that aims to help residents and their local police prevent crime but also help detect crime more efficiently. In the first week of a new CCTV registration scheme over 20 Montrose Ave/Close Watch residents who have CCTV have signed up.

The CCTV register works by using online registration which enables Montrose Ave/Close Watch to review where any CCTV is situated in relation to the location of an incident.

“The CCTV register saves our police service hours and hours of trying to look and find out where any CCTV is located. The more residents that join the CCTV register the more we can help save hours of police time locating CCTV.”

All residents data is secure, meets GDPR regulations and there is no direct access to residents CCTV involved.

“We are really pleased that in a fortnight we already have 45 residents who have signed up to the register. What we’d like is to get all CCTV signed up so we can provide the best possible service to support our police teams and also send out a message to criminals that coming to Montrose Ave/Close Watch is a bad idea because we are a united as a community when it comes to preventing and detecting crime. We’d encourage anyone that has CCTV and who has only just heard of the scheme or who has yet to register to do so now,” a Montrose Ave/Close Watch residents coordinator added.

More details about the newly launched scheme can be accessed here:

https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2021/06/how-you-can-help-deliver-step-change-in.html