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
Charity No: 1072368
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
Keeping our community safe is a team effort. We’ve put together this essential Resident Safety & Crime Prevention guide to help you protect your home, stay secure online, and know exactly how to report concerns.
Small steps—like checking your car is locked or joining your local Neighbourhood Watch—make a huge difference. Scan the QR code in the top left for more resources and let’s keep Bexley one of London’s safest boroughs.
If you bought a car, van, or motorbike on finance before 28 January 2021, you might be due a significant refund. A major investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is currently looking into "hidden commission" deals that saw many UK drivers overcharged.
Here is a simple guide on how to use the free tools provided by MoneySavingExpert (MSE) to see if you are eligible and how to start your claim.
What is the Car Finance Scandal?
For years, some car dealers and finance companies had "discretionary commission" arrangements. This meant lenders allowed dealers to increase the interest rate on a loan so the dealer could earn a bigger commission. This was often done without the customer’s knowledge, meaning many people paid much more than they should have.
Step 1: Find Your Past Agreements
If you can’t remember who your finance provider was or how many agreements you had, Martin Lewis recommends using a credit reporting tool like MyEquifax. FREE Equifax Basic signup.
By checking your credit file, you can see a list of previous lenders and the dates of your agreements. This is a vital first step if you no longer have your original paperwork.
Step 2: Use the Free Reclaim Tool
You do not need to pay a lawyer or a claims management company to do this for you. MoneySavingExpert has launched a that makes the process straightforward.
Enter your details: Use the MSE tool to generate a formal request.
Use the template: The tool provides an easy template letter/email.
Submit to the provider: You send this directly to the bank or finance company that provided the loan.
The goal of this letter is to ask two simple questions: Was there a discretionary commission arrangement on my loan? And if so, I want to lodge a formal complaint.
Step 3: Wait for the Investigation
The FCA has paused the deadline for firms to respond to these specific complaints while they finish their investigation (expected by May 2025). However, it is important to get your complaint in now to log your place in the queue and protect yourself against any future time limits.
A Warning: Beware of Scammers
Because this is such a high-profile news story, scammers are currently targeting people via text, email, and phone calls.
Ignore "Cold Calls": If someone contacts you claiming they can get you a car finance refund for a fee, be extremely cautious.
Avoid "No Win, No Fee" Firms: These companies often take a large cut (30% to 50%) of any money you get back. You can do this yourself for free using the MSE tool.
Stick to Official Sources: Only use reputable sites like MoneySavingExpert or go directly through the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Summary
If you had a car on finance (PCP or Hire Purchase) before January 2021, it only takes a few minutes to check. Use your credit report to find the lenders, use the MSE template to send your emails, and keep a record of your correspondence. It could result in a payout of over £1,000 depending on the size of your loan.
This is to let you know that there has been theft of a Kia Sportage on Barnehurst this week.
We know the personal and financial impact of having a car or bike stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. We will continue to provide you updates on how we are tackling this issue in your local area, but in the meantime, 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.
We hope the information above is useful and addresses to some degree the concerns that you have raised. If you have experienced 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.
With fuel prices on the rise across the UK, it pays to check the local rates before you head to the forecourt. Even a few pence difference per litre can add up to a significant saving on a full tank.
To make sure you aren’t overpaying, you can use the Fuel Finder website to compare live prices in your immediate area. It is a quick and simple way to see which supermarket or independent station is offering the best deal today.
A One-Stop Search for Every Driver
Whether you drive a traditional combustion engine or have made the switch to electric, Fuel Finder has you covered. The platform allows you to search for:
Petrol & Diesel: Compare standard E10 petrol, B7 diesel, and premium high-performance fuels.
EV Charging Sites: Locate charging points across the UK, including rapid and fast chargers, to plan your stops efficiently.
Reliable, Real-Time Data
You can search with confidence knowing the fuel information is based on the official UK Government Fuel Finder scheme. Since February 2026, UK fuel retailers have been legally required to report their price changes to a central government database within 30 minutes of any update.
While the government provides this data feed, they do not run their own consumer app. Instead, they make it available to independent sites like fuel-finder.uk to ensure drivers have easy access to official accuracy and national coverage from thousands of stations and charging points nationwide.
We have noticed an increase in motor vehicle thefts on the ward, specifically Toyota RAV4.
Please make sure you leave your vehicle secure by purchasing anti-theft items. We would strongly recommend a full steering wheel disc lock or a “ghost immobiliser” – however, please do your research before buying these items.
If you have neighbours, friends or family to have this model please make them aware of this.
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.
Please be aware that a Lexus and a Toyota Prius were stolen from Crayford in the early hours of Thursday 26th February.
Fortunately, both vehicles have since been recovered. Keyless theft and one vehicle had a tracker.
Please be aware of the crime prevention advice given below.
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.
A local resident of Montrose Avenue is appealing for help after their car was stolen from outside their home yesterday evening (Friday, 9th Jan) between 20:08 and 20:16.
The vehicle is a Blue 2015 Ford Fiesta Titanium X (Reg: MD65 CBU).
Stolen blue Ford Fiesta - MD65 CBU
In addition to the vehicle, the family is devastated as their baby’s Nuna Swiv pram and Nuna car seat were also inside.
🎥 CCTV / Ring Doorbell Appeal
Residents on Montrose Avenue, Welling Way, and the surrounding areas are asked to check their cameras for the time window between 20:00 and 20:30.
Information is needed regarding:
The blue Fiesta (MD65 CBU) being driven away.
Any suspicious vehicles or individuals seen "scouting" the street in the minutes leading up to the theft.
Vehicle Details:
Model: Blue Ford Fiesta Titanium X (2015)
Registration: MD65 CBU
Crime Ref: 01/7033914/26
If you see this car abandoned in a nearby street, or if you spot the Nuna pram or car seat for sale on local marketplaces, please contact the police on 101 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Please stay vigilant and ensure all vehicles are securely locked, as thieves appear to be active in this specific part of Welling.
Driving in the UK is changing. Gone are the days when the only thing to look out for was a big yellow Gatso box glowing like radioactive Lego at the side of the road [00:15]. Today, a new generation of "4D AI" traffic cameras is being deployed across the country, and they can see much more than just your speed.
Here is everything you need to know about the new tech watching our roads and how to stay on the right side of the law.
The New Players: AI and 4D Radar
The UK is moving toward a policy of total road monitoring. Unlike traditional cameras that simply clocked your speed and snapped a number plate, these modern systems use radar, high-resolution imaging, and machine learning to analyze what is happening inside the car.
1. Redspeed Sentio
This is the original UK 4D AI camera. First going live on the A23 in Lambeth in May 2023, it is now being rolled out further after successful trials [03:42].
Capabilities: It uses 4D radar to track vehicles across up to six lanes in both directions [03:55].
What it catches: Speeding, mobile phone use, unbelted occupants (including children), and even overloaded vehicles [04:04].
Database Link: It links directly to DVLA and insurance databases to check for untaxed or uninsured vehicles [04:22].
2. Acusensus "Heads-Up" System
Often seen as a trailer or a van with a tall mast, this system has been making headlines in Devon, Cornwall, and Greater Manchester [04:52].
How it works: High-mounted cameras look through windscreens and side windows using infrared technology to work day or night [05:12].
The Result: In a single two-week trial, it detected over 400 seatbelt offenses and 160 mobile phone offenses [05:36].
3. Jenoptik Vector SR
These are the slim, stealthy gray boxes you might see on poles rather than bright yellow housings [06:07].
Capabilities: They enforce speed 24 hours a day without a visible flash, so you often don’t know you’ve been caught until the fine arrives [06:26].
Behavior Monitoring: Depending on the local police configuration, these can also be set up to detect phone and seatbelt use [06:40].
Not Just Speed: The "Litter Cam"
In East Riding of Yorkshire, AI is even being used to catch environmental offenders. The "Litter Cam" detects when objects are thrown out of a vehicle onto grass verges [08:18]. With fines for littering reaching up to £500, it’s a costly mistake to treat the roadside like a bin [09:05].
What Happened to the Old Gatso Cameras?
The classic yellow Gatso boxes aren't gone, but they are no longer the primary tool for police. Recent data shows that only about half of fixed camera sites actually contain working units [10:00]. Many are left there simply as a deterrent, while others have been replaced by average speed cameras (SPECS) or mobile camera vans [10:17].
What’s at Stake?
The penalties for being caught by these AI systems can stack up quickly.
If a single AI camera catches you for multiple offenses at once, you could face over £800 in fines and up to 12 points—effectively ending your driving career in seconds [11:50].
How to Protect Yourself (Legally)
The most effective way to avoid a fine is simple: stick to the limits, wear your belt, and put your phone away. However, there are legal tools to help you stay aware:
Navigation Apps: Apps like Waze and Google Maps are legal to use for camera alerts as long as your phone is in a proper mount and you do not touch it while driving [13:14].
Passive Detectors: GPS-based camera warning devices are legal in the UK [14:05].
Avoid Jammers: Using any device that interferes with police radar or laser signals is illegal and can lead to prison time for perverting the course of justice [14:20].
Final Tip: Remember that holding your phone at a red light is still illegal. AI cameras don't care if you are stationary; if the engine is on and you're in control of the vehicle, you're fair game [14:55].
The following table breaks down the core technologies and the typical fines associated with each offence.
Camera System
Primary Focus
Penalty / Fine (Standard Fixed Penalty)
Penalty Points
Redspeed Sentio
Speed, Red Lights, Mobile Use, Seatbelts
£100+ (Speed) / £200 (Phone)
3 to 6 points
Acusensus "Heads-Up"
Mobile Phone & Seatbelt Use
£200 (Phone) / Up to £500 (Seatbelt)
6 points (Phone)
Jenoptik Vector SR
Speed & Red Lights
£100 minimum
3 points
Litter Cam
Littering from Vehicle
Up to £500 (Civil Penalty)
None
HADECS 3/3X
Variable Speed Limits (Motorways)
£100 minimum
3 points
Key Offence Breakdown
Speeding: While the minimum is £100 and 3 points, court fines can escalate to £1,000 (or £2,500 on motorways) depending on how much you exceed the limit.
Mobile Phone Use: The law is now "zero tolerance." Even holding a device while stationary in traffic (engine on) carries a £200 fine and 6 points. For new drivers (within 2 years of passing), this means an automatic license revocation.
Seatbelt Offences: You can be fined up to £500 for not wearing a seatbelt. As a driver, you are also responsible (and liable for the fine) if any passenger under 14 is not properly restrained.
Littering: Under the "Littering from Vehicles Outside London Regulations," the registered keeper is liable for the fine even if a passenger threw the rubbish. Most councils issue a fixed penalty of around £150, but this can reach £500 in some jurisdictions like Buckinghamshire.
Summary of New Driver Rules
If you are within the first two years of passing your test, your license will be revoked if you reach 6 points. One "phone offence" caught by an AI camera is enough to lose your license instantly.
To stay safe and avoid heavy fines, it is important to understand the practical "dos and don'ts" of UK road law as of 2025. Here is a definitive checklist for staying compliant.
The Driver’s Compliance Checklist
1. Mobile Phones & Sat-Navs
The law is now absolute: if you are holding a device, you are breaking the law.
Mount it: Your phone or sat-nav must be in a fixed cradle or dashboard mount.
The "Hands-Off" Rule: You can use voice commands or steering wheel buttons, but you must not touch the screen or the device while the engine is running—even at red lights or in stationary traffic.
Set it before you go: Input your destination before you start the engine. If you need to change your route, pull over safely and turn off the engine first.
Placement matters: Ensure your mount does not block your view of the road. AI cameras can flag "obstructed vision" as an offence.
2. Seatbelts & Passengers
AI cameras specifically look for the "V" shape of a seatbelt across your shoulder.
Check the Kids: As the driver, you are legally responsible for ensures everyone under 14 is correctly restrained.
Height & Age: Children must use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall (whichever comes first).
The "Heavy Load" Trap: Some AI cameras (like the Redspeed Sentio) can detect if a vehicle is overloaded. Ensure you aren't exceeding your car's maximum weight limit.
3. Maintenance & "Silent" Offences
Newer AI systems are increasingly linked to live databases (DVLA/MOT).
MOT & Tax: Ensure your MOT hasn't expired. AI cameras scan number plates and instantly cross-reference them with the national database.
Tyre Tread: While less common, some advanced mobile units are now trialling AI that can spot bald or dangerously worn tyres. Keep your tread above the 1.6mm legal limit.
Littering: Warn your passengers. If someone throws a cigarette butt or a wrapper out of the window, you (the registered keeper) will likely receive the fine in the post.
Comparison of Mobile Phone Use: Legal vs. Illegal
Action
Legality
Penalty
Using a phone in a windscreen mount (voice-only)
Legal
None
Touching a mounted phone to change a song
Illegal
£200 + 6 Points
Holding a phone at a red light (engine on)
Illegal
£200 + 6 Points
Using phone for contactless payment at a drive-thru
Legal
None (if stationary)
Holding a phone while safely parked (engine off)
Legal
None
Summary of New Driver Rules
If you are within the first two years of passing your test, your license will be revoked if you reach 6 points. Because a single mobile phone offence carries 6 points, one mistake caught by an AI camera will result in an immediate loss of your license.
What to do if you get a letter?
If you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) based on AI evidence:
Request the images: You are entitled to see the evidence the AI flagged.
Verify the review: In the UK, every AI-flagged offence must currently be reviewed by a human officer before a fine is issued.
Check for glitches: If you believe you were wearing a seatbelt (e.g., it was hidden by dark clothing), you can appeal the notice.
Legal Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Road traffic laws in the UK are subject to change and may vary by region. While we strive for accuracy based on the source video, you should always refer to the Official Highway Code and government guidelines. The best way to avoid prosecution is to comply with all traffic laws, including speed limits, seatbelt requirements, and mobile phone restrictions.
