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
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.
There was an attempted break-in last night on Gerda Road, New Eltham. The intruders accessed the property through the back garden on the even-numbered side of the road. Thankfully, they were disturbed and fled the scene.
The incident has been reported to the police, but we want to make our community aware of this attempted break-in. Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Safety Tips:
Lock up: Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, even when at home.
Lighting: Consider installing external lighting with motion sensors.
Security systems: Explore options for alarms or CCTV systems.
Be neighbourly: Keep an eye out for your neighbours and report any unusual activity.
Let's work together to keep our neighbourhood safe.
Be proactive and stay safe! Early this morning, a male individual was spotted on Ring video devices peering into driveways and cars using his phone flashlight. While the reason for this behaviour remains unclear, it's crucial to be vigilant and take preventative measures.
Preventative Steps:
Clear your car of valuables: Don't leave anything tempting in sight, even empty bags or jackets.
Double-check security: Lock doors, windows, gates, and sheds. Consider additional physical security for your car.
Report suspicious activity: If you see anything out of the ordinary, even seemingly harmless, inform the police and your neighbours.
Important Reminder:
While this situation may cause concern, let's avoid spreading unnecessary anxiety. Trust that authorities are investigating and work together as a community to stay safe.
A local borough resident is reaching out to the community for assistance in recovering his beloved a black Range Rover Sport, year 2016, which was stolen from his driveway on Gipsy Road, Bexleyheath on Wednesday, November 22nd, at 22:47 pm. The car's registration number is LV16TYY.
The last known location of his vehicle was on Sydney Road, Bexleyheath, where the tracker was mysteriously removed. This suggests that the perpetrators may have ditched the tracker in this area. However, the tracker's signal still leads to this location, offering a glimmer of hope for its recovery.
Here's a summary of the details:
Date of theft: Wednesday, November 22nd
Time of theft: 22:47 pm
Location of theft: Gipsy Road, Bexleyheath, DA16 1JA
Registration number: LV16TYY
Last known location: Sydney Road, Bexleyheath
Residents are urged to check CCTV footage and surveillance devices for information. Contact the owner or West Heath Police at westheath.snt@met.police.uk or on 101 or 020 8721 2885 with any leads.
Anonymous tips can be reported to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 1111. Police are already involved, but community cooperation is vital.
He has provided attached the only picture he has of his car, taken when it was vandalised. He understood it's not the most ideal image, but he hopes it can still aid in the recovery process.
Stolen Range Rover Sport - LV16TYY
Thank you for your assistance in recovering the stolen car.
A Silver colour Lexus 450RXH Sport, LY18VLA, was stolen on Heath Road, off Chastilian Road, Crayford, on Sunday 19th November 2023 between 9:40 pm and 12:30 am. Residents are urged to check CCTV footage and surveillance devices for information. Contact the owner or Crayford Police at crayford.snt@met.police.uk or on 101 or 020 8721 2584 with any leads.
Anonymous tips can be reported to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 1111. Police are already involved, but community cooperation is vital.
Thank you for your assistance in recovering the stolen car.
A White Mercedes-benz car was stolen from a driveway on Yorkland Avenue DA16 2LN on Thursday 26th October at 3:17am. The car is a white Mercedes Model GLE with the registration number DEZ1009, year 2018.
The owner is requesting all residents in the area to check their CCTV footage or any other surveillance devices that they may have installed, especially if you live in the vicinity of Yorkland Avenue, Welling. Any information, no matter how small, could be vital in recovering the stolen car.
If you have seen this car or have any information regarding its whereabouts, please contact the owner directly or report it to Falconwood & Welling Police on 101 or 020 8721 2022. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111.
Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.
Stolen White Mercedes Car from Falconwood & Welling - click image to view enlarged
There is a thief operating in the Brompton Drive area of DA8 2LR. He is a young male who has been seen collecting shoes from doorsteps and breaking into houses. On October 25, 2023, between 1:10 and 1:20 AM, he stole a car after breaking into a house and taking the keys. This is the second time he has been seen in the area, the first time being on September 28, 2023, at 00:48 AM. See footage below.
Please be vigilant and keep your doors and windows locked at all times. If you see anything suspicious, please report it to the police immediately on sladegreen.northend.snt@met.police.uk or 020 8721 2023.
Here are some tips to help keep your home safe:
Make sure all doors and windows are locked, even when you are home.
Install a security system.
Trim bushes and trees around your home to eliminate hiding places for burglars.
Don't leave valuables in plain sight.
Get to know your neighbours and watch out for each other's homes.
Neighbourhood Watch can play an important role in helping to keep communities safe during the forthcoming Christmas period. By working together, neighbours can look out for each other's homes and property, and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Here are some tips for how Neighbourhood Watch can help to keep your community safe at Christmas:
Make sure your home is secure. This means locking all doors and windows, and installing good quality security locks. You should also consider installing CCTV and a burglar alarm system.
Keep your valuables out of sight. Don't leave presents under the Christmas tree or in other places visible to potential burglars. If you're going out for Christmas shopping, lock your presents in the car boot.
Be vigilant when you're out and about. Keep your handbag / wallet close to you and be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash your cash or credit cards in public. Keep your phone pocketed.
Look out for your neighbours. If you see anything suspicious, such as someone trying to break into a house or car, report it to the police immediately.
Neighbourhood Watch can also help to create a sense of community spirit and reduce loneliness and isolation at Christmas.
Please be aware that today Monday 10 April 2023 at about 18:05pm, I dropped my wallet in the store, and the person who found it kicked it away before picking it up, without notifying me.
Please help us identify this person caught on CCTV keeping the wallet. £80 cash was inside the wallet, and my cards have been frozen, but I would like my driving license back. Contact Mediterranean supermarket, 227-229, Bellegrove Rd, Welling DA16 3RQ, or East Wickham Safer Neighbourhood Police on eastwickham.snt@met.police.uk or 020 8721 2025 if you have any information. Thank you for your help.
Wallet theft appeal in Mediterranean supermarket, Welling
Neighbourhood Watch is warning residents of Tyrrell Avenue, DA16, about a recent rise in car break-ins.
A car was broken into on early hours of 19 February 2023 at around 2-3am, along with another car nearby, and there was another car break-in reported on Radnor Avenue.
The suspect is thought to be a person on a bike with red hair, and he has been caught trying to break into another neighbour's van. If you own a keyless entry car, please consider getting a device that blocks these thieves. A neighbour chased the suspect in Danson Park, but he got away.
Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. If you have any information, please contact Falconwood & Welling Police on 101 or email falconwood.welling.snt@met.police.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111 anonymously.
Wrap up warm, and ‘Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!’
New Year – routine chores?
This, time of year, is a good time prune many varieties of plants, trees and shrubs so have a look at them; ensure that they do not provide a climbing aid into your property or prevent that all important clear view into your frontage that may deter crime. Be mindful though; those brambles, other spiky plants and stinging nettles on your boundary are nature’s own deterrent to intruders, any cuttings can be used to fill gaps in a hedge line.
Consider supplementing your boundary security with some nice spiky plants, they look and smell nice but may also be a deterrent to intruders. Suitable advice can be sought from The Royal Horticultural Society or your local garden centre.
Fences and gates, are they still intact and well maintained, do the gates lock securely.
Outside lighting, are they all working okay and are they clean?
Sheds and outbuildings, are they still intact and well maintained, lubricate the locks exposed to the weather.
Smoke detectors, are they working okay and in date and where appropriate do the batteries need replacing, remember mains operated ones may have a battery back- up that may need replacing regularly.
CCTV systems: like with your lighting ensure that they are kept clean and maintained. Smart doorbells or other that may use a solar charger, at this time of year they may not be getting much of a charge so consider topping up the battery with a charger where appropriate.
Property marking; over Christmas you may have received some new tools, electrical or computing items consider using an appropriate property marking product.
21/12/22 was the shortest day so we still have a few more ‘darker nights’, make your home looks like you are in even when you are out by having lights on timers in the house and perhaps a TV simulator.
Lastly in this list, don’t leave your car unattended on the drive with the engine running whilst you de-ice/de-mist it, it only takes a minute to steal it and it may affect an insurance claim.
Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit.
Their advice offers best practice for you to follow, alongside practical crime prevention methods.
Theft of property from gardens can be a problem, but having spent time and money on your home garden and equipment you need to consider its security. The value of equipment, structures and plants often amounts to thousands of pounds.
CCTV, together with appropriate signage, can provide a good deterrent to intruders
CCTV cameras should provide images of recognition quality and should be positioned in such a way that light, natural or otherwise does not interfere with picture quality
A CCTV system should be designed to cover vulnerable areas at relevant times of the day, such as the need for infra-red technology to record nighttime activity
For evidential purposes, the CCTV system should have a recording and storage capability of 31 days
Consideration should be given to garden landscaping and planting to ensure that any growth through the seasons doesn’t restrict the coverage of the CCTV system during the growing season
In high crime areas, cameras may need protection within vandal-resistant housings. The cameras should also be positioned so that they are not easily accessible
Images should not be captured of the street scene unless the user complies with the requirements set out by the Information Commissioners Office
The CCTV cameras including the housing must be regularly maintained and cleaned to ensure that the quality of the images are not inhibited. This could be the removal of a spider’s web or ensuring that moisture is not infiltrating the camera so that remedial measures can be undertaken.
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.
On Wednesday 5th 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.
Please be aware that between 8pm to 1AM on Saturday 30 October 2021 offenders have stolen a white Range rover discovery vrm GY67 VMU parked in driveway in Montrose Ave.
Incident Crime Ref No CAD1127 2477 of 30 October 2021 - urgent appeal for information
Please be aware that between 8pm to 1AM on Saturday 30 October 2021 offenders have stolen a white Range rover discovery vrm GY67 VMU parked in driveway in Montrose Ave., Welling.
This is incident Crime Ref No CAD1127 2477 of 30 October 2021. The Crime Management Service is open 0800-1800hrs, Monday-Friday. The number is 0208 284 5100 (Public Number), also CMS@met.police.uk.
Could I 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.
Some users of domestic CCTV systems need to comply with data protection laws. This depends on what their cameras can see.
Data protection laws don’t apply if the cameras cover only the user’s own private property, including their garden. Therefore, visitors caught on these cameras don’t have specific data protection rights in relation to the images captured on those cameras.
But what if the cameras capture images of people outside the boundary of the user’s property – for example, in neighbours’ homes or gardens, in shared spaces, or on a public footpath or a street? Then neighbours, passers-by and anyone else caught on camera will have rights under the data protection laws.
Capturing and recording such images is not itself a breach of the data protection laws. But CCTV users must ensure they comply with these laws and respect the data protection rights of people whose images they capture.
This applies to any video surveillance equipment mounted or fixed on a home, and can include cameras fitted into doorbells.
To be told that a home CCTV system is being used. The CCTV user must let people know they have CCTV. Signs are the most common way of doing this. They must be clearly visible and legible.
To ask for a copy of the information that is held about you. This is known as making a subject access request. You can ask verbally or in writing for copies of any footage where your image is identifiable. The CCTV user must respond to this request within one month. Bear in mind that if they regularly delete footage they no longer need, they might not hold your images.
To ask the CCTV user to erase any personal data they hold about you.
To ask that the CCTV user does not capture any footage of you in future. However, the nature of CCTV systems may make this very difficult and it might not be possible for the user to do this.
I’m unhappy about the use of a home CCTV system. What can I do?
Use ICO's online tool to determine the best course of action in your situation.
Remember that if the CCTV system focuses only on the user’s home, the data protection laws don’t apply and the above rights won’t apply to you.
In most cases CCTV cameras are installed around a private home to monitor and protect personal property, and to ensure the safety of the user and their family. Normally, the images captured will only be used to identify individuals after an incident. The images are then passed to the police or to insurance companies if there’s a claim. Any organisation receiving images, such as the police or insurers, must comply with the data protection laws in how they handle and use this information.
We know CCTV systems can feel intrusive – especially if they capture images outside the boundary of the user’s property. This is why we have published guidance for domestic CCTV users. The guidance gives good-practice tips and reminds users of their obligations under the data protection laws.
However, in most CCTV-related disputes between neighbours, the ICO will not consider it appropriate or proportionate to take enforcement action against the CCTV user.
There are many domestic CCTV systems on the market to help you protect your home. If you’re thinking of using one, you need to make sure you do so in a way that respects other people’s privacy.
If you set up your system so it captures only images within the boundary of your private domestic property (including your garden), then the data protection laws will not apply to you.
But what if your system captures images of people outside the boundary of your private domestic property – for example, in neighbours’ homes or gardens, shared spaces, or on a public footpath or a street?
Then the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA18) will apply to you, and you will need to ensure your use of CCTV complies with these laws. This guidance refers to them as the ‘data protection laws’.
Regardless of whether or not your use of CCTV falls within the data protection laws, the ICO recommends you use it responsibly to protect the privacy of others.
What does ‘private domestic property’ mean?
It means the boundary of the property (including the garden) where you live.
How can I use CCTV responsibly at my property?
You should ask yourself whether CCTV is actually the best way to improve your home security.
Think about the following questions:
Do I really need CCTV?
Are there other things I could use to protect my home, such as better lighting?
What is the most privacy-friendly way to set up the system?
What areas do I want the cameras to capture?
Can I position the cameras to avoid intruding on my neighbours’ property or any shared or public spaces?
Do I need to record the images, or is a live feed enough?
Has my CCTV system got an audio-recording facility? Audio recording is very privacy-intrusive. So in most cases where householders use CCTV, they should disable audio recording.
Think about the problem you are trying to tackle. It will usually be to safeguard you and your property against crime. Check your local police advice about crime prevention. Better locks, security lighting or an alarm system may be more effective and less expensive ways of securing your property.
If you decide to use CCTV, think about what areas need to be covered, and whether your cameras need to capture images beyond the boundary of your property. Remember, if your cameras don’t capture images beyond your boundary, the data protection laws won’t apply to you.
What is the law if my CCTV captures images of people outside my own home and garden?
If your CCTV captures images beyond your property boundary, such as your neighbours’ property or public streets and footpaths, then your use of the system is subject to the data protection laws.
This does not mean you are breaking the law. But it does mean that, as the CCTV user, you are a data controller. So you will need to comply with your legal obligations under the data protection laws.
You can still capture images, but you need to show you are doing it in ways that comply with the data protection laws and uphold the rights of the people whose images you are capturing.
What must I do if I capture images of people outside my own home and garden?
If you are capturing images beyond your property boundary, you should have a clear and justifiable reason for doing so. In particular, you will need to think why you need these images. If asked by an individual or the ICO, you will need to be able to explain your reasons, so you should write them down now. You should also write down why you think capturing the images is more important than invading the privacy of your neighbours and passers-by.
You will also need to:
Let people know you are using CCTV by putting up signs saying that recording is taking place, and why.
Ensure you don’t capture more footage than you need to achieve your purpose in using the system.
Ensure the security of the footage you capture – in other words, holding it securely and making sure nobody can watch it without good reason.
Only keep the footage for as long as you need it – delete it regularly, and when it is no longer needed.
Ensure the CCTV system is only operated in ways you intend and can’t be misused for other reasons. Anyone you share your property with, such as family members who could use the equipment, needs to know the importance of not misusing it.
You also need to make sure you respect the data protection rights of the people whose images you capture. This includes the following things:
Responding to subject access requests (SARs), if you receive any. Individuals have a right to access the personal data you hold about them, including identifiable images. They can ask you verbally or in writing. You must respond within one month and give them a copy of the data.
Deleting footage of people if they ask you to do so. You should do this within one month. You can refuse to delete it if you specifically need to keep it for a genuine legal dispute – in which case you need to tell them this, and also tell them they can challenge this in court or complain to the ICO.
Consider any objection you get now from particular people about capturing their image in the future. Given the nature of CCTV systems, this may be very difficult to do. However, you should again think whether you need to record images beyond your property boundary – particularly if your system is capturing images from a neighbour’s home or garden.
What happens if I break the law?
If you fail to comply with your obligations under the data protection laws, you may be subject to enforcement action by the ICO. This could include a fine. You may also be subject to legal action by affected individuals, who could pursue court claims for compensation.
If you follow our guidance and take all reasonable steps to comply with your data protection obligations, the ICO is unlikely to regard you as a regulatory risk. So the ICO would be unlikely to think that taking enforcement action against you was a proportionate use of its resources.
What else should I think about?
Before you install the system, consider speaking to your neighbours and explaining what you are doing. Listen to any objections or concerns they may have. It may also be useful to invite your neighbours to view the footage you capture. This may relieve any concerns they have about your use of CCTV. It may also avoid disputes escalating or complaints being made about your recording.
The phrase ‘domestic CCTV system’ refers to the use of any video surveillance equipment mounted or fixed on your home. It can include cameras fitted to doorbells.
You should remember that your use of a domestic CCTV system may be appropriate, but publicly uploading or streaming footage of identifiable people would need more justification. In most cases it would not be justifiable.
You don’t need to register with the ICO or pay a fee (this is a change from the previous law). However, you must maintain records of how and why you are capturing these images, and for how long you are keeping them. You may need to make these records available to the ICO on request.
This video is a discussion on the recent judgement in the case of Ring cameras and doorbells. The case involved claims for harassment, breach of data protection, and nuisance.
Disclaimer: Neither this nor any other video, may be taken as legal advice.
