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
In the lead-up to Black Friday and Christmas, watch out for scam text messages claiming to be from couriers. The messages may tell you there's an issue with your delivery and instruct you to follow a fake tracking link.
Scammers are getting more cunning at making messages look like the real thing, so follow our tips on how to spot them and what to do if you're targeted.If you're considering donating to a charitable cause this Christmas, you should know the signs of a fake fundraiser and how to donate safely.
From dodgy ads with fake appeals pages to fraudsters hijacking real charitable events on social media, find out what to watch out for.
Source: Which? (10 Dec 2025)
This Christmas, we're warning people to be vigilant for fake shopping adverts on social media that have been created using artificial intelligence (AI).
AI-generated images and videos are getting harder to spot and can look very convincing, but there are some signs to help you identify them. Check out a recent example of this type of fraud so you can avoid falling victim.
Source: Which? (03 Dec 2025)
Bexley residents, get ready! The most festive sight of the year is returning to Welling, bringing joy, music, and the chance to support a fantastic local cause.
Santa's Sleigh, organized and powered by incredible volunteers (with a helping hand from Greenwich & Bexley Hospice), is back on the streets for its annual rounds, spreading Christmas cheer and collecting donations for the hospice.
Mark your calendars! Santa and his helpers will be touring the Welling area every evening from December 3rd to December 19th, between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of the season, give a wave to Santa, and drop a donation to support the vital work of Greenwich & Bexley Hospice.
Want to make sure you don't miss Santa as he passes your street? You can check the full schedule and route details using the calendar link below:
🎅 View the Full Schedule: rotary-ribi.org/clubs/calendar.php?ClubID=697&DistrictNo=1120
GPS Sleigh Tracker:
You can also track Santa's progress in real-time on any given evening! As featured in this short video:
Tonight's Tracking: Text the Google Map code (e.g., G123456#) to the tracker number: (07726) 677863
This tradition is a cornerstone of the Welling community's festive season. Every wave, every smile, and every generous donation helps ensure that Greenwich & Bexley Hospice can continue providing specialist care and support to people facing life-limiting illnesses.
Let's make this year the most successful one yet!
Happy Holidays, Bexley!
Tracking information source: https://youtube.com/shorts/r0VtrP-KTFo
The festive season is fast approaching! For many of us—especially Mums, Dads, and Grandparents—this means diving headfirst into the whirlwind of Christmas bazaars, school plays, last-minute shopping, and bracing for the onset of the school holidays. It's easy to reach the big day feeling a potent combination of exhaustion, depleted bank balances, and the seasonal outbreak of 'Christmasitis.'
We all look forward to the joy Christmas brings, hoping that the presents we've bought will actually work (and that Santa remembered to pack those essential batteries!).
Sadly, in our materialistic society, the true meaning of Christmas often gets lost or obscured. While we acknowledge the pressures from media and retailers, it’s important to remember the deep meaning this time holds for believers worldwide.
Christmas offers an ideal opportunity for organisations to promote their good work. This includes Bexley Neighbourhood Watch (Bexley NW) and all its dedicated volunteers—the street coordinators and committee members.
It’s also a timely reminder for all of us to be well-prepared for Christmas and the New Year. Make sure you have a good supply of food and warm clothing in case the bad weather makes an unwelcome return. As good, caring citizens, we should always be ready to help others in need of support in your community, especially at this time of year.
“With a sharp rise in fraud reporting at Christmas time it is more important than ever that people do everything they can to protect themselves from fraudsters stopping them from enjoying the holiday season at the expense of others.”
Action Fraud has provided key tips for protecting yourself from becoming a victim of shopping fraud this Christmas:
Bargains: If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. It's probably poor quality, fake, or doesn't exist.
Emails/Texts: Never click on unsolicited emails or text messages. Criminals are skilled at making these look like they come from a legitimate business.
Tickets & Travel: Always buy tickets from official sources and never pay by direct transfer. If booking a holiday, research it thoroughly and check it's registered with ABTA and ATOL.
Payments: When buying on auction sites, use secure methods like PayPal. Never transfer money directly to someone you don’t know.
Wi-Fi: Secure Wi-Fi is vital for your privacy. Check that the network you're using is secure before making any financial transactions.
Software: Ensure your anti-virus software, operating systems, and other security measures are up to date on all your electronic devices.
Passwords: Create strong passwords that are unique for each account. A great tip is to use three random words for a memorable yet secure password.
For more information and tips on how to protect yourself online, visit the Moneywise hub in partnership with Cyber Aware – Stay secure online: How to be Cyber Aware - and see Cyberaware.gov.uk.
If you think you've been a victim of fraud, contact your financial provider immediately, and notify Action Fraud via its website or by calling 0300 123 2040.
With Christmas rapidly approaching, here are a few seasonal tips to help keep you safe at home, shopping, visiting, and after Christmas too:
Storage: If storing food, drink, or presents in garages and outbuildings, ensure they are out of sight and that the building is securely locked with good quality, well-fitted locks.
Visibility: Avoid tempting window shopping burglars; don't leave presents and valuables on full view in front of a window.
Deliveries: If having parcels delivered, make sure you arrange a suitable secure delivery location to reduce the risk of theft.
When Leaving: Always ensure that your windows and doors are closed and locked. Don’t attract burglars by leaving your home in darkness; use lights on timers, or even treat yourself to a TV simulator.
Rear Access: Lock back gates to keep unwanted visitors from accessing the rear of your home.
De-Icing: Never leave your car unattended with the engine running to de-ice it. It takes seconds to steal, and it will invalidate any insurance claim.
Parking: Park safely; look for a Parkmark accredited car park (find one at www.parkmark.co.uk/car-park-finder).
Valuables: Check your car is locked before you leave it and don’t leave valuables and gifts on display in your car.
Personal Belongings: Whether you're enjoying an evening out or Christmas shopping, keep your bags, wallets, and mobile safe. Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times.
Christmas Get-Togethers: Consider how you are getting home in advance and avoid using unlicensed taxis. Ensure you drink responsibly, social distance, and are aware of your surroundings while keeping your drink and belongings safe. (See more personal safety tips at www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/FAQs/Category/personal-safety).
Social Media: Watch what you put on social media; check your settings to ensure you are not broadcasting when you are not at home and the lovely gifts you may have received.
Packaging: Don’t advertise your nice gifts to thieves by putting the empty boxes out for collection. Disguise them, fold them up inside out, or put them inside another non-descript box.
New Property: Record your new property free on
For further crime prevention advice, including useful resources and guidance on reporting incidents, see our Bexley NW-Blog at
You can also check out our recent post on security tips: Visit
To join Bexley NW and get our bi-weekly newsletter informing you of all the latest scams and crime prevention items, you can sign up here:
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| BBNWA Xmas 2025 (click on image to view enlarged) |
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| Action Fraud reveal the 12 frauds of Christmas |
Deck the halls with boughs of holly, but also with a healthy dose of caution! Christmas is a time for joy, family, and... fraudsters? Unfortunately, criminals don't take a holiday. Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, wants to make sure you have a #FraudFreeXmas.
This year, they're highlighting the "12 Frauds of Christmas," a dastardly dozen of scams designed to steal your festive cheer (and your hard-earned cash). So, before you get swept up in the holiday hustle, be sure to stay vigilant!
Why You Need to Be Extra Cautious:
The Grinch's Grimoire: The 12 Frauds of Christmas
How to Stay Scrooge-Proof This Christmas:
Report It!
By following these tips, you can have a safe and secure Christmas filled with joy, not scams. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in keeping the Grinch at bay!
Source: Action Fraud (09-12-2024)
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| Action Fraud reveal the 12 frauds of Christmas |
Reports of delivery text scams typically spike over the Christmas period as fraudsters exploit shoppers expecting lots of deliveries.
The messages usually claim you’ve missed a delivery, aiming to pressure you into clicking a dodgy link. We explain how to spot the signs of a fake message so you don't fall victim.
See some typical examples
Source: Which? (04 Dec 2024)
It's the most wonderful time of the year! But amongst the twinkling lights and festive cheer, there's a Grinch lurking in the shadows – pickpockets. Unfortunately, these light-fingered fiends see Christmas crowds as a golden opportunity to snatch your holiday cheer (and your wallet!).
Faster Than Santa's Sleigh? Watch Out for Snatch Theft!
This year, experts warn of a rise in snatch theft. Thieves are using e-scooters and motorbikes for a quick getaway, making them even more difficult to catch. Be extra vigilant in crowded areas, especially when carrying expensive gifts or bags. Keep your handbag close to your body, preferably with the strap across your chest.
The Art of the Subtle Swipe: Pickpocketing on the Rise
But don't let the mention of scooters distract you! Pickpocketing, the silent crime, still makes up a whopping 70-80% of all thefts. These sneaky thieves operate in crowded spaces, bumping into you or creating a distraction while they relieve you of your valuables.
Don't Be a Scrooge with Your Security: Top Tips to Stay Safe
Here's how to turn the tables on these thieving Grinches:
Victimised by a Villain? Here's What to Do:
With Christmas just around the corner, many of us will be flocking online for our festive shopping. But amidst the convenience and cheer, scammers lurk, waiting to prey on unsuspecting consumers.
WHICH? is here to help you navigate the digital minefield and avoid falling victim to holiday scams. Here's the latest on some of the cons doing the rounds:
Beware the Phishing Frenzy:
Report These Scams:
Fake Dyson Vacuum Giveaway:
Social media ads offering a free Dyson V15 vacuum cleaner in exchange for a survey are a complete hoax. Don't be fooled! Clicking the link will take you to a website designed to steal your personal and payment details.
Report these scam ads through the social media platform itself. Most platforms have a reporting option within the ad itself (usually three dots on the top right corner).
Heating Subsidy Scam:
Texts claiming a "heating subsidy" due to cancelled winter heating are a cunning attempt to steal your information. Clicking the link will lead to a fake website designed to capture your personal details.
Stay Alert This Christmas:
By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, we can all have a safe and scam-free Christmas!
For more festive shopping tips and consumer advice, visit the WHICH? website.
Avast have shared Five Golden Tips for how you can shop online safely, and protect yourself from scams and fraud this Christmas!
Check who you’re buying from!
If you’ve found an unbelievable deal on a website you’ve never heard of, chances are it is too good to be true. Scammers are getting better at presenting themselves as legitimate organisations, but a good way to check to see if a business is genuine is to find the company’s details. If you can’t find any information about them, it’s likely the deal you’ve found isn’t genuine.
Avoid sites that only accept bank transfers
Although the money is still coming from your bank account, paying with a credit card is the safest option. Even if you use a debit card, you could get your money back if you never receive the goods you paid for, subject to your bank’s terms and conditions.
Avoid giving sellers any gift card numbers
Be wary of any online seller who will only accept payments in gift cards. Fraudulent sellers on eBay for example may list an item for sale and ask you for eBay gift card numbers instead of regular payment. You should only enter gift card numbers at the checkout and never share them with anyone else.
Look out for stock images on eBay, Etsy, and Amazon Marketplace
Buying stuff online can be cheap, but be aware of when you’re buying from an individual or a marketplace seller and not, say, Amazon itself. If you are buying from eBay, Etsy or Amazon Marketplace, watch out for any that use stock photos for their products as this could be a red flag. Perhaps the product doesn’t really exist!
Beware of the ‘photo only’ and ‘box only’ tricks
The idea of the ‘photo only’ eBay scam’ is to trick buyers so desperate for a deal that they fail to fully read the listing. As the listing is correct you, the buyer, were informed up front that you would receive a photo only, meaning eBay – or any online marketplace – will likely not be able to intervene and refund you.
🎄🎅 Read more on safe online shopping!🎄🎅
Source:National Dec 2023 Newsletter (pdf)
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| Cold Blow Crescent Residents Group Xmas Newsletter Click to View in PDF |
With Christmas rapidly approaching here are a few seasonal tips to help keep you safe at home, shopping, visiting, and after Christmas too:
1. If you need to store Christmas food and drink, presents and other goodies within garages and outbuildings, ensure what you are storing is out of sight and that the building is securely locked with good quality well fitted locks. Treat your shed to a shed alarm.
2. Avoid tempting window shopping burglars; don’t leave presents and valuables on full view in front of a window. Having parcels delivered, may be out, make sure that you make suitable secure delivery arrangements to reduce the risk of theft.
3. Whenever leaving the house always ensure that your windows and doors are closed and locked (remember your face covering). Don’t attract burglars to your home by leaving it in darkness; leave lights on timers, perhaps treat yourself to a TV simulator too.
4. Lock gates to keep unwanted visitors from getting to the rear of your home.
5. When you go to leave the house and find that your car is all iced up, don’t leave it unattended with the engine running to de-ice it. It only takes a second to steal your car and it would invalidate any insurance claim.
6. Park safely; look for a Parkmark accredited car park www.parkmark.co.uk/car-park-finder Check that your car is locked before you leave it and don’t leave valuables and gifts on display in your car.
7. Whether an evening out or Christmas shopping keep your bags, handbags, wallets and mobile safe. Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times.
8. A Christmas get together – make sure that you have considered how you are getting home in advance and avoid using unlicensed taxis. Ensure you drink responsible, social distance and are aware of your surroundings, whilst keeping your drink and belongings safe.
www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/FAQs/Category/personal-safety
9. Watch what you put on social media; check your settings to ensure that you are not broadcasting when you are not at home and the lovely gifts you may have received.
10. After Christmas don’t advertise your nice gifts to the thieves by putting the empty boxes out for collection, disguise them, fold them up inside out or put them inside another non-descript box.
11. Record your new property free on www.immobilise.com install tracking and security apps on relevant electrical and computer products.
12. Have a Great Christmas and New Year!!
For further crime prevention advice contact Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association at bexleynw@outlook.com
What is a wildlife crime?
Report it: If you think a wildlife crime is being committed then contact Bexley Police, lets protect our wildlife and the green spaces we have left.
With thanks to Colin Freeman Brentwood NW Member.
Christmas Safety Tips
Christmas is a time for celebration and joy, but it's also important to be safe. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe at home, while shopping, visiting, and after Christmas:
Home
Shopping
Visiting
After Christmas
Wildlife crime
Wildlife crime is a serious problem, and it's important to be aware of it. If you see a wildlife crime being committed, report it to Bexley Police.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during the Christmas season.
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.
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| 12 Scams of Christmas (Dec 2022) |
Source: Friends Against Scams.
From today's newsletter (8 Dec 2022):-
Cyber security and law enforcement partners join together to issue warning ahead of Black Friday and Christmas sales.
BARGAIN HUNTERS are being urged to bolster their cyber security in the approach to the festive season after new figures revealed victims of online shopping scams lost on average £1,000 per person in the same period last year.
Scams ranged from one shopper losing more than £150 trying to purchase a mobile phone on social media to another being duped out of more than £7,000 during an attempted online campervan purchase. Meanwhile, another victim lost almost £500 when trying to buy shoes on a social media platform, and a fourth lost £145 trying to make a similar purchase.
The new figures from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) come as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - which is a part of GCHQ – launched a nationwide drive to promote its Cyber Aware campaign to help shoppers protect themselves online.
The Cyber Aware campaign advises simple steps for shoppers to reduce their risk of suffering similar losses during this year’s Black Friday (25 November) and pre-Christmas period.
Anyone who think they have been a victim of fraud should contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. More information is available by searching #FraudFreeXmas.
The figures, which come from reports made to Action Fraud and analysed by NFIB, showed that shoppers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland were scammed out of £15.3m between November 2021 and January 2022, and that the age group most likely to fall victim was 19 to 25-year-olds.
They also showed that average losses rose year on year. Between 1st November 2020 and 31st January 2021, the average loss per person was £549 including reports with no financial loss, while for the same period last year that figure increased to £775.
The findings from reports made to Action Fraud and analysed by the NFIB revealed that:
Action Fraud and the NCSC are urging online shoppers to protect their accounts, check before they buy, and use secure payment methods in order to stay ahead of the threat from criminals this shopping season:
NCSC CEO Lindy Cameron said:
“Online shoppers will understandably be looking for bargains during the Black Friday and Christmas shopping period and we want them to do so safely.
“Sadly we know that criminals will look to exploit consumers at this time of year which is why good cyber security has such an important role to play.
“I would urge everyone to help us fight the scammers by following our Cyber Aware advice to set up two-step verification and use three random words passwords.”
Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said:
“The festive season is an expensive time for many of us. It’s natural for shoppers to get caught up in the excitement of Black Friday deals, and rush into making a quick purchase online to bag a bargain.
“Unfortunately, Christmas will come early for criminals who see this as an ideal opportunity to take advantage of us with the tempting promise of bogus cheap deals.
“I urge shoppers to be cautious of where and who you’re buying from. Our figures show that most scams last year involved mobile phones and electronics, so always shop with official retailers and don’t be enticed by deals that seem too good to be true. Where possible, use a credit card when shopping online as this will offer you more protection if anything goes wrong.
“Follow our practical advice to enjoy shopping online safely and ensure you’re not targeted this Christmas, especially given the cost of living crisis we’re facing.”
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden, said:
"We know criminals ramp up their targeting of online shoppers in the weeks approaching Christmas, so it is crucial that over this period we are all even more vigilant when buying goods over the internet.
"Our cyber experts will be working closely with the police to help thwart these groups but the best defence against them is for us all to take some very straightforward steps to protect ourselves online and prevent scammers profiting from their illegal activity at our expense."
The data reveals that the demographic most likely to fall victim to online shopping scams are those aged 19-25. 47% of the victims were male and 41% were female, with the remaining 12% not providing that information.
Source: Action Fraud (17-11-2022)
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| BBNWA Xmas 2022 |
⛄😷🎅☃️👮👮♀️Season's Greetings and a Safe Happy New Year 2022.⛄😷🎅☃️👮👮♀️
Online shopping scams cost shoppers £15.4 million over the Christmas period last year.
New data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, reveals that 28,049 shoppers were conned out of their money when shopping online over the Christmas period last year – an increase of almost two thirds (61 per cent) when compared to the same period in the previous year.
Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Action Fraud is warning the public to take extra care when shopping online as reports of online shopping fraud have continued to surge. Here are some simple tips to help you and your family enjoy a secure online shopping experience this festive season.
Where to shop
Buying from an online store you haven’t used before? Carry out some research first, or ask a friend or family member if they’ve used the site and about their experiences before completing the purchase.
Your information
Only create an account if necessary or to save you effort if you’re going to use that site a lot in the future. Be cautious if the website asks you for details that are not required for your purchase, such as your mother’s maiden name or the name of your primary school.
Payment method
When it's time to pay for your items, check there's a 'closed padlock' icon in the browser's address bar. Use a credit card when shopping online, if you have one. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases.
Phishing
Some of the messages you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. If you’re unsure about a link, don’t use the it – go separately to the website. Report suspicious emails you receive by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to: 7726.
Email accounts:
Make sure that your really important accounts (such as your email account or online shopping accounts) are protected by strong passwords that you don't use anywhere else.
Need help changing your email account password? You can use these links to find step by step instructions: Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook, BT, AOL Mail.
If things go wrong
If you've lost money to an online shopping scam, tell your bank and report it as a crime to Action Fraud (for England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland (for Scotland). By doing this, you'll be helping to prevent others becoming victims of cyber crime.
For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware
