Faith Watch and Neighbourhood Watch

It has been recently reported that thieves have target churches and Storm Eunice aftermath could give an opportunity for the crime including scams as warned by Bexley Trading Standards.

https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/2022/02/be-wary-of-rogue-traders.html

Neighbouhood Watch is helping to keep you area safe, is your road represented yet? If not why not join us now for FREE.

If you wish to become involved please download and complete a BBNWA Application Form and post or email it to us at the address shown.

• Vandalism, anti-social behaviour and hate crime - all issues that can affect religious communities.

Calling all Faith Watch members please keep us informed of any criminal issues around your places of worship.

Be wary of rogue traders

Bexley Trading Standards are warning residents that rogue traders could use the aftermath of Storm Eunice as an opportunity to defraud consumers.

Trading Standards advise residents to be wary of rogue traders offering to carry out property repairs, such as damaged roofing, fencing and the removal of fallen trees.

Scammers often claim unnecessary repairs need to be carried out or charge exorbitant prices for poor-quality work. Some rogue traders will take money for materials and then disappear without doing any work at all. Others may quote low prices but demand more money later.

Trading Standards’ advice is to ignore doorstep cold callers and instead check first with your insurance company whether you are covered for the cost of the works you need.

For those who are not covered by insurance, Bexley’s What Tradesman? scheme can help you find a reputable trader.

To report a rogue trader operating in the area, or if you need advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Source: https://www.bexley.gov.uk/news/be-wary-rogue-traders

Beware housing disrepair or energy phone spam call

A local borough resident had a cold-call from 016229377396 claiming to be from Housing Disrepair. 

If it is out-of-the-blue needless to say do not respond to such scam calls.

https://www.unknownphone.com/phone/01622937739 and https://who-called.co.uk/Number/01622937739 revealed that it is likely to be a spam call as follows:-

Find out more and how to report to Action Fraud at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/reporting-a-scam/

For further information visit https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/search/label/vishing

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

 

Common scams of 2021 that might resurface this year

The crime you’re most likely to fall victim to this year is fraud, according to the latest annual crime survey conducted by the Office of National Statistics. Based on the reports we received, impersonation scams were the most common.

We break down the biggest scams of 2021 and the preferred methods used by fraudsters. These scams tend to go in and out of circulation. (Source: Which?)

The five biggest scams of 2021

Fake Amazon ‘locked account’ emails

There have been a number of fake Amazon emails in the past 12 months, but we’ve noticed a new example that claims your account has been ‘locked’ and is ‘holding all your last orders’.

Its layout is slick and could look genuine enough to deceive you if you don’t take a moment to assess it. Here’s what it looks like. (Source:Which?)

The signs it's a fake

Improving Riverside Gardens, Erith

 

Planning permission has been granted for works to improve Riverside Gardens, one of Erith’s most important riverside spaces.

The improvements have been developed by Erect Architecture in partnership with the local community. Groundwork, who specialise in community engagement, organised a number of public events and feedback from these identified four themes that guide the new design of the Gardens:

• creating a destination and clear identity
• connecting the Gardens to the river
• improving play opportunities
• celebrating Erith’s heritage

The improvements will make the Gardens more accessible, with new planting and places to play and rest, and with easier connections to the riverside.

Councillor Munur, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Growth said:

"The approved design for Riverside Gardens will make the most of a unique space on the Thames with a rich history. Together with the improvements to Pier Square the proposal will ensure the river plays an important part in the regeneration of Erith”

The consented scheme can be viewed on the Planning Portal under the code 21/02449/FULM as part of the planning application.

The works are due to begin in early summer and will last for approximately six months. The Thames Path will be kept open for public access for as long as possible during the build and if the path needs to be closed for short periods of time to allow for construction then a diversion would be put in place.

A new ramp will make the route between the gardens and the Thames Path accessible for all users, while the reconfiguration of ground levels will make it easier to move around within the gardens and provide better views across the River Thames.

A new playground will be created based on a design that relates to the history of the Gardens and the town, and outdoor fitness equipment will be provided on the riverside terrace. New planting, including a dedicated growing space for the Friends of Riverside Gardens, will increase biodiversity and improve drainage in the Gardens and along Erith High Street.

The improvements at Riverside Gardens are part of the wider Greater Erith programme. The project is being funded by the London Borough of Bexley and the Greater London Authority through the Good Growth Fund.

Source: LBBexley (14 Feb 2022)

Cold-call Medical Alert Scam

A local borough resident had a cold-call from 01417298576 on landline claiming to be from Medical Alert. Claims to be based in Dorset and when trying to get more information the caller hung up. 

If it is out-of-the-blue needless to say do not respond to such scam calls.

https://who-called.co.uk/Number/01417298576 revealed that it is likely to be a medical scam as follows:-

Find out more and how to report to Action Fraud at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/reporting-a-scam/

For further information visit https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com/search/label/vishing