Protect Your Pride and Joy: Top 3 Anti-Theft Tricks for Keyless Cars:

This video reveals 3 effective strategies to deter car thieves targeting your keyless entry vehicle:

1. Block the Signal:

• Tin Box Fortress: Simply store your key fob in a metal box or Faraday pouch to create a signal-blocking shield. This budget-friendly method disrupts communication between your key and the car, preventing unauthorized unlocking.

2. Go Old-School:

• Disable Keyless Entry: Most manufacturers offer a built-in option to temporarily disable keyless entry. Utilize this feature for added security in vulnerable situations like crowded parking lots.

3. Stay Informed:

• Consult Your Manual: Every car is different! Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on disabling keyless entry and exploring other security features on your model.

By implementing these simple tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of keyless car theft and enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle is secure.

Lock Down Your Land Rover: Disabling Keyless Entry in Seconds

Want added security for your Range Rover? Disabling keyless entry is a quick and easy process using your key fob. Here's how:

1. Open the driver's door. Time is of the essence! You have 3 seconds to complete the next steps.
2. Rapidly press the headlight button three times. Don't delay!
3. Immediately press the unlock button once. That's it! Keyless entry is now disabled.

Turning it back on? Simply repeat the process, but press the lock button instead of the unlock button.

Remember: Consult your owner's manual for the most up-to-date instructions specific to your Range Rover model and year.

Additional Tips:

• Disabling keyless entry can be helpful in crowded areas or when storing your vehicle for extended periods.
• You can always unlock your car manually with the key fob or the physical key, even with keyless entry disabled.
• For other car models, consult your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions.

Unlocking Convenience: How to Control Your Ford's Keyless Entry

Disabling and enabling Ford Key Free can vary depending on your specific Ford model and year. Here's a general guide, but it's important to consult your owner's manual for the most accurate instructions:

Disabling Key Free:

• Through the touchscreen: Many newer Ford models allow you to disable Key Free directly through the touchscreen settings. Look for options like "Vehicle Settings," "Locks," and then "Unlocking Key Free." You should be able to toggle it on or off.
• Using the key fob: Some models have a specific button combination on the key fob to disable Key Free. Refer to your manual for the exact sequence.
• Manually locking the doors: Even if Key Free is enabled, you can always manually lock the doors using the lock button on the door handle or key fob.

Enabling Key Free:

• Through the touchscreen: Follow the same steps as disabling, but toggle the option to "On."
• Using the key fob: Again, some models might have a specific button combination to enable Key Free. Check your manual.
• Simply approach the car with the key fob: In some models, Key Free might automatically activate when you approach the car with the key fob in your pocket or purse.

Additional Tips:

• Disabling Key Free can be helpful in situations where you want to prevent accidental unlocking, like when parked in a crowded area.
• Remember that even with Key Free disabled, you can still unlock the car using the key fob or the physical key.
• If you're unsure about any of the steps, consult your Ford dealership or a qualified mechanic.

Hope this helps! Remember, it's crucial to refer to your specific owner's manual for the most accurate instructions.

How to avoid holiday scams

Typically, this time of the year is when people book their holidays, but it's also when fraudsters attempt to take advantage of consumers. Holiday scams are big business for fraudsters, with victims losing more than £15m in the 2022-23 financial year.

For example, scammers created a bogus copycat Booking(dot)com website, including a pop-up chat from a fake 'customer service' representative, encouraging victims to book.

Identifying some holiday scams can be tricky, but following our six tips can help ensure you're booking through a genuine site.

Our 6 tips

Source: Which? (26 Jan 2024)

Fake Health Lottery letters

Google searches for scam Health Lottery letters have spiked this week. These sneaky 'lottery award-winning claim notification' letters claim recipients have won as much as £750,000 in the Health Lottery. However, if you call to claim the prize, you will be targeted by fraudsters trying to steal your personal and financial information.

It's important to note that the Health Lottery never sends letters to its winners. Here is an example of this scam, along with a Royal Mail form that you can use to report fake letters.

Fake lottery letters

Source: Which? (30 Jan 2024)

R.I.P Ray Hudson: A Dedicated Champion of Our Community

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ray Hudson on 20th January 2024, a man who tirelessly dedicated himself to improving the lives of those around him. Ray's commitment to our community spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on Neighbourhood Watch and countless individuals.

A Pillar of Service:

From 1975 to 2001, Ray served as a Magistrate, upholding justice and fairness. His dedication to education led him to be a School Governor from 1976 to 2014, shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. His passion for community engagement saw him lead the Lesness Residents Association from 1997 to 2016, advocating for residents' needs and improving local living conditions.

Leading the Way in Neighbourhood Watch:

Ray's impact truly unfolded with Bexley-NW. Joining the committee in 1992, he quickly rose to become Vice-Chairman in 1995 and ultimately Chairman from 2004 to 2013. He played a pivotal role in:

• Securing Bexley-NW's registered charity status in 1997.
• Establishing the RINGMASTER telephone warning system in 1998.
• Elevating Neighbourhood Watch's profile, fostering collaboration with the police, council, and local press.
• Expanding NW membership from 350 coordinators covering 14,000 homes in 2008 to 450 coordinators covering 25,000 homes in 2013.

His dedication saw him recognised with numerous awards, including a Long Service Award from Bexley-NW and a London Achievement Award presented by Mayor Boris Johnson.

An Enduring Legacy:

Even after stepping down as Chairman in 2013, Ray remained actively involved, offering guidance and support. His passing leaves a void, but his legacy lives on in the stronger, safer community he helped build. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment and the countless lives he touched.

Ray Hudson receives Award in 2011

[Click image to view enlarged]

Urgent Appeal: Stolen Car in Bexleyheath - Help Find a White Mercedes E220!

Stolen Car in Bexleyheath

A white Mercedes E220 Class car, registration WG18UFJ, year 2018, was brazenly stolen from a driveway on Martin Rise, DA6 8NB, Bexleyheath on the 23rd of January 2024 at 1:55 am.

The owner is desperately seeking your help in recovering their beloved car. We urge all residents in the Bexleyheath area, especially those living near Martin Rise, to:

• Check your CCTV footage or any other surveillance devices you have installed. Even a brief glimpse of the car or suspicious activity could be crucial.
• Share this post with your neighbours and local community groups. The wider the net, the better chance of finding the car.
• Report any sightings or relevant information immediately. Don't hesitate to contact the owner directly, Bexleyheath Police at bexleyheath.snt@met.police.uk on 101 or 020 8721 2021, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111.

Here are some additional details that might help:

• Make: Mercedes
• Model: E220 Class
• Year: 2018
• Registration number: WG18UFJ
• Colour: White
• Date and time stolen: January 23rd, 2024, at 1:55 am
• Location: Martin Rise, DA6 8NB, Bexleyheath

Remember, no piece of information is too small. Together, we can help reunite the owner with their car and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Please share this post widely and be vigilant!

By working together, we can make a difference!

Source: Nextdoor