Recent engagement at Bexleyheath Library - MetEngage Bexleyheath

Hi Resident

Yesterday, I held our weekly drop-in surgery at Bexleyheath Library where I had the opportunity to speak with residents about one of our local issues, pickpocketing/personal theft. I was also able to provide crime prevention advice and handed out purse bells, leaflets, RFID card sleeves and personal attack alarms to those who needed them. 

Our next drop-in surgery will be on Thursday, 16th April 2026 between 5-6pm at Bexleyheath Library. Please do pop along and say hello. I still have a limited amount of bells, card sleeves and alarms to hand out on a first come, first served basis.

 Hope to see you there!

 Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/427682/Recent-engagement-at-Bexleyheath-Library

  

Burglary Alert - MetEngage Barnehurst

There has been a burglary on the Ward.  Access to the property was made by breaking and entering the back kitchen window.

While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you:  

•  Double lock your door every time you leave the house  
• If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access.  
• Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows.  
• Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through.  
• If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house.  
• Make sure all valuables are out of sight. 
• Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps.  
• In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on.  
• Set your burglar alarm 
• Lock your  shed or garage 
• Mark, register or record your valuables. 

Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe and protecting your home. 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.  

 

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.

 

You may also want to rate this message to let us know if this information was useful or not or use the system to change which issues we update you about, you can do these things quickly and easily by logging in or keep an eye out for the periodic survey reminders.

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Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/427114/Burglary-Alert

Bexleyheath Police Station Front Counter - MetEngage East Wickham

Bexleyheath Police Station Front Counter

 Please note that Bexleyheath Police Station front counter is now closed overnight.

The new opening hours are:

Monday to Friday: 10am – 10pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 10pm

 

The police station itself is not closing overnight. Emergency response officers and custody services remain operational 24 hours a day.

If you need emergency police assistance outside front counter hours, a yellow emergency phone box is available outside the police station, providing direct access to emergency services. Or Call 101 or 999 in emergency.

Thank you for your understanding, and please continue to spread the word in your community about Met Engage – let’s get as many residents signed up. 

 DSU Melanie Pressley

 

Source: https://www.metengage.co.uk/Alerts/A/426512/Bexleyheath-Police-Station-Front-Counter 

Our latest scam warnings

Our dedicated team of fraud experts are always on the lookout for scams targeting people across the UK.

Recent tactics to be aware of include a DPD delivery text scam and fraudsters exploiting the Financial Conduct Authority's car finance compensation scheme. Check out the full list, based on your reports to our Which? Scam Action Alerts Facebook community and scam sharer tool.

Source: Which? (31 Mar 2026)

What I learned as a scambaiter

Scambaiting is the practice of attempting to turn the tables on scam callers by intentionally wasting their time or otherwise toying with them. But while scambaiting is rising in popularity, many methods are unethical, can put you at risk, and won't stop the next scam call.

Our expert tried it out herself. Here's what she learned – and why you shouldn't try it at home.

Source: Which? (09 Apr 2026)

Scamwatch: 'A fraudster in the US is using my name and email'

We spoke to one consumer whose name and email address were used by a fraudster to open accounts and make purchases with retailers in the US. After they struggled to get the fraudulent accounts closed, our experts advised them on how to navigate the situation.

Read on for our expert advice on how to report identity fraud, plus four steps to follow to avoid becoming a victim.

Source: Which? (07 Apr 2026)

SCAM ALERT: Fake McAfee Invoice

Action Required: Do NOT call the phone number provided in this email. If you have already called them or provided bank details, contact your bank immediately on their official number (usually found on the back of your card).

Why this is a Scam:

• The Sender: The email comes from a personal-looking name (Kamari Wilkins) rather than an official @mcafee.com domain.

• High Pressure/Panic: They claim a large amount ($375.98) has been "Auto-Debited" to provoke an immediate emotional reaction.

• Poor Grammar & Logic: The text contains odd phrasing like "We appreciate you informing us that your... subscription is now active" and nonsensical terms like a subscription "lasting 24 hours" but renewing for "three years".

• The Hook: The primary "Call to Action" is a phone number. Real companies will typically direct you to your online account dashboard to manage subscriptions.

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How to Report This

To help the authorities take down these scammers, please follow these steps:

1. Forward the email: Send the full original email to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) at:

   report@phishing.gov.uk

2. Report the Phone Number: You can also report the fraudulent phone number to 7726 (a free service for reporting spam/scams via SMS).

3. Delete: Once reported, delete the email. Do not reply to the sender, as this confirms your email address is active.

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Stay Safe: Always check your bank statement directly via your banking app or official website if you are unsure about a transaction. Never use contact details provided inside a suspicious email.