Scam involving bogus police officers

Police in Bromley are warning members of the public not to hand over money to men claiming to be detectives involved in a Bromley-led operation to tackle local criminals. Residents in Bromley have reported being approached by suspects posing as detectives and asking for money.

Officers in Orpington have recorded two incidents in the past week where members of the public have received calls from bogus detectives.

This is how the scam is carried out:- A bogus detective rings the victim to explain that they are conducting an operation to trap local criminals and need money and assistance from members of the public in order to carry out their investigation. They appear to know the surname of the person they are contacting, which may make the call more credible. The caller also explains that the money provided will be marked with a special dye, as part of the bogus police operation.

Victims have been asked to provide large amounts of cash which is later to be collected from their home address by another bogus police officer. The victims are even given a code or reference number. The fake police officer, who later collects the money from the victim’s address, will quote the same reference number when he collects the cash, simply to make the scam look more believable. Victims are also told that their money is being safely stored at Orpington Police Station. In one case, one of the victims was also showed a fake ID similar to an officer’s warrant card.

One of the suspects is described as in his thirties, approximately 6’ tall, olive skin, dark brown hair, with stubble and wearing a grey tracksuit with trainers. A second suspect has simply been described as a black man.

Both incidents have taken place in Orpington and so far two victims have handed over a total of £12,000. Bromley CID are investigating.

Chief Inspector Katrina Smith from police in Bromley said:-

“We never ask members of the public to provide us with money in order to assist with our investigations. Please be extra vigilant and do not hand any money to anyone; it does not matter if they say they are from the police or if they say that they are working with detectives. Do not hand over any cash”.

She added; “It appears that the scammers are targeting elderly people and pensioners. If you have an elderly relative or friend, please make them aware of this scam and ensure that they do not hand over any cash to strangers under any circumstances.”

Anyone with information should contact DC James Coldham, Bromley CID on 020 8284 8783 or 020 8284 8785. Anyone with information who wishes to remain anonymous should ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Hands off the Bus Pass! - Rally 31st October

In recent weeks there have been a series of attacks against universal pensioner benefits, such as free bus travel and the winter fuel allowance.

The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) have organised a rally and Lobby of Parliament:
Wednesday 31st October
11.30am protest, George V statue, Old palace Yard
1pm Rally/Lobby, Committee Room 14, House of Commons

Critics argue that pensioners have escaped the austerity measures at the expense of young people, but the many believe that in reality the only people who have escaped the cuts are the rich.

The NPC say that means-testing these benefits would exclude pensioners with incomes of little more than £10,000 per year.
Evidence shows that even after paying these universal benefits, pensioners contribute an extra £40bn every year to the economy in taxes, volunteering and unpaid care.

For more information about the National Pensioners Convension contact
NPC Walkden House, 10 Melton Street, London NW1 2EJ
Tel: 020 7383 0388
www.npcuk.org

Firework displays

If you plan to have a firework party for family and friends then you should follow the firework code:

• Keep fireworks in a closed box
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light them at arm's length using a taper
• Stand well back
• Never go back to a lit firework
• Never put a firework in your pocket
• Never throw fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Never give sparklers to a child under five
• Keep pets indoors

Get more information on how to keep pets and animals safe during the fireworks season in our related downloads section. If your neighbours have cats or dogs which will be frightened by the bangs it is a good idea to let them know so they can keep their pets indoors.

Firework safety

Any firework you buy should comply with British Standard BS7114:1988 and be clearly marked for their intended use - "Indoor, Garden or Display".

For anyone running a display for an organisation such as a sports club, parish council or school, which is likely to attract in the region of 100 people, you can find useful information from the the Health and Safety Executive's "Giving Your Own Firework Display" (HS(G)124)

If you want to attend an organised display there are a number of displays in Bromley and you can see some of them at bromley.gov.uk/events.

If you want something local then the Friends of Parish School (FOPS) have organised a professional display on Friday 2nd November. Gates open at 5.30pm and the display starts at 7pm. This event is by advanced tickets only and no tickets will be sold at the gate. Prices are adults £6, children £4 but a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children is £16.

Ticket enquiries by email at parishfireworks@hotmail.co.uk 

While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, it is for information only and does not imply any endorsement by LERA. 

Find out more about your family history

Uncover more about your family history at a drop in session next week at Bromley Central Library.

Experts in family history from the North West Kent Family History Society will be on hand on Saturday 27 October to answer questions about tracing your past.  Access to computers, online resources and advice will be available from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm.  There's no need to book, just turn up and the advice is free.  

"This is a great opportunity to get help if you're stuck with your family history research and don't know where to look next.  Our friendly experts will be on hand to show you the next steps and help you uncover your past" said Simon McKeon, Local Studies and Archives Manager at Bromley Central Library. 

For more information on the drop in sessions contact Local Studies & Archives on 020 8461 7170 or email localstudies.library@bromley.gov.uk or visit the North West Kent Family History Society website http://www.nwkfhs.org.uk.   

Handa's Surprise Storytime 1st November

Burnt Ash Library is hosting Handa's Surprise Storytime for children 7 and under.

The event is on Thursday 1st November from 11.00 am to 12.00 noon. Children will make their own story mask and join in the story.

Admission is free but tickets must be obtained in advance from the library.

For more information telephone 020 8460 3405

Question Time October 26th Blackheath Halls

Radio 4's show Question Time will be staged at the Blackheath Concert Halls,  23 Lee Road  London SE3 9RQ,  on October 26th from 6.30pm.

Jonathan Dimbleby chairs the political discussion and debate programme. Guests include the former Home Secretary Charles Clarke.

Tickets are free. Visit in person to collect one or call 020 8463 0100

Bromley Town Centre Continental Market

18 October 2012 - 21 October 2012

Vibrant street market in Bromley High Street

Time: 09:00 - 17:00

The continental market comes into Bromley town centre for 4 days and brings a large selection of take away foods, hand crafted goods, continental fashion and accessories.

"The atmosphere is vibrant with the weekly market working alongside and enhancing what is already offered in the high street from our regular market ."

Event organiser: Bromley Council
Telephone: 020 8461 7465

Biking Bromley 18 October 2012

Everything you need to know about cycling....

Location: Bromley High Street outside the police station

Time: 17:00 - 19:00

Cost: Free

Information and advice including

• Bike marking-  free security marking by police
• Dr Bike - free bike service and minor repairs 
• Free cycle training
• Bike maintenance courses

Event organiser: Bromley Council
Telephone: 020 8313 4546
Email: road.safety@bromley.gov.uk

Police Commissioner's Live webchat

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe will be hosting his next regular live interactive webchat on Friday 19 October giving Londoners the opportunity to ask him a question.

Join the webchat here http://www.met.police.uk/askmetboss/ between 10:30hrs and 11:30hrs on Friday morning. You can also join the discussion and pre-submit a question on Twitter using #AskMetBoss

More than 1,400 people have joined the Commissioner during his webchats, questioning him on a variety of topics including racism, drugs, uniform and terrorism.

During the last webchat we received over one hundred questions during the hour long session hosted on the MPS website, and nearly four hundred people took part.

The webchats are part of the Commissioner's commitment to speaking directly with members of the public to find out their views on how the MPS can be the best police service.

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Bromley Council cracks down on dog fouling

The majority of dog owners in the Links Estate area are considerate and clean up after their dogs have fouled the pavements. However a small number of thoughtless owners treat the area as a dog loo.

A six month trial began in early September to bring about an improvement in the Borough's street scene. The Council has been working with Xfor Local Authority Support Ltd to enforce the scheme, with the aim of tackling littering and dog fouling. Uniformed enforcement officers have been issuing £80 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) where appropriate and are continuing to advise and educate the public to raise awareness about environmental matters. Litterers paid the price as 196 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued in the first 2 weeks of Bromley’s campaign.

Councillor Colin Smith, Executive Councillor for the Environment said "Although the Council would far prefer that everybody placed their rubbish in the bin and tidied up after their animals in the first place as the vast majority already do,  I would please urge those who currently don't to start doing so. This initiative is intended to serve as a salutary and measured reminder to those who either thoughtlessly or deliberately use our streets as their personal dustbins, that as well as the untidiness they cause, there is a significant cost to cleaning up discarded litter for the rest of us to bear, either though Council tax payments or reduced public services".

Anyone issued with a FPN for dog fouling has 14 days to pay the £80 fine. If the penalty is not paid within the 14 day period, legal proceedings may begin.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, councils have the power to issue FPNs for offences such as abandoning a vehicle, dog fouling, littering and fly-tipping. The trial scheme will give enforcement officers more scope to stop the crime of dog fouling.

Burnt Ash Library Reading Group October

The next meeting at Burnt Ash Library is on Thursday 25th October at 2.15 pm and everyone is welcome.

The book to be discussed is:-

The gathering by Anne Enright

The Gathering' is a family epic, condensed & clarified through Anne Enright's unblinking eye. It is also a sexual history: tracing the line of hurt & redemption through three generations - starting with the grandmother, Ada Merriman.

Every one is welcome.

For more details visit the library or contact the librarians on 020 8460 3405 or by email at burntash.library@bromley.gov.uk

For details of other activities at the Burnt Ash Library see the following link:-

http://www.bromley.gov.uk/directory_record/34386/burnt_ash_library

Classic Film Club St Andrews Hall, Burnt Ash Lane 15th October

Random Harvest (1942)

 Starring  Ronald Colman, Greer Garson and Philip Dorn 

An amnesiac World War I veteran falls in love with a music hall star, only to suffer an accident which restores his original memories but erases his post-War life.

Monday 15th October

 Doors open at 6.45pm film show at 7.00pm

Cost £2 minimum donation per person is suggested to include refreshments at the interval.

For more information ring:-
Brian at James Harper 020 8464 0080
Rev'd Angela King      020 8313 3434
Rev'd Liz Davis           020 6460 4672

All welcome, come and enjoy a local evening out

More Tough Choices – your Council into the future

This is a very advanced notice about Public meetings being held in the borough as the Council budget is set for 2013-14. Further information will be published here when it is made available by the Council.

The Leader of Bromley Council, Councillor Stephen Carr, is inviting those who live and work in Bromley to join him and other leading Councillors at one of the public meetings being held in the borough as the Council budget is set for 2013-14.  There is more than £30 million to be cut from the Council's budget over the next four years in addition to similar savings made in the last two years.  With more tough choices to be made the Council wants to hear as many views as possible about the future shape of the Council. The meetings will take place as follows:   

More Tough Choices - Public Meetings

Evening meetings - 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday, 7 November	Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, BR1 3UH
Thursday, 8 November	Orpington Methodist Church, BR6 9JH
Monday, 19 November	Citygate Church, Rectory Road, Beckenham, BR3 1AA

More Tough Choices - Public Meetings

Day time meeting - 11:00am - 12:30am
Thursday, 22 November	Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, BR1 3UH

The Leader of the Council, Stephen Carr said:  "In the next four years we have to save more than £30 million in addition to similar savings made over the last two years with further uncertainty about government funding into the future.  Be assured we are challenging everything we do and how we do it, striving for ever greater efficiencies and to give you value for every penny spent - as such we are one of the lowest spending Council's in London.  But we have to recognise these year on year cuts are at a time of increasing demands for services to support the vulnerable in our community, when the cost of waste disposal is rising, when there will be a shortfall of over £2 million from the government as we localise Council tax benefit, when we face losing money under the academy programme - and the list goes on.  

Of course we are exploiting every opportunity to generate income and we argue, and will continue to argue, we need a fairer deal for Bromley in terms of government funding.  But that said, we have to be realistic and open about the increasingly tough choices we all now have to make. Yes, we remain committed to our vision of Building a Better Bromley, yes we will do all we can to protect frontline services.  But faced with this magnitude of savings we have to ask some difficult questions. For instance should we continue to keep all our libraries open? Should we keep maintaining our parks and gardens?  Should we keep the same level of youth provision? How do we provide care for increasing numbers of older people with complex needs?  And we have to ask you as taxpayers whether you would be prepared to pay a small increase in council tax to maintain such services?  There are no easy choices only increasingly tough ones and it is vital we hear your views on the future shape of your Council." 

To ensure people are as well informed as possible, Bromley Council will be posting up-to-date information about the challenges to be addressed on the Council's website a week before the first meeting where you can also find details of the meetings.  Or you can call 020 8464 3333.

While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, it is for information only and does not imply any endorsement by LERA. 

Thinking of renting your property?

If you're thinking of renting your property or have a current vacancy join the council at its eighth annual Landlords' Forum on Tuesday 9 October.  The forum is being held in the Civic Centre and starts at 6pm.

Councillor Evans, Executive Councillor for Care Services said:  

"Our housing team have held this successful event for a number of years and it is an important part in improving how we work with landlords in Bromley and neighbouring areas to increase the number of private properties available to rent.  We would like to invite any landlord or prospective landlord to come along, meet the team and others with expertise and knowledge of the rental market and find out how they can quickly and successfully find tenants through our private rented schemes."

Landlords and prospective landlords can also learn about the impact the forthcoming changes to the benefits system will have on their tenants as well as have a chance to meet organisations and individuals with an interest in rented property such as management companies and landlord associations.

If you would like to find out more about the forum or would like to attend please contact the council's Housing Initiatives Team on 020 8313 4098. Or email the team at housinginitiatives@bromley.gov.uk.  The team would also like to hear from you if you are unable to attend but would like help with letting your property or if you have any thoughts and suggestions about making our services and schemes more attractive to landlords and tenants alike.

Produced in Kent

The Links estate is only a short drive or train ride from the Kentish countryside. Produced in Kent is a membership organisation dedicated to championing local food, drink, products and services in Kent. Their role is to promote local and seasonal produce and provide support and services for Kent businesses in the food, drink and artisan craft sectors. 

Although this site is mainly aimed at producers it will enable anyone to find out about Kentish products and producers and discover where to buy locally, along with information about how to become a Member or Friend of Produced in Kent.

Their website is at Produced in Kent Home Page

On their web page you can see news about recent events, What's On which provides information about coming events and their publications page contains many downloadable leaflets giving details of food trails, educational fact files on types of food, a list of products in season and you can download their regular newsletters or register to obtain email versions of the newsletters as they are published.

The website will provide ideas for days out in Kent especially on cold, rainy days.

While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, it is for information only and does not imply any endorsement by LERA for the businesses or their products. 

Local Business 1 - J Andrews Butchers

This is one of a series of articles which will be published at regular intervals about local businesses. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, it is for information only and does not imply any endorsement by LERA for the businesses or their products. 

J ANDREWS & SONS are a local, family run business established in 1948. They specialise in specially selected meat, handmade pies and puddings, locally sourced cooked meats and a selection of artisan and fine foods.

If it wasn't for the dedication and passion of the whole team there, they would just be another butcher, but as it stands they have established a commitment throughout every department of the company which makes them the trusted and popular butchers they are today.

Their family have been supplying meat in the London Borough of Bromley since 1948. At their peak they had four shops within five miles of their last remaining shop in Burnt Ash Lane. With the growth of supermarkets, increases in the cost of living and people having less time on their hands local small business have suffered tremendously.

They have launched an on line e-commerce site at jandrewsbutchers.co.uk

This website should help take their business out to the wider community. Provenance and locally produced products are ever more popular these days. In 2012 J. Andrews & Sons became proud members of Produced in Kent, a charitable organisation promoting locally sourced produce. They are happy to be supporting Kent with an ever growing range of locally sourced products, from meat to pickles.  Their beef is direct from Macduff in the Scottish Glens. Macduff cattle are fed only on grass and grass based products, which are rich in Omega- 3. All sides of beef are matured on the bone, the natural way, prior to boning.


The shop is open all week but you can order on line 24 Hours a day and select home delivery or collect in store at the following times

• Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm
• Saturday 8.00am - 4.30pm
• Sunday 10.00am - 3.00pm

All this information is available on the J. Andrews website