Burglary Alert and crime prevention advice

Dear all,

The time of the year has arrived when Burglars will be doing their Christmas shopping, not by visiting the Glades or the local shops but by visiting your homes!
On Wednesday 22^nd November 2017 we had 5 burglaries on the ward, PORTLAND ROAD (2), KYNASTON ROAD, OAK TREE GARDENS and SANDRINGHAM ROAD. Entry was gained in all 5 burglaries via the rear of the property, please make sure that all tools are locked away in your garden shed and there are no objects left lying around to help the burglars break in.

ALWAYS TURN ON BURGLAR ALARMS, LOCK DOORS and WINDOWS when leaving your property even if you are popping down to the local shops, that newspaper could turn out to be very expensive.

I have had a report that around 13:00 hours on the day of the burglaries two youths on a moped wearing ski masks were spotted around the area, PLEASE if you see anything suspicious call Police on 999, your call could stop a crime happening.

If you are a Neighbourhood watch co-coordinator, a contact in your road, a residents association or know of any vulnerable residents, please spread the word and ask neighbours to review their home and personal security. Crime prevention advice can be found on www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention
Motor vehicle crime also increases this time of the year. Do not leave anything on display in your vehicle it doesn’t have to be of value they will still break in and steal it. Lock items in your boot or glove compartment. Better still if you can, don’t leave anything of value in your vehicle take them with you. ALWAYS LOCK YOUR CAR even if you leave it for a few seconds.

Everywhere is getting busier with people going shopping, going to restaurants or going for a festive drink. Mobile phones are an easy target for thieves, think before you use your phone in public. Be aware of what’s happening around you, especially in crowded places. Don’t leave phones on tables in pubs and restaurants, don’t walk and text at the same time, you will be less aware of what is around you. Moped theft of phones is a problem at the moment.

If you do have your phone stolen report to Police and your service provider and let them know the IMEI number, this can be found by typing *#06# on your phone. Record the number and keep it safe, the number will allow your phone to be barred on all networks. You can also register your phone and other property please visit www.immobilise.com for details.

Sorry to be negative but this is the time of year when crime increases, so we all need be to be extra vigilant. I will E-mail before Christmas with an update on the team and at least one good news story!!

Regards,
Peter

PCSO 7207 Peter Scott
Plaistow and Sundridge
Email - Plaistow.Sundridge.snt@met.police.uk
Tel - 020 8721 2613

Chinbrook Meadows Outdoor Gym

FoCM invite you to the opening of the new outdoor gym in Chinbrook Meadows on Friday 24^th November from 2 00 to 4 00pm.  There will be a ribbon cutting and an opportunity to try out the equipment. From 2 45pm light refreshments will be available at the park café.

There will be scope for complete beginners, and more advanced exercisers so there is no excuse not to give it a go! Funding for the gym came from Tescos Bags of Help and the London Marathon Trust. The equipment is being provided and installed by The Great Outdoor Gym Company TGOGC. There will be free training sessions in the future too, funded by ChART.

a new "Bailiffs are coming£ Scam

Action Fraud has recently experienced an increase in the number of calls to members of the public by bogus bailiffs requesting payments for a “phantom” debt. The fraud involves being cold-called by someone purporting to be a bailiff working on behalf of a court, attempting to recover funds for a non-existent debt. The caller will request payment by means of bank transfer and if this is refused, will threaten to visit the premises to recover the debt that is owed. A range of different businesses and individuals are being targeted.

Tips for staying safe:

·        Confirm what the debt is regarding; bailiffs are only used to recover certain debts such as council tax, child support and compensation orders. Bailiffs are not used to recover debts relating to private advertisement; these would be collected by debt collectors. Debt collectors do not have the same legal powers as bailiffs and will not have special court authorisation to act. For more details regarding this, please look at the Citizens Advice website. ·        If you work for a business and receive a call or visit from bailiffs or debt collectors, be sure to speak with your manager or business owner first. Never pay the debts yourself on behalf of the business you work for; some fraudsters have suggested employees do this whilst talking with them, suggesting they can then be reimbursed by their employer, when in reality the debt is non-existent. ·        Double check with the court or originating company to confirm whether the call is legitimate; if you use a landline make sure you hear the dialling tone prior to dialling as the caller could still be on the line and you could potentially speak to the fraudster(s) to confirm the non-existent debt. Also be sure to independently search for a telephone number to call and clarify; never use a number provided by the caller without carrying out your own research. ·        Request details of the debt in writing to confirm its legitimacy. ·        Do not feel rushed or intimidated to make a decision based on a phone call. ·        You can report suspicious calls like these to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfaud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Save Our Stalls - Bromley Market

We the Stall holders of Bromley Charter Market want to make you aware of Bromley Council's plans to reduce the number of stalls at the Bromley Charter Market which has been in existance since 1205. 
That’s over 800 years old. 

Bromley Council are proposing to reduce the number of stalls on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 38 to 21. A reduction of over 45%.

This will greatly limit the choice for our customers when shopping in themarket and will deprive some of the stall holders of our livelihood. 

Our Historic Charter Market, at the heart of the community for over 800 years, brings its own unique and vibrant atmosphere to Bromley’s town centre.

We are sending a petition to the Council asking them to reconsider their plans. 

When we heard from a consultancy company employed by the Council of their plans we started collecting signatures on Thursday 26th through to Saturday 28th October and have collected hundreds of signatures of support. Here are a few of the comments:-

“Why”
“The market symbolises our roots with tradition”
“The market is a part of the community an asset to Bromley”
“I love our market”
“We need our market”
“Ridiculous plan”
and the list goes on.
We would value your support by liking our Facebook page please. Click on the link to view the facebook page

Britain First Rally - Bromley - Saturday 4 November 2017

Britain First Rally - Bromley - Saturday 4 November

This message was sent via the Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association 

Message from the Borough Commander:

I am sure you will have seen or heard that there is going to be a rally by Britain First on Saturday and this has raised the possibility of a counter-rally by other groups. They plan to meet in Bromley North and walk to Bromley Police Station, taking a route that includes the High Street. It is not clear how many people are expected to attend.

This situation has been monitored by us in the last week and we planned to bring local resources on duty earlier than planned to police it. However, we have now secured central resources to cover the event and these will be supported by a team of local officers. There is a command structure in place and an operational plan to police the event. From a local perspective, Insp Gary Byfield will be the lead for community engagement in the lead up to the event and also on the day. We are in contact with local businesses that may be concerned by the prospect of the rally and its impact on a busy Saturday afternoon. We will circulate more information in due course.

Regards

Chris HAFFORD

Chief Superintendent

Borough Commander - Bromley Police

Metphone: 729951 Direct phone: 0208 284 9951

E-mail: Christopher.Hafford@met.police.uk

Mail: Bromley Police Station, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1ER