Keep Christmas safe

Be scam AWARE

Scams can affect anyone and happen online or in person.

How can I spot scams?

� Someone you do not know contacts you unexpectedly � You are being urged to respond quickly, so you do not get time to think � You’ve been asked to pay for something urgently

What can you do?

� Stop and take a minute before parting with your money or information � Challenge the caller. It is ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you � Never give money or personal details, like passwords or bank details, to anyone you do not know � Pay by debit or credit card. This gives you extra protection if things go wrong � Report suspicious text messages for free by forwarding them to 7726. If you forward a text to 7726, your provider can investigate the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender, if it’s found to be malicious.

If you think you have been scammed: � Contact your bank immediately and report at - www.actionfraud.police.uk � Get advice from the Citizens

Advice consumer helpline - 0808 223 1133 � Call Scams Action on 0808 250 5050 Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk A new partnership that aims to help residents feel safer in Bexley launched during Hate Crime Awareness Week in October.

Stop Hate UK is an independent, confidential, and accessible reporting and support system for victims and witnesses of hate crime which provides 24-hour support 7 days a week.

The Council has commissioned the Stop Hate UK Helpline to help residents. Anyone experiencing any form of hate, discrimination or abuse is encouraged to come forward for help and support.

Hate crime is not limited to verbal or physical abuse. It can also involve vandalism, criminal damage, graffiti or arson, cyberbullying, offensive communications, threats of attack or financial exploitation.

Please report hate crime when you see it.

There are several ways you can contact Stop Hate UK if you experience hate in Bexley: � phone 08001381625 � text relay 18001011 32935100 � email talk@stophateuk.org � online report www.stophateuk. org/report-hate-crime � Post PO Box 851, Leeds LS1 9QS Help keep Bexley safe and say NO to hate crime today.

STOP HATE . START HERE

Keeping Christmas safe

As we head towards Christmas, the Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association (BBNWA) would like to remind residents of some security arrangements you can put in place to keep your property safe over the festive season. Christmas is a time for presents, which can come in attractive packaging. Please remember to be mindful when disposing of your wrapping and packaging.

Leaving items such as an empty TV or computer box outside for collection can tell criminals what is inside your house. Burglars could see newly disposed packaging as an invitation. Whenever possible it is safer to break up the packaging and place it into the relevant recycling bins, out of sight. Find out more www.bexleywatch.org.uk