It would appear that someone in Upper Belvedere has taken a marked dislike to the proposed plans for the redevelopment of the former Belvedere Police Station in Nuxley Road. It has come to my attention that an anonymous person has been posting leaflets through the letter boxes of Belvedere houses highlighting what they perceive as the faults in the proposed redevelopment. Their main areas of concern are that the proposed apartment block to replace the former Police station will be five stories high, and it will have insufficient parking for the residents of the block. The anonymous individual obviously feels strongly on the subject, to have gone to the expense and trouble to print and deliver leaflets around the local area; what does concern me is that they have not included any contact details on the leaflet - it is not possible to respond to the individual who has posted it. You can read the leaflet by clicking here. Personally I don't have very much of a problem with the proposed design of the apartment block - it is a very generic design, similar in many ways to the Erith Baths development on the corner of Walnut Tree Road and Erith High Street - of which I am also fairly ambivalent. I think the anonymous protester has some valid points, but to be honest, the existing former Police station building is not exactly pleasing to the eye - it was built for function rather than form, and now that the function has ceased, it has little purpose as it stands. The developer needs to make a return on their investment, and the housing density may be higher than should be desired - I am not an expert on the subject. I suppose my surprise is that the relatively minor issues of design and specification would cause someone to get so upset that they would start a leafletting campaign - to my mind there are far more weighty issues to get concerned about. Replacing one minor local eyesore with another is hardly the most pressing of issues - it is happening all over the country after all. The fact remains that the land the former Police station stands on is now worth far more than the current building, and it would be impractical to refurbish or modify the current structure, so it must be replaced. The objector goes on to ask a rhetorical question as to where locals will go for a GP visit once the Cairngall Medical Centre (diagonally opposite the former Police station site) will go after the scheduled closure of the practice. It is my understanding that the Belvedere Medical Centre in Albert Road has more than sufficient capacity to take all of the former Cairngall patients. As previously mentioned, I had been a patient at the Cairngall Medical Centre since birth, and I recently transferred to the Belvedere Medical Centre very easily indeed - all you need to do is fill out a form and return it to the new surgery - they then write to you confirming your change of GP - all very straightforward indeed.
My article last week on Fireworks and the current state of the law has provoked quite a bit of reader feedback. One regular reader, and occasional contributor who chooses to remain anonymous writes:- "I just thought I would take up your offer of contacting you regarding your piece on fireworks. I have to say I am in 100 percent agreement with your view that they should be confined to professional public displays. I would just add that if firework displays are really wanted at private parties (weddings, birthdays, etc) they should only be allowed to be carried out by a certified professional, trained in all aspects of their use, and in all safety matters. I have been banging (no pun intended) on about this subject for many years. Seemingly, sad to say, to deaf ears. The usual response being that I am just a miserable old git who has forgotten what it's like to be a child. That may be so, but I have never forgotten some of the unnecessary injuries suffered by children (and others) who have been scarred for life, or even blinded by fireworks, or bonfires, over the years. When I was a child, we made our guy about a week or so before November 5th and tried to coerce cash out of stressed looking commuters leaving our local train station in the evening. However, any cash we could manage to force out of them invariably went on sweets, and not fireworks. These were usually provided by Dad, and he would never let us touch them. Only he would set them off, mostly, one at a time in the back garden. Nowadays the explosions, on a par with a First World War barrage, start around mid-October as a precursor to that American travesty, Halloween. The cacophony then drags on through Guy Fawkes Night, which now should be called Guy Fawkes Week. It continues on through Diwali until it reaches its climax when New Years Eve arrives. As a young teenager I, and my equally stupid friends, would cause all manner of mayhem with, mainly, banger type fireworks around the streets of Erith, and Slade Green. The only excuse I can offer is that we did not know any better. We were lucky that none of us suffered any major injuries, although there were a few minor mishaps. Looking back, it seems incredible to me that adults, who supposedly wished no harm to their own, or other people's children, should countenance the selling of such explosives to kids. Yes, we all know that there was, and remains, an age limit for the purchase of such items. However, we also all know, that those laws have always been flouted. Were such deadly items only to be the preserve of qualified professional people, there would still be the enjoyment, and excitement of firework displays. But without the heavy risks of serious injury. Of course, even at organised events, there is always the possibility of something going wrong. However, that is rare, and allows compensation to be sought in cases of negligence. There is no such recourse to law for the 10 year old who blows his hand off, or the 12 year old who gets blinded by the illegal use of fireworks". Another regular reader who contacted me was Nick Hair, the landlord of The Kentish Belle micro pub in Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath. He wrote:- "On Halloween itself a group of 30 youths stood outside the Kentish Belle and let off fireworks. Some, like multiple-shot rocket sort of things, were left in the road which began firing in the direction along the floor of the Co-op and therefore at the feet of commuters walking home. We immediately called the Police who spent the next 4 hours (they all finally stood down at circa 22:30) in 3 vans, 3 police cars and 1 unmarked car looking for groups to disperse them. A separate incident (albeit relevant) involved a gang of oiks on bikes cycling down residential streets kicking peoples’ car wing mirrors off - not at all useful. The reality is that whilst I am yet to say I wish to see fireworks banned outside of displays, the singular point we can all agree on is that it’s about education and respect for the fireworks’ capabilities and dangers. Parents who give children fireworks (or anyone over 18 buying them and then giving / selling them to kids) are the problem". so there you have it - views on fireworks from two prominent local residents.
My article last week on Fireworks and the current state of the law has provoked quite a bit of reader feedback. One regular reader, and occasional contributor who chooses to remain anonymous writes:- "I just thought I would take up your offer of contacting you regarding your piece on fireworks. I have to say I am in 100 percent agreement with your view that they should be confined to professional public displays. I would just add that if firework displays are really wanted at private parties (weddings, birthdays, etc) they should only be allowed to be carried out by a certified professional, trained in all aspects of their use, and in all safety matters. I have been banging (no pun intended) on about this subject for many years. Seemingly, sad to say, to deaf ears. The usual response being that I am just a miserable old git who has forgotten what it's like to be a child. That may be so, but I have never forgotten some of the unnecessary injuries suffered by children (and others) who have been scarred for life, or even blinded by fireworks, or bonfires, over the years. When I was a child, we made our guy about a week or so before November 5th and tried to coerce cash out of stressed looking commuters leaving our local train station in the evening. However, any cash we could manage to force out of them invariably went on sweets, and not fireworks. These were usually provided by Dad, and he would never let us touch them. Only he would set them off, mostly, one at a time in the back garden. Nowadays the explosions, on a par with a First World War barrage, start around mid-October as a precursor to that American travesty, Halloween. The cacophony then drags on through Guy Fawkes Night, which now should be called Guy Fawkes Week. It continues on through Diwali until it reaches its climax when New Years Eve arrives. As a young teenager I, and my equally stupid friends, would cause all manner of mayhem with, mainly, banger type fireworks around the streets of Erith, and Slade Green. The only excuse I can offer is that we did not know any better. We were lucky that none of us suffered any major injuries, although there were a few minor mishaps. Looking back, it seems incredible to me that adults, who supposedly wished no harm to their own, or other people's children, should countenance the selling of such explosives to kids. Yes, we all know that there was, and remains, an age limit for the purchase of such items. However, we also all know, that those laws have always been flouted. Were such deadly items only to be the preserve of qualified professional people, there would still be the enjoyment, and excitement of firework displays. But without the heavy risks of serious injury. Of course, even at organised events, there is always the possibility of something going wrong. However, that is rare, and allows compensation to be sought in cases of negligence. There is no such recourse to law for the 10 year old who blows his hand off, or the 12 year old who gets blinded by the illegal use of fireworks". Another regular reader who contacted me was Nick Hair, the landlord of The Kentish Belle micro pub in Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath. He wrote:- "On Halloween itself a group of 30 youths stood outside the Kentish Belle and let off fireworks. Some, like multiple-shot rocket sort of things, were left in the road which began firing in the direction along the floor of the Co-op and therefore at the feet of commuters walking home. We immediately called the Police who spent the next 4 hours (they all finally stood down at circa 22:30) in 3 vans, 3 police cars and 1 unmarked car looking for groups to disperse them. A separate incident (albeit relevant) involved a gang of oiks on bikes cycling down residential streets kicking peoples’ car wing mirrors off - not at all useful. The reality is that whilst I am yet to say I wish to see fireworks banned outside of displays, the singular point we can all agree on is that it’s about education and respect for the fireworks’ capabilities and dangers. Parents who give children fireworks (or anyone over 18 buying them and then giving / selling them to kids) are the problem". so there you have it - views on fireworks from two prominent local residents.
You may recall that I broke a story back on the 28th of October, that the Bright Steps children's nursery located at 33A Bexley Road, Erith (see the photo directly above - click on it for a larger version) had lost a legal appeal to the withdrawal of their licence to operate by official regulator Ofsted. The nursery had been closed after a member of the public witnessed a staff member smacking a child. Ofsted and Bexley Police immediately launched an investigation into the incident, which involved examining CCTV security video recordings made in the Bright Steps nursery. It was eventually established that the owner and operator of the nursery, Mr. Saula Ogunkoya had deleted the video footage in order to cover up the assault. The Judge, when summing up the case, said:- "We find as a fact that:- (i) the Appellant failed to identify risks of harm, issues of health and safety, and to implement appropriate and safe child-handling practice; (ii) the Appellant repeatedly failed to manage children’s behaviour appropriately; (iii) the Appellant repeatedly failed to meet the requirements in relation to child protection procedures and safeguarding; his approach to the investigation into CO in 2016 and the allegation in 2018 is indicative of an inability and/or an unwillingness to learn from past mistakes and to prioritise the needs of the children in his care; (iv) the Appellant has historically and repeatedly failed to meet the learning and development requirements of the EYFS; (v) the Appellant failed to ensure the suitability of staff, specifically his sister CO in 2016; (vi) the Appellant failed to notify Ofsted of the police investigation into CO in 2016 and delayed suspending her; (vii) the history demonstrates that the Appellant is unable or unwilling to sustain compliance with requirements imposed by the regulations. (e) We find that the Appellant has been untruthful both to the Respondent, the Police, the Tribunal and all others involved in the investigation of the incident on 3/1/2018. His failure to co-operate mirrors his unwillingness to co-operate in November 2017. His lack of integrity and his failure to work openly and in collaboration with the Respondent results in the sad conclusion that he is not suitable to provide nursery provision. We therefore dismiss the appeal and there shall be no order as to costs". A very clear message from the court in relation to Saula Ogunkoya's suitability to operate a children's nursery. I, along with many local people had considered the matter now closed, but evidence has emerged over the last few days which gives further cause for concern. Not only is the former Bright Steps nursery website still up and active, it still incorrectly states that the nursery has Ofsted registration - which you can see by clicking here. More worryingly, a new website has gone live within the last week, which names a new nursery on the same site at 33A Bexley Road, which is about to open. The new nursery is called The Carnegie Playhouse - you can visit the website by clicking here. Contacts with Ofsted confirm that no application for a licence has currently been made by the operators of The Carnegie Playhouse, and the new websites' use of stock photo images rather than actual photos of the real site, along with a very suspicious recommendation"- "Yasmin loves being in the care of Sarah – I have noticed such a difference in her behaviour and the way she interacts with other children since being with her at the weekends. She has gained so much confidence" - bearing in mind the new nursery has not yet opened, how could such a favourable reference have been solicited? Additionally no details relating to the supposed nursery manager "Sarah Carnegie" can be located; I suspect that the person is entirely fictional, taking their surname from the nearby former Carnegie Library in Walnut Tree Road.
I have Emailed the contact address for The Carnegie Playhouse, asking the following questions:-
1) Can you please let me know your Ofsted registration number?
2) What certification and insurances do your staff have, and have they got enhanced DBS checks?
3) What connection do you have with the former Bright Steps nursery, which until recently was based in the same premises?
4) Do Mr Saula Ogunkoya or Dr Chris Ogedengbe have any connection whatsoever with The Carnegie Playhouse?
At the time of writing I have not had a reply from The Carnegie Playhouse. I have strong suspicions that The Carnegie Playhouse is an underhand attempt to rebrand and relaunch Bright Steps. If my suspicions turn out to be correct, then this action could well prove to be illegal, as Saula Ogunkoya has been legally disbarred from running children's nurseries. If it is a genuine new group attempting to launch a new business, then they are going about it in a very opaque and deceitful manner. Either way, this story will no doubt develop over the weeks to come; I will update readers when additional information becomes available. If you have any information on the subject, then please contact me as a matter of priority - any information you can supply will be treated in the strictest of confidence. You can Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
A final update from local resident and amateur historian Roy Hillman, who has been undertaking research into local men who served in the First World War, and who have been commemorated on the Slade Green war memorial. Roy writes:- "We’re pleased to say that one of the trickier service records of men on the Slade Green War Memorial has been resolved, that of Leonard Dudley. Leonard was born Leonard Whiffen (sometimes Whiffin) in 1887, the son of Eliza Jane Whiffen. Eliza was brought up at 1 Farm Cottages, Slade Green (her father was a farm labourer) and as a teenager Eliza worked as a servant in the household of George Davis, a boot maker at 3 Crayford High Street. She was 21 when she gave birth to Leonard. By now Eliza’s parents are living at Killicks Cottages in Slade Green, next door are the Dudley family and in 1889 John Raven Dudley marries Eliza and they move into Norfolk Cottages, Hazel Road, Slade Green. A number of half brothers and sisters for Leonard follow - Eliza, John, Alfred, Walter, Annie, Arthur, Charlotte, Lucy, Cyril, Ethel and Edith plus 1 other - and at various times the family moves to other houses in Hazel Road – first 8 Castle Terrace and then Garden Cottage (which was probably No. 51 as the census record has it between No. 49 and No. 53). By 1901 Leonard has taken the Dudley surname and is working locally as a brick maker. He joins the Royal Garrison Artillery as a Gunner quite a while before World War 1, in 1908, and in 1911 he is garrisoned in Hong Kong. Unlike many professional soldiers he managed to survive the early years of the war. We're not sure how they met, but he married his wife Rosalie in 1916 at St James Church on the island of Jersey. Early in 1918 he received gunshot wounds to his back and was discharged from the army in February 1918, after which he returned to England. Sadly he never recovered from his wounds and died on 13th September 1918 and was buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery in Surrey".
A report was published last week that highlighted the security loopholes and outright failures that can be found in the cash till machines used by most high street banks. The cash machines, more correctly termed Automated Teller Machines, or ATM's can be hacked in many ingenious ways. In order to understand this, a basic understanding of how an ATM works is required. An ATM consists of two main parts: cabinet and safe. The cabinet (main body) contains the ATM computer, which is connected to all the other devices: network equipment, bank card reader, keyboard (PIN pad), and cash dispenser (the dispenser itself is in the safe, but the connector is not). The cabinet is practically unprotected, with only a plastic door secured by a trivial lock. What's more, manufacturers usually use the same lock for all ATMs of the same series. Keys for these locks can be purchased easily online, although attackers can also pick them or drill through the flimsy plastic. The safe is more robust, being made of steel and concrete, and contains only the cash dispenser and cash acceptance module. The computer usually runs on Windows, in a special embedded version designed specifically for ATM use. Only administrators should have access to Windows; other users should not have such access. This is why user-facing applications run in kiosk mode. These applications provide all necessary functionality to the user: this is the interface that we see during normal ATM use. To do its job, the application must communicate with ATM peripherals: get card information from the card reader, obtain user input from the keyboard, and send commands to the cash dispenser. This communication takes place using XFS (eXtensions for Financial Services), a standard for simplifying and centralising banking equipment control. With XFS, a hardware manager makes an API (Application Programming Interface) available to all Windows applications and forwards requests to devices. Commands to each XFS-connected device are sent via the corresponding service provider (device driver). An ATM never decides to dispense cash all by itself. When processing a transaction, it contacts the bank's processing centre. This connection is either wired or wireless (for example, via a mobile data network). It is important to secure the connection against data interception. In most cases, software or hardware Virtual Private Network (VPN) clients perform this task. So that is the basics of the ATM operation; now what of the exploit that have been found by crooks? Well the security report found that when their team of ethical hackers were let loose on some typical high street ATM units, they found that 15 were found to be still running the long unsupported Windows XP. 22 were vulnerable to a "network spoofing" attack where an attacker connects locally to the machine's LAN port and conduct fraudulent transactions. Such an attack takes around 15 minutes to complete. 18 were vulnerable to 'black box' attacks where an attacker physically connects a device to the machine and tricks it into spitting out cash. Positive notes these attacks can be carried out in about ten minutes with aftermarket computer boards (such as a Raspberry Pi). 20 could be forced to exit out of kiosk mode via a USB or PS/2 connection. From there, an attacker could access the underlying Operating System of the machine and execute additional commands. 24 had no data encryption in place on the hard drive, allowing an attacker who had access to the drive to pull any stored data and configuration info from the machine. In general, the research found that, for the most part, the protections used by ATMs to prevent theft and tampering were more or less superficial, and anyone who really wanted to get into a machine could often do so in under an hour. "More often than not, security mechanisms are a mere nuisance for attackers: our testers found ways to bypass protection in almost every case," the researchers said. Since banks tend to use the same configuration on large numbers of ATMs, a successful attack on a single ATM can be easily replicated at greater scale. One of the top recommendations the report made to banks is to harden up the physical security of the machines themselves. By physically securing the cabinets to lock away access to the inputs and compute hardware of the machines, many of the techniques used in the study could be thwarted. Additionally, the researchers recommend banks keep on top of logging and monitoring security events on their networks. At this year's DEF CON hacking conference one researcher explained how he'd approached banks about flaws in their ATMs, only to be told such things weren't possible. It was only when he told them he was going public with the research that the flaws were fixed by the banks.
Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly from Barnehurst ward:- "Two crimes of note to report this week both are burglaries which occurred to neighbouring properties in Parkside Avenue on Friday 9th November between 6.20pm and 8.15pm. Access was gained to both properties via an alleyway running along the at the back giving access to rear gardens. Entry to the first property was by suspect(s) forcing open a substantial wooden door, an implement similar to a crow bar would have been used. The house was searched but no property is believed to have been taken Access was gained to the second property next door by suspect(s) smashing a glass panel in the rear UPVC door a thorough search was conducted resulting in extensive damage within and a large quantity of cash and jewellery was stolen. We believe that this property was specifically targeted and the first property potentially entered in error. Please take time to check the security at the back of your property make access to rear gardens as difficult as possible, Think about how you would get into your own garden if side gates etc were locked and then make it as difficult as possible, plant spiny/prickly bushes against walls and fences, do not leave bins against walls or near gates as these can be used by suspects to climb over. Consider security lighting and install an alarm. The team are more than happy to pay you a visit and give advice regarding preventative security measures, just contact us and we will make an appointment to see you. The team received a commendation last week presented by our new SE BCU Borough Commander Chief superintendent Dobinson. The award was acknowledging our work in regards to an animal welfare warrant we conducted earlier this year in conjunction with the RSPCA which resulted in the closing down of a puppy farm and the rescue of 34 dog 18 cats and 9 puppies and dealing with the horrific scene of animal cruelty. A big thank you to the RSPCA who have now successfully prosecuted the persons involved one of which is still awaiting sentencing after having been found guilty this month. As always, please follow us on twitter @MPSBarnehurst for all the latest crime prevention advice and to find out what the team have been up to". Belvedere ward:- "Over the course of this week, PC Holmes and A/PS Green have interviewed a female in relation to supplying Class A drugs. A bag of white powder and drug dealing paraphernalia were recovered from a warrant we conducted at an address at the beginning of this month. We are sending the drugs to the lab to be identified before any charges are brought against the female. PC Holmes and PCSO Worrall issued a Harassment Warning to a male that has been abusing staff at Corals, Picardy Street. If his behaviour continues then he may be arrested and charged with harassment. We will continue to monitor the situation. There have been two burglaries on the ward, both on Wednesday 7th November – in Lower Road and also Carrill Way. The team have visited both locations to offer support, reassurance and crime prevention advice to the victims and neighbouring residents. PCSO Worrall discovered a stolen vehicle in Hattersfield Close which had been taken from an address in Bexleyheath. The vehicle has been recovered by Police and is currently being examined. Finally, we have received reports of possible drug dealing around Albert Road. If anyone has any information or sees anything suspicious then please get in contact". Bexleyheath ward - from a Neighbourhood Watch member:- "On Monday morning, when I went to get into my car, I found that someone had stuck matchsticks in all of the tyre valves, and they were all flat. The BBNWA office says that this would be classed as vehicle interference and should be reported to the police". Crayford ward, from a Neighbourhood Watch member:- "I just wanted to raise awareness of 3 in their twenties behaving in a suspect way today at 7:35 between Crayford station and Sainsbury's, in the block of flats area. They stopped in front of me and one approached me with the line 'it might sound embarrassing, but your fly is quite low' the other two were trying to stop me from moving forward. They got interrupted in their intentions by other people coming from behind me, so I quickly moved on. I thought I may raise this just in case anyone gets hurt".
From PCSO Joyce Barlow of the Crayford SNT:- "Firstly, an excellent result! On Saturday 10th November, Crayford SNT ably assisted by Bexleyheath team carried out a Section 23 Drugs warrant at an address in Halcot Avenue where a large amount of drugs and cash were seized. This is an ongoing investigation. Crimes of note this week. Outside McDonalds in Crayford on Saturday 10th November at about 17.15 a male was approached by a large group of youths, they threw a drink over him, he later found that his mobile phone, a gold Samsung S7 with a cracked screen had been stolen. On Monday 12th November there was a burglary at The Marlowes between midnight and 09.00. Entry was made through the UVPC front door, the car keys and an Apple Mac computer were taken from the dining table. The car outside was stolen but later recovered locally, locked and secured. Three Males were seen acting suspiciously in the area between 4-5am. On Monday 12th November there was an attempted break in of a vehicle parked in Alcock Crescent at about 5.30am, two wing mirrors were stolen, the victim does have CCTV of the incident, it has also become apparent that two neighbours also had thefts from their vehicles at about the same time. On Saturday 3rd November between 14.28 and 14.59 a Male stole a 100kg steel beam from a business in Acorn Industrial Estate, again there is CCTV. Officers from Crayford and Barnehurst SNT were presented with commendation certificates on Thursday 8th November for assisting the RSPCA with the closure of a puppy farm and the rescue of fifty plus dogs, puppies and cats in January 2018. We will be at Beano's café in Mayplace Road East on Wednesday 21st November between 1-2pm for a community contact session, please come along and speak to us if you have any concerns you would like to discuss, we will be seated to the rear of the café". Erith ward - no reports received this week. Northumberland Heath ward:- "The team have been conducting violent crime disorder patrols this last week, specifically targeted in hotspot areas across Erith. This has been a proactive and preventative initiative by Bexley Police and not in response to any specific intelligence or incident in the area. We have also been continuing our work patrolling Northumberland Heath's ASB hotspot area's and have in the last week changed several of our shifts to have a visible patrolling presence late into the evenings. Over the last week we have searched several people for drugs and have reported three people for possession of cannabis in Mill Road, Limewood Road and in West Street, Erith. We unfortunately had a burglary committed in Byron Drive. The front door to a residential property was forced open, some property taken including car keys and the occupants car from the driveway. This incident has been allocated to a CID officer who is currently investigating the incident. Other incidents reported to police include criminal damage to a motor vehicle and theft of number plates from another vehicle. None of these incidents appear to be linked. Please continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or activity you see". Slade Green and Northend ward:- "A male was arrested by response officers in the early hours of last Friday (16th November) after being seen trying car door handles in Rainbow Road. After enquiries were made with evidence he was further arrested for attempted burglary after being seen to try several door handles on residents' front doors. On a sad note, especially as it was discovered just before Armistice Day, the memorial plaque at Slade Green BR station has been vandalised. Graffiti has been sprayed over the plaque which tells the story of some local Slade Green heroes during WW2. We have attached the poster appealing for help with any information relating to this despicable act. 2 vehicle crimes to report, on Sunday 11/112018 between 11am and 2pm, a catalytic converter was stolen from a car in Beacon Road. On Monday 12/11/2018 between 7am and 7pm a car had its passenger window smashed and door scratched in Oak Road, nothing was taken from inside. PC's Mark and James have made more than 10 Stop and Searches across the ward in the last week, 2 of which resulted in cannabis being seized and the relevant warnings given. On Remembrance Sunday we attended the memorial service at St Augustine's in Slade Green Road and it was nice to see the church with standing room only and a really good service took place with a lovely display in the church grounds". Thamesmead East ward:- "Tuesday 06/11/18 Alsike Road 9:30 – 10:00am Theft Wallet stolen from work van; Thursday 08/11/18 Yarnton Way 9:15 – 10:00am Criminal Damage to Motor Vehicle suspect unknown has smashed rear windscreen of vehicle using unknown method nothing stolen; Thursday 08/11/18 Seacourt Road 7am – Friday 09/11/18 1:50pm Criminal Damage/Vehicle Interference windscreen smashed damage to ignition where wires pulled out to try and hot wire the car, however the car had an immobiliser. Nothing taken from vehicle; Friday 09/11/18 Dolphin Close 9:30-8am Saturday Attempted Burglary A loud noise heard between times stated victim thought it was the washing machine when leaving the house the following morning two footprints were seen on the front door; Friday 09/11/18 Leatherbottle Green 7:45pm – 21:15pm Criminal Damage to Motor vehicle. Car has been damaged by chunks of tarmac ( nearby road repairs) The tarmac has been thrown car causing dents and scratches to the paintwork on the driver's side door and to the driver's side window; Saturday 10/11/18 Manordeane Road 12pm Vehicle Interference driver's side window was smashed, and an untidy search had been carried out inside the vehicle; Monday 12/11/18 Sydney Road 08:00-20:30 Burglary victim returned home to find the property locked from the inside untidy search of house. Entry gained through the rear". West Heath ward:- "Unfortunately during this week the ward has suffered several burglaries and one attempted burglary. In Berkeley Avenue the front door of a property was forced on Wednesday 7th November between 0830 – 1930 hours no property was taken but an untidy search was conducted. On Sunday 11th November between 2300 – 0645 hours the front bedroom window was smashed in Cumberland Drive, no entry was gained into the property. Between 1630 – 0024 hours on Sunday 11th November the conservatory door of a property was smashed in Denton Road and an untidy search was conducted. In Axminster Road between 0530 hours on the Wednesday 14th November entry was gained into the property where vehicle keys and a motor vehicle were stolen. There have been four thefts from motor vehicles and one theft of a motor vehicle. In Westgate Road on Tuesday 6th November between 1900 – 0900 hours a webcam and parcels were stolen from the vehicle. Between 0130 – 1200 hours on Wednesday 7th November in Axminster Road there was a theft from motor vehicle, a radio and personal items were taken. In Woolwich Road on Friday 9th November between 1000 – 1100 hours property was taken from a motor vehicle. A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle on Saturday 10th November between 1600 – 0000 hours in Preston Drive. On Saturday 10th November between 2200 – 2215 in Kings Harold's Way a vehicle was stolen. Please ensure that you conceal any personal property out of sight. The team will be conducting a Community Contact Session on Tuesday 20th November at Knowle Avenue between 1100 – 1200. Please be aware of males knocking and offering building works to properties".
The end video this week comes courtesy of fellow Blogger Darryl Chamberlain of the excellent 853 Blog. He filmed the footage of the brand new Woolwich Ferry, the Ben Woollacott undergoing some early manoeuvrability tests in the River Thames at Woolwich last week. Currently there is no ferry service at Woolwich; the two new vessels are due to begin operation in the New Year, once modifications to the two landing jetties have been finished, and ferry testing has been completed. Please feel free to leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
I have Emailed the contact address for The Carnegie Playhouse, asking the following questions:-
1) Can you please let me know your Ofsted registration number?
2) What certification and insurances do your staff have, and have they got enhanced DBS checks?
3) What connection do you have with the former Bright Steps nursery, which until recently was based in the same premises?
4) Do Mr Saula Ogunkoya or Dr Chris Ogedengbe have any connection whatsoever with The Carnegie Playhouse?
At the time of writing I have not had a reply from The Carnegie Playhouse. I have strong suspicions that The Carnegie Playhouse is an underhand attempt to rebrand and relaunch Bright Steps. If my suspicions turn out to be correct, then this action could well prove to be illegal, as Saula Ogunkoya has been legally disbarred from running children's nurseries. If it is a genuine new group attempting to launch a new business, then they are going about it in a very opaque and deceitful manner. Either way, this story will no doubt develop over the weeks to come; I will update readers when additional information becomes available. If you have any information on the subject, then please contact me as a matter of priority - any information you can supply will be treated in the strictest of confidence. You can Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
A final update from local resident and amateur historian Roy Hillman, who has been undertaking research into local men who served in the First World War, and who have been commemorated on the Slade Green war memorial. Roy writes:- "We’re pleased to say that one of the trickier service records of men on the Slade Green War Memorial has been resolved, that of Leonard Dudley. Leonard was born Leonard Whiffen (sometimes Whiffin) in 1887, the son of Eliza Jane Whiffen. Eliza was brought up at 1 Farm Cottages, Slade Green (her father was a farm labourer) and as a teenager Eliza worked as a servant in the household of George Davis, a boot maker at 3 Crayford High Street. She was 21 when she gave birth to Leonard. By now Eliza’s parents are living at Killicks Cottages in Slade Green, next door are the Dudley family and in 1889 John Raven Dudley marries Eliza and they move into Norfolk Cottages, Hazel Road, Slade Green. A number of half brothers and sisters for Leonard follow - Eliza, John, Alfred, Walter, Annie, Arthur, Charlotte, Lucy, Cyril, Ethel and Edith plus 1 other - and at various times the family moves to other houses in Hazel Road – first 8 Castle Terrace and then Garden Cottage (which was probably No. 51 as the census record has it between No. 49 and No. 53). By 1901 Leonard has taken the Dudley surname and is working locally as a brick maker. He joins the Royal Garrison Artillery as a Gunner quite a while before World War 1, in 1908, and in 1911 he is garrisoned in Hong Kong. Unlike many professional soldiers he managed to survive the early years of the war. We're not sure how they met, but he married his wife Rosalie in 1916 at St James Church on the island of Jersey. Early in 1918 he received gunshot wounds to his back and was discharged from the army in February 1918, after which he returned to England. Sadly he never recovered from his wounds and died on 13th September 1918 and was buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery in Surrey".
A report was published last week that highlighted the security loopholes and outright failures that can be found in the cash till machines used by most high street banks. The cash machines, more correctly termed Automated Teller Machines, or ATM's can be hacked in many ingenious ways. In order to understand this, a basic understanding of how an ATM works is required. An ATM consists of two main parts: cabinet and safe. The cabinet (main body) contains the ATM computer, which is connected to all the other devices: network equipment, bank card reader, keyboard (PIN pad), and cash dispenser (the dispenser itself is in the safe, but the connector is not). The cabinet is practically unprotected, with only a plastic door secured by a trivial lock. What's more, manufacturers usually use the same lock for all ATMs of the same series. Keys for these locks can be purchased easily online, although attackers can also pick them or drill through the flimsy plastic. The safe is more robust, being made of steel and concrete, and contains only the cash dispenser and cash acceptance module. The computer usually runs on Windows, in a special embedded version designed specifically for ATM use. Only administrators should have access to Windows; other users should not have such access. This is why user-facing applications run in kiosk mode. These applications provide all necessary functionality to the user: this is the interface that we see during normal ATM use. To do its job, the application must communicate with ATM peripherals: get card information from the card reader, obtain user input from the keyboard, and send commands to the cash dispenser. This communication takes place using XFS (eXtensions for Financial Services), a standard for simplifying and centralising banking equipment control. With XFS, a hardware manager makes an API (Application Programming Interface) available to all Windows applications and forwards requests to devices. Commands to each XFS-connected device are sent via the corresponding service provider (device driver). An ATM never decides to dispense cash all by itself. When processing a transaction, it contacts the bank's processing centre. This connection is either wired or wireless (for example, via a mobile data network). It is important to secure the connection against data interception. In most cases, software or hardware Virtual Private Network (VPN) clients perform this task. So that is the basics of the ATM operation; now what of the exploit that have been found by crooks? Well the security report found that when their team of ethical hackers were let loose on some typical high street ATM units, they found that 15 were found to be still running the long unsupported Windows XP. 22 were vulnerable to a "network spoofing" attack where an attacker connects locally to the machine's LAN port and conduct fraudulent transactions. Such an attack takes around 15 minutes to complete. 18 were vulnerable to 'black box' attacks where an attacker physically connects a device to the machine and tricks it into spitting out cash. Positive notes these attacks can be carried out in about ten minutes with aftermarket computer boards (such as a Raspberry Pi). 20 could be forced to exit out of kiosk mode via a USB or PS/2 connection. From there, an attacker could access the underlying Operating System of the machine and execute additional commands. 24 had no data encryption in place on the hard drive, allowing an attacker who had access to the drive to pull any stored data and configuration info from the machine. In general, the research found that, for the most part, the protections used by ATMs to prevent theft and tampering were more or less superficial, and anyone who really wanted to get into a machine could often do so in under an hour. "More often than not, security mechanisms are a mere nuisance for attackers: our testers found ways to bypass protection in almost every case," the researchers said. Since banks tend to use the same configuration on large numbers of ATMs, a successful attack on a single ATM can be easily replicated at greater scale. One of the top recommendations the report made to banks is to harden up the physical security of the machines themselves. By physically securing the cabinets to lock away access to the inputs and compute hardware of the machines, many of the techniques used in the study could be thwarted. Additionally, the researchers recommend banks keep on top of logging and monitoring security events on their networks. At this year's DEF CON hacking conference one researcher explained how he'd approached banks about flaws in their ATMs, only to be told such things weren't possible. It was only when he told them he was going public with the research that the flaws were fixed by the banks.
Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly from Barnehurst ward:- "Two crimes of note to report this week both are burglaries which occurred to neighbouring properties in Parkside Avenue on Friday 9th November between 6.20pm and 8.15pm. Access was gained to both properties via an alleyway running along the at the back giving access to rear gardens. Entry to the first property was by suspect(s) forcing open a substantial wooden door, an implement similar to a crow bar would have been used. The house was searched but no property is believed to have been taken Access was gained to the second property next door by suspect(s) smashing a glass panel in the rear UPVC door a thorough search was conducted resulting in extensive damage within and a large quantity of cash and jewellery was stolen. We believe that this property was specifically targeted and the first property potentially entered in error. Please take time to check the security at the back of your property make access to rear gardens as difficult as possible, Think about how you would get into your own garden if side gates etc were locked and then make it as difficult as possible, plant spiny/prickly bushes against walls and fences, do not leave bins against walls or near gates as these can be used by suspects to climb over. Consider security lighting and install an alarm. The team are more than happy to pay you a visit and give advice regarding preventative security measures, just contact us and we will make an appointment to see you. The team received a commendation last week presented by our new SE BCU Borough Commander Chief superintendent Dobinson. The award was acknowledging our work in regards to an animal welfare warrant we conducted earlier this year in conjunction with the RSPCA which resulted in the closing down of a puppy farm and the rescue of 34 dog 18 cats and 9 puppies and dealing with the horrific scene of animal cruelty. A big thank you to the RSPCA who have now successfully prosecuted the persons involved one of which is still awaiting sentencing after having been found guilty this month. As always, please follow us on twitter @MPSBarnehurst for all the latest crime prevention advice and to find out what the team have been up to". Belvedere ward:- "Over the course of this week, PC Holmes and A/PS Green have interviewed a female in relation to supplying Class A drugs. A bag of white powder and drug dealing paraphernalia were recovered from a warrant we conducted at an address at the beginning of this month. We are sending the drugs to the lab to be identified before any charges are brought against the female. PC Holmes and PCSO Worrall issued a Harassment Warning to a male that has been abusing staff at Corals, Picardy Street. If his behaviour continues then he may be arrested and charged with harassment. We will continue to monitor the situation. There have been two burglaries on the ward, both on Wednesday 7th November – in Lower Road and also Carrill Way. The team have visited both locations to offer support, reassurance and crime prevention advice to the victims and neighbouring residents. PCSO Worrall discovered a stolen vehicle in Hattersfield Close which had been taken from an address in Bexleyheath. The vehicle has been recovered by Police and is currently being examined. Finally, we have received reports of possible drug dealing around Albert Road. If anyone has any information or sees anything suspicious then please get in contact". Bexleyheath ward - from a Neighbourhood Watch member:- "On Monday morning, when I went to get into my car, I found that someone had stuck matchsticks in all of the tyre valves, and they were all flat. The BBNWA office says that this would be classed as vehicle interference and should be reported to the police". Crayford ward, from a Neighbourhood Watch member:- "I just wanted to raise awareness of 3 in their twenties behaving in a suspect way today at 7:35 between Crayford station and Sainsbury's, in the block of flats area. They stopped in front of me and one approached me with the line 'it might sound embarrassing, but your fly is quite low' the other two were trying to stop me from moving forward. They got interrupted in their intentions by other people coming from behind me, so I quickly moved on. I thought I may raise this just in case anyone gets hurt".
From PCSO Joyce Barlow of the Crayford SNT:- "Firstly, an excellent result! On Saturday 10th November, Crayford SNT ably assisted by Bexleyheath team carried out a Section 23 Drugs warrant at an address in Halcot Avenue where a large amount of drugs and cash were seized. This is an ongoing investigation. Crimes of note this week. Outside McDonalds in Crayford on Saturday 10th November at about 17.15 a male was approached by a large group of youths, they threw a drink over him, he later found that his mobile phone, a gold Samsung S7 with a cracked screen had been stolen. On Monday 12th November there was a burglary at The Marlowes between midnight and 09.00. Entry was made through the UVPC front door, the car keys and an Apple Mac computer were taken from the dining table. The car outside was stolen but later recovered locally, locked and secured. Three Males were seen acting suspiciously in the area between 4-5am. On Monday 12th November there was an attempted break in of a vehicle parked in Alcock Crescent at about 5.30am, two wing mirrors were stolen, the victim does have CCTV of the incident, it has also become apparent that two neighbours also had thefts from their vehicles at about the same time. On Saturday 3rd November between 14.28 and 14.59 a Male stole a 100kg steel beam from a business in Acorn Industrial Estate, again there is CCTV. Officers from Crayford and Barnehurst SNT were presented with commendation certificates on Thursday 8th November for assisting the RSPCA with the closure of a puppy farm and the rescue of fifty plus dogs, puppies and cats in January 2018. We will be at Beano's café in Mayplace Road East on Wednesday 21st November between 1-2pm for a community contact session, please come along and speak to us if you have any concerns you would like to discuss, we will be seated to the rear of the café". Erith ward - no reports received this week. Northumberland Heath ward:- "The team have been conducting violent crime disorder patrols this last week, specifically targeted in hotspot areas across Erith. This has been a proactive and preventative initiative by Bexley Police and not in response to any specific intelligence or incident in the area. We have also been continuing our work patrolling Northumberland Heath's ASB hotspot area's and have in the last week changed several of our shifts to have a visible patrolling presence late into the evenings. Over the last week we have searched several people for drugs and have reported three people for possession of cannabis in Mill Road, Limewood Road and in West Street, Erith. We unfortunately had a burglary committed in Byron Drive. The front door to a residential property was forced open, some property taken including car keys and the occupants car from the driveway. This incident has been allocated to a CID officer who is currently investigating the incident. Other incidents reported to police include criminal damage to a motor vehicle and theft of number plates from another vehicle. None of these incidents appear to be linked. Please continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or activity you see". Slade Green and Northend ward:- "A male was arrested by response officers in the early hours of last Friday (16th November) after being seen trying car door handles in Rainbow Road. After enquiries were made with evidence he was further arrested for attempted burglary after being seen to try several door handles on residents' front doors. On a sad note, especially as it was discovered just before Armistice Day, the memorial plaque at Slade Green BR station has been vandalised. Graffiti has been sprayed over the plaque which tells the story of some local Slade Green heroes during WW2. We have attached the poster appealing for help with any information relating to this despicable act. 2 vehicle crimes to report, on Sunday 11/112018 between 11am and 2pm, a catalytic converter was stolen from a car in Beacon Road. On Monday 12/11/2018 between 7am and 7pm a car had its passenger window smashed and door scratched in Oak Road, nothing was taken from inside. PC's Mark and James have made more than 10 Stop and Searches across the ward in the last week, 2 of which resulted in cannabis being seized and the relevant warnings given. On Remembrance Sunday we attended the memorial service at St Augustine's in Slade Green Road and it was nice to see the church with standing room only and a really good service took place with a lovely display in the church grounds". Thamesmead East ward:- "Tuesday 06/11/18 Alsike Road 9:30 – 10:00am Theft Wallet stolen from work van; Thursday 08/11/18 Yarnton Way 9:15 – 10:00am Criminal Damage to Motor Vehicle suspect unknown has smashed rear windscreen of vehicle using unknown method nothing stolen; Thursday 08/11/18 Seacourt Road 7am – Friday 09/11/18 1:50pm Criminal Damage/Vehicle Interference windscreen smashed damage to ignition where wires pulled out to try and hot wire the car, however the car had an immobiliser. Nothing taken from vehicle; Friday 09/11/18 Dolphin Close 9:30-8am Saturday Attempted Burglary A loud noise heard between times stated victim thought it was the washing machine when leaving the house the following morning two footprints were seen on the front door; Friday 09/11/18 Leatherbottle Green 7:45pm – 21:15pm Criminal Damage to Motor vehicle. Car has been damaged by chunks of tarmac ( nearby road repairs) The tarmac has been thrown car causing dents and scratches to the paintwork on the driver's side door and to the driver's side window; Saturday 10/11/18 Manordeane Road 12pm Vehicle Interference driver's side window was smashed, and an untidy search had been carried out inside the vehicle; Monday 12/11/18 Sydney Road 08:00-20:30 Burglary victim returned home to find the property locked from the inside untidy search of house. Entry gained through the rear". West Heath ward:- "Unfortunately during this week the ward has suffered several burglaries and one attempted burglary. In Berkeley Avenue the front door of a property was forced on Wednesday 7th November between 0830 – 1930 hours no property was taken but an untidy search was conducted. On Sunday 11th November between 2300 – 0645 hours the front bedroom window was smashed in Cumberland Drive, no entry was gained into the property. Between 1630 – 0024 hours on Sunday 11th November the conservatory door of a property was smashed in Denton Road and an untidy search was conducted. In Axminster Road between 0530 hours on the Wednesday 14th November entry was gained into the property where vehicle keys and a motor vehicle were stolen. There have been four thefts from motor vehicles and one theft of a motor vehicle. In Westgate Road on Tuesday 6th November between 1900 – 0900 hours a webcam and parcels were stolen from the vehicle. Between 0130 – 1200 hours on Wednesday 7th November in Axminster Road there was a theft from motor vehicle, a radio and personal items were taken. In Woolwich Road on Friday 9th November between 1000 – 1100 hours property was taken from a motor vehicle. A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle on Saturday 10th November between 1600 – 0000 hours in Preston Drive. On Saturday 10th November between 2200 – 2215 in Kings Harold's Way a vehicle was stolen. Please ensure that you conceal any personal property out of sight. The team will be conducting a Community Contact Session on Tuesday 20th November at Knowle Avenue between 1100 – 1200. Please be aware of males knocking and offering building works to properties".
The end video this week comes courtesy of fellow Blogger Darryl Chamberlain of the excellent 853 Blog. He filmed the footage of the brand new Woolwich Ferry, the Ben Woollacott undergoing some early manoeuvrability tests in the River Thames at Woolwich last week. Currently there is no ferry service at Woolwich; the two new vessels are due to begin operation in the New Year, once modifications to the two landing jetties have been finished, and ferry testing has been completed. Please feel free to leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
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