Latest Ward Crimes 1-16 February 26 and Warning on Spray Home Insulation Scam

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19 Feb Latest Ward Crimes 1-16 February 26 and Warning on Spray Home Insulation Scam

Posted at 13:31h in Law And Order by

Dear Residents,

Please find below the crime record for the period from 1st February to 16 February 2026.

On a positive note there were plenty of days with nothing to report & a substantial drop in thefts from motor vehicle with only one offence reported.

Disappointing to see three burglaries towards the end of the fortnight when we’d gone over a week with none.

Pleased that the suspect in Bromley Gardens fled when challenged.  Unfortuntely, officers were unable to get there in time to catch the suspect.

On the community engagement side, a reminder for our next Cuppa With A Copper session which will be at Costa Coffee, Westmoreland Road this Thursday (19/02/26).  Due to a shift change, it is now going to be from 4pm to 5pm rather than 11.30am to 12.30.

The next Ward panel meeting will be a week today (Tuesday 24/02/25).

We’ll be holding a further Cuppa With A Copper session on Monday 02/03/26 from 10 am to 11am also at Costa Coffee, Westmoreland Road.

Unfortunately, Shortlands Library our usual drop in surgery venue is temporarily closed.  Hopefully it will reopen soon.

Hope to see some of you at these events.

Thanks as always for your help & support.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Adam Charles

PCSO 7572 SN

Shortlands & Park Langley SNT

 

Shortlands Crime Record 01/02/26-16/02/26

Theft of Motor Vehicle:

  1. 04/02/26 Early afternoon-late evening.  Hayes Lane. Vehicle stolen from driveway.  Silver Ford Kuga
  2. 19/01/26-04/02/26.  Queen Anne Avenue.  Silver Lexus NX.  stolen from driveway.
  3. 19/01/26-04/02/26.  Queen Anne Avenue.  Silver Lexus NX stolen from driveway.

Nos 2 & 3 were stolen from the same address while the occupants were on holiday.

  1. 07/02/26 Overnight.  Kingswood Road.  Vehicle stolen from driveway.  Steering wheel lock broken with angle grinder.  Keys possibly read through wall despite being double protected in pouch and tin.

 

Theft from Motor Vehicle:

  1. 05/02/26 Overnight.  Kingsleigh Walk.  Purse stolen from vehicle after victim had forgotten to take it inside.


Vehicle Interference:

  1. 08/02/26 Mid afternoon-10/02/26 mid morning.  Madeira Avenue.  Untidy search of vehicle.  Nothing stolen.


Theft:

  1. 20/01/26-03/02/26.  Scotts Lane.  Suspect(s) climbed up drainpipe & stole lead from porch.


Criminal Damage:

  1. 06/02/26 Early morning-early afternoon.  Westmoreland Road.  Ulez camera damaged.


Burglary:

  1. 12/02/26 Mid morning-14/02/26 mid morning.  Queen Anne Avenue.  House broken into through back doors.  Bank cards, playstation & passport stolen.
  2. 15/02/26 Overnight.  Bromley Gardens.  Suspect broke in through side door while victims were asleep upstairs.  Fortunately they heard him break in.  One of them shouted out causing the suspect to flee.
  3. 12/02/26-16/02/26.  Queen Anne Avenue.  Suspect(s) broke in through back door.  Jewellery stolen.

 

Alert from Bromley Trading Standards:

Growing reports of spray foam insulation scams in Orpington and Beckenham have led Bromley Trading Standards to warn residents to stay vigilant and say no to cold callers.

Spray foam insulation scams often involve unsolicited phone calls — which have not been requested by the resident — with misleading claims about the insulation. This can then even lead to uninvited visits that are designed to pressure residents into unnecessary, costly, and sometimes harmful work.

Some of the reports handled by Bromley’s Trading Standards team include:

  • Case 1: An attempted upsell from spray foam removal to major roof works, exceeding ?20,000. Trading Standards intervened before any payment was made.
  • Case 2: ?9,000 paid for spray foam removal (work completed in July; reported in November).
  • Case 3: A ?7,000 deposit for spray foam removal and alleged solar panel protection was returned when the family cancelled, with the help of Trading Standards.
  • Case 4: ?8,500 charged for spray foam removal and installation of new rock wool insulation.

 

There are two common approaches to spray foam insulation scams:

  • Cold calls offering a “survey” or “inspection” of loft insulation, followed by high pressure sales tactics encouraging installation of spray foam insulation at inflated prices.
  • Cold calls claiming that a resident’s existing spray foam insulation is dangerous, unsellable, or needs immediate removal; but this is designed to create fear and secure payment.

Some fraudsters also use solar panel servicing as a way to gain access to the property before attempting to upsell work. These practices often result in poor quality installations, unnecessary removal work, or serious property damage.


Protect yourself:

  • Hang up immediately if you receive any unsolicited call about insulation or home improvements.
  • If someone arrives unexpectedly, or for an appointment you felt pressured into, decline and do not engage.
  • Tell someone you trust before any appointment takes place, especially if asked to keep it private.
  • Remember: for any agreed home‑improvement work, residents must be given a 14‑day cooling‑off period, including written cancellation rights.
  • If considering insulation, research the topic thoroughly and obtain several quotes from trusted installers.
  • Consult reputable, independent guidance before making decisions.

 

Further information on spray foam insulation:

 

 

 

 

Trading Standards and the Energy Saving Trust recommend asking installers:

  • How much experience do you have with loft insulation?
  • Can you provide references or examples of previous work?
  • What guarantees or warranties do you offer?
  • Will ventilation needs be assessed?
  • Will you manage any building regulations or certifications?

 

Be cautious of installers who:

  • Pressure you to make a quick decision
  • Offer unusually low quotes with no explanation
  • Refuse to provide references or certification
  • Fail to provide written contracts or breakdowns of costs

 

Report and Information

 

Protect yourself and others by reporting incidents:

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