Be aware: local thefts affecting older residents

We want to share some important information with our community. This is not intended to frighten anyone, but to help local residents stay informed and safe.

Scammers often target people in their own homes

Sadly, there have been recent incidents in the New Cross Gate area whereby older people have been targeted by thieves in their own homes.

A local resident and neighbour of Besson Street Trust had a thief enter his home around 8pm one evening. Money, jewellery and passposts were stolen while he and his wife sat watching TV.

Another resident had someone call to her door saying their lost dog had been tracked to her back garden. She let the person go through to the garden and they stole money and jewellery.

In another event, a 92 year old man had neighbours in for chat; one kept him talking while the other stole cash and documents.

These incidents were not phone or online scams, although those continue to cost older people millions of pounds every year. These were in-person thefts carried out locally, by people who appeared trustworthy.

We are sharing this information so that we can all be more aware and look out for one another. It is important to be cautious about letting unknown people into your home, even if their story sounds convincing or they appear friendly.

Staying safe at home

• Lock your windows at night and when you are at home alone.

• Never open the door to strangers without the chain on.

• Always ask for identification. Genuine callers will not mind waiting.

• Take your time. Ask questions, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.

• Never be afraid to shut the door firmly on a caller.

• If door knocking is frequent or persistent, tell a family member, neighbour, or someone you trust.

• If you feel worried or unsafe, call the police on the non-emergency number 101. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Phone, email and text scammers

Phone scammers are highly convincing and devious. In the UK alone, they stole more than £600 million in the first half of 2025*.

Their aim is always the same: to get your money or personal information. Never give anyone your bank details, card numbers, PINs, passwords, or any financial information.

Real banks, the police, and other trusted organisations will never ask for these details over the phone.

If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. You do not need to be polite, explain yourself, or continue the conversation. If you are comfortable doing so, you can tell them you know they are scammers and then put the phone down.

Email and online scammers also send official-looking emails and text messages that appear to come from banks, delivery companies, or government departments. If a message asks for bank details, payment, or personal information, it is a scam.

Do not reply to these messages. If in doubt, ignore and delete them. Never click on links and never share your personal or financial details.

*UK Finance Press Release