There are now reports of at least 35 recent mail thefts from Burbage Road, Dulwich Village, Gilkes Crescent, College Road/Woodyard Lane, Court Lane Gardens, Calton Avenue, Pickwick Road, and Desenfans Road. Local MP Helen Hayes is taking it up directly with the Police and Royal Mail on behalf of everyone who has suffered a loss.  She has a map showing the locations, plus an anonymous list of those who have experienced cards or bank accounts being compromised.

Hopefully everyone who has been affected has recorded their individual problem with Royal Mail Customer Service Dept. (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and been given a reference number for the complaint. Whether or not the issue is now closed, please take the time to email Helen Hayes MP at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and report it all to her so she has a complete dossier.

Those reporting back to her should include people who have missing statements, usually John Lewis credit card statements, as this has been the precursor in some instances, to having a card issued to a third party, unknown to the account name. But please make it clear you have not suffered a loss at this time but have told JLP a statement is missing.

Your email should be headed Royal Mail in the subject line. You should then give your full name, address and the customer complaint number given you when you reported the loss.  If for some reason you did not report this to Royal Mail would you please still report what happened to your post/credit cards/bank loss to Helen so that she has a full picture of the situation in our pretty small area.

Here is a very useful advice list prepared by Lovelace Road Residents Group:

1. Royal Mail lost mail/fraud number 08456 002 649.  (This is quicker and gives an immediate proof of reporting, to send an online report to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2. https://www.noddle.co.uk/ will identify any fraudulent opened bank accounts / credit cards et al.  Many of us have done this and it is free and reassuring to see at a glance if there has been illegal activity.
3. Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud and internet crime reporting centre. They provide a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime.  If you've been scammed, ripped off or conned, there is something you can do about it.  Report fraud to them and receive a police crime reference number:  http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/  or telephone 0300 123 2040
4. CIFAS. Apply to register with CIFAS (£20 for two years). Financial instructions registered with CIFAS will then give special attention when your details are used to apply for their products or services. Knowing you're at risk, they'll carry out extra checks to make sure it's really you applying, and not a fraudster using your details.  https://www.cifas.org.uk/
5. Ask your bank to text you when they post a new card or cheque book to you.
6. Ask your bank if they can issue you with a telephone banking pass number.  This will mean they don’t have to rely on common security questions eg date of birth, mother’s maiden name which may have been hacked from a third party or available from something like the Electoral Register.