CommunitySafe.gov.uk

Dear Members, You may recall my recent message gave house owners the opportunity of a free Crime Prevention Survey conducted by the local Safer Neighbourhoods Team. I am pleased to say the uptake has been very good. Each household the team have visited has been left with informative crime prevention advice regarding how their properties security could be improved. The team are extending the Crime Prevention Survey into April so if you would like a member of the team to visit please contact the team on 0208 721 2459 or email us to arrange a date and time convenient. December 2008 - Feb 2009 saw 15 reported burglaries compared to 9 during the same period December 2009 - Feb 2010. Although the later figure is not acceptable I feel the teams work in this area has effectively reduced crimes of this nature. This has been achieved by conducting high visibility single patrols and as already mentioned Crime Prevention Surveys. Burglary can have a long lasting emotional impact on victims, leaving them feeling isolated and vulnerable. However, by taking just a few simple measures, you can reduce the chances of it happening to you. Most burglaries tend to be opportunistic, rather than planned. Burglars usually choose houses that have little or no visible security. When you leave your home it’s important to ensure you leave it as secure as possible. WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME 1. Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes. 2. Set your burglar alarm 3. Make sure the side and/or back gate is locked. 4. Lock your shed or garage 5. Make sure that any valuables are not in sight 6. Put keys out of reach of letterboxes 7. In the evening, shut the curtains and leave some lights on. 8. Never leave car documents or ID in obvious places such as kitchens or hallways. By observing the above tips I suggest you will greatly reduce the opportunity of becoming a victim of this type of crime. On another note: Do you know of a budding athlete aged 14 -17 years? Met Track is a free professional athletic coaching for 10-17 year olds. It is being re launched in the borough on Thursday 25th March at 4pm until 5.30pm at The Hub, Tooting and Mitcham FC, Bishopsford Road, Morden. The sessions are aimed at a group of 20 in total and run every Thursday. Sessions are free for more information please visit www.met-track.com for further details. Thank you for reading Dan Wheatley A/PS 247vw Raynes Park Safer Neighbourhood Team 0208 721 2459