Cricket Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team

Get Involved and make a difference

If you have concerns in your ward about day-to-day crime and disorder issues, or would like to get involved then we have vacancies on our local ward panel. Please contact Cricket Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team (Team Leader Sergeant Lambe) on 0208 649 3576 or email

 

 

A ward is a neighbourhood within your borough. Each ward has a dedicated police Safer Neighbourhoods team. Each ward has a panel made up of voluntary members of the community who live or work within that ward. This panel meets once every 3 months to discuss the concerns facing the local community around crime and anti-social behaviour and sets the priorities the police team will tackle. They can also get involved in working with the police team and local partner agencies such as the council to find lasting solutions to these priorities. If you would like to become part of our panel team please get in touch. Cricket Green ward includes the Phipps Bridge Estate, the Cherry Trees estate, Miles Road, Love Lane, Glebe Court, Cricket Green, Baron, Fenning, Gedge Court, Carshalton Road and the Willow Lane Industrial Estate. The team would love to hear from anyone willing to get involved from any part of the ward.

 

 

Dear Members,

On 20/09/2012 the Controlled Drinking came into force within Merton Borough covering 126 roads within the Mitcham area.

On 21/09/2012 officers from the Figges Marsh and Cricket Green Safer Neighbourhoods Teams led by PS Dan Wheatley and PS Gary Lambe began to enforce the Controlled Drinking Zone. The first alcohol seizures were conducted on Fairgreen and London Road an area popular with street drinkers. Open and closed cans of alcohol were disposed of in front of those breaching the controlled drinking zone.

Ps Lambe said "Those refusing to hand over their alcohol on request without reasonable excuse will commit an offence and be issued a £50 fixed penalty notice. Others who cannot prove their name and address may be subject to arrest. The Mitcham public have put up with anti social behaviour related to street drinking for too long"

Officers from Merton borough will be utilised in an operation in early October to enforce the CDZ on a larger scale.

Thank you for reading.

Ps Gary Lambe

Cricket Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team 

0208 649 3576

CricketGreen.SNT@met.police .uk

 

Dear Members,

 

I would like to invite you all to have your say on the teams Local Policing Priorities that affect you the Local Community of Cricket Green ward.

By consulting with Community Safe members under a “Virtual Ward Panel Survey” we aim to capture the views of our diverse community in order to identify and tackle the issues that matter to you. The results of this process will be discussed at the dedicated Ward Panel meeting

 

A Ward Panel is the forum where representatives of your neighbourhood, your Local Safer Neighbourhoods Police team and Local Authority meet to agree local policing priorities four times a year.

Your contribution, via this survey, will help make decisions more relevant to your local area and the problems that affect your community.

There is a facility within this survey to add additional comments, enabling you to make the local policing team aware of any other community concerns you may have.

 

If you would rather not take part in this process please email the team direct to be taken off the circulation list. CricketGreen.snt@met.police.uk

 

Thank you for your support of the team and local community.

 

PS 47vw Gary Lambe

CricketGreen.snt@met.police.uk

0208 649 3576

Non Emergency Dial 101

Emergency Dial 999

The 12 tips of Christmas from your

Safer Neighbourhoods Team

 

On the first day of Christmas, a policeman said to me:

No presents under the tree

 

On the second day of Christmas, a policeman said to me:

Lock all doors and windows

 

On the third day of Christmas, a policeman  said to me:

Use timer switches

 

On the fourth day of Christmas, a policeman said to me:

Don't carry too much cash

 

On the fifth day of Christmas, a policeman said to me:

Use licensed cabs

 

On the sixth day of Christmas, a policeman said to me:

Don't flash your Ipod

 

On the seventh day of Christmas, a policeman said to me:

Use your mobile safely

 

On the eighth day of Christmas, a policeman said to me:

Take out your Sat Nav

 

On the ninth day of Christmas, a policeman said to me:

Don't leave your shopping out

 

On the tenth day of Christmas, a policeman said to me:

Keep your bags where you can see them

 

On the eleventh day of Christmas, a policeman said to me:

Only drink responsibly

 

On the twelfth day of Christmas, a policeman said to me:

Watch out for your neighbours

Don’t let a burglar spoil your Christmas

Please recycle your cardboard boxes from your Christmas gifts. Please break boxes down and pop them in your recycling box so that expensive new presents received aren't on show - this can help prevent you from being a burglary target.

The Cricket Green SNT team would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and new year.

Cricket Green SNT contact details - 0208 649 3576 or Dial 101 - 999 if urgent

Cricket Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team have received numerous complaints from residents of Baron Court, Fenning Court and Gedge Court, London Road, Mitcham, about off-road motorcycles being ridden at high speed through the park area at the rear, most weekends.

On Saturday 03/12/2011, Officers from Cricket Green and Figges Marsh SNTs deployed two Merton Police off-road motorcycles in the park (known locally as the Tea Cup Park) with PCSOs securing the exit gates.

At 3pm, four motocross bikes entered the park from London Road and rode at speed towards the exit for Church Path. Being unable to exit the park there, the four bikes rode off in all directions trying to find alternative escape routes. Three of the riders eventually abandoned their bikes, climbed over fences and successfully made off from Police. The fourth rider was stopped.

The rider detained by Police was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for riding with No Insurance. His orange KTM 250SXF motocross bike was seized under Operation Reclaim.

The other three motorbikes were seized by Police as believed to be stolen: A red Honda CRF450, a yellow Suzuki RMZ250 and a green Kawasaki KX85.

 PC Russ Stevens from Cricket Green SNT and Merton Motorbike Team said, "Anti Social behaviour on motorcycles will not be tolerated. If you ride a motorbike across a public park, we will seize it. If you ride on any public highway without insurance, it will also cost you a £200 fine and 6 penalty points."

Rising temperatures and hot weather present criminals with additional opportunities. Taking a few simple precautions can reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of a summer crime. 

People are generally more relaxed when they are in their own homes and security can lapse, particularly with the onset of good weather. In summer burglary rates can increase as access to properties becomes easier via open or insecure windows. London can be a hot, stuffy place; naturally we like to ventilate our homes and/or business premises. Burglars will exploit any open window. 

Even if you are in the building a burglar will often strike while householders sleep upstairs, or when you are just in the back garden, or another part of the building. We encourage people to fit and most importantly, use good mortice locks on all doors and key operated locks on accessible windows (do not leave keys in the locks). 
"Accessible windows" are ones relatively easy to reach. The obvious ones are those at ground level, but those above a ground floor extension or porch, or next to a drainpipe can be equally as easy to reach. 

Traditional sash windows can be secured by fitting two pairs of sash stops to the upper frame. The lower pair locks the window shut, but can be removed to allow a 6-inch gap for ventilation; the upper pair prevents the window being opened further. Be mindful of a criminals’ ability to fish for nearby items via this gap though, the window is secure to actual entry perhaps, but not entirely secure. A room with a window secured in this fashion should not be left unoccupied and items of value should never be left in view of such a window, even if the room is occupied: a thief can strike in a matter of seconds if the item is close enough to the window.

 

 Ask neighbours to keep an eye on your property while you are away, be prepared to return the favour.When parking your motor vehicles never leave valuables, including sunglasses on display. Encourage visitors to do the same.  Even indications there may be something of worth in your car can give rise to an attempt – a jacket on the back seat or floor of the car, sucker marks on the window from a satellite navigation cradle etc

 

Whilst driving in slow traffic, remember handbags, phones etc on seats could be grabbed through an open window. The offender might be on a bicycle or moped with little chance of being caught. 

Cycle crime increases in summer simply because more people use their bikes. Unattended bicycles should always be locked to something solid. Secure the frame and wheels, two locks being better than one. Remember those expensive bike accessories as well take them with you. Visit www.bikeoff.org for further information on reducing cycle crime (as well as others – a more detailed list an be provided by your local Crime Prevention Officer).

 

Finally, remember to care for personal possessions when out walking. The Borough has several parks and open places to enjoy in warm weather, don't let a Robber spoil your day.

Dear all,

Safer Merton is your local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. The partners include a range of agencies such as the Police, Council, Fire Brigade, Health and Probation Services, working together to reduce problems in the borough related to crime, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol misuse.

By March 2012 Safer Merton will have completed its annual borough wide Strategic Assessment. This assessment examines all the crimes that have happened in Merton in order to help us set the Partnership’s priorities for 2012/13.

To help inform this decision making process we would really appreciate your views and for you to tell us what your concerns and priorities are. Below is a link to a form to enable you to provide us with your comments.

http://www.merton.gov.uk/safermertonconsultation

The consultation period will begin on the 19th August and the deadline for comments is the 23rd of September 2011. For more information, please contact Safer Merton at safer.merton@merton.gov.uk or alternatively please call us on 020 8 545 4146

 

 

Many thanks

 

Safer Merton

This message has been sent at the request of Chief Superintendent WOLFENDEN, the Police Borough Commander for Merton

Additional officers will be deployed on the streets tomorrow engaging with the local community and providing reassurance patrols. If any members of the local community have concerns, feedback, viewpoints and any intelligence that might have a bearing upon the forthcoming funeral arrangements then please can they contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Commander Mak Chishty, who has responsibility for the area of North London, has met with the parents and family of Mark Duggan and discussed the policing arrangements for the funeral on Friday 9 September 2011 in Tottenham.

In line with the family’s wishes, the policing in Tottenham will reflect the family’s desire for a local, peaceful and dignified funeral.

We have met with community and business representatives and listened to their concerns and to provide reassurance additional officers will be providing a very visible presence across London.

 

 

Superintendent Pete Dobson, Merton Police, writes "I have just returned from a well attended Community meeting in Colliers Wood, the area in our borough most affected by Monday’s disorder. I was extremely pleased to receive so much support from the local community after explaining how the events unfolded locally.

 

During the evening and into the night of Saturday 6th August 2011 public disorder and criminal damage to residential and business premises ensued within the London borough of Haringey. This has been widely reported in the media both at local, regional and national level.

On Sunday 7th August 2011 a second night of disorder resulted in further criminal damage to shops, residential buildings and vehicles being badly damaged in the London boroughs of Enfield, Waltham Forest and Lambeth.

The Metropolitan Police Service has dealt with several incidents of ‘copycat criminal activity’ across London which has resulted in over 100 arrests for criminal offences. The MPS is aware of the impact this is having on the business community and is making every effort to combat further criminal activity by increasing the levels of high visibility patrols across London.

Criminal activity has taken place across a number of areas. There is no intelligence of specific targeting of identified business premises.

The Operation Withern team is continuing their investigation to identify those people responsible for the violence, disorder and crime we have seen to ensure that they are brought to justice.

You may notice an increase in the number of police officers in your area and this should not be cause for alarm.
You may wish to take the following precautionary measures.
1. Where possible retail premises should be suitably staffed with security guards
2. Ensure staff report any suspicious activity to security and/or police
3. Consider regular checks of the building and surrounding area
4. Identify areas that are vulnerable to forced entry
5. Make sure all service doors are kept locked and secure when not in use
6. Ensure your CCTV system fully operational
7. In case of an emergency is there a record of the names of keyholders who can be contacted
8. Consider removing high value goods from display windows overnight
9. Consider keeping as little cash as possible on the premises
10. Ensure that your premises are secure and if fitted your alarm systems are fully operational
11. In the event of a non emergency, call the police on non emergency number 101
10. In the event of an emergency, call the emergency number 999
11. If you have any information you wish to provide to police anonymously you can contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Operation Withern is investigating the disorder and violence in parts of London over the weekend. An incident room has been set up. Anyone with information should call the major investigation team on 020 8345 4142.

The MPS has extra resources on duty across the capital. We are carefully monitoring any intelligence and ensuring we have our resources in the right places to support the ongoing policing plan. We will continue to respond to the needs of London’s communities and deal with any incidents of criminality.

Team News

There are some temporary changes to the team for the next couple of months.  PS Dan Hutchings is going to be Acting Inspector for Mitcham Safer Neighbourhoods and PC Dan Hopkins is taking over the team as Acting Sergeant.   This is a temporary solution whilst Inspector Jon Phillips is on an attachment to another role and the team will revert back to normal in due course. We also currently have PCSO Will Hughes attached to the team from Graveney ward.

Residential burglary

As a result of concentrated patrols, property marking and the targeting of known offenders the ward has seen a significant reduction in the number of burglaries.  At the time of writing we have had less than half the number of burglaries in 2011 than we did in the same period in 2010.  We continue to visit all victims of burglary and their neighbours to offer reassurance and crime prevention advice.

Theft from motor vehicles

We have been conducting crime prevention and awareness days in local car parks targeting drivers leaving their cars to attend shops or fitness centres.  Any items left on display are brought to the attention of the owners.  As part of the ongoing ‘Drive Out Vehicle Crime’ initiative we have been handing out anti theft number plate screws and other crime prevention items such as air fresheners which remind people to take property out.

ASB Phipps Bridge Estate

We regularly patrol the estate and have been issuing numerous ASB warnings in partnership with the council and Merton Priory Homes. We are currently working towards issuing full ASBOs on three people.  We have conducted weapons sweeps utilising trained search teams to ensure no drugs or weapons are being hidden on the estate and have used metal screening arches to deter people from carrying knives.

Rogue Traders brought to justice

In June we arrested two men for fraud in a joint operation with Trading Standards.  The men were from a building company who were making aggressive demands for increasing sums of money for questionable work. It was suspected they might turn up the next day to collect payment.  We quickly put together an operation utilising officers from other Mitcham Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and on the day positioned ourselves nearby, ready to strike when the builders arrived.  After many hours, just as we were about to call it off for the day the builders arrived, and the teams swiftly moved in and detained 5 men.  The two men in charge were identified and arrested and are subject to an ongoing investigation by Trading Standards.

We can be contacted on 0208 649 3576.   To report a crime please call 101 and in an emergency call 999.

 

Your team:

A/PS Dan Hopkins

PC Elaine Anear

PCSO Tracy Whayman

PCSO Lynn Marsch

PCSO Will Hughes

July 2011 DRIVE OUT VEHICLE CRIME In Merton theft from vehicles is a bigger problem than theft of vehicles, and often these crimes are opportunistic, and occur because owners have left something on display when they park their car, or worse have left it unlocked while they pop into a shop or in and out of their own home. If you own a works van or are a tradesman with a van we would urge you not to leave your tools in your vehicles overnight, even outside your home as there have been a number of vans broken into overnight with tools being stolen. So far operation Drive Out Vehicle Crime has seen some excellent results with reductions in theft from motor vehicle. We would like to attribute this success down to you as it is you that have heeded our advice and taken valuables from your car etc. However we must not be complacent and there are still reports of cars being broken into with property left on display. The vulnerable vehicle scheme, involves your local Police making a note of cars left with goods on show, and then the owners receive a letter telling them that their car was seen in a vulnerable state, and giving advice and information on car security. A notice will be attached to your windscreen to act as a reminder not to leave valuables on display. Cars are more than just a means of getting from A to B. They often act as wardrobes, offices, telephone boxes, concert halls and have many other functions depending on what we keep in them. Often the value of all the possessions kept in the vehicle can be as much as the value of the car itself. Laptop computers, cameras, tool kits, sat navs are all fairly expensive items and they are often left on display in cars. A parked car is an invitation to any sneak thief, load it with goodies on display and it will be an offer they can’t refuse! Don’t leave property on view • If possible take all valuables with you, • If you have to leave valuables in your car then lock them in the boot where they can’t be seen. • Lock all doors and windows • Check boot lids, hatch backs and sunroofs • Lock the glove compartment if you can For any further information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team via the main Met Police website by telephone or by e-mail. If you wish to become a member of Community safe and sign up to free crime alerts and news of what your local safer Neighbourhood Team is up to please contact them direct or join via www.communitysafe.gov.uk.

Please see attached which is an invitation to a FREE seminar at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Thursday 1st September 2011 at 11am. Tickets are limited and are on a first come, first served basis. Project Griffin is a nationally recognised model to deliver Counter Terrorism and crime awareness to individuals and groups including those responsible for safety and security of buildings, businesses, districts or neighbourhoods. The project is a Police and Private Industry initiative developed by the City of London Police (CoLP) to raise the public's awareness of counter terrorism issues. Project Griffin can assist the police to forge links with partners and businesses by providing an insight to counter terrorism awareness through organised events, and subsequently maintaining strong working relationships by continuing to engage with them thereafter. The main benefit to this is the extra 'eyes and ears' on the street and the increase and quality of reports received by the police of suspicious activity. The objectives of Project Griffin are to: • Raise public awareness of current terrorism and crime issues; • Share and gather intelligence and information; • Build and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships; • Maintain trust and confidence in the police and other authorities; • Empower people to report suspicious activity and behaviour to the police Jim COOK - Partnershiop Inspector Merton Police.

• Project Griffin flyer (140 KB)

NEW CRICKET GREEN AND FIGGES MARSH PATROL BASE Cricket Green and Figges Marsh Safer Neighbourhoods Teams last week moved into a brand new purpose built patrol base in Mitcham Town Centre. The address of the new base is 246 - 248 London Road, Mitcham, CR4 3XN and it is situated opposite the White Lion of Mortimer public house. The teams will now be in the heart of their local communities so that they are more easily able to meet with local people, understand what is happening in the area and work together to reduce any problems. Although we will be starting and ending our shifts at the base, there will be no staff present for the majority of the time, as our primary role is to patrol within the community. If you need to report a crime, please call 0300 123 1212 or attend Wimbledon, Mitcham or Morden Police Stations. In an emergency please call 999. We will however be arranging some drop in surgeries at the base, where we can guarantee an officer will be present to take questions or provide advice on local issues. Times will be advertised soon. Our contact phone numbers and email addresses have not changed. Cricket Green - 020 8649 3576 cricketgreen.snt@met.police.uk Figges Marsh - 020 8649 3603 figgesmarsh.snt@met.police.uk Sergeant Dan Hutchings Cricket Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team Sergeant Dan Hutchings Constable Dan Hopkins Constable Elaine Anear PCSO Tracy Whayman PCSO Lynn Marsch PCSO James Fisher

DRIVE OUT VEHICLE CRIME Merton has become the latest borough to become an active member of the Petrol Station Forecourt Watch Scheme. The scheme, run jointly by Territorial Policing Pan-London Forecourt Crime and the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) aims to cut fuel theft across the Metropolitan Police Area. Forecourt Watch is being used in the London Borough of Merton to target and deter criminals who commit drive-offs, this problem has increased significantly with the recent rise in fuel prices. This type of crime is often linked to other crimes including theft of number plates and burglary so it is important that we catch those committing these offences and bring them to justice. PC Richard BROWN the Problem Solving Advisor for Merton Borough and Borough representative for Forecourt Watch said:- "We are all affected by this crime, as ultimately any losses suffered by the industry will be passed on to the paying customers. Several petrol stations have invested in upgraded CCTV to protect their staff and help to support prosecutions." Our aim is to maintain fuel stations as a safe environment for customers and staff, targeting those people who drive off without paying for their fuel and use service stations as a route to commit more serious crimes.” Research shows that offences of driving off without paying for fuel are often linked to offenders or vehicles involved in other types of crime and to disqualified drivers, those without insurance, tax or MOT, or vehicles with false number plates. BOSS Forecourt Watch documentation for the recording and notifying of drive-off incidents will be provided to staff at all forecourts taking part in the scheme. This enables fuel service stations to work in conjunction with police and BOSS to help bring offenders to justice. High visibility stickers and posters on the forecourt itself will raise awareness among customers and potential thieves that Forecourt Watch is in operation and that making off without payment is a criminal offence. Service stations registered with the scheme will also benefit from sharing information with police and each other on suspects, vehicles and known offenders – to maximise disruption and detection of offences. For any further information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team via the main Met Police website by telephone or by e-mail. If you wish to become a member of Community safe and sign up to free crime alerts and news of what your local safer Neighbourhood Team is up to please contact them direct or join via www.communitysafe.gov.uk.

Merton's Dog Watch scheme will be officially launched on: Saturday 14th May 2011 in King George's Playing Field, Tudor Drive, Morden, SM4 4PN between 10am and 2pm. The scheme is aimed at dog owners from across the borough and aims to collect information from members about issues in their area that impact on their quality of life, for example, anti social behaviour, dangerous dogs or even untaxed vehicles. The scheme will also be used to advise and inform owners on dog welfare, care and legislation, through a quarterly newsletter. Please come along and support the event and bring your family, including your dog! There will be a dog agility course, training advice, free Health Checks, free micro chipping and lots more. For more information or to sign up to the scheme, do not hesitate to contact Claire Hammond at Clare.L.Hammond@met.police.uk or on 020 8721 2456.

DRIVE OUT VEHICLE CRIME In an effort to combat vehicle crime, Merton Borough Police in conjunction with Safer Merton are launching a ‘Drive Out Vehicle Crime’ initiative which will include a number of partnership interventions throughout the next 12 months. Inspector Jim COOK from Merton Police said, “Vehicle crime is the one of the highest crime types in the Borough and a number of Safer Neighbourhood Teams have had vehicle crime reduction chosen by their ward Panels to work on. We will be looking to raise the public’s awareness and offering advice on how they can help us reduce the incidence of vehicle crime. Over the coming weeks and months Merton Police will be carrying out a number of proactive operations against those involved in vehicle crime. Already the Safer Neighbourhood Teams conduct a large number of Automatic Number Plate Operations and will continue these with both uniform and plain clothes patrols in areas where vehicle crime is most prevalent. I would urge those living in Merton to contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team and sign up to Community Safe to receive up to date news of what their local Safer Neighbourhood Team is up to. This is a free system and by joining it you can find out about crime alerts and what the Police are doing in your local area. You can join by either logging onto WWW.Communitysafe.gov.uk or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team direct”. We take this opportunity to remind you all to: Ensure cars are locked – this might seem simple but a high percentage of cars are left unlocked in Merton. Don’t leave anything on view – you may know your jacket is empty but an opportunist thief doesn’t. Take your sat nav out of your vehicle and clean the suction mark off the windscreen – thieves will smash your window just to check the glove box. For any further information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team via the main Met Police website by telephone or by e-mail. If you wish to become a member of Community safe and sign up to free crime alerts and news of what your local safer Neighbourhood Team is up to please contact them direct or join via www.communitysafe.gov.uk.

Happy Christmas from the Cricket Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team. We hope that you have a good time over the festive period. We have been very busy over the past couple of months and below are some details about what we have been doing as well as some crime prevention advice. ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR - PHIPPS BRIDGE ESTATE We have been working really hard to reduce crime and anti social behaviour on the estate in the past couple of months. We have been stopping groups of youths in the blocks and searching when there are grounds to do so. We have dealt with numerous youths for possession of cannabis. We have executed a number of search warrants across the estate and have seized three pit bull type dogs. We continue to patrol the estate as much as possible and will be continuing this type of work into the new year. BURGLARY We have started to roll out Selecta DNA into burglary hotspots. This is a property marking system that enables a much higher rate of stolen property being returned to its owner. The kits come with stickers to place on your property and home to warn would be criminals that it has been marked. We hope this will deter the crime from occurring. We do not want a burglary to ruin your Christmas. You should always ensure that your house is properly secured at all times of year but around the Christmas holidays a burglary can be particularly devastating. Although we are carrying out extra patrols and have extra officers in those areas, you yourself could help. When leaving the house unattended please check that all windows and doors are fully secured, just closing your door does not offer enough security; you should always ensure you lock all locks on the door. If you have concerns regarding the security of your door we’d advise getting in contact with a qualified locksmith, as they can offer more experienced recommendations. When storing presents at home its advisable to not leave them on display. It is best to store them somewhere out of sight to lessen temptation. If you have purchased electrical goods or bicycles as presents you should take a note of the serial number or frame numbers on bikes, and register them with www.immobilise.com. Also check that your house insurance covers such items or take insurance out for them when purchasing. After the festive season closes, make sure you properly dispose of boxes for expensive electrical goods, rather than leaving them outside for the world to see and advertising what new goodies you have inside. The local recycling centre would be the ideal place to take these. If you are going away for the holidays then please make sure you cancel milk and newspapers and any other regular deliveries, also re-direct mail via the post office or have a trusted neighbour collect it. Use automatic timer-switches on lights to create the impression the house is being lived in. Please lock away any tools that you may have lying around your back garden. In a couple of recent burglaries the suspect(s) used the owners’ garden tools to force open the doors or windows at the rear of the property. • Allow for added journey times to prepare your vehicle for the road and driving conditions. • At this time of year, in frosty conditions, the temptation can be to leave the car on the drive or on the street with the engine running to defrost the windscreen. • Lots of cars get stolen every winter as criminals tour around residential areas looking for easy opportunities. • On icy mornings, never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running to warm it up or defrost the windows - not even for a minute. • Always remove your keys when you leave the car, as you would at a petrol forecourt. • If the car is on the road it is an offence to leave it unattended with the engine running. • To keep your property safe don't leave your car with the engine running while you pop into the local convenience store or visiting the ATM either. • Did you know that if you leave your keys in your car ignition whether it be on your drive, street or on a petrol forecourt and your car is stolen your insurance is likely to become invalid. Can you imagine the trauma this will cause you, not only do you lose your car but your insurance will not pay out. Can you really afford to throw away several thousand pounds so easily? • "I only left my car for a minute", is a common phrase victims state in vehicle crime reports. Avoid being that victim. As always, please urge your neighbours, colleagues and friends to join up to the CommunitySafe site. THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE We continue to watch out for vehicles that are at risk of theft by having property left inside visible to passers by. Please ensure that you do not leave anything inside your car even if you are only leaving it for a minute, as that is all it takes. Your team can be contacted on 020 8649 3576. To report a crime please call 0300 123 1212 or in an emergency call 999. Sergeant Dan Hutchings. PC Dan Hopkins PC Louise Vickers PCSO Tracy Whayman PCSO Karen Henderson PCSO Lynn Marsch

• Christmas Tips (236 KB)

Meet the Streets ‘Meet the streets’ is an initiative that has been launched recently across the borough which is being implemented by Police officers from the safer neighbourhood’s team. Meet the streets has been designed so that an officer from each Safer Neighbourhoods Team will visit every house on their ward, to meet the residents and find out more about their concerns. We also provide them with a number of useful contact details for both the Police and partner agencies. The aim is to have this completed within the next 18 months. Natural Neighbourhoods. The teams are also currently taking part in an initiative to identify the ‘Natural Neighbourhoods’ across the borough. This is in addition to ‘Meet the Streets’. Local people often see their neighbourhood boundaries very differently to police and council boundaries. Few people see the whole Ward as their neighbourhood. This makes it difficult for us to listen to residents’ concerns about their neighbourhood and tell them what we have done to make things better. Our PCSOs are visiting people at random across the ward and are asking them what area they consider their local neighbourhood to be and how they prefer to be contacted. This will enable us to develop the most effective communication plans for each area. WARD PRIORITY - Anti Social Behaviour Phipps Bridge Estate On the 26th of October a public meeting was held at the South Mitcham Community centre to gather all agencies involved in the current action plan to improve the estate and to update the public with what is being done since the recent stabbing incident. We were able to update those present with the activities that we have been conducting such as weapon screening arches, searches for weapons across the estate and the increased patrols and presence that we have had in the area. WARD PRIORITY - Residential Burglary There has been a marked decrease in burglaries over the last two months. In September there were 4 offences and in October only two offences committed (one was an attempt with no entry gained and the other was an unoccupied building). This is a huge improvement and we will be striving to keep the figures down. We are rolling out SelectaDNA property marking kits to hotspot areas and will be incorporating this into our ‘Meet the Streets’ visits. This will enable residents to mark their property to both deter thieves and to increase the chances of getting property back if it is stolen. As always the team can be contacted on 0208 649 3576. To report a crime call 0300 123 1212 or in an emergency or if a crime is happening 'now' call 999. Dan Hutchings Sergeant Cricket Green SNT

No need to get too spooked this Halloween Merton Council and its partners will once again be embarking on a borough wide project in the coming weeks to ensure this Halloween and fireworks season is safe and enjoyable for all residents. As one of the busiest times of year for the emergency services Merton will be putting a number of initiatives in place through the following few weeks to try and relieve some of this pressure and ensure that everyone can enjoy celebrations and feel safe whether joining in or not. Although Merton is consistently rated as one of the safest boroughs in London, during the 13 days of the season in 2009 there were 51 incidents, an average of 3.9 incidents each day and hence tackling these issues is still a priority for the council and the Safer Merton partnership. One key action to help tackle anti-social behaviour during this period will be late night patrols being run by the police and Merton Priory Homes’ neighbourhood wardens from 22 October - November to 7 November. These will take place around key areas in the borough over Halloween and the main fireworks display evenings on 5 and 6 November. The council’s trading standards department will also be working together with local business to ensure fireworks are not sold to anyone under 18. Shop owners will also be asked to withhold sales of eggs and flour to teenagers. The council’s youth engagement teams will also be working alongside the emergency services to talk to young people in schools about enjoying this time of year safely. For those members of the community who do not wish to participate ‘no trick or treat’ posters and safety advice are available from Merton Police on their website http://cms.met.police.uk/met/boroughs/merton/index or direct from your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. Councillor Edith Macauley, Merton Council cabinet member for community safety, engagement and equalities said: " With fear of crime being one of Merton residents’ top concerns, the Safer Merton partnership is continuing to make this time of year a priority. It is important that those wanting to take part in the festivities can do so safely and those who would rather not get involved have that choice. " More people now know how to seek help and report incidents of anti-social behaviour which is good, but we also need to reduce the number of incidents that happen in the first place. Working in partnership with the police, the fire brigade, trading standards and many others we can achieve this and help everyone enjoy the Halloween and Firework season whilst still keeping safe." www.merton.gov.uk/safermertonantisocialbehaviour www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods Have a good Halloween and please see the attached poster. Dan Hutchings Sergeant Cricket Green SNT 020 8649 3576

• Halloween poster (92.4 KB)

There is going to be a public meeting on Tuesday 26th October 2010 to receive feedback on the progress of work that is being carried out regarding recent problems on the Phipps Bridge Estate. Location: South Mitcham Community Centre Cobham Court, Haslemere Avenue Mitcham From 6.30pm You will be able to talk with staff from: Council, Merton Priory Homes, other Housing Providers, Local Police and local Councillors. For more information, contact Merton’s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit on 020 8545 4621

Bogus Window Cleaner It has been brought to our attention that a man has been going door to door asking for payment for cleaning windows. At this time we do not believe that he is genuine and that this may be a scam. Unless you are certain that it is your window cleaner please DO NOT hand over any money and call 999. Bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don't be fooled. Make sure in your own mind that they are whom they claim to be by following these simple steps: • Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them. • Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry an identification card with their photograph on. Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent. • The Utilities now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity. • Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward outside or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your home - they may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction. • If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person. If you are worried you can also contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 649 3576. The Police Officers in this team are Sergeant Dan Hutchings 96VW, PC Dan Hopkins 688VW and PC Louise Vickers 613VW, who would be happy to assist with any queries or questions. Remember to treat every stranger with caution and if you need assistance urgently, dial 999 immediately and ask for the police.

SCREENING ARCH OPERATION Last month the team were involved with a screening arch operation at Phipps Bridge Tram stop as part of Action in Merton. This is in addition to the weapons searches that have been conducted across the Phipps Bridge Estate. The aim of the operation was to show local people that carrying weapons will not be tolerated and that we are actively seeking out those who carry them. No weapons were found during the operation however two youths were arrested for public order offences. NEW YOUTH WEBSITE SAFE, the Met's first ever youth website was officially launched on the 29th July. Aimed at 11-16 year olds the new site seeks to inform young people about the crime and safety issues that matter to them, ranging from bullying and drugs to gangs and knife crime. As well as presenting basic but useful facts on a range of policing and crime topics there are advice sections and links to support organisations, as well as information regarding the law and people's rights. It explains how the police work, how we keep communities safe, and why we have to do things such as stop and search. Visit www.safe.met.police.uk MOBILE PHONE WARNING At about 10.20am on Thursday 7 October, a 30 year old woman was walking along The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19, having a conversation on her mobile phone. A male suspect suddenly ran up and snatched the phone from her, before making off. Police were called and responded immediately but the suspect was not located. Further enquiries are being actively pursued by investigating officers. Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact the Wimbledon CID via 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111, and urge mobile phone users to remain alert and aware when making calls in busy public areas. You can also safeguard your mobile phone and other items by visiting www.immobilise.com CONTACT US: 0208 649 3576 cricketgreen.snt@met.police.uk How to report a crime There are many ways to report a crime. 999 should only be used in emergencies: • If a crime is happening now or someone is in immediate danger call 999. • If it is not an emergency, but a crime has happened, there is a different number: dial 0300 123 1212. If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties, you can use a textphone to call us: • Dial 18000 in an emergency. • Dial 18001 0300 123 1212 if it is not an emergency. For people who have trouble speaking English our operators have access to interpreters who can quickly translate calls.