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.

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)

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.

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.

Dear Residents, A Distraction Burglary recently took place in Longthornton Ward where the victim had cause to believe that a male had come to her property to read the electricity meter. As the male was invited into the property a second male also entered and searched the property without the victim’s knowledge. The group consisting of 2-3 white males was seen in a Silver Ford Transit Van with a 56 registration plate. Please bear in mind that not all burglars break into homes - some will try to trick or con their way in. They are known as bogus callers and will pretend to be on official business from respectable concerns such as the Utility Companies - Gas, Electricity and Water - or the Council. They may claim to be tradesmen or workmen calling to carry out urgent repairs. 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 in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - 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. Treat every stranger with caution. If you are still worried, dial 999 immediately and ask for the police. If you would like to discuss this matter further or receive extra Crime Prevention Advice please call Longthornton SNT on 0208 721 2742. Gavin STRONG PCSO 7253vw Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team Phone: 02087212742 E-mail: Longthornton.snt@met.police.uk Mail: Mitcham Police Station, 58 Cricket Green, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4LA

On 13/01/2011 between 1100 - 1300 hours Longthornton and Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Teams conducted an operation on Rowan Road, SW16 to slow motorists down in the area. Police Community Support Officers from both teams stood by the side of the road in high visibility jackets with a speed camera noting vehicles that had been seen speeding. 15 letters in total have been sent to motorists who were sighted speeding, warning them and explaining the dangers of speeding. If this problem persists, both teams will look to perform this operation again. Next time we will be looking to take more robust action and motorists caught speeding will be fined and given points on their drivers licence. This operation was set up following complaints from local residents of vehicles speeding along Rowan Road. We ask that you contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team with crime related issues so that we can look to tackle them. If you would like to speak to your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team face to face regarding any local issues then please come and visit us at our next drop-in-surgeries: 05/02/11 1130am - 1230pm - St Olaves Church, Church Walk, SW16 05/03/11 1130am - 1230pm - St Olaves Church, Church Walk, SW16 David RICHARDSON PCSO 7261VW Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team Phone: 020 8721 2742 E-mail: Longthornton.snt@met.police.uk Mail: Mitcham Police Station, 58 Cricket Green, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4LA

Dear Residents, There has been a rise in motor vehicle crime on Longthornton Ward in the past week. We ask residents to keep in mind that most vehicle crime is preventable. It takes as little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal something from your car. REMEMBER • When possible, leave nothing on view • Never leave valuable items in your car. This includes sunglasses, the removable radio cover and your Sat Nav. (Do you really need all those things you keep in your glove box?) • Wipe away the Sat Nav mark on your windscreen • Consider fitting anti-tamper screws to your number plate • Never leave your car keys where they can be seen from your front door Vehicle common sense Always • Close the windows and sunroof; lock the doors and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended • Park with care, particularly at night or if you are leaving the vehicle for a long period of time. If possible, park in a busy, well-lit area Never • Leave cash, credit cards, cheque books, mobile phones, vehicle documents or other valuables in your car • Never leave your keys in the car, even for a second - treat them as you would your cash and credit cards If you would like to discuss this matter further, get extra crime prevention advice or if your would like a free cloth to remove your Sat Nav marks or an anti tamper tax disc then please call your local SNT. Gavin STRONG PCSO 7253vw Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team Phone: 02087212742 E-mail: Longthornton.snt@met.police.uk Mail: Mitcham Police Station, 58 Cricket Green, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4LA

Dear Residents, On 3rd December 2010 Longthornton Safer Neighborhoods Team responded to complaints of a strong smell of cannabis in the Lyndhurst Avenue area, SW16. Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team’s attention was drawn to a premises at the location which was the only house along the street with no snow on the roof. A search warrant was then obtained from Wimbledon magistrate’s court in order to gain entry to the address and search for drugs which were believed to be being cultivated inside. Once entry had been gained to the premises, it was found that there was cannabis production taking place inside. 3 people were arrested on scene for cultivation of cannabis. We can not stress enough how the information received from the local community resulted in the detection of this crime and assisted your local Safer Neighborhood Team to act on this information. This was the second cannabis factory found on Longthornton Ward within a matter of days. We ask that local residents keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour and report it to your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team. You can report information anonymously via CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 Things to look out for are: • Curtains and blinds closed all day, every day • A strong smell on the street and in the attics of neighbouring houses • Comings and goings of large amounts of equipment / fertilizer at strange hours of the day • There will be a lot of heat coming from the property Thank you for your assistance. David RICHARDSON PCSO 7261vw Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team Phone: 02087212742 E-mail: Longthornton.snt@met.police.uk Mail: Mitcham Police Station, 58 Cricket Green, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4LA

There has been a rise in burglary offences in the last fortnight on Longthornton Ward. Most offences are occurring during the day with peaks times between 4 – 8pm. Common method of entry includes no sign of forced entry / slip lock, rear door glass smashed and rear door/window forced. PREVENTION •Lock all external doors and windows, even if you only pop out for a few minutes and set your burglar alarm (if you have one). •Fit a good automatic dead-latch cylinder lock (rim lock) and a good 5- lever mortice deadlock (conforming to British standards) to your front door. •Consider fitting London and Birmingham bars to reinforce your door frame •Do not leave valuables lying around i.e. car keys as burglars could be taking your goods away in your car •Consider security marking your property and registering items on line at www.immobilise.com •Secure your garage and shed as you would your home. Secure items in your shed or garage to an anchor point If you are unsure about your home security and would like advice or a home security survey then please call Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team. This service is free so please use it. Officers are patrolling the ward and proactively seeking out burglars however we ask all residents to remain vigilant and if you see anyone committing a crime or acting suspiciously (this includes looking through windows and trying door handles) please ring the police using 999. If you wish to report any crime anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you would like to speak to your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team regarding any local issues then please come and visit us at our next drop-in-surgeries: 11/01/11 1030am - 12pm - Streatham Vale Baptist Church, Leonard Road, SW16 05/02/11 1130am - 1230pm - St Olaves Church, Church Walk, SW16 05/03/11 1130am - 1230pm - St Olaves Church, Church Walk, SW16 David RICHARDSON PCSO 7261VW Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team Phone: 02087212742 E-mail: Longthornton.snt@met.police.uk Mail: Mitcham Police Station, 58 Cricket Green, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4LA

Dear Residents, It has been brought to my attention that some households on the have had leaflets put through their letter boxes from a company/charity by the name of HELPMATES LIMITED, the leaflets are asking for clothes to be donated and express how they will be used to help third world countries and how the company use UK based workers, factories and employment. I have used the internet to investigate this company and believe the company to be bogus and using the same leaflet all over the UK. I would strongly suggest that if you have received one of these bags and leaflets then ignore them do not donate any items as the items would not benefit from your generosity. If any residents do wish to donate clothing then the safest way would be to take any items into a charity shop this way you would know the items will be going to a good cause. If any residents see the unscrupulous characters collecting for this company then please do not hesitate in contacting the police who maybe able to assist in dealings with these people. PS Gary Cotton 6vw Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team TEL: 020 8721 2742 EMAIL Longthornton.snt@met.police.uk

Dear Residents, We are entering into a period of the year where a minority feel it is acceptable to conduct themselves in a manner that is not acceptable to the majority of our residents, behaviour such as over aggressive trick or treating and offences with the use of fireworks. Most of these offences are committed during the evening hours. The Borough of Merton as a whole have implemented a shift pattern for all Safer Neighbourhood Teams for a two week period commencing Monday 25th October 2010, shifts have been changed to 1530 – 2330 each day. The Longthornton Team feel our residents will be best served by us working even later so we have amended most our shifts to 1800 – 0200 hours. Below are the shifts we will be working for the next two weeks. 25th October - 1000-1800 hours 26th October - 1800-0200 hours 27th October - 1800-0200 hours 28th October - 1800-0200 hours 29th October - 1800-0200 hours 30th October - 1600-0000 hours 01st November Rest Day 02nd November Rest Day 03rd November 1800-0200 hours 04th November 1800-0200 hours 05th November 1800-0200 hours 06th November 1800-0200 hours 07th November 1600-0000 hours Please remember that if you need police in an emergency call 999 otherwise contact the team on the below number or email. Have a safe Halloween and Bonfire night. Gary Cotton PS 6vw Longthornton SNT TEL: 020 8721 2742 Email: Longthornton.SNT@met.police.uk

Halloween and fireworks night is almost upon us again and will be one of the busiest times of the year with regards to anti social behaviour. We want people to be safe while out enjoying themselves so please read on to see what your Safer Neighbourhood Team and Safer Transport Team have planned to keep you safe during this period. Months of planning has taken place so that the law-abiding majority can enjoy this autumn’s festivities without their fun being spoilt by a small number of troublemakers. There will be an increase in police activity to deter anti-social behaviour, disorder and crime during this busy time. Your Safer Neighbourhood Team will be working later shifts during this time to keep you and the ward safe while individuals involved in knife crime and other violent offending will be targeted under Operation Blunt 2. Your Safer Neighbourhood Teams can be contacted on their 'mobex' phone that they carry and their contact numbers can be found on the Met Police website. These phone numbers are non emergency phone numbers so we would urge you all to ring 999 in the first instance if there is an incident that warrants immediate Police attention. As your Teams will be working later shifts during this time it is highly likley that they will be the ones responding to your calls. Safer Schools’ Partnership Police Officers will be working to protect and reassure young people. In the run up to schools’ breaking up they will be focusing on the end of the school day when large numbers of young people come together on and around the public transport system. The Safer Transport Teams will be concentrating on the bus routes and bus terminii and the Safer Town Centre Team will be working in the Town centres. We have been asking shops and supermarkets not to sell eggs and flour to young people which often are used to throw at houses and other buildings. The small minority who remain intent on using this period as an opportunity for criminal activity can expect police attention. In particular those who choose to carry knives and other weapons can expect to be arrested and sent to court and it is only a very small minority whose anti-social behaviour causes misery for others. To assist you with being safe during this period we have produced some key Safety Messages: Advice to Parents, and carers - • Make sure you know where they are and they know how to behave • Go with them trick or treating if you can • Keep fireworks in a safe place in the house • Report any anti-social behaviour or concerns to your local Safer Neighbourhood teams. • Attend organised events wherever possible. Advice to young people - • We want you to enjoy yourselves but will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour. • Ensure you are safe by staying with others • Leave your valuable property at home. • Attend organised events wherever possible. • When trick or treating avoid knocking on elderly neighbours and causing unnecessary worry. We have attached a poster that we have devised that you may wish to print off and display in your front window or somewhere else prominent over the Halloween period if you do not want trick and treaters calling at your door. Have a safe Halloween and fireworks night !! Sergeant Gary Cotton 6vw Longthornton safer Neighbourhoods team Email: Longthorton.snt@met.police.uk Tel: 020 8721 2742

Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team has led a pre planned operation of early morning raids to robustly deal with complaints of Drug Related Anti Social Behaviour in Hemlock Close, SW16. The law abiding majority of residents have been forced to put up the constant, strong smell of cannabis in the air around their homes. Open drug use by a small minority attracted other drug users to the area and late night drug-fuelled parties and fights over drug money spilt out into corridors. Local residents were made to feel like they were living in an unsafe, lawless neighbourhood. On Wednesday 29th September 2010, Merton Police and the Met's Territorial Support Group executed four search warrants simultaneously in Medlar House. Three people were arrested for a variety of offences including Possession of Drugs, Theft, Assault, Criminal Damage and Driving Whilst Disqualified. One person is still in custody. One car was seized by Police and eviction procedures have been initiated. Longthornton SNT will be bringing the Safer Merton Mobile Reassurance Vehicle to Hemlock Close on Monday - Thursday evenings next week and during the day on Friday. We will be setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme to improve and maintain communication between the local community and Police. PC Russ Stevens of Longthornton SNT said, "This impactive, multi agency operation is in response to concerns from the local community. Drug related anti social behaviour, dangerous driving, and "status" dogs have had a negative effect on residents' quality of life. Today we have delivered a clear message that anti social behaviour will not be tolerated." If you have any issues you feel police need to be aware of then please contact your local team on the below contact details. PS Gary Cotton 6vw Longthornton.SNT@met.police.uk 020 8721 2742

Safer Merton is your local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. The partners include a range of agencies such as the Police, Council and Fire Brigade working together to reduce problems in the borough related to crime, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol misuse. By March 2011 Safer Merton will have completed its fourth 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 2011/12. To help inform this decision making process we would really appreciate your views and for you to tell us what your top three concerns and priorities are in relation to community safety. This form will not take long to complete and really allows you the opportunity to say what you think the Partner Agencies should be concentrating their resources on. Below is a link to the form to enable you to provide us with your comments. www.safermerton.gov.uk/safermertonconsultation Kelly Marshall Acting Strategic Team Leader Safer Merton Environment and Regeneration Merton Council Tel: 020 8 545 4146 Jim COOK Partnership Inspector Merton Borough Police

Longthornton Ward residents are urged to be extra vigilant with regard to uninvited doorstep visitors. There have been several recent attempts to con elderly or vulnerable residents into paying thousands of pounds for maintenance work to underground drainage pipes. On four separate occasions over the last two weeks, a white, stocky male, with very short hair has called at houses claiming to need advance payment of £5,500 to purchase equipment to examine blocked drains under the occupants property. If you receive a doorstep caller with a similar story, please phone 999 and ask for Police. We have also had an account of a parcel containing an Apple iPhone being delivered to a residential address. Within a few minutes a male claiming to work for the delivery company has knocked at the address stating the parcel was delivered by mistake and he needs it back. If this happens to you, please DO NOT give the parcel to the caller, but again call 999. Please remain wary of any uninvited callers to your doorstep. Rogue Traders often "cold call" on elderly and vulnerable occupants offering to repair driveways, replace roof tiles and other building work. Work (if done at all) is often of poor standard and cash is often demanded in advance followed by increasing "unexpected" costs. Consumer Direct can be telephoned on 08454 04 05 06 for further advice. Merton Trading Standards advice can be found at www.merton.gov.uk Finally, if someone knocks at your door and tells you that they've noticed a problem with your property, and offers to fix it for you, please decline their offer and phone 999 as soon as possible. Regards Russ STEVENS PC 852VW Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team Merton Borough Metropolitan Police Service Tel: 020 8721 2742