CommunitySafe.gov.uk

OP LOCKDOWN

Today Merton Police will commence Operation Lockdown, a three month burglary initiative which will employ a range of tactics to disrupt burglary, gain intelligence and arrest and convict offenders in identified hotspots across the Borough.

Whilst the number of burglary offences across the Borough remains relatively low, there has been a recent rise in the number of opportunist burglaries where entry has been gained through open windows and unlocked doors. Many of these could be avoided. Residents are reminded to lock doors and windows when they go out, to keep ground floor doors and windows closed and secure when they go to bed and not to leave expensive and valuable items in view of passers by. Simple measures and some extra care will go along way to preventing you from becoming a victim of burglary.

NEW REPORTING LINE FOR VICTIMS AND WITNESSES OF HATE CRIME

Tackling hate crime is a priority for Merton, which is why Merton has teamed up with Stop Hate UK to provide emotional and practical support for anyone, who has experienced hate crime.

Whatever your age, race, disability, sexual orientation or whether you are transgender, no one has the right to intimidate, hurt or harass you because they perceive you to be different.

Merton defines a hate crime as a ‘criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion or disability’.

If you feel you have been a victim of this crime you can report it to Stop Hate UK 24 hours a day. Stop Hate UK are an independent charity and everything you tell them is kept confidential. You have the option to remain anonymous if you wish. Stop Hate UK can be contacted by phone, email, text, post and online. Stop Hate UK can speak to victims about hate crime in their preferred language if required.

Telephone: 0800 138 1625
Website: www.stophateuk.org
Email: talk@stophateuk.org
If you have any information regarding any crime on the ward please contact Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 649 3604
Our next Drop in Surgery will be held at the MOAT Housing Office, Montgomery Close on 4th August 2010 between 11am and 12pm. Please take this opportunity to speak with us about any issue.

To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.

If you have any friends or neighbours that live or work on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal.
Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.

Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team

Dear Ms McDonagh,

In response to your letter dated 6th July 2010 (Re: Crime and Anti Social Behaviour at Phipps Bridge).

We pay particular focus to the content of our MPs letters and an audit of our system reveals that we are not in receipt of your earlier letter (dated 1st July 2010). If the matters raised in the letter still require a response please would you be so kind as to re-send a copy and I will ensure I give them it my prompt attention.

Within your letter (6th July) you feel that the ‘the tennis’ is not really the point. I disagree. You are aware that the headline within the Wimbledon Guardian; …‘MP hits out at Mitcham police after shooting and triple stabbing’ within the article you are quoted “Police are more bothered about policing the Wimbledon Championships than the troubled streets of Mitcham the area’s MP has claimed…” Such headlines and supporting comments do little to promote community confidence or reassurance. (I am meeting with the editor and the journalist next week to express my concerns).

I have no doubt you will be able to forward details of the officers who stated that they were - “too busy to help you because of the Wimbledon Championships.” You are absolutely right, and I agree with you, such a message is inappropriate and I am looking for your help to identify and understand who within my command would say something which is so blatantly incorrect. I have made local enquires and no one recalls having had such a conversation.

I am sorry that at the meeting you felt that the impression given by police was that the Mitcham area was a low policing priority, quite the opposite is true. As discussed, my initial assessment of the boroughs deployment and demand profile reveals a substantial amount of our (finite) movable resources are given to the East of the borough. As an MP you will be conscious that as part of the conditions attached to Safer Neighbourhood teams funding arrangements the last government dictated that they should be ring fenced in their designated wards. I have briefed you in relation to my frustrations as to not having been allowed to move this valuable resource around the borough (however see further paragraphs for recent update).

You contend that there was a history of community unease in relation to groups of youths associating in the area and that the community members were concerned about numerous criminal and anti-social acts. The adage “You only know what you know” is a truism in relation to policing. Unless the residents report these issues to police we are unable to build an accurate intelligence picture and take appropriate action. As you are aware under ECHR legislation everybody has the right to associate freely without state interference. Without proper intelligence it is difficult to justify enforcement interventions. I will direct my safer neighbourhood teams to encourage increased reporting in order to give greater justification to future disruption activity.

You feel that ‘if the police had identified that there was a problem and had dealt with ‘the group’ appropriately the stabbings would not have taken place’. I am disappointed that you hold this view. As discussed this incident was spontaneous without any pre-planning. The offender was not known to police in the London area and there was nothing we could have done to prevent the crime from happening. Hindsight is a wonderful gift. When incidents like this happen people are quick to go to the press and it’s easy to blame the police. I readily acknowledge that we are the lead agency in relation to enforcement activity; however the causational factors which lead to criminality are many and varied.

The service (in my opinion) has a disappointing history of failing to respond to unfair criticism when many of the crime related social problems we face today are the result of years of failed parenting, failed education, failed social inclusion policies, ineffective border/integration policies and a distinct lack of investment in diversionary or rehabilitation activity. These failures are the responsibility of many, (including those in government) not just the police.

In this role I have ownership of the borough’s criminal intelligence profile and have a good understanding of those believed to be involved in more serious and organised crime. You are right (and I agree) that whether those intent on crime are members of a gang or otherwise is really a mute point. The more important issue is what is being done about it. I hope that when we next meet I can reassure you that we are trying hard to service the policing needs of the borough (although as discussed due to the legacy of national debt; continuing current operational capability will be an increasing challenge).

You have asked for a copy of the boroughs deployment profile. This is a restricted document as it specifically details both our operational capacity and capability. I will of course share the details with you when we next meet. I can however brief you on Merton’s policing model:

The borough’s operational workforce profile can be split into four main areas Response, Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT), CID and Operational Support. The Response officers deal with calls from the public and answer calls anywhere within Merton. The CID investigates reported crimes and deal with crime related prisoners, Operational support include the Merton crime squad, the Merton task force and other distinct units (i.e. the Merton sex offenders unit). They are deployed where the intelligence takes them (as stated predominantly in the East of the borough). The SNTs as discussed are rigid in number and are equally distributed (ring fenced in relation to movement) throughout the borough to provide local contact, visibility and reassurance. Apart from the SNT the deployment of resources is intelligence led & reactive to where crime is taking place. You are correct in your view that our ‘demand profile’ reveals that the majority of crime takes place within the East of the borough

It is also worthy of note that Merton is one of the boroughs affected by low crime rates within the MPS. As of last week the MPS had suffered 204918 Crimes so far this financial year. Merton is one of 32 London boroughs and in comparison we experienced 3670 which equates to just 1.8% of all London’s crime. A more strategic view could be that in light of the low Merton crime rate many of the boroughs resources would be better placed in the high crime rate boroughs (Lambeth, Hackney and Southwark etc.). This of course is something I hope to avoid as it is my intention to keep Merton crime levels as low as possible.

In my short time here so far, I have worked hard to understand the demands and constraints associated with delivering effective performance on the borough. Historic and entrenched ways of working will not deliver the performance needed in the new economic environment. In order to justify the retention of our current officer/staff numbers we will need to demonstrate how we can be both dynamic and flexible in meeting policing demands ensuring that we re-focus our activities where the public needs us most.

As you are aware Merton borough consists of twenty wards. We have recently completed comprehensive analysis of the borough in relation to crime mapping. Based on historical annual trends supported by management information and recent up to date intelligence it is clear that 5 wards present a real opportunity to improve our borough crime performance: Abbey, Colliers Wood, Cricket Green, Figges Marsh & Lavender Fields.

Starting Monday 19th July the borough will commence ‘Operation Lockdown’ which will be focused on preventing priority crimes in these 5 wards. A headline for this operation is that I have secured central agreement that I can pilot the concept of SNT staff on the remaining 15 wards providing substantial assistance to the Lockdown wards (although still aligned to their local wards). I am very excited about this opportunity for the borough to demonstrate both dynamism and flexibility as the rest of the MPS watches to see how it will work.

Reading your letter I am obviously delighted that you are committed to, and demonstrate, such a strong desire to ensure that the police provide a good service for all Merton’s communities. I totally share this view. I hope that we will be able to rely on your continued support in the future. As requested I will copy both your letter and this response to the community safe email group for sake of both completeness and closure.

Yours Sincerely

___________________________
Dick Wolfenden
Merton Borough Police Commander

Dear Mr Wolfenden

Re: Crime and Anti Social Behaviour at Phipps Bridge

Thank you for taking the trouble to write to me on 3 July about some comments I made to a journalist who was at the meeting I arranged to help the police reassure local people about policing on the Phipps Bridge estate. I spoke to the journalist after the meeting, after the conversation I had with you, and after the letter of 1 July that I wrote to you expressing my concerns about the meeting, to which I have yet to receive a reply.

The journalist attended the meeting, and he clearly felt that the approach of officers at the meeting was not as good as it could have been. I mentioned, as I did to you, that in my dealings with your officers they had told me that they were rather too busy to help me, due to the Wimbledon Championships. I hope it will be clear to you now that this is a totally inappropriate message to give a local community representative. However, the tennis is not really the point.

My concern was not about the high priority given to the tennis – although I do regularly hear complaints about this – but about the impression that was given at the meeting that Mitcham was a low priority. Although we are all very happy that you have found the suspects involved in the stabbing, more than a hundred residents would not have attended the meeting if they were not concerned about far wider issues. Specifically, they were concerned about numerous criminal and anti-social acts in the area by the same group of young men, including a drive-by shooting, various acts of intimidation, and an assault on a drinker.

As I explained to you on the phone and in my letter of 3 July, the response of officers at the meeting was to argue about the semantics of whether the group committing these acts was a gang or not. However, the truth is that if the police had identified that they were a problem and had dealt with them appropriately, the stabbings would not have taken place. Arguing about semantics was, therefore, seen by people at the meeting as unnecessarily argumentative, and as complacent.

Moving to your point about your recent examination of the Borough’s deployment profile, I would be grateful if you could let me have a copy of this profile. I am pleased that you believe the East of the Borough is as well serviced as the West, and should like confirmation from you that the deployment of resources is linked to the rate of crime in each neighbourhood. As you know, the crime rate in the East is approximately twice the rate of the West, and the rate in Cricket Green is roughly three times greater than in most of Wimbledon. Therefore for you to be satisfied that Mitcham “suffers no detriment in resource allocation”, I assume your figures will show that deployment is roughly three times greater in Phipps Bridge than in the West of the Borough, and roughly double in the rest of my constituency. Can you confirm that this is correct?

Finally, I can assure you I am absolutely determined in my efforts to ensure the police provide good public services for all of Merton’s communities. This is why I arrange regular opportunities for officers to promote their work at events I organise in Mitcham and Morden. Sometimes this is in response to particular crimes, but I have also arranged numerous meetings to introduce residents to their Safer Neighbourhood Teams, or to publicise the police’s ability to help deal with crime and anti-social activities in certain hotspots.

In this spirit, I will be contacting you separately in order to arrange a meeting in the Armfield Crescent area, where residents are worried that gang activity (or something very similar to gang activity) led to a separate shooting incident just over a week ago. It would be really good if the local police service could use this opportunity to show that they desperately care about our local residents and have a proper plan to ensure residents feel safer in their own neighbourhoods.

I hope that this is helpful, and look forward to your reply to this letter and that of 1 July. Since you have copied your correspondence to the Merton Community Safe email group, I am happy for you to circulate this letter to the same recipients on my behalf, or for you to let me have their details in order for me to email them all separately. I will, of course, only use those details for this purpose and not for any other reasons.

Yours sincerely,




Siobhain McDonagh

Dear Ms McDonagh,

I am writing to you in order to express my concern in relation to the quotes apparently attributed to you within Thursday’s (1st July) Wimbledon Guardian: Headline “MP hits out at Mitcham Police after shooting and triple stabbing.”

Within the article you are quoted:- “Do they [the police] care at all? It seems they’re more bothered policing the All England Club than they are about the lives of people in Mitcham. Three people have been stabbed and less than a year earlier; a teenager was seriously injured in a drive-by-shooting. But the police want to argue over the semantics of what gang means.”

First and foremost our efforts are specifically directed at trying to keep ‘all’ Merton residents and those who frequent the borough as safe as possible. As you are aware London can present logistical challenges in relation to policing large and significant events. Over the course of any calendar year this borough will be expected to supply officers to help police these events which are held at various locations off the borough. The All England Tennis Championships are no different and we rely on reciprocal arrangements where significant numbers of external resources from other boroughs are drafted in to assist. The planning and preparation for the event is both thorough, detailed and takes into account the ongoing policing needs of the borough to ensure our day-to-day borough policing commitment is always maintained.

Within the article you make reference to instances of serious assaults which have been committed within your constituency. The police responded quickly and have charged an individual. I have met the victims and the family members who (contrary to the article) feel that Merton police have done a good job. For some time now we have been considering the intelligence picture which informs our deployment of resources. An examination of the borough’s most recent deployment profile reveals that the East (Mitcham) side of the borough is well serviced by deployable proactive resources (extra officers) and suffers no detriment in resource allocation when compared to the West side of the borough (Wimbledon).

I must confess that I am struggling to understand what point you are trying to make in relation to the ‘semantics of gangs’ issue, suffice to say that (no doubt like yourself) I have no time for men of violence. Whether or not individuals are ‘gang’ affiliated, I can assure you that the police are doing what they reasonably can to prevent and detect such instances of serious harm.

Although I am immensely proud of the work that is conducted on a daily basis by the officers on Merton borough, I don’t for one minute think that the police get it right on every occasion and there are always improvements that can be made. Rest assured that (contrary to your comments within the article) we actually do care very much and it’s because we care that irresponsible & sensationalised media coverage such as this can have a significant impact on staff morale.

Finally I welcome the views, challenges (and hopefully) support of other key public officials and hope that we are all united in our efforts to try and provide good public services for all of Merton’s communities.

Yours Sincerely

__________________________________
Dick Wolfenden
Merton Borough Police Commander

Come and get your free ‘Secur-I-Disc’ tamper proof tax disc holder as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough. The ‘Secur-I Disc’ tax disc holder prevents the re-use of a tax disc, thereby making it pointless to steal.

Merton Police Crime Prevention Advisor PC Greg HUNT said, "This is our final intervention of the ‘Drive Out Vehicle Crime’ campaign which has been a real success in getting the message out to the public to take valuables with them and to secure their vehicles. We hope the Merton residents will continue in this trend to keep ‘theft from vehicle’ statistics down”. Your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams will continue to run smaller more local crime prevention events within the Community”.

The ‘Secur-I-Disc’ tamper proof tax disc holder are available free of charge at the vehicle crime road shows run by your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. For further crime reduction advice contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

From The MPA Met Forward

Have Your Say on Policing in London

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) is consulting on London's policing priorities and are interested in the opinion of people in your ward.

The MPA would be grateful if you could disseminate details of the consultation to your ward contacts including Key Individual Networks (KINs), ward panel members and anyone else who you think might like to take part.

People can take part in the consultation by completing a short questionnaire online (www.mpa.gov.uk/publications/policingplans/haveyoursay/) or calling 020 7202 0063 for a paper copy or telephone questionnaire.

If your team are attending any community events over the summer and wouldn’t mind either the MPA joining you or taking along some short questionnaires on their behalf, please contact Melissa Pepper on melissa.pepper@mpa.gov.uk or 57213.

The MPA are also keen to consult with businesses. If you have contact with any businesses in your area and wouldn’t mind disseminating details of the consultation to them, please contact Melissa Pepper.

The Have Your Say on Policing in London consultation closes on Friday 26 November 2010.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer with the consultation.

If you have any information regarding any crime on the ward please contact Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 649 3604

Our next Drop in Surgery will be held at Pollards Hill library, South Lodge Avenue, on Tuesday 20th June, 5pm until 6pm. Please take this opportunity to speak with us about any issue.
To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.
If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal.
Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.
Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team

Within the last few weeks last years crime figures have been published showing a large drop in crime for the previous year for Pollards Hill. Burglary is down by about 8% for the year, robbery approximately 30% and motor vehicle crime a small drop of about 1%.
Overall there has been just over an 18% reduction in total offences, meaning over 120 less victims of crime just for Pollards Hill ward. This is a fantastic achievement of which we can all feel very proud. It’s thanks to the local community that results like these can be achieved.
But we must not rest on our laurels. Already this year we have seen a large increase in robberies on the ward. Within the last few weeks a number of people of all ages have been threatened with violence and had property taken. A number of these have involved members of the public on their way home from work, late at night and getting off a bus in South Lodge Avenue. Please take care and try to be aware of your surroundings. Keep to the well lit streets and if you see anything suspicious dial 999. Your local police have put on extra patrols during peak periods to try and combat these problems.

If you have any information regarding any crime on the ward please contact Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 649 3604

Our next Drop in Surgery will be held at Pollards Hill library, South Lodge Avenue, on Tuesday 29th June, 5pm until 6pm. Please take this opportunity to speak with us about any issue.
To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.
If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal.
Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.
Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team

Get your free car air freshener as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough

Merton Police and Safer Merton are handing out free car air fresheners to motorists in the Borough with a crime prevention message written on it. The message on the air freshener is clear - STOP - All valuables have been removed whilst on the other side the message reminding motorists to remove all valuables appears.

Merton Police Crime Reduction Advisor Pc Greg HUNT said, "The Partnership is committed to keeping crime low by reducing vehicle crime. Thefts from motor vehicles are on the increase and all too often the thief steals property left out on open display in the vehicle. These air fresheners serve 2 purposes, firstly that all items of value have been removed from the vehicle whilst secondly acting as a reminder to remove items of value from the vehicle. Taking a few seconds to remove any valuables from your vehicle may save you hundreds of pounds in repairing a broken window and replacing your valuables. This runs alongside the vulnerable vehicle scheme already being run by your Safer Neighbourhood Teams. If officers out on patrol discover something of value left out on open display in a vehicle they will contact the registered keeper and warn them of the likelihood of returning to their vehicle and finding that property stolen. This will either be in person at the time or by the Teams writing to the registered keeper if not local. This information may well be shared with insurance companies in the event of an insurance claim which may affect that claim”

The air fresheners are available free of charge at the vehicle crime road shows run by your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. For further crime reduction advice contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
For any further information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team via the main Met Police website by telephone or by e-mail.
To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.
If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal.
Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.

Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team

There has been a recent rise in theft of lead. This mainly occurs during night time hours (11pm-3am). Offenders are accessing roof tops and stripping lead from both commercial and residential buildings, including houses and blocks of flats. In March and April there were 15 thefts of lead. Offences are pretty spread across the borough so there are no hotspot areas at present.

It is advised that access to roof tops is made as secure as is possible, with anti climb paint where appropriate. Please remember to lock up access points properly and remain vigilant.

If you would like any crime prevention advice or advice on a matter you think the police will be able to help you with please come and visit us at our next drop in surgery which will be held at the New Horizon Centre from 7pm.

The Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team can be contacted by phone on
0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk

To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.

If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal.

Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.
Stay Safe
Sgt Keith Moody

Events will be organised by your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams during this month that will be advertised via the Met Police website or via Community Safe - a FREE warn and inform scheme being run by Merton Police.
Professional advice on all aspects of potential vehicle crime and criminality including number plate security, Satellite Navigation safety, car security alarms/ immobilisers, accident prevention and window etching will be available.
PC Greg HUNT Crime Prevention Advisor for Merton Police said; “By following simple steps such as locking your car and removing valuable items from your vehicle, you will significantly reduce the chance of becoming a victim of vehicle crime. Thieves will target cars which are insecure or where they can see items such as mobile phones or satellite navigation systems through the window. The aim of our campaign is to educate motorists on how to reduce the risk.”
The Partnership will be giving away goodies to remind everyone to secure their vehicles and take valuables with them. Autoglass will be offering free windscreen health checks and will repair windscreen chips for free if the policy holder has fully comprehensive insurance.
CONTACT US
The Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team can be contacted by phone on
0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk
To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.
If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal.
Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.
Stay Safe
Sgt Keith Moody

So far in the month of April there have been three burglaries reported on Pollards Hill ward. This includes both residential and non-residential offences. This compares favourably with February which saw a peak of 14 offences and March which saw 7 offences. To put the figures in comparison, the last six months has seen approximately a 24% decrease in burglary offences compared with the same period last year. This is a fantastic result but we will continue to target known burglars living in the area. Please continue to report any suspicious behaviour whatsoever to us on the number below. We can only get the results with your help.

With the onset of warmer weather please be conscious of leaving windows open. Always check every window before leaving your home and if you have ground floor windows open, ensure all property is well out of reach. Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team are available to give you a Home Security Survey to improve security at your home. Please contact us on the number below to book your survey.

Along with the better weather means more people using Mitcham common. This area provides a fantastic open space for everyone to enjoy. The common is a unique area of different habitats, with many species of rare plants and wildlife. The common also has large areas set over to hay production during the summer months which in the past have been badly damaged by fire. It is an offence to light any fire or discard anything likely to cause a fire, anywhere on the common. Mitcham Common Conservators have placed numbers on the horse trail signs. If a fire is spotted, then quoting the number on the post to the Fire Brigade when calling them, will assist them in locating the fire a lot quicker. Please report anyone you suspect may be starting a fire on Mitcham Common by calling 999.

There will be regular police patrols on the common over the summer months with officers on foot, cycles and on off-road bikes ensuring the common can be enjoyed by all. It is an offence to use any vehicle on the common and anyone caught doing so will be reported for any relevant offences and risk having their vehicle seized under Operation Reclaim, a Metropolitan Police initiative to remove all uninsured vehicles and unlicensed drivers/riders from the roads and open spaces.

Stay safe

CONTACT US
The Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team can be contacted by phone on
0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk
To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.
If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal.
Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.

On 07/04/2010 officers from Pollards Hill SNT were called to Mitcham fair on Mitcham Common due to a call from security stating that a group of youths were carrying offensive weapons. Officers attended, one went straight to the fair security guards and the others went to the top of the hill to get a good view of the area. On arriving at the scene the group of youths were seen and full descriptions taken. A group was stopped a short distance away and subsequently searched for offensive weapons. As a result a 13-year-old male was arrested after being found in possession of a Ninja Star style bladed weapon and another bladed article. He has been bailed to appear at Wimbledon Youth Court in the near future.

Police activity is aimed at protecting the public from those who break the law by carrying knives and other prohibited weapons. To assist police in tackling knife related crime , screening arches are used in different locations to assist in the detection of knives and other weapons of which one was recently held at Harris Academy and Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood team will continue to conduct these operations in the future.
Please contact us on 0208 649 3604 if anyone has any questions concerning this or any other activity undertaken by police.
Pollards Hill’s next drop in surgery is at The New Horizon Centre, South Lodge Avenue on 28/04/10 between 1900-2000hrs. Please take this opportunity to meet us with your concerns.
Don’t forget, 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.

April 2010
DRIVE OUT CAR CRIME
Get your free ‘Don’t Bother’ kit as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough
Merton Police and Safer Merton are handing out free ‘Don’t Bother kits’ to motorists within the Borough. Theft from vehicles accounts for 66% of all recorded vehicle crime. The don’t bother kit helps educate the vehicle owner to remove valuables. It also tells a would be thief that valuables have been removed from that vehicle.

Merton Police Crime Reduction Advisor Pc Greg HUNT said, "The Partnership is committed to keeping crime low by reducing vehicle crime. Theft from motor vehicle is on the increase and all too often the thief steals property left out on open display in the vehicle. The ‘Don’t Bother Kit tells the thief that everything of value has been taken from the vehicle. Taking a few seconds to remove any valuables from your vehicle may save you hundreds of pounds in repairing a broken window and replacing your valuables. This runs alongside the vulnerable vehicle scheme already being run by your Safer Neighbourhood Teams. If officers out on patrol discover something of value left out on open display in a vehicle they will contact the registered keeper and warn them of the perils of their actions. This will either be in person at the time or by the Teams writing to the registered keeper if not local. This information may well be shared with insurance companies in the event of a claim which may affect that claim”
The don’t bother kits are available free of charge at the Partnership Road shows through the year or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. For further crime reduction advice contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
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.

The next drop in surgery at the New Horizon Centre on South Lodge Avenue will be on Wednesday 14th April at 11am until midday. Please take this opportunity to meet with your local Safer Neighbourhood Team at Pollards Hill to discuss any issues you may have. At any other time please call us on 0208 649 3604, or in an emergency dial 999.

On Thursday 25/3/10, Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team in conjunction with Lavender Hill and Longthornton wards, conducted a screening arch operation at Harris Academy, Wide Way.
This was in response to disorder experienced outside the school within the last few weeks where groups of youths have been congregating outside the school. It was believed groups of youths from other schools in the area have tried to meet up with pupils from Harris Academy to fight. This has been disrupted by extra police patrols from Mitcham Safer Neighbourhood Teams as well as response teams from Croydon and Merton Borough’s.
The screening arch had the full cooperation from staff at Harris Academy. Over 150 pupils were screened, no weapons were found.
This was a high profile operation bought about by concerns from the local community about recent events. Police activity is aimed at protecting the public from those who break the law by carrying knives and other prohibited weapons.
Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood team will continue to conduct these operations in the future.
Please contact us on 0208 649 3604 if anyone has any questions concerning this or any other activity undertaken by police.
Pollards Hill’s next drop in surgery is at The New Horizon Centre, South Lodge Avenue on 26/03/10 between 1900-2000hrs. Please take this opportunity to meet us with your concerns.
Don’t forget, 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,

Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) has recently been working hard in your local community getting in contact with the younger population.

The local SNT have made several visits to Sherwood Park Primary School giving talks aimed at keeping young children safe in the community and what they should do in certain situations. The talks have focused mainly on stranger danger and playing safe in the community. These talks have also been carried out in an effort to get young children involved with the Police and to make them feel comfortable in talking to the Police so they will be more likely to report issues they may have and so that they know Police are here to help not hinder them.

The SNT have also been involved with a new scheme called “The Junior Wardens Scheme” which has been running out of William Morris Primary School and will soon be starting at Ivy Gardens Primary School. This scheme focuses on building a sense of self-ownership in the community and has been a great way for Police to get involved with the younger children in the area helping them with Litter Picking and going with them for visits to the central CCTV Office and the Wimbledon Tennis Grounds. It has helped to reinforce good ethics with the young children involved and helped to break down barriers between Police and young people.

We have also visited the local Primary Schools with one of the Police Immediate Response Vehicles (IRV). These are the cars that are used by Police to respond to most situations. Officers showed the young students how the Police cars work and explained to the children how the cars work and why and when the sirens and lights are used. The children were also taught how other equipment in the cars is used when responding to crimes and about the safety measures in place to ensure Police Officers drive safely when responding to calls.

Over the coming months Pollards Hill SNT plan to carry out many more talks and activities at the local Primary Schools and introduce, as well as educate, children on the other branches of the Police.

We would also like to let you know of a new project being run in Morden. This is a free project that will be running from Thursday 24th March 2010 at The Hub, Tooting and Mitcham FC, Bishopsford Road, Morden from 4pm-530pm. The aim of this is to get more young people involved in sport and will provide free professional athletic training for 10-17 year olds. If you would like to know more please visit www.met-track.com or contact Mr Jason Hussain on 0770 105 6323 or Jason.hussain@met.police.uk

Pollards Hill next drop in surgery at the New Horizon Centre on South Lodge Avenue is on 26th March at 7pm until 8pm. Please take this opportunity to speak with us about any issue.
For any further information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk
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.

There has been a slight increase in burglaries within the last two weeks. These are split into two areas, one around Chestnut Grove and the other around Lancaster Avenue and Berkshire Way. The main problem times are between midday and 4pm. Please contact Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood about any suspicious behaviour or in emergency dial 999. Point of entry varies between front or rear doors as well as windows being smashed and the property taken includes high value televisions and laptops. The people carrying out these burglaries are probably not from this area. If anyone looks out of place or is acting suspiciously please report it.

There has been one incident recently in Johnson Close where a male and female gained entry to a house stating they were care workers. It was discovered later that cash had been removed from a drawer in the bedroom. If anyone knocks on your door please ask for identification. If they do not have identification do not let them in. Check with the suitable head office before you let any individual into your home. The people that commit these crimes are experts and will appear authentic. Be particularly careful with any appointments that have not been arranged such as water or gas leaks. If in doubt call the police or Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood team on the number below.

Besides the slight recent increase in February, burglary remains down from last year. We can only continue to improve on this with your help.

Pollards Hill next drop in surgery at the New Horizon Centre on South Lodge Avenue is on 26th March at 7pm until 8pm. Please take this opportunity to speak with us about any issue.
For any further information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk
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.

Police and council join forces to answer your queries

Merton Council and the Police are joining forces next week (Wednesday 10th March 2010 from midday - 2pm) with the second 'Face the Public' event aimed at listening to your views and giving answers to your community safety questions.

As part of their statutory duty to speak to the public about these issues, Merton Council's chief executive Ged Curran and Merton Police Borough Commander Chris Bourlet are going around the borough over the coming months inviting people who live, work or visit Merton to come along and ask them their questions about community safety, crime and anti-social behaviour.

They will kick start the events next Wednesday 10th March 2010 in Wimbledon Town centre on the Piazza near to Morrison's Supermarket from midday until 2pm and will have the local Safer Neighbourhood teams on hand to speak to you too. Just look out for the reassurance bus and come and get involved.

Further events will follow throughout the year .

We look forward to seeing you

For any further information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk

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.

Don't forget please contact Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 0208 649 3604 if you see anything suspicious or 999 in an emergency.

Our next Drop In Surgery is on 26/03/2010 at 7pm at the New Horizon Centre on South Lodge Avenue. Please come and visit us if you would like any crime prevention advice or have any questions for your local SNT.

Get your free sat nav dusters/screen wipes as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough
Merton Police and Safer Merton are handing out the complimentary wipes and dusters to wipe away the suction marks left by a satellite navigation system on your car windscreen. Even if you have taken your ‘sat nav’ with you, thieves spotting a suction mark may break in to see if it has been hidden in the glove box.
Getting rid of the marks will hopefully deter criminals looking for the tell tale signs and reduce the risk of unnecessary damage and cost to your vehicle.
Supt Pete DOBSON Partnership lead for Merton Police said, “I fully support this scheme and I urge the public of Merton to secure their vehicles, keep them free of valuables and remove suction marks to help reduce vehicle crime”.
Merton Police Crime Reduction Advisor Pc Greg HUNT said, "The Partnership is committed to keeping crime low by reducing vehicle crime. The theft of satellite navigation systems is one of the highest crimes at the moment, so taking a few seconds to get rid of the suction mark on your windscreen may save you hundreds of pounds in repairing a broken window and paying for a new sat nav”.
Screen wipes and sat nav dusters are available free of charge at the Partnership Roadshows through the year or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. For further crime reduction advice contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

For any further information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk

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.

Don't forget please contact Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 0208 649 3604 if you see anything suspicious or 999 in an emergency.

We will next be at The New Horizon Centre on South Lodge Avenue for a drop in surgery on 3rd March 2010, 11am until midday for any problems you may have.

Police and council join forces to answer your queries

Merton Council and the Police are joining forces this week (Friday 26 February from midday - 2pm) to launch their first 'Face the Public' event aimed at listening to your views and giving answers to your community safety questions.

As part of their statutory duty to speak to the public about these issues, Merton Council's chief executive Ged Curran and Merton Police Borough Commander Chris Bourlet are going around the borough over the coming months inviting people who live, work or visit Merton to come along and ask them their questions about community safety, crime and anti-social behaviour.

They will kick start the events this Friday 26 February in Mitcham town centre by the clock tower from midday until 2pm and will have the local Safer Neighbourhood team on hand to speak to you too. Just look out for the reassurance bus and come and get involved.

Further events will follow throughout the year with the next session planned for Wednesday 10 March 2010 in Wimbledon piazza.

We look forward to seeing you!

Reporting terrorist material online 1 February 2010
We're providing members of the public with information about what they can do if they come across violent extremist, terrorist and hate content online.
The new webpage on Directgov (new window) will include a form for people to report suspected terror-related and violent extremist websites to the police.
The pilot scheme aims to make the internet a more hostile environment for terrorists and violent extremists who seek to exploit modern technology. If a website meets the threshold for illegal content, officers can exercise powers under section 3 of the Terrorism Act 2006 to take it down.
What can be reported? Illegal terrorism content Any information that is intended to be useful to terrorists is illegal, including:
bomb-making instructions
guides to making poisons
instructions on how to make weapons
guides to targets.
Illegal violent extremist content Some violent extremist content is also illegal. This might include:
videos of beheadings with messages of ‘glorification’ or praise for the attackers
speeches or essays calling for racial or religious violence
messages intended to stir up hatred against any religious or ethnic group
chat forums with postings calling for people to commit acts of terrorism.
Illegal hate content The content of a website is illegal when it threatens or harasses a person or a group of people because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. That could be in words, pictures, videos, and even music.
Illegal hate content might include:
messages calling for racial or religious violence
web pages that show pictures, videos or descriptions of violence against people due to their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity
chat forums where people ask other people to commit hate crimes

Don't forget please contact Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 0208 649 3604 if you see anything suspicious or 999 in an emergency.
We will next be at The New Horizon Centre on South Lodge Avenue for a drop in surgery on 3rd March 2010, 11am until midday for any problems you may have.

There have been a number of garages broken into within the last few weeks around the Sherwood Park Road area, where entry has been gained from the rear of houses, particularly where premises back onto alleyways. Property taken includes children’s motorised toys and pedal cycles. Please ensure garages are secured properly. Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team can advise on suitable security measures as it has been shown that normal garage door locks are not adequate enough. Please contact us to arrange a comprehensive Home Security Survey on the number below.

Three people were arrested this week for attempted burglary in Sherwood Park Road after the occupier heard suspicious noises coming from outside. Police arrived quickly and arrested a female who was acting as a lookout and two other males were found by a police dog unit hiding in the rear garden. Two males have since been charged with criminal damage.

Pollards Hill were contacted this week by Mitcham Common Conservators who informed us of three people sleeping rough under canvas by the Beehive Bridge on Commonside East. Three people were spoken to, their camp dismantled and told to leave. At the time of writing they have not returned but we will continue to monitor the situation. This followed complaints by local residents.
If you have any problems which you think we can assist with please contact us on the number below.

CONTACT US
Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team can be contacted by phone on
0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk
To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.
If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal. Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.
Our next drop in surgery is at 7-8pm on Wednesday 24th February 2010 at the New Horizon Centre on South Lodge Avenue. Please take this opportunity to speak with your local Safer Neighbourhood Officers.

Mitcham Common Motor Cycle Operation

On Saturday 13th February 2010, Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team, in conjunction with Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team and Merton Police Motor Cycle Team conducted a joint operation to combat anti social behaviour on Mitcham Common. This involved using three Metropolitan Police off road motorcycles, a marked police vehicle, bicycles and PCSO’s on foot patrol.

In the operation one motor bike was seen by members of the public riding on the common at excessive speed and in an anti social manner. This bike was also seen by a PCSO doing a wheelie approaching Windmill road. The rider was stopped on Beddington Lane. He was subsequently reported for riding without insurance and his bike was seized under Operation Reclaim, a Metropolitan Police initiative aimed at taking uninsured and unlicensed drivers off the road. He was also warned as to his future driving behaviour, meaning if he commits further offences, any vehicle he uses could also be seized.

This Operation was set up as a direct result of concerns from local residents about the use of motor cycles on the common. Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team are committed to addressing these issues and will continue to conduct this type of operation regularly using all resources available to us.
CONTACT US
Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team can be contacted by phone on
0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk
To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.
If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal. Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.
Our next drop in surgery is at 7-8pm on Wednesday 24th February 2010 at the New Horizon Centre on South Lodge Avenue. Please take this opportunity to speak with your local Safer Neighbourhood Officers.

In the second of seven planned vehicle crime reduction interventions under the ‘Drive out Vehicle Crime’ campaign, Police across Merton are handing out free security screws to motorists for securing number plates.
Merton Police and Safer Merton are advising motorists to secure their number plates using security fixings to prevent them from being stolen. Once fitted, they cannot be removed using a normal screwdriver.
There has been a significant increase in the theft of vehicle number plates across the borough in the last few years with 11% of all recorded thefts in Merton being theft of number plates.
Acting Sergeant Dan WHEATLEY from the Raynes Park Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "Merton Police is committed to keeping crime low by reducing vehicle crime. The theft of a vehicle number plate may appear to be a minor crime but it is an inconvenience and causes a financial cost to the car owner. In some cases stolen plates are then used to facilitate further offences. The use of security fixings can prevent your number plate from being stolen. Merton Police are also investigating all such reports and speaking to all victims of this type of crime to ascertain the circumstances behind the theft. If reports are found to be false to avoid parking fines and congestion charging then robust action will be taken against those making that report.
Security screws are available free of charge at the Partnership Roadshows through the year or via your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

CONTACT US
The Pollards Hill Safer Neighborhoods Team can be contacted by phone on
0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk
To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.
If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal. Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.

Our next drop in surgery is at 10am-11am on Wednesday 10th February 2010 at the New Horizon Centre on South Lodge Avenue. Please take this opportunity to speak with your local Safer Neighbourhood Officers. Any issues discussed. If we don't know the answer more than likely we will know someone who will!

Sergeant Keith Moody

As a result of a recent burglary on Merton Borough where by a citizen’s shed was broken into, the garden shears taken, and then used to break into the house. We are advising all members of the public to make sure that their sheds and garages are securely locked or fastened, this could help prevent any person with the wrong intentions, burgling a house. On this occasion the shed was unlocked making it easier for the burglar!

If you would like any further information about how to prevent burglary, please do not hesitate to contact Pollards Hill SNT on the details below and we will provide you with crime prevention advice and can even come round to your house and perform and home security survey.

CONTACT US

The Pollards Hill Safer Neighborhoods Team can be contacted by phone on
0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk

To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.

If you have any friends or neighbours that have any involvement with Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal.

Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.

Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team have a new member, PC Gerard Williams and are now running at full capacity. The full team is:

PS Keith Moody
PC Matt McKinlay
PC Gerard Williams
PCSO Dougie Gates
PCSO Dan Bowyer
PCSO Tony Smeiman
SPC Sarah Mustoe

January 2010
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 year, the first of which is to provide a property marking service for those living within the Borough that may well have received property such as sat navs that may well be used and left in vehicles.
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. 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.

CONTACT US

The Pollards Hill Safer Neighborhoods Team can be contacted by phone on
0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk

To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.

If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal.

Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.

The next drop in surgery is at 7pm-8pm on Friday 22nd January 2010 at the New Horizon Centre on South Lodge Avenue. Please take this opportunity to speak with your local Safer Neighbourhood Officers. Any issues discussed. If we don't know the answer more than likely we will know someone who will!

Pollards Hill SNT

We have had reports recently of people knocking on doors in the local area asking residents if they may borrow their alley gate keys to gain entry to the rear alleyway. On these occasions the people have claimed to be new residents in the area and have said they have been asked by Merton Council to collect the key.

We have investigated this matter and found that these people are not new residents in the area nor have they been asked to obtain keys by Merton Council. We believe the people knocking for alley gate keys are trying to gain unauthorised access to alleyways possibly to commit criminal offences.

If someone attends your address asking for an alley gate key, unless you know them, please do not hand your gate key over as you may be providing access to a criminal.

If you have any further information about this situation or if you notice anything suspicious or would just like some advice on the matter please contact Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) via this website or using the details below.

CONTACT US

The Pollards Hill Safer Neighborhoods Team can be contacted by phone on
0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk

To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.

If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal.

Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.

Pollards Hill SNT

Dear residents,
On 09/12/2009 in South Lodge Avenue, Pollards Hill officers identified a Polish male who was wanted for a serious assault in Poland where a female had her arm broken. He gave false details but was identified using a photograph and arrested. He was also wanted for a breach of a restraining order. This man was due to be extradited back to Poland.

Update on burglary from Pollards hill Safer Neighbourhood Team: There have been a number of daytime burglaries occurring on the ward within the last month. Some of these involved access being gained via the rear of the property, often by smashing a window or patio door. Please ensure you always lock all doors and windows at the rear of your house, as well as any rear access gates. Lock away any ladders, and make it as difficult as possible for burglars to gain access to your premises. Consider planting thorny bushes by boundaries that could be climbed over as well as installing security lighting. Please contact Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods to arrange for a comprehensive home security survey to be conducted for your home, free of charge.

For information there continues to be a decline in the number of burglaries on the ward compared to last year. Please continue to report any suspicious activity to police on the numbers below.

The next drop in surgery will be held at the New Horizon Centre on 6/1/2010 at 11am. This is a great opportunity to meet your team and discuss any issues that you have. We will be positioned by the main entrance.

We hope you all had a safe Christmas and wishing you a Happy New Year.

If you have any issue which you think we can help you with please contact Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods on 0208 649 3604 or by email at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk
To report a Crime please call 0300 123 1212 or if it is an emergency please call 999.
If you have any friends or neighbours that live on Pollards Hill Ward please encourage them to join Community Safe by visiting http://www.communitysafe.gov.uk and signing up to the Pollards Hill Ward Portal. Alternatively you or they can forward their email address to Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk and we will send out an invite.