Still time to have your say on crime and anti social behaviour in Merton 

The survey on community concerns in relation to crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour and drugs and alcohol has been extended until 30th November 2012. 

Safer Merton, the partnership which includes the Council, Police, Fire Brigade, Probation and Health is calling on people who live, work and visit Merton to answer their annual survey about community safety in the borough. The results of the survey are combined with an examination of all the crimes that have happened in Merton in order to help Safer Merton set the partnership’s priorities for 2013/14.  

 The survey can be completed online at http://www.merton.gov.uk/safermertonconsultation or paper copies are available from your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams and various locations across the borough.

Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team are actively looking for new members for the Police ward panel.

If you have concerns in Pollards Hill ward about day-to-day crime and disorder issues, or would like to get involved then we have vacancies on our local ward panel. Please contact us on 0208 649 3604 or e-mail us at Pollards.snt@met.police.uk

 

 

A ward is a neighbourhood within your borough. Each ward has a dedicated police Safer Neighbourhoods team. Each ward has a panel made up of voluntary members of the community who live or work within that ward. This panel meets once every 3 months to discuss the concerns facing the local community around crime and anti-social behaviour and sets the priorities the police team will tackle. They can also get involved in working with the police team and local partner agencies such as the council and Housing Associations to find lasting solutions to these priorities. If you would like to become part of our panel team please get in touch. Pollards Hill ward includes the Pollards Hill Estate, Chestnut Grove, Sherwood Park Road, Tamworth Lane, Berkshire Way, Yorkshire Road, Galpins Road, Commonside East, Wide Way and parts of Manor Road. The team would love to hear from anyone willing to get involved from any part of the ward.

Police urge residents to ‘think like a burglar’ over the Autumn Nights

As the nights draw in, the Met commences Operation ‘Autumn Nights’, its seasonal awareness campaign to combat burglary, robbery and anti-social behaviour. With clocks due to go back an hour on Sunday 28 October and both Halloween and bonfire night approaching, residents become more vulnerable to burglars as the evenings get darker and burglars find it easy to identify unoccupied homes left in the dark.

So people of Merton Borough, here are the top ten tips for crime prevention from the Met! 

1. Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your house name.

2. Register items with a serial number at http://www.immobilise.com/

3. Do not leave your car keys, valuables or ID documents near a door, letterbox or window.

4. Always check who's at the door and don't open it if you feel anxious.

5. Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.

6. Keep your valuables out of sight.

7. Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home.

8. Fit a mortice lock to your front door and other external doors. Consider installing a burglar alarm.

9. Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked.

10. Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away for days or weeks at a time.

If you see anything suspicious please call 101 or Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 649 3604. In an emergency please call 999

Merton Police have received reports that men are cold calling stating there is a problem with leaks and attempting to get home owners to hire dehumidifiers at extortionate rates.

We urge all residents not be persuaded to buy, hire or have work carried out on their homes by doorstep ‘workmen'. If you receive such an approach don’t let any workmen into your home under any circumstances. If you are suspicious of any callers, keep them shut out and call police immediately on 999.

Merton Police are now on Twitter - Please follow us on #MPSMerton - For updates on the police in your community.

This is not a crime reporting system and we can always be contacted in an emergency on 999 and by the non emergency number 101.

If you know something about a crime and would like to speak to Police anonymously please call Crime Stoppers on

0800 555 111

 

 

If you would like to speak to your local team please contact us

Phone: 0208 649 3604

E-mail: Pollards.snt@met.police.uk

 

 

The next drop in surgery for Pollards Hill will be between 6pm-7pm on Thursday 3rd May at the library on South Lodge avenue. Please take this opportunity to come and speak about any issue you may have.

 

Dear Members,

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

If you would rather not take part in this process please ignore the Survey upon receipt or email the team direct to be taken of the circulation list. Pollards.snt@met.police.uk

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

 

Sgt Keith Moody

Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team

020 8649 3604

On Friday 9th December, Pollards Hill SNT executed a warrant at an an address in Sherwood Park Road, Mitcham. This was a direct result of having received information from members of the public that the address was being used for growing cannabis. The front of the house looked conspicuous enough with a Christmas tree prominently placed in the upstairs bedroom window, complete with flashing lights.

On gaining entry it was discovered the rest of the house was being used for the cultivation of cannabis. This was clearly in its early stages but there were still in excess of 140 plants being grown over three rooms. This would have increased dramatically as the rest of the house was clearly going to be used as well, which could have housed in excess of 500 plants.

This is another significant result in the battle against drugs on Pollards Hill. There is no doubt that the discovery of this farm has dramatically affected the supply of cannabis in the local area and is the latest in a series of similar results, we and other SNTs have had in the vicinity. Even before executing this warrant we assisted Longthornton SNT in a very similar operation earlier the same morning, in Turle Road which also turned out to be a cannabis factory.

These sort of operations are only possible with help from members of the public. I cannot stress enough if anyone suspects any sort of criminal activity going on in their vicinity please get in touch with us and we will act on it. These addresses can often appear totally innocuous. This factory had Christmas decorations up in the window and even a tree upstairs, but at least Christmas for these people has gone to pot!

If you have any information please don't hesitate in contacting us, however trivual it may seem.

Call us on 020 8649 3604, come and see us at our base on South Lodge Avenue or e-mail us on Pollards.snt@met.police.uk

If you need police in an emergency please call 999, otherwise for any other police related enquiries dial 101

Thanks for reading and have an enjoyable and safe Christmas and New Year

Sgt Keith Moody

 

 

Dear Resident,

It has recently come to our notice that many residents who are being burgled have left their back doors insecure. Entry through the rear of the property is one of the most commons methods used by suspects to burgle a property.

Please can we remind you all to ensure that when you leave your home or got to sleep at night you:

Close and lock ALL windows, doors, gates and garage doors.

DO NOT leave keys in locks.

DO NOT leave keys in view from you mailbox or windows.

DO NOT leave bins or anything else someone could use as a step to get over a fence or gate.

A simple and effective deterrent is to have a montion sensor light in your backgarden and, if you have one, down any alleyway that provides access to the rear of your property.

We advise leaving one or two lights on while you're out during night time hours. If you return home after dark this can be done by purchasing a timer from any hardware store, they cost as little as £3!!

For more crime prevention information and resources please visit: http://www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/

 

If you see anything suspicious please contact the Police by dialling 101 from your home telephone.

 

In an emergency dial 999 immediately

 

If you know something about a crime and would like to speak to Police anonymously please call Crime Stoppers on

0800 555 111

 

If you would like to speak to your local team please contact us

Phone: 0208 649 3604

E-mail: Pollards.snt@met.police.uk

 

You can also visit us at our next drop in surgery which will be held on the 08th December 2011 from 1700-1800 at the Pollards Hill Library on South Lodge Avenue

On Thursday 24th November 2011 Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team executed a drugs warrant in Radnor Close as part of Operation Hawk, the Metropolitan police's renewed emphasis on Safer neighbourhood Teams responding to local crime issues. This was only possible because of information received from concerned members of the local community about drug dealing in the locality.

We can only carry out these type of operations with help from the community. If you see anything suspicious please contact us on the numbers below. You do not have to give your name. Even if you don't consider it important, let us know anyway; it might be the final piece of information that we are looking for.  

We will look to carry out many more such operations in the near future but we can only do this with your help. Call us on 020 8649 3604 or e-mail us on Pollards.snt@met.police.uk

You can also call London crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Remember, Please dial 999 in an emergency or 101 for any enquiries.

The ward continues to suffer from burglaries which are occuring at all times of day. Please double lock your front doors before going to bed as it is clear burglars are gaining entry by opening doors with implements put through letterboxes. Traditionally these type of offences increase in the run up to christmas so please take extra precautions.

Thankyou for reading

Sgt Keith Moody
Pollards Hill Safer neighbourhood Team

 

 

Many of the thieves believe that our houses are at their most vulnerable over Christmas, when we're out meeting friends and leaving presents wrapped tantalisingly under the tree.

The risk of burglary doesn't end after the presents have been opened. The number of break-ins usually increases after Christmas, reaching its peak on New Year's Eve.

It's worth checking what insurance cover you have if the worst does happen. Many home contents policies automatically increase their cover during the festive season, but a quick call to your insurer will make sure you're protected for the extra goodies under your tree.

Top tips to reduce your chances of a Christmas burglary

·        Look at your house like a burglar would, Christmas is the only time of year when we advertise all the goods in our house to such an extent.

·        Don't hide your presents in obvious places like under the bed or in the wardrobe. Thieves are less likely to get into the attic.

·        Before wrapping presents jot down model and serial numbers. Keep receipts separate so you have a record and thieves can't return your items to the shop.

·        Don't put gifts under the tree, or if you do, pull your curtains!

·        After opening presents put your postcode on with a permanent marker to make them harder to sell on and therefore less attractive to thieves - they are also more likely to be returned to you by police if found.

·        Rip up present boxes and take them to the tip - they are an indication that a house has brand new and valuable contents.

·        Make it look like you're in when you're out at Christmas parties and don't make your house vulnerable - keep lights on, windows and gates locked, use alarms and keep a car in the driveway (according to the Home Office, no force is required in as many as a fifth of burglaries because doors and windows are left open)

Secure sheds just as well as houses - they contain just the tools a burglar needs to get into your house. Garden forks are particularly useful as are makeshift ladders like wheelie bins and trampolines so keep them chained up.

 

For more crime prevention information and resources please visit: http://www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/

 

If you see anything suspicious please contact the Police by dialling 101 from your home telephone.

 

In an emergency dial 999 immediately

 

If you know something about a crime and would like to speak to Police anonymously please call Crime Stoppers on

0800 555 111

 

If you would like to speak to your local team please contact us

Phone: 0208 649 3604

E-mail: Pollards.snt@met.police.uk

 

You can also visit us at our next drop in surgery which will be held on the 25th November 2011 from 1700-1800 at the Pollards Hill Library on South Lodge Avenue

Dear Resident,

 

During the Halloween and Guy Fawkes period we would like to remind all residents to remain especially vigilant

 

 

• Lock all windows and doors at night and when leaving your home.
• Make sure you store keys out of sight of windows and letterboxes.
• If you do need to leave windows open leave them on a safety latch.
• Visit www.immobolise.co.uk to register your property.
• Even if you are at home, double lock your front and back doors

 

Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team can attend your home and conduct a Home Security Survey and provide you with useful information and tips on staying safe and reducing the chance of being burgled. We can also attend and mark your property using a new DNA marking system. These can be arranged by contacting your team using the details below.

 

You can also visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/reducing-crime/burglary to order a free burglary prevention pack including a discount voucher for B&Q.

 

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, sat nav’s or money 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.

 

You should also find attached to this e-mail a document containing even more home security advice to keep you and your family safe through the Halloween, Guy Fawkes and Christmas period.

 

If you see anything suspicious please contact the Police by dialling 101 from your home telephone.

 

In an emergency dial 999 immediately

 

If you know something about a crime and would like to speak to Police anonymously please call Crime Stoppers on

0800 555 111

 

If you would like to speak to your local team please contact us

Phone: 0208 649 3604

E-mail: Pollards.snt@met.police.uk

 

You can also visit us at our next drop in surgery which will be held on the 27th October 2011 from 1700-1800 at the Pollards Hill Library on South Lodge Avenue

Regards

PCSO Tony Smeiman 7263VW

Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team 

• Crime Prevention Advice (365.5 KB)

Dear Resident,

With Halloween and Bonfire Night around the corner, on Monday 17 October 2011 Merton Borough commences its seasonal crackdown on crime and anti social behaviour.

With both these events approaching, the focus of the MPS will be on ensuring the safety of our communities throughout this period.

Commander Christine Jones said: "We are here for London and to help make sure that everyone can enjoy the festivities and stay safe.

"All 32 London boroughs have a local plan in place, drawing together experience and successful tactics from previous years as well as managing planned events in their areas, focusing our resources in the right places and working closely and continually with our partners and communities.

"I would like to stress that our operations are not aimed at demonizing young people, the large majority of whom behave safely and responsibly. However those intent on committing crime and anti social behaviour will face the consequences.

In the period leading up to half term, schools officers have been reiterating safety tips to young people ahead of the festivities.

Officers are carrying out after school patrols at key locations, such as busy transport hubs and patrols to disrupt potential involvement in robbery, violence and other criminal activities which impact our neighbourhoods.

They will also be using screening arches as well as wands as part of wider detection tactics to deter the carriage of weapons and will take part in test sale operations with Trading Standards regarding the sale of fireworks, alcohol and over the counter weapons.

Boroughs will receive central support for their operations, including mobile patrol units that will be deployed in response to particular threats. This additional support is controlled and directed from the MPS Central Command Complex [one of the three MPS 999 centres].

All Safer Neighbourhoods Teams will be patrolling at key times in town centres and transport hubs.

In addition the MPS Safer Transport Command, funded by Transport for London [TfL], is running concurrently Operation Safebus, an intensive two week operation to tackle youth disorder on the transport network during the autumn half term and encompassing Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Commander Jones added: "During this busy period, ensure you stay safe by staying with others and try to attend well organized events.

"When you are out, keep your valuables and high value mobile phones out of sight, or leave them at home.

"If trick or treating, be aware of the impact of your actions on others- it may cause unnecessary worry to some of the more vulnerable members of our communities. Wherever possible parents should try to accompany their children.

"If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team or in an emergency always dial 999.

"Do not forget the security of your home. If you are going out for the evening, ensure you have closed and locked your doors and windows and make sure that you leave lights on. The clocks go back on 30 October, so it may be dark before you expect it."

Chief Inspector Phil Palmer, Merton Police said "We want everyone to enjoy the Halloween and Fireworks events locally, with some great family events coming up on our borough. Here's some useful advice which we encourage you to consider. You can also contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods police team by calling 101, or please visit our web site at www.met.police.uk

Key safety advice:

·     Advice to parents and carers:

·     Make sure you know where your children are and who they are with

·     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 Safer Neighbourhoods’ Team

·     Attended organized events wherever possible

Advice to young people:

·     We want you to enjoy yourselves but won’t tolerate unacceptable behaviour or anti-social behaviour

·     Ensure you are safe by staying with others

·     Attend organized events wherever possible

·     When trick or treating avoid knocking on the doors of elderly or vulnerable neighbours and causing unnecessary worry

Keeping your home secure:

·     Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes

·     Make sure UPVC doors are properly locked with a key

·     Make sure the side and/or back gate is locked

·     Lock your shed or garage

·     Make sure that any valuables are out of sight

·     Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home

·     Don't leave your car keys or ID documents near doors, windows or your letterbox

 

If you would like any further information or advice from your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team please call us on 0208 649 3604. Alternatively you can e-mail us at Pollards.SNT@met.police.uk

 

Regards

PCSO Tony Smeiman

Pollards Hill SNT

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Residents,

In view of the recent disorder and violence that we have seen across the country from a minority of people the Police has recently come up with the following Key Youth messages.

1. Recent events were pure criminality, causing harm and damage to innocent local people and places, and we will pursue those responsible through the courts.

2. We support the 99% campaign, in the belief that the majority of young people do not commit serious or violent crime.

3. We work with local communities through our Safer Neighbourhoods teams, schools and partner organisations to respond collectively to issues involving young people.

4. We are actively involved in supporting and developing young people through programmes such as the Volunteer Police Cadets and other organisations.

5. Young people need support to develop into responsible adults, and you can help by volunteering. To find out more go to: www.youlondon.org.uk and www.do-it.org.uk

Please can I remind everyone that you can help us by assisting in the identification of people that have been looting, rioting and committing crime.

 

Anyone with information should call our incident room on 020 8345 4142. Alternatively you can call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

We are also publishing images of people wanted in connection with looting. Follow the link below to see if you recognise any of the people we wish to speak to.

Wanted for looting: Metropolitan Police's Flickr channel Opens new window

 

Remember in an emergency always call 999

 

If it is not an emergency please contact Police on 101 or visit www.met.police.uk

 

If you would like to speak to your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team please come and visit us at our next drop in surgery on Thrusday 18th August 2011 at Pollards Hill Library between 11am and 12pm.

 

Alternativley you can call us on 0208 649 3604 or e-mail us at pollards.snt@met.police.uk

Please remeber that your SNT is not a 24 hour service but we will always respond to you as soon as possible.

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.

Merton Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Dick Wolfenden writes "Since my last update (6pm yesterday), much work has been done overnight in relation to identifying and arresting those responsible for Monday night's serious disorder in Colliers Wood.

This morning a number of search warrants have been executed locally by Merton police, leading to a number of arrests.  

A significant amount of property believed to have been stolen from local retailers has been recovered.

Last night was relatively quiet with no outbreaks of disorder. Current policing levels are set to continue and will be reviewed on a daily basis.

I would like to thank the many members of our local communities and businesses who have been providing information to us about suspected looters and those involved in the violence, and supporting my officers and staff with so many messages of goodwill. 

We urge our communities to continue helping us, giving any information on the identities of the wanted people whose CCTV images we either have or will be releasing over the coming days. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 11 or Merton Police via 101 any time.

We continue to work closely with our partners at Merton Council and I thank them for the extraordinary support they are giving us in so many practical ways.

I have been asked by a number of stakeholders to explain the purpose of two operations that are running at the moment 'Operation Kirkin' and 'Operation Withern'

Operation Kirkin is the overall MPS policing operation which is coordinating a pan-London response to the series of outbreaks of criminality and disorder across London which commenced in Haringey Borough on Saturday 6th August and has spread to other London boroughs, including Merton.

Operation Withern is the Pan-London dedicated criminal investigation which is coordinating the resources and investigative strategies associated with all the crimes associated with the same events.

Merton Borough is aligned to and supporting both operations, making full use of the central and specialist support and additional resources available from elsewhere within the organisation.

Finally many of my staff are tired, but we remain absolutely resolute in our shared desire to do all that we possibly can to continue to keep communities within the borough safe and prevent bad things happening to good people.

As always, on behalf of all at Merton Police, thank you once again for the many messages of support we are currently receiving.    

10.08.11

 

Last night London did not see the levels of disorder we saw the previous night and large numbers of officers on the streets prevented incidents occurring.

 

We will continue with similar numbers of officers on the streets of London tonight and this will be reviewed on a daily basis.

 

We ask members of the public to remain vidgulent and take sensible precautions to ensure their safety.

 

We would advise members of the public to avoid any unnecessary travel to areas that have been affected by the events of the last few of days, and help the emergency services by giving us the room that we need to respond. Make sure you are safe and do not put yourselves into vulnerable positions.

 

It is possible that your journeys to and from your destination may be affected so think ahead and plan carefully. Stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you. If you do have any concerns about returning home, you should consider staying with friends or family members outside of the affected areas.

 

Over the last 24 hour period we have taken almost double the 999 calls that we normally would see (10,000 compared to a normal 5,300).  However during the previous 24 hour period to this we received over 20,000 999 calls.  Consequently some callers may experience difficulty in getting through to 999, or waiting longer than usual for their call to be answered. We would ask you to bear with us, and only use 999 in situations that require an immediate police response. 

 

We wish to reassure members of the public that we continue to have plans and resources in place to respond to any further disorder, deal with normal policing across the city and keep Londoners safe.  We continue to work with our partners and the community to ensure residents and businesses can go about their daily lives in confidence.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Getting information and advice

 

Where can I get information and advice?

Police are providing the media with information to keep the public informed. Tune in to your local radio or television station for updates or visit our website.

 

You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/metpoliceuk or join our Neighbourhoodlink service. For more information visit www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk/registration/

 

How can I find out local information?

Many councils are providing local updates on the disturbances in their area.

You can find your local council by following the DirectGov link below: Find your local council Opens new window

 

Travelling in and around London

 

Is it safe to travel around London?

We would advise members of the public to avoid any unnecessary travel to areas that have been affected by the events of the last couple of days and to keep safe by not putting themselves into vulnerable positions.

It is possible that your journeys to and from your destination may be affected so think ahead and plan carefully. Stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you.

 

If you do have any concerns about returning home this evening, you should consider staying with friends or family members outside of the affected areas.

If you need help planning a journey, you can use the ‘Travel Tools’ on TfL’s website. [Link to http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/traveltools/default.aspx?cmp=BAC-campaign&campaign-id=fwd-TRAVELTOOLS] These include tools to help plan your journey and free mobile travel alerts.

 

You can also call the London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234 any time - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  It can provide journey information like the last tube and bus times, bus stop locations and cab numbers, as well as train, DLR and tram information.

 

Are the buses safe?

Our Safer Transport Teams are providing support to drivers and providing a visible presence, but please consider whether your journey is absolutely necessary.

 

Advice for parents/guardians

 

Are my children safe?

There are unprecedented numbers of officers on the streets of London - around 16,000 today.  We are doing everything we can to support communities and keep people safe. 

 

Over the last few nights there have been a large numbers of young people placing themselves in situations that were dangerous and violent. We appeal to parents and all those responsible for young people to work together with police to ensure that youngsters do not get drawn into the kind of disorder we have seen.

 

There is a role for the whole community - police, parents, schools, local leaders and others - to stand together and convey the message that crime and disorder will not be tolerated. 

 

Contacting the police

 

I can’t get through on 999, what should I do?

 

If it is an emergency please keep trying. We have been experiencing significant demands; almost double as many calls than normal. We will deal with your call as quickly as possible.  If it is not an emergency, please use one of the following:

 

• calling 101 to report a crime that has already happened, seek crime prevention advice or make us aware of any policing issues in your local area.
• via  our website at www.met.police.uk
• via your local police station.

 

Helping the police

 

How can I help the police?

You can help us by assisting in the identification of people that have been looting, rioting and committing crime.

 

Anyone with information should call our incident room on 020 8345 4142. Alternatively you can call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

We are also publishing images of people wanted in connection with looting. Follow the link below to see if you recognise any of the people we wish to speak to.

Wanted for looting: Metropolitan Police's Flickr channel Opens new window

 

Police tactics

 

What tactic are the police using?

The MPS employs tactics that are primarily designed to prevent injury to members of the public and police officers. In instances where officers have been outnumbered, they have waited until they can intervene with minimum risk to the public. The MPS is determined to prevent further crime and to bring the criminals to justice.

 

 

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.

With the good weather we have had this week just a gentle reminder to everyone to be particularly vigilant and to report anyone acting suspiciously, especially around open windows. A lot of these crimes are opportunistic. Please keep anything of value away from windows, especially on the ground floor.

 

The Borough has seen a rise in robbery offences in the last few months. A large percentage of robberies involve the theft of a mobile phone. Please assist police by making a note of your IMEI number. This is a 15 digit reference number unique to a particular handset and can be found either on the box the phone came in, on a sticker underneath the battery or by typing *#06# into the phone.

 

Once you have your IMEI number you can register it at  www.immobilise.com

 

This helps police to identify the owner of lost and stolen property thousands of times a day but we need your help to do this.  

 

Can I also take this opportunity to issue a warning over wearing large amounts of visible jewellery, particularly necklaces while walking about. There has been an increase across London where victims have had their necklaces taken from them. This has become more of a problem due to the large rise in the price of gold world wide.

 

If you see or hear anything suspicious let us know but always dial 999 in an emergency. If you would like to speak to your team regarding any issues on the Pollards Hill Ward our next two drop in surgeries are on the 18th August 2011 at 11am and 6th September  2011 also at 11am. Both will be held at the Pollards Hill Library on South Lodge Avenue next to the New Horizon Centre. If you have any information regarding any crime on the ward please contact Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 649 3604 Alternatively please feel free to call on us at any time at our base in South Lodge Avenue, opposite the youth Centre. To report a Crime please call the new police number 101 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.

 

Thank you for reading and have a good summer

 

Sgt Keith Moody Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team

Dear Resident, I am writing to you today to advise you of a scam that we have recently been made aware of and to warn you about it. What happens is: 1) A delivery company drops an expensive (TV in one of the incidents), to the victim’s house. 2) The Victim here is a little surprised that she/he received something they didn’t order but takes it in. 3) After a while, another knock on the victim’s door by a person saying “Sorry, we dropped an item to your house by accident, we apologize for this mistake, if you don’t mind, we’d like to collect the item back”, 4) The victim then allows the person to collect the item which seems logical at the time. 5) A heavy bill/Invoice comes in from whichever company the item was ordered from into the Victim’s house asking to pay the amount of the ordered item. 6) The item apparently was ordered by the fraudulent person into the Victim’s house (random), and then collects the item leaving the Victim to pay the bill. If this happens we advise you to send it back to the company it came from. If however you have taken delivery of an item which you have given "back" and you receive a bill/invoice, please report this to the police using the 0300 123 1212 number. This is a crime know as false representation. If you have any further issues around this please feel free to contact us on 0208 649 3604 or e-mail us 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 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. Kind Regards PCSO Tony Smeiman Pollards Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team

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.