CommunitySafe.gov.uk

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