Subscribe to your Ward if you would like to receive local crime alerts within your ward. You will also receive information in relation to what your local Safer Neighbourhood Team is up to and what events they are offering for Ward residents. We will send you details of the latest scams and criminal activities and information about a rise or fall of crime type in your ward.
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Dear Resident, we have been asked to circulate details of the following survey. Please take a few minutes to complete this if able. 2012 Strategic Assessment survey now open! 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 safety in the borough. Every year Safer Merton carry out a Strategic Assessment, which looks at all community safety issues in the borough. As part of this process, a survey is conducted to find out the communities concerns in relation to crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour and drugs and alcohol. 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 forms will be available from various locations around the borough and from your local police teams. The survey will be open until 16th of November 2012. Regards Sgt Danny Smith 21 VW |
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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. Regards Sgt Danny Smith 21VW Wimbledon Park / Village SNT 0208 721 1452 / 7 WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
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Theft of Paving Slabs There have been several incidents recently where paving slabs have been dug up and stolen from residential properties. This has occurred during the day and would have taken several people and a van. The thefts have happened both while the property was unoccupied and when there were people at home! The suspects are obviously quite brazen with their actions and would appear to be working legitimately. Please contact the home owner if you see workmen type characters removing paving slabs from paths or driveways, it may be they are unaware that this is happening. If in doubt please contact the police, we are always willing to attend and verify whether they are supposed to be there and who they are working for. It is very difficult to prevent this type of crime as you can't effectively secure a path, patio or driveway so please be vigilant and call police if you see any removal of slabs which seems suspicious.
regards Sgt 21 VW Danny Smith Wimbledon Park & Wimbledon Village SNT 0208 721 2452/7 e-mail :WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk or Village@met.police.uk
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Distraction Burglar ? Residents are to be aware of a suspect who has recently entered several houses purporting to be a gas engineer. This happened in the Copse Hill / Cottenham Park area on Friday afternoon 17th August at approx. 4.30pm The suspect is described as very confident with appearance as follows…………. MALE / WHITE / 5’09” / MID 20’s / GINGER HAIR / SLIM BUILD / GREY TOP WITH “WORM” TYPE LOGO / JEANS / BLUE SHOES Whilst inside the properties he has examined boilers, radiators and meters. On one occasion he asked the occupier to remain outside looking at the meter while he did something inside to the boiler. Luckily the occupier didn’t allow this to happen and followed him everywhere he went. The suspect left the address stating he would return in a couple of hours to fix some of the radiators. He then got into a white van and drove off and didn’t return. On this occasion no property was taken. Please be aware of any unexpected callers. Always ask to see identification. If still unsure, check with your utility provider that they have arranged a visit or call police. Genuine callers / engineers will always be happy to wait whilst you verify their identity. If the caller makes excuses and tries to either get into your property before the checks are done or make off, you should call 999 as they are potentially a distraction burglar. We would rather this information was called in as an emergency as it is much more difficult to trace these suspects after the event. If you have any information about this or had a similar call, the burglary team at Wimbledon would be interested in speaking to you. Please contact us and we can put them in touch.
PS 21VW Danny Smith Village@met.police.uk |
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Residents, please be aware that there have been several thefts in the Wimbledon Park and Wimbledon Village borders where plants have been stolen from outside addresses. They have been both small trees and shrubs taken complete with the pots. The thefts have been overnight and no suspects seen, although a vehicle of some description must be being used. Whilst not necessarily easy to secure these items, if any steps can be taken to make thefts like this more difficult, please take them. The same advice applies to any statues or metal ornaments as they too have been taken in the past.
If you see anything suspicious please call the police using 999 if the crime is in progress or 101 to report.
Regards
Sgt Danny Smith 21VW Wimbledon Park / Wimbledon Village SNT 0208 721 2452 or 0208 721 2457 |
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Please be aware:
We 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. Thanks you. Tony Leworthy PC795VW |
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Important - card fraud telephone scam
In the news on 07/03/12 it was stated that card fraud has fallen to its lowest level in 11 years. This is positive news. However, we want to highlight the need to be ever vigilant to new and existing card fraud scams such as the one detailed below.
How does this scam work?
You receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be from your bank. He or she will say their systems have spotted a fraudulent payment on your card or that your card is due to expire and needs replacing.
You may be asked to ring back using the telephone number on the back of your card - which further convinces you that the call is genuine. However, the caller keeps the line open at their end so, when you make the call, you are unknowingly connected straight back to the fraudster.
Then, by seeming to offer assistance, the fraudster tries to gain your trust. In most cases you are asked to ‘cancel’ your existing card or ‘activate’ or ‘authorise’ a replacement card by keying your PIN into the handset of your phone.
The fraudster then poses as a bank representative who agrees to collect your card from your home, sometimes offering you a replacement card, which is a fake.
In some cases a genuine courier company is hired to pick up the card from your home address. The victim will have been asked to place the card into an envelope ready for collection. Once they have your card and PIN the fraudster uses them to spend your money.
A variation of the scam involves the fraudster ringing a prospective victim and claiming to be from the police – again with the aim of going to the victim’s home to collect the card and PIN.
What can I do to avoid being a victim of this scam?
I think I might have been a victim of this scam - what should I do?
If the criminals are nearby ring the Police immediately on 999, otherwise report the crime to your local Police via 101. If you think you have been the victim of a fraud or scam of this nature you should also call your bank or card company immediately.
Regards Tony Leworthy PC795VW Wimbledon Village SNT Tel: 020 8721 2457 E Mail: Village@met.police.uk |
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Please be aware that this week we have had two sets of high value golf clubs stolen from vehicles parked in Marryat Road and Copse Hill. This is a reminder to remove valuable property from your vehicles when unattended and not to leave any property on show including Sat Navs. Many thanks Tony Leworthy PC795VW Village SNT Tel:0208 721 2457 E Mail: Village@met.police.uk
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Please be aware that thefts from motor vehicles in the Village Ward continue to be a problem. Recent thefts include golf clubs and handbags that have been left on show whilst the vehicle is parked and unattended. Please ensure you remove all valuables where possible or at least put them out of site and lock your vehicle. Thefts from tradesmen's vans also continue. Please ensure any tradesmen working on your or neighbouring premises lock their vans when they are not with them. Your help in this would be appreciated. If you see anything suspicious, please call us direct or dial 101 if we are not on duty. If you see a crime happening or need to call Police urgently please call 999. Thanks PC Tony Leworthy 795VW Village SNT Tel: 020 8721 2457 E Mail: Village@met.police.uk |
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A new initiative is being launched that will give you a direct input into how your local Safer Neighbourhood Police Teams are deployed to tackle issues that YOU raise. A Ward Panel is the forum where representatives of your neighbourhood, your Local Safer Neighbourhoods Police team and Local Authority meet to agree local police priorities. Panels meet four times a year to discuss and agree priorities for the Police Team to tackle. Two weeks prior to the Panel meeting a survey will be sent via E mail for you to return with your answers/comments. This will then be fed into the Ward Panel Meeting.Your contribution, via this survey, will help the Panel make decisions more relevant to your local area and the tackle problems that affect your community.
Please note that adding a comment does not mean you will automatically receive a reply from our team.
If you DO NOT wish to be part of the survey group for your Ward, please E mail your respective SNT to opt out.
Many thanks Sgt Danny SMITH PS21VW Wimbledon Park and Wimbledon Village SNT. E Mail: Village@met.police.uk Wimbledonpark.snt@met.police.uk
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Over the past few weeks there has been a large increase in thefts from building sites and houses under renovation in the Village and Wimbledon Park areas. Especially overnight. The main items that are stolen are power tools, electrical cable and copper pipe as well as any scrap metal they can find. Builders vans are also being targetted for power tools. Please can you warn any builders/tradesman that you are employing to secure their tools and vans at all times if possible. If you see anyone suspicious near to houses being worked on, please call 999 and make a note of any vehicle type seen and registration number. Many thanks Tony Leworthy PC795VW Village SNT Tel: 020 8721 2457 E Mail: Village@met.police.uk |
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The festive season is amongst us and whilst most people are enjoying the season of goodwill unfortunately there are those who are the victims of burglary.
There could be many factors in which could cause a rise in burglary during this time of year.
The evenings are longer and darker earlier so it’s more noticeable when your home is unoccupied and lights are off, the potential gifts and valuables on offer inside your property and the lack of care when securing your home due to been so busy.
By taking just a few simple measures you can reduce the chances of it happening to you.
Most burglaries are opportunistic, rather than planned, burglars usually choose houses that have little or no visible security, so if your home does not look secure, seems unlived in, or provides unobserved access, it could be at risk.
Burglar alarms (the most effective deterrent against burglary), security lights and internal timer lights are great examples of ways to combat the above, also high bushes, trees or plants could be trimmed to eliminate unobserved access.
One of the most common points of entry recently is through the back door, it’s important that to keep back doors locked at all times, even when you are at home.
When you leave you home remember:
- Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if only out for a few minutes. - Set your burglar alarm - Lock side/back gate/s - Lock your shed or garage - Make sure all valuables are out of sight - Put keys out of reach of letterboxes - In the evenings shut the curtains and leave the lights on.
If your going to be away for days or weeks at a time you may need to take additional action, such as cancelling newspaper and milk deliveries. Consider asking your neighbours to close curtains or park on your drive. Use a timer device to automatically turn lights on at night.
Marking your property can make it difficult for thieves to sell it on and help you recover anything that gets stolen. This is one of the most effective deterrents as thieves know it’s easily traced by police. Simply by using a UV Marker and marking particularly valuable items with your postcode and house number.
You can register your valuables with www.immobilise.com
Contact your SNT and we can provide you with a marker and stickers to place on your front door or windows that inform people you have marked your valuables.
Regards Tony Leworthy PC795VW Village SNT Tel: 020 8721 2457 E Mail: Village@met.police.uk |
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Dear Resident, May I take this opportunity to remind you of the following crime prevention advice - 1. If you have a UPVC door, please remember to not only turn the handle up, but also to lock it with the key. At the scene of a recent burglary where a car was stolen, police found a metal pole which had been bent to enable it to not only fit through a letter box, but to hook around the door handle and pull it down. 2. Please do not leave car keys in sight of a door. A similar "fishing" technique is being used to fish car keys through the letter box - no need for suspects to even enter the property. 3. Keep keys in a safe place, and if you can, take them with you to bed. 4. With darker evenings drawing in and the clocks going back at the end of the month, please consider using timers on lights when you are out after darkness falls. It is easy to identify an empty property when it is in darkness. Please don’t make it easy for criminals to help themselves to your hard earned belongings. If you would like more information on this, or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact the Village Team. We are available for crime prevention advice and offer free home security surveys. Kind regards Sgt Danny Smith Wimbledon Park / Wimbledon Village SNT WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
Cheers
DS 21
PS 21VW Danny Smith
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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.
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. 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. |
Safer Merton Strategic Assessment - Your chance to set the crime and disorder priorities within MertonSeptember 20, 2011 14:42Dear 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 |
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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.
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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
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The Wimbledon Village Safer Neighbourhoods Team Annual Charity Tug of War will take place on Sunday 4 September at the Wimbledon Common Stables Open Day, Windmill Road SW19 (flyer attached).
This year we are raising funds for ‘Hounds for Heroes’ which provides specially trained assistance dogs for severely injured and disabled men and women from the UK armed forces and civilian emergency services.
We hope very much that you will come and support the charity and teams taking part at this annual family event.
For further details/to enter a team, please contact the organisers direct at wimvillagetugowar@btinternet.com or Tel: 020 8721 2457. You can also donate online at: http://www.justgiving.com/Wimbledon-Police
We welcome your support and hope to see you there.
With thanks from the Wimbledon Village Safer Neighbourhoods Team!
Regards,
Adrian Sutherland PS44VW Village SNT E-mail: Village@met.police.uk Tel: 0208 7212457 |
Borough Commander Update 15/08/2011 (8pm)For some time now Merton borough has returned to normality and local businesses are trading as usual. The weekend has passed without any significant incident; however policing numbers within the borough will remain high. Recent postings to the ‘latest news’ section of our internet site have concentrated on the local disorder we experienced last week together with updates as to the police response. Although concentrating on these issues, which understandably have been a significant topic of discussion and debate, we continue to deliver a range of other policing activities, ensuring that we continue to remain focused on crime prevention, crime reduction and other enforcement activity in order to keep communities within the borough safe. Although the organisations media ‘appeal focus’ has concentrated on those responsible for last weeks disorder and related offences, we hope that anyone with information about any crime (either on the borough or elsewhere) will also come forward and give us the often vital information that we need to progress the investigation. Any information please pass to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Merton Police on 101 anytime of the day or night. I also take this opportunity to remind Merton Borough residents that during the summer months we invariably experience an increase in residential burglaries on the borough where entry is gained through open windows. Another crime type, which with the help of the public we can reduce, is theft from vehicles left unattended on the borough. We have noticed a rise in movable objects been stolen such as sat-navs and laptop computers which are left on display within vehicles on the street. Please consider what items may be attractive to an opportunist thief and make an effort to remove or conceal them from unattended vehicles. Last night I patrolled within Morden and as with Wimbledon and Mitcham I was struck by the community spirit and the wide condemnation of those responsible for the disorder, violence and stealing which occurred last week. We now have a notice board which is full of messages, letters and e-mails from our communities offering us their support and goodwill. On behalf of all the staff thank you so much, it has certainly helped in keeping our morale high. Messages from the children on the borough are especially touching! In any emergency requiring immediate police attendance, always dial 999. Dick Wolfenden |
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.There was also praise for the local partnership that came together in a united response to the incidents as well as thanks for the local volunteers that came out to help. Joining local residents and families, many of our community leaders were also there, including the local MP Siobhain McDonagh, the leader of the council Stephen Alambritis , the Chief Executive Ged Curran and Director for Environment from Merton, Merton's London Fire Brigade Borough Commander Jane Philpott, ward councillors, the Chamber of Commerce , faith leaders and many more. A healthy exchange of views took place with an emphasis on how to get back to normal, and then how to build local community cohesion and public spiritedness. There were many suggestions and ideas for learning and improving services, willingness for the business community to have closer links with the police and local authority and this includes developing quicker lines of communications. CommunitySafe (our free text messaging alert/advise/inform service) already has in excess of 24,000 email contacts amongst the residential community, and could be extended to include business and retailers. This will be taken forward. The Mitcham Status Fair has also returned to normal by opening their doors for the full planned hours. Police are still working hard to arrest offenders and much of this work involves search warrants and detective support from New Scotland Yard. Our local authority CCTV is being scrutinised and we will be publicising many more images of suspects in the coming days, weeks and even months. This enquiry will go on until we have we exhausted every possible lead. I am now making plans for the police to return to near normal levels of policing. It is not a realistic option for my staff to continue working 12 hour shifts without any days off for the remainder of the summer, but I will be making sure we have sufficient resilience that we can quickly up our numbers at short notice if needed. The borough remains calm and confidence is slowly gaining momentum - if you didn't know about Monday's disorder then you would think everything was quite normal except may be the extra police on visible patrols. Lastly, can I just ask again for your continued support in terms of providing information and intelligence. This is so important to keep the high levels of police enforcement activity at its current levels. Any information please pass to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Merton Police on 101 anytime of the day or night. In any emergency requiring immediate police attendance, always dial 999. " Pete Dobson |
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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. 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. |
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This is a reminder for you to make a note of your mobile phone IMEI number. This is a unique number that identifies your phone. This can help Police if your phone is lost or stolen. You can access your number by dialing *#06# Many thanks Tony Leworthy PC795VW Wimbledon Village SNT 020 8721 2457 E Mail: Village@met.police.uk
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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.
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Project Griffin - Invitation to a free Awareness Day Thursday 1st September 2011June 29, 2011 11:33
Please see attached which is an invitation to a FREE seminar at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Thursday 1st September 2011 at 11am. Tickets are limited and are on a first come, first served basis.
Project Griffin is a nationally recognised model to deliver Counter Terrorism and crime awareness to individuals and groups including those responsible for safety and security of buildings, businesses, districts or neighbourhoods.
The project is a Police and Private Industry initiative developed by the City of London Police (CoLP) to raise the public's awareness of counter terrorism issues. Project Griffin can assist the police to forge links with partners and businesses by providing an insight to counter terrorism awareness through organised events, and subsequently maintaining strong working relationships by continuing to engage with them thereafter. The main benefit to this is the extra 'eyes and ears' on the street and the increase and quality of reports received by the police of suspicious activity.
The objectives of Project Griffin are to:
• Raise public awareness of current terrorism and crime issues;
• Share and gather intelligence and information;
• Build and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships;
• Maintain trust and confidence in the police and other authorities;
• Empower people to report suspicious activity and behaviour to the police
Jim COOK - Partnershiop Inspector Merton Police.
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DRIVE OUT VEHICLE CRIME
Merton has become the latest borough to become an active member of the Petrol Station Forecourt Watch Scheme. The scheme, run jointly by Territorial Policing Pan-London Forecourt Crime and the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) aims to cut fuel theft across the Metropolitan Police Area.
Forecourt Watch is being used in the London Borough of Merton to target and deter criminals who commit drive-offs, this problem has increased significantly with the recent rise in fuel prices. This type of crime is often linked to other crimes including theft of number plates and burglary so it is important that we catch those committing these offences and bring them to justice.
PC Richard BROWN the Problem Solving Advisor for Merton Borough and Borough representative for Forecourt Watch said:-
"We are all affected by this crime, as ultimately any losses suffered by the industry will be passed on to the paying customers. Several petrol stations have invested in upgraded CCTV to protect their staff and help to support prosecutions."
Our aim is to maintain fuel stations as a safe environment for customers and staff, targeting those people who drive off without paying for their fuel and use service stations as a route to commit more serious crimes.”
Research shows that offences of driving off without paying for fuel are often linked to offenders or vehicles involved in other types of crime and to disqualified drivers, those without insurance, tax or MOT, or vehicles with false number plates.
BOSS Forecourt Watch documentation for the recording and notifying of drive-off incidents will be provided to staff at all forecourts taking part in the scheme. This enables fuel service stations to work in conjunction with police and BOSS to help bring offenders to justice.
High visibility stickers and posters on the forecourt itself will raise awareness among customers and potential thieves that Forecourt Watch is in operation and that making off without payment is a criminal offence.
Service stations registered with the scheme will also benefit from sharing information with police and each other on suspects, vehicles and known offenders – to maximise disruption and detection of offences.
For any further information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team via the main Met Police website by telephone or by e-mail. If you wish to become a member of Community safe and sign up to free crime alerts and news of what your local safer Neighbourhood Team is up to please contact them direct or join via www.communitysafe.gov.uk.
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