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Dear Members,
Over the Easter period there have been a number of burglaries in the Raynes Park area. In each case sash windows have been forced open and small electrical items have been taken as well as, in one case, the car keys and car of the victim which was parked outside. The offences appear to have taken place in the late evening targeting houses where the occupants appear to be away for Easter and the bank holidays. The roads which have been affected are Pepys Road, Cambridge Road, and Camberley Avenue SW20.
On Thursday 28th April at 9.20 pm neighbours noticed two males running away from an address in Camberley Avenue after they had broken a rear window to gain entry to an unoccupied house. The suspects are described as two white males, one being aged approximately 30 to 35, of stocky build, 6 feet in height with a shaved head; the other is described as being aged approximately 20 to 25, with short hair, and was wearing a blue hooded top. If residents noticed males matching these descriptions loitering in the area or paying attention to houses they are encouraged to call police.
The local Safer Neighbourhoods Team would also encourage residents to be mindful, when going away or out of the house during the evenings, to consider leaving lights on inside or consider using timer switches to give the appearance of people being at home. Also, please don’t leave high value items on show and consider keeping car keys out-of- view when not in use. Do not leave ladders and garden tools easily accessible in the garden or in unsecured garages and sheds as these can be used to break into your home.
As part of our continuing efforts to reduce the number of burglary victims, your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team offers all residents the opportunity of having an officer visit them to conduct a crime prevention survey of their homes security. The survey will take about 15 minutes and is free of charge. Based on notes that the officer takes, or on the specific advice you request, you will subsequently receive a full security report tailored to your requirements and which will set out a security standard for your home. It is entirely at your discretion whether you act upon any of the advice that is offered, but if you do it will reduce the possibility of you becoming a victim of burglary. Operational commitments permitting, your Local Safer Neighbourhoods Team will attend your address during the month of May to carry out your survey. All officers will be in uniform and will produce proof of their identity if required. If you would like a member of the team to call round please contact the team to arrange an appointment. We are committed to reducing crime in the area and for this reason I would urge you to take advantage of the service we are offering to assist us in the fight against burglary - to arrange an appointment for an officer to conduct a security survey please contact the Raynes Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team on raynespark.snt@met.police.uk or 0208-721-2459."
May 2011
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 Neighbourhoods 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 Neighbourhoods Team is up to please contact them direct or join via www.communitysafe.gov.uk.
Thank you for reading
PS Dan Wheatley
Raynes Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team
raynespark.snt@met.police.uk
0208-721-2459.
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