Borough Commander Update 15/08/2011 (8pm) 15 Aug 19:34

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
Borough Commander

merton@met.police.uk