Dear Residents, you are invited to a crime prevention presentation. If you would like any advice on security, property marking or have any issues you would like to raise, please take this opportunity to speak to us. There will also be a team member from the Ravensbury SNT present who will be able to pass any local issues back to the Wimbledon Park team, if they can't help you themselves.

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.

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. 

 

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

 

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

Burglary prevention

 

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.

Kind regards

Sgt Danny Smith

Wimbledon Park / Wimbledon Village SNT

0208 721 2452 / 7

Wimbledonpark.snt@met.police.uk

 

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 Wimbledon Park 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

Village@met.police.uk

 

 

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.

 

 

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

• T-O-W Flyer. (494.2 KB)

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.

Public safety messages

 

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 vigilant 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.

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.

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.

• Project Griffin flyer (140 KB)

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.

Please log onto the Metroplitan Police website at www.met.police.uk Tell us how you want to access police services and influence the future of local policing in your area in an online survey. You can complete the anonymous survey on line. Click on the link "give us your feedback" The survey is part of a review being carried out by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) into the different ways in which you can contact police and access our services. These range from telephone, online and face-to-face methods, including via police stations and appointments. The survey aims to find out which of the many channels you currently use to contact us and after learning about the variety of ways that exist, the survey poses the question would you choose a different way of accessing police services in future. Help shape the future of policing survey Territorial Policing Assistant Commissioner (AC) Ian McPherson, said: “In these challenging financial times, it is essential that the MPS makes best use of available resources. This is one of the key aims of the review that will ensure we can deliver an efficient and cost effective service in the right place at the right time. It is important we look to meet the needs of a modern and diverse London and this process is an endeavour to do so.” We will use the results of the survey to develop a strategy to maintain and enhance public access to policing services within a core minimum standard. No decisions have yet been made and any changes will only take place with the approval of the most senior officers and staff who form the MPS Management Board and the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), an independent governing body that holds the MPS to account. AC McPherson added: “The survey will also be supported by a period of consultation with local partners and stakeholders, such as councils, Independent Advisory Groups and Neighbourhood Watch schemes. The views of our partners and the public are key to any decisions made as to how services should be delivered in the future.” To have your say complete the survey by 27th May 2011. Your views are important to us and will help us improve our services to better meet your needs. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey if possible. Kind regards Sgt 21VW Danny Smith Wimbledon Park SNT wimbledonpark.snt@met.police.uk 0208 721 2452

DRIVE OUT VEHICLE CRIME In an effort to combat vehicle crime, Merton Borough Police in conjunction with Safer Merton are launching a ‘Drive Out Vehicle Crime’ initiative which will include a number of partnership interventions throughout the next 12 months. Inspector Jim COOK from Merton Police said, “Vehicle crime is the one of the highest crime types in the Borough and a number of Safer Neighbourhood Teams have had vehicle crime reduction chosen by their ward Panels to work on. We will be looking to raise the public’s awareness and offering advice on how they can help us reduce the incidence of vehicle crime. Over the coming weeks and months Merton Police will be carrying out a number of proactive operations against those involved in vehicle crime. Already the Safer Neighbourhood Teams conduct a large number of Automatic Number Plate Operations and will continue these with both uniform and plain clothes patrols in areas where vehicle crime is most prevalent. I would urge those living in Merton to contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team and sign up to Community Safe to receive up to date news of what their local Safer Neighbourhood Team is up to. This is a free system and by joining it you can find out about crime alerts and what the Police are doing in your local area. You can join by either logging onto WWW.Communitysafe.gov.uk or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team direct”. We take this opportunity to remind you all to: Ensure cars are locked – this might seem simple but a high percentage of cars are left unlocked in Merton. Don’t leave anything on view – you may know your jacket is empty but an opportunist thief doesn’t. Take your sat nav out of your vehicle and clean the suction mark off the windscreen – thieves will smash your window just to check the glove box. 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.

Upcoming Events Wimbledon Police Station Open Day - 10th April 2011 12pm - 4pm(last entry 3:30pm) Come and visit Wimbledon Police Station and meet officers not only from your local station but officers from specialist units including Mounted Branch (horses) , Territorial Support Group(TSG- public order) , Counter Terrorism Explosive Ordnance Disposal to name but a few. Residents will also be able to visit the Police Cells and an exhibition of original Police artefacts and vintage Police vehicles will also be on display. We hope you will find the time to come along with your family and friends to take advantage of this fun day . Entry is free of charge. ********************************************************* Merton Council and Merton Police are joining forces on Tuesday 8th February 2011 at Wimbledon Piazza to listen to your views and answer your questions on all issues community safety, crime and anti-social behaviour. Come down and meet Merton Council's chief executive Ged Curran and Merton Police borough commander Dick Wolfenden 4pm – 6pm where they will be happy to speak to you about any community safety concerns. The local Safer Neighbourhood team and popular character PCSO Steve will also be on hand with the reassurance bus to talk you through local questions and issues. We hope you will take the opportunity to come along and join in. Kind Regards Sgt Danny Smith Wimbledon Park SNT 0208 721 2452 WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk

• Face the people flyer (403.5 KB)

Get involved in the future of neighbourhood policing Safer Neighbourhoods Teams have made a significant difference to safety and confidence across London. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) remains committed to delivering effective neighbourhood policing that focuses on the safety of local people and ensures a visible local policing presence in all our communities. We are committed to maintaining named officers in every neighbourhood in London who are responsible for identifying and tackling local crime and anti-social behaviour. The MPS is currently carrying out a review of Safer Neighbourhoods Teams across London. The purpose of the review is to find better ways of using current neighbourhood policing resources to meet the needs of the local community, and ensure local police teams continue to deliver an effective and relevant service in the right place at the right times. The review will focus on the locations of Safer Neighbourhoods teams, what they do and how they are structured. The review will be carried out by gathering the thoughts and feedback of local partners, such as the local authority and members of the community. This feedback will help plan any possible future changes. No changes will be made without talking to local partners and community members. You can be involved in the review by completing an online questionnaire. The questions will gather your thoughts about neighbourhood policing in your area and will play a valuable part in shaping plans for the future of neighbourhood policing in London. You can find the questionnaire at http://www.keysurvey.co.uk/survey/339166/19e4/ Thank you for your time and contribution. Sgt Danny Smith 21VW Wimbledon Park SNT 0208 721 2452

Please see the attached poster which has details of a community safety day hosted by the London Borough of Merton. Community Safety Day- Morden Baptist Church Wednesday 1 December 2010, 10.00am to 1.00pm Stalls and displays will cover:  Tips on personal safety in the home and on the street  Equipment to keep you safe in the home  Fire safety and advice  Crime prevention  Support for adult abuse – protecting vulnerable people  Keeping warm – grants available to support you  Handyman services  Dealing with anti-social behaviour Presentations: 10.15-10.30: Drive4Life- safer driving skills for older people 10.45-11.00: Counterfeit goods- don’t get taken in 11.15-11.30: Staying Steady- falls prevention for the older person 11.45-12.00: Help dealing with Anti-social behaviour 12.15-12.30: Resolving neighbour disputes through mediation 12.45-13.00: Safety and Security in the home If you have the chance to go, please make use of this day - I'm sure there will be lots of useful information available. Kind regards Sgt Danny Smith Wimbledon Park SNT wimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk 0208 721 2452

• Community Safety Day (315.4 KB)

Face the People event 15th November. Face the People. Merton Council and Merton Police are joining forces on Monday 15 November to listen to your views and answer your questions on all issues community safety, crime and anti-social behaviour. Come down and meet Merton Council's chief executive Ged Curran and Merton Police Borough Commander Dick Wolfenden outside the Civic Centre in Morden from 2pm – 4pm where they will be happy to speak to you about any community safety concerns. There will also be safer neighbourhoods officers in attendance offering property marking & crime prevention advice. Regards Sgt Danny Smith 21VW Wimbledon Park SNT WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk 0208 721 2452

The Wimbledon Park team, along with other SN teams will be working more late shifts over the Halloween and firework period. We have been visiting all our local shops and encouraging them to sign up to a policy of not selling flour and eggs to under 16's. We have also been reminding them of their responsibilities relating to the sale of fireworks. We hope these measures will help prevent some of the anti-social behaviour that can be associated with this time of year. *********************Halloween Advice********************* Please find below some key advice to help you and your children to stay safe and have fun during this Halloween period. As you can see the advice is really aimed at the children/teenagers venturing out. While Halloween can undoubtedly be a great deal of fun, it can also be a particularly distressing time of year for some of the more vulnerable members of our communities - especially the elderly. With this in mind, the Metropolitan Police Service is urging trick or treaters to think carefully about which doors they knock on this Halloween. Better still, why not just stay at home and have a Halloween themed party with your friends and neighbours! If you do decide to go trick or treating, please respect the wishes of any household displaying a 'No Trick or Treat' poster. When trick or treating you should also stay as safe as possible by following the 'Halloween Code': • Always go trick or treating with an adult • Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents • Don't knock on doors where there is a 'No Trick or Treat' sign • Stay in areas that are well lit with street lights - take a torch with you just in case • Stay with your friends - don't split into smaller groups unless an adult goes with you • Don't talk to strangers on the street • Don't enter any house - stay on the doorstep • Be careful not to frighten vulnerable people, especially the elderly • Be visible • Look carefully before crossing the road, even if you're part of a group. • Don't vandalise anything or throw things like eggs and flour. This can cause a great deal of damage and misery. What's more it can be classed as criminal damage, or even assault, and a night of 'fun' could end up with you in trouble with the police. For those who do not want to be disturbed this Halloween by "trick or treaters" we can provide you with a poster to display on your front door or window. The poster politely requests no trick or treaters! Kind regards Sgt Danny Smith 21VW Wimbledon Park SNT 0209 721 2452 WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk

• Halloween poster - no trick or treat (92.4 KB)

Crime Updates from Wimbledon Park SNT Please can residents be aware that there has been an increase in residential burglaries recently. In the last few weeks there have been several burglaries in which car keys have been stolen. These keys were usually left by the letterbox which are easily reached by hand or any other implement. Vehicles are subsequently stolen from the driveway. Please ensure that keys are kept away from the front door and safely out of sight. The following information is taken from the Operation Bumblebee website which has lots of other useful crime prevention tips. We would advise you to consider your home security, especially with the evenings becoming darker earlier. This can be a time when burglars are more likely to attack homes if they appear unoccupied. Further information can be found at http://www.metbumblebee.org/ **************************************************************** Burglary victims often wonder why the burglar picked on their house. To find out you need to consider: "How does a burglar's mind work?" Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured: • side gates open • accessible windows open • ladders left out, allowing access to otherwise inaccessible windows • garden tools available to force entry • untrimmed hedges or high fences preventing natural surveillance Each of these makes access to the building far simpler and is an indication to the prospective burglar that it's worth a second look. Residents of multi occupancy dwellings or flats should be mindful not to grant entry to people via an entry phone system, if they do not know them, and to be cautious of people seeking to 'tailgate' them into buildings. The question is, are the occupants in? • milk bottles or parcels on the doorstep • newspapers and mail in the letter box • unlit houses after dark • all windows shut in very hot weather These are signs telling the burglar that he is unlikely to be disturbed in the course of his work. Naturally, circumstances may arise when such situations may be unavoidable. If we can take measures that tell the burglar that this building is too difficult or too risky a target, he will hopefully move on. TO STOP A BURGLAR, YOU NEED TO THINK LIKE ONE. To a burglar, a stuffed letter box is a dead giveaway when you’re not at home. Ask a neighbour to remove your post while you are away. Are you leaving a thief the key to your house? • never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door - burglars know all the hiding places • prevent letterbox burglaries by storing keys away from the front door • do not label your house keys in case you lose them and they fall into the wrong hands. Remove temptation • where possible, try to keep valuables out of sight from windows. Make it look as though your house is occupied • install timers which switch lights or radios on and off automatically. • have a neighbour or friend pop round to clear your letter box or doorstep. • encourage a neighbour to park on your drive. • if going out after dark, draw the curtains, leave some lights on and a radio playing. TO STOP A BURGLAR, YOU NEED TO THINK LIKE ONE. To a burglar, a dark doorway is an opportunity to hide. Fit a security light over your front door to deter burglars. If you are away for extended periods. • cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers • disconnect the telephone answering machine, or re-word your greeting message to give the impression that you are only temporarily unable to answer. • enlist the help of a neighbour, friend or relative to keep a regular eye on your property and keep the front door clear of deliveries. • if you are prepared to leave a key with a willing neighbour/relative, ask for curtains to be drawn and lights to be put on at night. If snow is on the ground a few footprints will make the house appear inhabited. • check your insurance policy. Some insurance policies for contents don't cover you if you are away for more than 30 days. • set your burglar alarm. • if you do not have an alarm, consider investing a few pounds in a dummy alarm box. It may well deter the opportunist thief. Remember: Remove the Opportunity - Prevent the Burglary TO STOP A BURGLAR, YOU NEED TO THINK LIKE ONE. To a burglar, a dark house is an empty house. Attaching a timer to a lamp will make your home appear occupied even when it isn’t. **************************************************************** If you would like a visit from your police team to advise on home security, please contact us. Kind regards Sgt Danny Smith 21VW Wimbledon Park SNT 0208 721 2452 WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk