CommunitySafe.gov.uk

Today Merton Police will Operation Lockdown, a three month burglary initiative which will employ a range of tactics to disrupt burglary, gain intelligence and arrest and convict offenders in identified hotspots across the Borough.
Whilst the number of burglary offences across the Borough remain relatively low, there has been a recent rise in the number of opportunist burglaries where entry has been gained through open windows and unlocked doors. Many of these could be avoided. Residents are reminded to lock doors and windows when they go out, to keep ground floor doors and windows closed and secure when they go to bed and not to leave expensive and valuable items in view of passers by. Simple measures and some extra care will go along way to preventing you from becoming a victim of burglary.

Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves who will look for an easy way into your home. Around 20% of all burglaries are committed by people entering premises through an open or unlocked door or window, so it's a good idea to thoroughly check all doors and windows are locked and secure before you leave. Whether you intend to go out for the evening or away on holiday for a few weeks you should aim to make your home look as though it's occupied and someone is in, for example, don't close the curtains - in the day time it shows the house is empty. Even small precautions can help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime, leaving the lights, TV or radio on and using a timer switch can also help give the impression that someone’s home. Like everything in life, there are no guarantees, but by following a few simple rules may make all the difference in deterring that potential burglar:-

Use the Royal Mail's “keepsafe” service - they keep your mail for up to 2 months while you're away. Mail sitting on your doorstep is a sign that you are away
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.

Ask a neighbour, friend or relative to keep an eye on your home for you, collect your post, open and close the curtains and if possible park their car on your driveway.

Cut the lawn and trim back plants before you go away.

Don't put your home address on your luggage when you are travelling to your holiday destination. A house number and postcode will suffice if you want to label your luggage.

If you normally leave valuable bicycles or similar items in your shed, consider putting them in the house.

Make sure that you lock all outside doors and windows & set your burglar alarm if you have one.

If you do not have an alarm, consider investing in a dummy alarm box. It may well be enough to deter the opportunist thief.

If you see anything suspicious while your neighbours are away, call 999 in an emergency or for non emergency, call your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

The Wimbledon Park Team can be contacted on Telephone 020 8721 2452 or E mail WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk

For further advice go to http://www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/burglary.htm
http://www.metbumblebee.org/images/operation_bumblebee.jpg
www.metbumblebee.org

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NEW REPORTING LINE FOR VICTIMS AND WITNESSES OF HATE CRIME

Tackling hate crime is a priority for Merton, which is why Merton has teamed up with Stop Hate UK to provide emotional and practical support for anyone, who has experienced hate crime.

Whatever your age, race, disability, sexual orientation or whether you are transgender, no one has the right to intimidate, hurt or harass you because they perceive you to be different.

Merton defines a hate crime as a ‘criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion or disability’.

If you feel you have been a victim of this crime you can report it to Stop Hate UK 24 hours a day. Stop Hate UK are an independent charity and everything you tell them is kept confidential. You have the option to remain anonymous if you wish. Stop Hate UK can be contacted by phone, email, text, post and online. Stop Hate UK can speak to victims about hate crime in their preferred language if required.

Telephone: 0800 138 1625
Website: www.stophateuk.org
Email: talk@stophateuk.org

Kind regards
PS 21VW Danny Smith
Wimbledon Park SNT

Dear Ms McDonagh,

In response to your letter dated 6th July 2010 (Re: Crime and Anti Social Behaviour at Phipps Bridge).

We pay particular focus to the content of our MPs letters and an audit of our system reveals that we are not in receipt of your earlier letter (dated 1st July 2010). If the matters raised in the letter still require a response please would you be so kind as to re-send a copy and I will ensure I give them it my prompt attention.

Within your letter (6th July) you feel that the ‘the tennis’ is not really the point. I disagree. You are aware that the headline within the Wimbledon Guardian; …‘MP hits out at Mitcham police after shooting and triple stabbing’ within the article you are quoted “Police are more bothered about policing the Wimbledon Championships than the troubled streets of Mitcham the area’s MP has claimed…” Such headlines and supporting comments do little to promote community confidence or reassurance. (I am meeting with the editor and the journalist next week to express my concerns).

I have no doubt you will be able to forward details of the officers who stated that they were - “too busy to help you because of the Wimbledon Championships.” You are absolutely right, and I agree with you, such a message is inappropriate and I am looking for your help to identify and understand who within my command would say something which is so blatantly incorrect. I have made local enquires and no one recalls having had such a conversation.

I am sorry that at the meeting you felt that the impression given by police was that the Mitcham area was a low policing priority, quite the opposite is true. As discussed, my initial assessment of the boroughs deployment and demand profile reveals a substantial amount of our (finite) movable resources are given to the East of the borough. As an MP you will be conscious that as part of the conditions attached to Safer Neighbourhood teams funding arrangements the last government dictated that they should be ring fenced in their designated wards. I have briefed you in relation to my frustrations as to not having been allowed to move this valuable resource around the borough (however see further paragraphs for recent update).

You contend that there was a history of community unease in relation to groups of youths associating in the area and that the community members were concerned about numerous criminal and anti-social acts. The adage “You only know what you know” is a truism in relation to policing. Unless the residents report these issues to police we are unable to build an accurate intelligence picture and take appropriate action. As you are aware under ECHR legislation everybody has the right to associate freely without state interference. Without proper intelligence it is difficult to justify enforcement interventions. I will direct my safer neighbourhood teams to encourage increased reporting in order to give greater justification to future disruption activity.

You feel that ‘if the police had identified that there was a problem and had dealt with ‘the group’ appropriately the stabbings would not have taken place’. I am disappointed that you hold this view. As discussed this incident was spontaneous without any pre-planning. The offender was not known to police in the London area and there was nothing we could have done to prevent the crime from happening. Hindsight is a wonderful gift. When incidents like this happen people are quick to go to the press and it’s easy to blame the police. I readily acknowledge that we are the lead agency in relation to enforcement activity; however the causational factors which lead to criminality are many and varied.

The service (in my opinion) has a disappointing history of failing to respond to unfair criticism when many of the crime related social problems we face today are the result of years of failed parenting, failed education, failed social inclusion policies, ineffective border/integration policies and a distinct lack of investment in diversionary or rehabilitation activity. These failures are the responsibility of many, (including those in government) not just the police.

In this role I have ownership of the borough’s criminal intelligence profile and have a good understanding of those believed to be involved in more serious and organised crime. You are right (and I agree) that whether those intent on crime are members of a gang or otherwise is really a mute point. The more important issue is what is being done about it. I hope that when we next meet I can reassure you that we are trying hard to service the policing needs of the borough (although as discussed due to the legacy of national debt; continuing current operational capability will be an increasing challenge).

You have asked for a copy of the boroughs deployment profile. This is a restricted document as it specifically details both our operational capacity and capability. I will of course share the details with you when we next meet. I can however brief you on Merton’s policing model:

The borough’s operational workforce profile can be split into four main areas Response, Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT), CID and Operational Support. The Response officers deal with calls from the public and answer calls anywhere within Merton. The CID investigates reported crimes and deal with crime related prisoners, Operational support include the Merton crime squad, the Merton task force and other distinct units (i.e. the Merton sex offenders unit). They are deployed where the intelligence takes them (as stated predominantly in the East of the borough). The SNTs as discussed are rigid in number and are equally distributed (ring fenced in relation to movement) throughout the borough to provide local contact, visibility and reassurance. Apart from the SNT the deployment of resources is intelligence led & reactive to where crime is taking place. You are correct in your view that our ‘demand profile’ reveals that the majority of crime takes place within the East of the borough

It is also worthy of note that Merton is one of the boroughs affected by low crime rates within the MPS. As of last week the MPS had suffered 204918 Crimes so far this financial year. Merton is one of 32 London boroughs and in comparison we experienced 3670 which equates to just 1.8% of all London’s crime. A more strategic view could be that in light of the low Merton crime rate many of the boroughs resources would be better placed in the high crime rate boroughs (Lambeth, Hackney and Southwark etc.). This of course is something I hope to avoid as it is my intention to keep Merton crime levels as low as possible.

In my short time here so far, I have worked hard to understand the demands and constraints associated with delivering effective performance on the borough. Historic and entrenched ways of working will not deliver the performance needed in the new economic environment. In order to justify the retention of our current officer/staff numbers we will need to demonstrate how we can be both dynamic and flexible in meeting policing demands ensuring that we re-focus our activities where the public needs us most.

As you are aware Merton borough consists of twenty wards. We have recently completed comprehensive analysis of the borough in relation to crime mapping. Based on historical annual trends supported by management information and recent up to date intelligence it is clear that 5 wards present a real opportunity to improve our borough crime performance: Abbey, Colliers Wood, Cricket Green, Figges Marsh & Lavender Fields.

Starting Monday 19th July the borough will commence ‘Operation Lockdown’ which will be focused on preventing priority crimes in these 5 wards. A headline for this operation is that I have secured central agreement that I can pilot the concept of SNT staff on the remaining 15 wards providing substantial assistance to the Lockdown wards (although still aligned to their local wards). I am very excited about this opportunity for the borough to demonstrate both dynamism and flexibility as the rest of the MPS watches to see how it will work.

Reading your letter I am obviously delighted that you are committed to, and demonstrate, such a strong desire to ensure that the police provide a good service for all Merton’s communities. I totally share this view. I hope that we will be able to rely on your continued support in the future. As requested I will copy both your letter and this response to the community safe email group for sake of both completeness and closure.

Yours Sincerely

___________________________
Dick Wolfenden
Merton Borough Police Commander

Dear Mr Wolfenden

Re: Crime and Anti Social Behaviour at Phipps Bridge

Thank you for taking the trouble to write to me on 3 July about some comments I made to a journalist who was at the meeting I arranged to help the police reassure local people about policing on the Phipps Bridge estate. I spoke to the journalist after the meeting, after the conversation I had with you, and after the letter of 1 July that I wrote to you expressing my concerns about the meeting, to which I have yet to receive a reply.

The journalist attended the meeting, and he clearly felt that the approach of officers at the meeting was not as good as it could have been. I mentioned, as I did to you, that in my dealings with your officers they had told me that they were rather too busy to help me, due to the Wimbledon Championships. I hope it will be clear to you now that this is a totally inappropriate message to give a local community representative. However, the tennis is not really the point.

My concern was not about the high priority given to the tennis – although I do regularly hear complaints about this – but about the impression that was given at the meeting that Mitcham was a low priority. Although we are all very happy that you have found the suspects involved in the stabbing, more than a hundred residents would not have attended the meeting if they were not concerned about far wider issues. Specifically, they were concerned about numerous criminal and anti-social acts in the area by the same group of young men, including a drive-by shooting, various acts of intimidation, and an assault on a drinker.

As I explained to you on the phone and in my letter of 3 July, the response of officers at the meeting was to argue about the semantics of whether the group committing these acts was a gang or not. However, the truth is that if the police had identified that they were a problem and had dealt with them appropriately, the stabbings would not have taken place. Arguing about semantics was, therefore, seen by people at the meeting as unnecessarily argumentative, and as complacent.

Moving to your point about your recent examination of the Borough’s deployment profile, I would be grateful if you could let me have a copy of this profile. I am pleased that you believe the East of the Borough is as well serviced as the West, and should like confirmation from you that the deployment of resources is linked to the rate of crime in each neighbourhood. As you know, the crime rate in the East is approximately twice the rate of the West, and the rate in Cricket Green is roughly three times greater than in most of Wimbledon. Therefore for you to be satisfied that Mitcham “suffers no detriment in resource allocation”, I assume your figures will show that deployment is roughly three times greater in Phipps Bridge than in the West of the Borough, and roughly double in the rest of my constituency. Can you confirm that this is correct?

Finally, I can assure you I am absolutely determined in my efforts to ensure the police provide good public services for all of Merton’s communities. This is why I arrange regular opportunities for officers to promote their work at events I organise in Mitcham and Morden. Sometimes this is in response to particular crimes, but I have also arranged numerous meetings to introduce residents to their Safer Neighbourhood Teams, or to publicise the police’s ability to help deal with crime and anti-social activities in certain hotspots.

In this spirit, I will be contacting you separately in order to arrange a meeting in the Armfield Crescent area, where residents are worried that gang activity (or something very similar to gang activity) led to a separate shooting incident just over a week ago. It would be really good if the local police service could use this opportunity to show that they desperately care about our local residents and have a proper plan to ensure residents feel safer in their own neighbourhoods.

I hope that this is helpful, and look forward to your reply to this letter and that of 1 July. Since you have copied your correspondence to the Merton Community Safe email group, I am happy for you to circulate this letter to the same recipients on my behalf, or for you to let me have their details in order for me to email them all separately. I will, of course, only use those details for this purpose and not for any other reasons.

Yours sincerely,




Siobhain McDonagh

Dear Ms McDonagh,

I am writing to you in order to express my concern in relation to the quotes apparently attributed to you within Thursday’s (1st July) Wimbledon Guardian: Headline “MP hits out at Mitcham Police after shooting and triple stabbing.”

Within the article you are quoted:- “Do they [the police] care at all? It seems they’re more bothered policing the All England Club than they are about the lives of people in Mitcham. Three people have been stabbed and less than a year earlier; a teenager was seriously injured in a drive-by-shooting. But the police want to argue over the semantics of what gang means.”

First and foremost our efforts are specifically directed at trying to keep ‘all’ Merton residents and those who frequent the borough as safe as possible. As you are aware London can present logistical challenges in relation to policing large and significant events. Over the course of any calendar year this borough will be expected to supply officers to help police these events which are held at various locations off the borough. The All England Tennis Championships are no different and we rely on reciprocal arrangements where significant numbers of external resources from other boroughs are drafted in to assist. The planning and preparation for the event is both thorough, detailed and takes into account the ongoing policing needs of the borough to ensure our day-to-day borough policing commitment is always maintained.

Within the article you make reference to instances of serious assaults which have been committed within your constituency. The police responded quickly and have charged an individual. I have met the victims and the family members who (contrary to the article) feel that Merton police have done a good job. For some time now we have been considering the intelligence picture which informs our deployment of resources. An examination of the borough’s most recent deployment profile reveals that the East (Mitcham) side of the borough is well serviced by deployable proactive resources (extra officers) and suffers no detriment in resource allocation when compared to the West side of the borough (Wimbledon).

I must confess that I am struggling to understand what point you are trying to make in relation to the ‘semantics of gangs’ issue, suffice to say that (no doubt like yourself) I have no time for men of violence. Whether or not individuals are ‘gang’ affiliated, I can assure you that the police are doing what they reasonably can to prevent and detect such instances of serious harm.

Although I am immensely proud of the work that is conducted on a daily basis by the officers on Merton borough, I don’t for one minute think that the police get it right on every occasion and there are always improvements that can be made. Rest assured that (contrary to your comments within the article) we actually do care very much and it’s because we care that irresponsible & sensationalised media coverage such as this can have a significant impact on staff morale.

Finally I welcome the views, challenges (and hopefully) support of other key public officials and hope that we are all united in our efforts to try and provide good public services for all of Merton’s communities.

Yours Sincerely

__________________________________
Dick Wolfenden
Merton Borough Police Commander

July 2007
DRIVE OUT VEHICLE CRIME
Come and get your free ‘Secur-I-Disc’ tamper proof tax disc holder as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough. The ‘Secur-I Disc’ tax disc holder prevents the re-use of a tax disc, thereby making it pointless to steal.
Merton Police Crime Prevention Advisor PC Greg HUNT said, "This is our final intervention of the ‘Drive Out Vehicle Crime’ campaign which has been a real success in getting the message out to the public to take valuables with them and to secure their vehicles. We hope the Merton residents will continue in this trend to keep ‘theft from vehicle’ statistics down”. Your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams will continue to run smaller more local crime prevention events within the Community”.
The ‘Secur-I-Disc’ tamper proof tax disc holder are available free of charge at the vehicle crime road shows run by your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. For further crime reduction advice contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
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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Have Your Say on Policing in London
The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) is consulting on London's policing priorities and is interested in the opinion of residents on the ward.
People can take part in the consultation by completing a short questionnaire online (www.mpa.gov.uk/publications/policingplans/haveyoursay/) or calling 020 7202 0063 for a paper copy or telephone questionnaire.
The Have Your Say on Policing in London consultation closes on Friday 26 November 2010.
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer with the consultation

Kind regards
Sgt Danny Smith PS 21VW
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452

The Wimbledon Park team still have burglary, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour as priorities at this time. These are set by the ward panel and reflect the residents concerns and current crime trends.
We are concentrating on crime prevention with the vulnerable vehicle scheme and home security information being made available. The team are still finding a large number of vehicles which have valuables on display. We hope that we can reduce this with your help. This is particularly important with the extra visitors to the park and the tennis tournament.
The team have been successful in catching some of the suspects with two juveniles being charged with a total of seven offences this week.
We have also recently charged a male with causing damage to a neighbours vehicle.

***********************CRIME ALERT**************************

There has been an increase in the theft of cycles recently. A number have been stolen overnight which have been left in front gardens. The suspects have been using heavy duty bolt croppers or cutters to remove bikes which have been locked to railings or drainpipes. Some have also been taken from small cycle stores which have been placed in front gardens. Unfortunately these are not secure enough to deter these thefts. We advise people to keep their cycles in garages / indoors or in sheds which are not accessible from the street. There is a range of cheap alarms which can be easily fitted to increase security.
We have been delivering letters warning residents if we see cycles in gardens whilst on patrol. One theft was committed the same night that a warning letter was delivered and the occupier decided not to move the bike!
Please help us reduce this crime as we don’t want thieves attracted to Wimbledon Park looking for easy targets.
If you would like further advice about any crime prevention issues, please contact the team.

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It is the Wimbledon Park Summer Fair on Saturday 12th June. The team will be present with vehicles from the Met vintage fleet. We will also be giving out various vehicle crime prevention accessories. Please come along and enjoy the fair and meet the team.
We look forward to seeing you there.

Kind regards

Sgt Danny Smith

Your team are
Sgt Danny Smith
PC Terry Elmer
PC Danny Gulczynski
PCSO Brett Lavey
PCSO Stephen Marsh
PCSO Stewart Peebles

WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452

June 2010
DRIVE OUT VEHICLE CRIME
Get your free car air freshener as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough
Merton Police and Safer Merton are handing out free car air fresheners to motorists in the Borough with a crime prevention message written on it. The message on the air freshener is clear - STOP - All valuables have been removed whilst on the other side the message reminding motorists to remove all valuables appears.
Merton Police Crime Reduction Advisor Pc Greg HUNT said, "The Partnership is committed to keeping crime low by reducing vehicle crime. Theft from motor vehicle is on the increase and all too often the thief steals property left out on open display in the vehicle. These air fresheners serve 2 purposes, firstly that all items of value have been removed from the vehicle whilst secondly acting as a reminder to remove items of value from the vehicle. Taking a few seconds to remove any valuables from your vehicle may save you hundreds of pounds in repairing a broken window and replacing your valuables. This runs alongside the vulnerable vehicle scheme already being run by your Safer Neighbourhood Teams. If officers out on patrol discover something of value left out on open display in a vehicle they will contact the registered keeper and warn them of the likelihood of returning to their vehicle and finding that property stolen. This will either be in person at the time or by the Teams writing to the registered keeper if not local. This information may well be shared with insurance companies in the event of an insurance claim which may affect that claim”
The air fresheners are available free of charge at the vehicle crime road shows run by your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. For further crime reduction advice contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
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.

The team will be on hand at the Wimbledon Park Fair on the 12th June. Come and meet us and chat about any local issues you may have.

Kind regards
Sgt Danny Smith 21VW
Wimbledon Park SNT
0208 721 2452
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk

Vehicle crime remains one of the priorities set by the ward panel for the Wimbledon Park team. The drive out vehicle crime campaign continues with April update below.
**************RECENT VEHICLE CRIME ARRESTS***************
In the last two weeks the team has arrested a group of five youths caught breaking into cars. Sunglasses were taken from two of the cars broken into; this is why it’s so important to remove even low value items. The cost of window repair often outweighs the cost of the stolen items, which incidentally were all recovered on this occasion.
The initial call was made by a resident who had seen the group acting suspiciously around parked cars. All are currently on police bail and charges are expected to follow.
This shows how important it is to remain vigilant and call police if you are concerned or suspicious about any activity in your area.

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April 2010
DRIVE OUT CAR CRIME
Get your free ‘Don’t Bother’ kit as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough
Merton Police and Safer Merton are handing out free ‘Don’t Bother kits’ to motorists within the Borough. Theft from vehicles accounts for 66% of all recorded vehicle crime. The don’t bother kit helps educate the vehicle owner to remove valuables. It also tells a would be thief that valuables have been removed from that vehicle.

Merton Police Crime Reduction Advisor Pc Greg HUNT said, "The Partnership is committed to keeping crime low by reducing vehicle crime. Theft from motor vehicle is on the increase and all too often the thief steals property left out on open display in the vehicle. The ‘Don’t Bother Kit tells the thief that everything of value has been taken from the vehicle. Taking a few seconds to remove any valuables from your vehicle may save you hundreds of pounds in repairing a broken window and replacing your valuables. This runs alongside the vulnerable vehicle scheme already being run by your Safer Neighbourhood Teams. If officers out on patrol discover something of value left out on open display in a vehicle they will contact the registered keeper and warn them of the perils of their actions. This will either be in person at the time or by the Teams writing to the registered keeper if not local. This information may well be shared with insurance companies in the event of a claim which may affect that claim”
The "don’t bother" kits are available free of charge at the Partnership Road shows through the year or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. For further crime reduction advice contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
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 know anyone who wishes to become a member of Community safe and sign up to free crime alerts and news of what their local safer Neighbourhood Team is up to please ask them to contact the team direct or join via www.communitysafe.gov.uk.

Kind regards

Sgt Danny Smith PS 21VW
Wimbledon Park SNT
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452

Please take note of these recent local issues and share with family, friends and neighbours.

Bogus callers - There have reports of a female preying on the vulnerable and elderly purporting to be from social services then gaining entry to premises and stealing property. The majority of these offences have occurred in the Morden area, let’s not be complacent. Please check for ID of all callers and check on your neighbours to ensure they do not fall victim to crime, report all suspicious persons to police.

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Believed medicine scam-Leaflets are being distributed through letterboxes from a charity requesting unwanted medicines, claiming they can be sent to third world countries. The flyer is bright yellow with black writing. It indicates that members of the public should place any unused/unneeded medicines in a plastic bag and leave it on their doorstep on an allocated day. This is not believed to be a legitimate agency and there are serious safety issues with medicines being left on doorsteps where they may be accessed by children. We would advise that any such medicines are returned to a dispensing chemist. Please again report to local team on the details below. If urgent dial 999
We would welcome your call about issues that affect you on the ward.

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Merton Police are re-launching Met Tracks on Thursday the 25th March 2010 at The Hub, Tooting and Mitcham FC, Bishopsford Road, Morden between 4pm and 5.30pm. This is a training scheme aimed at 10 - 17 year olds offering free training with an international athlete in any track or field event. It will run each week and is a great opportunity to keep fit and make new friends. If you are interested in getting your children involved, just turn up and give it a go.

kind regards

Sgt Danny Smith PS 21VW
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452

The attached document is taken from the Operation Bumblebee website. It gives some simple measures which can make your property less attractive to would-be burglars.
The link to the website will also give access to lots of other useful information:
www.metbumblebee.org
Please take a few moments to read it and secure your homes to help cut crime.

Kind regards

Sgt Danny Smith PS 21VW
Wimbledon park SNT
0208 721 2452
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk

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• Operation Bumblebee Advice (78 KB)

Police and council join forces to answer your queries

Merton Council and the Police are joining forces next week (Wednesday 10th March 2010 from midday - 2pm) with the second 'Face the Public' event aimed at listening to your views and giving answers to your community safety questions.

As part of their statutory duty to speak to the public about these issues, Merton Council's chief executive Ged Curran and Merton Police Borough Commander Chris Bourlet are going around the borough over the coming months inviting people who live, work or visit Merton to come along and ask them their questions about community safety, crime and anti-social behaviour.

They will kick start the events next Wednesday 10th March 2010 in Wimbledon Town centre on the Piazza near to Morrison's Supermarket from midday until 2pm and will have the local Safer Neighbourhood teams on hand to speak to you too. Just look out for the reassurance bus and come and get involved.

Further events will follow throughout the year .

We look forward to seeing you

Kind regards
Sgt Danny Smith
Wimbledon Park SNT
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk

Merton's vehicle crime iniative continues into March with crime prevention advice for satnav owners.
You can make a difference to crime in our area by taking simple steps to protect your property, please contact the team for further information and/or a vehicle security survey.

WIPING OUT CAR CRIME
Get your free sat nav dusters/screen wipes as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough
Merton Police and Safer Merton are handing out the complimentary wipes and dusters to wipe away the suction marks left by a satellite navigation system on your car windscreen. Even if you have taken your ‘sat nav’ with you, thieves spotting a suction mark may break in to see if it has been hidden in the glove box.
Getting rid of the marks will hopefully deter criminals looking for the tell tale signs and reduce the risk of unnecessary damage and cost to your vehicle.
Supt Pete DOBSON Partnership lead for Merton Police said, “I fully support this scheme and I urge the public of Merton to secure their vehicles, keep them free of valuables and remove suction marks to help reduce vehicle crime”.
Merton Police Crime Reduction Advisor Pc Greg HUNT said, "The Partnership is committed to keeping crime low by reducing vehicle crime. The theft of satellite navigation systems is one of the highest crimes at the moment, so taking a few seconds to get rid of the suction mark on your windscreen may save you hundreds of pounds in repairing a broken window and paying for a new sat nav”.
Screen wipes and sat nav dusters are available free of charge at the Partnership Roadshows through the year or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. For further crime reduction advice contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
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.

Kind Regards

Sgt Danny Smith
Wimbledon Park Safer Neighbourhoods team
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452

To help reinforce the current 'Drive out Vehicle Crime' initiative, the Wimbledon Park Safer Neighbourhoods team will be at the Revelstoke Road car park on Sunday 21st February from 10.00 - 14.00 hours.
We will be able to offer vehicle security checks/advice as well as provide secure number plate screws to prevent number plate thefts. We will also be able to security mark your cycles if required and provide other crime prevention literature.
We hope to see you there.
Regards
Sgt Danny Smith
Wimbledon Park SNT
T: 020 8721 2452
E Mail: WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk

Wimbledon Park SNT Ward Message

The Merton Police vehicle crime iniative is now going into the second phase - we are looking to safeguard peoples number plates which are still being stolen. The stolen plates can be used on other vehicles in the course of committing other crimes so it is important to prevent this kind of theft.
The following message is being sent to all communitysafe members.
The team can provide you with a vehicle security check, please contact the team for more information or number plate screws.

February 2010

DRIVE OUT VEHICLE CRIME
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.
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.

Kind regards

PS 21 VW Danny Smith

Your Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT):
Sgt Danny SMITH
PC Terry ELMER PC Danny GULCZYNSKI
PCSO Andrew HARVEY PCSO Stephen MARSH
PCSO Brett LAVEY

You can contact the team on 020 8721 2452 or at wimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk

WHAT RESOLUTIONS DID YOU MAKE?

Wimbledon Park Ward Message

Your Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT):
Sgt Danny SMITH
PC Terry ELMER PC Danny GULCZYNSKI
PCSO Andrew HARVEY PCSO Stephen MARSH
PCSO Brett LAVEY

You can contact the team on 020 8721 2452 or at wimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk

New Year Message

On behalf of the Wimbledon Park Safer Neighbourhood Team I would like to wish all of our residents, workers & visitors to Wimbledon Park Ward a Happy New Year and a safe 2010.

This time of year tends to be a time of reflection on things that we have done (or haven’t got around to doing!) during the past year or even decade.

The New Year often spurs us into making New Year’s Resolutions; starting something we’ve been meaning to get around to for a long time……joining the gym, decorating the house, giving up smoking etc.

Here are a few alternative New Year Resolutions that you may wish to consider for 2010:

1. If you love it - register it

By registering your valuables on www.immobilise.com you can put details of your prized possessions on a national database that police can access and compare against items that have been found or recovered from suspected criminals.
The on-line service is totally free and is quick and easy to use. Items marked as being registered with Immobilise are less likely to be stolen, and households displaying Immobilise stickers are less likely to be targeted by burglars.

2. Start/Re-start a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

Neighbourhood Watch schemes can:
• cut crime and the opportunities for crime
• help and reassure those who live in the area
• encourage neighbourliness and closer communities

You may even get a discount on your home contents insurance.

To discuss starting a scheme or reinvigorating an existing scheme please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team by any of the means above or alternatively the Merton NHW Manager on 020 8649 3213. More details of Merton Neighbourhood Watch can be found at http://www.mertonnhw.co.uk

3. Vehicle Crime – Protect Yourself

Did you know that...
• Most vehicle crime is preventable. It can take as little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal something from your car. If at all possible, leave nothing on view. (Not even empty bags)
• NEVER leave valuable items in your car, including sunglasses, the removable radio cover and your Sat Nav. Do you really need all those things you keep in the glove box?
• Wipe away the Sat Nav mark on your windscreen.

4. Review Your Home Security

Did you know that your Safer Neighbourhood Team can visit your home and conduct a Home Security Survey? This is free of charge and shouldn’t take more than an hour of your time. The survey will highlight areas of your home where security is both good and more importantly where it can be improved to help keep intruders away. Contact the Wimbledon Park Team if you’d like to make an appointment.

Alternatively there is comprehensive home security information at http://www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/house.htm

5. Get your Alleyway Gated!

If your home is bordered by an alleyway consider getting together with the neighbours who share access and having it gated. This will not only provide security against burglars but can also help to stop fly tipping.

Grants are also available from the council to cover 40% of the costs.

More details can be found at http://www.merton.gov.uk/living/transport-streets/alley-gating.htm . The borough Merton Alley gate Coordinator can be contacted on 020 8545 4786.

6. Become a Met Volunteer or Special Constable

Many people want a new challenge at the start of a new year. Why not join the Metropolitan Police as either a Special Constable or a Met Volunteer.

The Met Special Constabulary (MSC) is a force of volunteers who work with and offer support to regular Metropolitan Police Officers, providing a vital link with the people of London's 32 Boroughs.

Afforded the same powers as regular officers and wearing the same uniform, Special Constables are everyday people who are prepared to give up at least 25 hours of their spare time each month to do something positive for themselves and their community.

In addition, your training and duties will provide you with a number of intangible personal rewards, interesting experiences, new friends, additional skills, a sense of achievement - they all ensure that you benefit from your time as a Special as much as the community you serve.

The Met Volunteer Programme (MVP) gives volunteers the opportunity to support the Met in making London the safest major city in the world. It increases contact between local communities and the police, and improves the service we give to the public.
Met Volunteers lend their skills and free time to help make London safer.
They volunteer in the borough that they live or work in.
By giving back to their community, they also gain valuable experiences.

For information on either of these opportunities visit the Metropolitan Police website at http://www.met.police.uk/careers

As always, please urge your neighbours, colleagues and friends to join up to the CommunitySafe site.

To report Crime please remember to call 999 if there is a crime happening ‘now’ or the new non-emergency number 0300 123 1212 if it has already happened.

Have a great New Year.

Best Wishes for 2010,

Sgt. Danny SMITH

*** Crime prevention bulletin as a result of a recent break-in***

Please ensure that garages, sheds and out-buildings are properly secured. A pair of garden shears were taken from a shed and used to gain entry at a recent break-in on the Borough. Fit decent locks and use clutch screws (anti-tamper) to secure the hasps. There are also a range of cheap wireless alarms which are ideal for fitting in outbuildings which might prevent this happening.

January 2010
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 year, the first of which is to provide a property marking service for those living within the Borough that may have received property such as sat navs that may well be used and left in vehicles.
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.

Please ask any friends or neighbours who are not signed up to communitysafe and would like information about their area, to contact the team so we can provide this service to them too.
Call us to arrange your property marking asap.

Kind Regards

PS 21VW Danny Smith

Contact the team

We are available on the first Wednesday of each month between 6pm and 8pm at our drop-in surgery in the pavilion at Wimbledon Park.
If you would like to see or speak to an officer at any other time please call or e-mail us on the contact details below.

Sgt Danny Smith
PC Terry Elmer
PC Danny Gulczynski
PCSO Andrew Harvey
PCSO Brett Lavey
PCSO Stephen Marsh

Wimbledonpark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452

A Christmas Crime Reminder from your Safer Neighbourhoods team.

As Christmas is fast approaching, now would be a good time to remember some simple security measures that could save you being a victim of crime over this festive period. I know most of them seem obvious but they sometimes get forgotten in the rush and excitement!

• Keep presents and valuables out of sight, away from windows and doors. Close your curtains when it gets dark so burglars can’t see in.

• Lock all windows and doors with a key when you go out.

• Make your home look occupied whilst you are out, leave some lights and a radio on or invest in timer switches, which can turn lights and radios on. Remember to turn off festive lights when unattended to avoid a fire.

• Do not carry or withdraw large amounts of cash whilst shopping or socialising.

• When carrying bags make sure they are fastened securely – if you are a wheelchair user keep bags in front of you where you can see them.

• Do not flash your valuables – mobiles, MP3 players, and purses – Keep them out of sight and secure in your bag or pocket.

• When using public transport make that you call or text before you leave the train station where it is well lit, staffed and safe, then put your mobile away.

• Don’t leave bags of presents or shopping on display in your car – always use the boot and make sure you take valuables including your car stereo, Sat Nav and holder with you when leaving your car. Always wipe away the circular ring left by the Sat Nav suction pads.

• Drink responsibly, enjoy the festivities but be aware of your surroundings and plan how you will get home safely – arrange to travel home with friends and only use minicabs that are licensed. Text HOME to 60835.

• When traveling don’t take risks or short cuts, stick to well lit main routes and let someone know where you are going.

• Keep an eye on the vulnerable and elderly neighbours; consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch group.

Best Wishes from Wimbledon Park SNT

Thank you for your support throughout the year and we hope you and your families have a great Christmas and New year!

Kind regards
Sgt Danny Smith

Contact the team

We are available on the first Wednesday of each month between 6pm and 8pm at our drop-in surgery in the pavilion at Wimbledon Park.

Sgt Danny Smith
PC Terry Elmer
PC Danny Gulczynski
PCSO Andrew Harvey
PCSO Brett Lavey
PCSO Stephen Marsh

Wimbledonpark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452

Dear resident,

At Merton borough we want to increase the numbers of volunteer police officers ('specials') who work with us to reduce and detect crime where they live. We already have 40 volunteer officers with the full powers of a constable who work with us in various roles from answering 999 calls to making their neighbourhoods safer alongside the safer neighbourhood teams.

Specials make arrests, deal with prisoners conduct stop and search and participate in police operations. I am working full time to train, support and develop our specials to make sure they have the skills and confidence to patrol our streets. Most of our specials have full time jobs and contribute some of their spare time to keeping our streets safe.

We can provide you with full police training, an experienced officer to work with you and develop your skills and the chance to participate in one of the most challenging and exciting jobs in London. If you are interested in finding out more then please drop me an email at VWMailbox-.msc@met.police.uk. Or phone me on my personal mobile 07919 044 056.

Kind regards

Ben Morrison
MSC Manager
Merton Borough

Wimbledon Park Updates

WARD PRIORITIES – BURGLARY, THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLES, ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR and GRAFFITI.
During the past few weeks we have ensured that in addition to the Anti Social Behaviour and graffiti patrols we have spent time on high visibility patrols of the ward to combat burglary and vehicle crime. We have conducted numerous stop and accounts and stop and search over the period and continue to visit every victim of crime to offer crime prevention advice and home security guidance.
Our patrols are aimed at both crime prevention and public reassurance. We are keen to raise awareness of crime prevention measures that residents can take. We are currently concentrating on both the vulnerable vehicle and the home security schemes. We routinely contact owners of vehicles and properties which are either insecure or have valuables on display. If you leave your vehicle or home vulnerable, you may receive a letter or information card from the team pointing out what was seen and how you can improve your security. This is in line with the Operation Bumblebee burglary prevention campaign which is currently a Met priority.
Simple crime prevention and security measures can make a big difference to the incidence of opportunist crimes. The team is always willing to provide advice on crime prevention matters.
As well as having these priorities, the team has also been working in partnership with both the trading standards team and environmental health officers this month. A high profile visit was made to the Wimbledon Market and car boot sale on the 22nd November. The trading standards officers tested weights and measures and checked for any counterfeit goods. The team regularly attends this venue and monitors the goods offered for sale to ensure that this is not an outlet for stolen goods.
WARD PANEL MEETING
Our next ward panel meeting is on 21st January 2010 when we will review our current priorities and update the panel with what we have been doing over the past couple of months. If you have any issues that you would like to be considered for a team priority then please contact us on the details below.

How can we make Merton safer?

Safer Merton is your local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. The partners include a range of agencies such as the police, council and fire brigade, who work together to reduce problems in the borough relating to crime, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol misuse.
By March 2010 Safer Merton will have completed it's third 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 2010/11. To help inform this decision making process we would really appreciate your views and for you to tell us what your top three concerns and priorities are in relation to community safety. Below is a link to a very short form to enable you to provide us with your comments. It should only take a couple of minutes to complete.

www.merton.gov.uk/safermertonconsultation
If you would like any further information about the consultation, please contact the Safer Merton Team on 020 8 274 5971. Alternatively you can email us at safer.merton@merton.gov.uk.

Contact the Wimbledon Park team
We are available on the first Wednesday of each month between 6pm and 8pm at our drop-in surgery in the pavilion at Wimbledon Park.

Your team is
PS Danny Smith
PC Terry Elmer
PC Danny Gulczynski
PCSO Andrew Harvey
PCSO Brett Lavey
PCSO Stephen Marsh
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452
Kind Regards
PS 21VW Danny Smith

There have been a number of thefts from motor vehicles of satellite navigation units, laptops, wallets and other property. These have all been from vehicles that are parked behind locked security gates where the vehicle has been left unlocked. Please can residents be aware that thieves know vehicles behind security gates are often unlocked and therefore an easy target for them.

Please protect yourself by locking your vehicle at all times and do not leave property on display to tempt a thief.

Police have forensicated all of the vehicles that have been broken into in the area and are looking to identify the persons carrying out these thefts.

Operation Bumblebee & Crime Prevention

Operation Bumblebee is a Met wide anti-burglary campaign re-launched this month. There will be additional police activity in the area and there is an opportunity for everyone to assist. There can be an increase in crime at this time of year as the nights draw in, please help us keep crime down
Wimbledon Park SNT would like to remind you about home security in preparation for the clocks turning back next weekend. With the evenings getting darker sooner, it is important to remember that properties are easier to identify as being unoccupied if they are in darkness. This can make them more vulnerable to opportunist thieves. Please make use of timer switches for lights when not at home, do not leave valuables on display, secure your doors and windows and make sure that alarms are set if fitted. These simple steps can make a big difference to the incidence of burglary and we are keen to keep crime rates down.
The team can provide home security information if you would like assistance. We have information packs we can deliver to you and access to property marking equipment to help safeguard your possessions. We can also arrange a crime prevention survey with our crime prevention officer if there are more specific concerns.
Almost every road is covered by a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and we would encourage everyone to look out for their neighbours and report any suspicious activity.
We also have a growing number of people signed up to our dog watch scheme where people using the park and other open spaces are encouraged to report suspicious or anti-social behaviour to us.
In an emergency or if a crime is being committed always call 999

Contact the team
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
Team mobex - 0208 721 2452

PS Danny Smith
PC Terry Elmer
PC Danny Gulczynski
PCSO Andrew Harvey
PCSO Brett Lavey
PCSO Stephen Marsh

Kind regards

PS 21 VW Danny Smith

Wimbledon Park SNT - vehicle crime information.

Vehicle crime remains a priority for the team. There has been an increase in Wimbledon Park and across Merton Borough.
With this in mind, the team will be available on Sunday 18th October 2009 between 10am & 2pm at the new development at the junction of Durnsford Road and Plough Lane. We will be able to offer crime prevention advice for vehicle crime and a range of items which help to improve vehicle security. We can also property mark any valuable items for you.
Vehicle crime is often opportunistic. We have had instances of vehicles left unlocked overnight, car windows left open with a phone and satnav on display and a driver leaving a car unlocked with valuables displayed whilst paying for fuel. In all these cases thefts have occurred which otherwise might not.

What can you do?
Remove ALL items (satellite navigation, including the holder, radios, bags, purses, loose change and items of clothing like coats) from your vehicle whenever you leave it, even if it’s only for a short time. If you really can’t take items with you then put them in the boot out of sight. Wipe away any suction marks left by your satnav holder.
To protect your number plate, motorists can replace the regular screws that attach the number plate to their car with clutch screws. These cannot be unscrewed once in place. Clutch screws are available from car part and hardware stores. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to fit and using them could save motorists the inconvenience, time and expense of having new number plates fitted.
Always take your keys out of the ignition when leaving your vehicle, even if it’s only for a short time.
Keep keys out of sight of the front door to prevent suspects fishing for the keys via your letterbox.
We are keen to reduce crime of this type and hope that more awareness of security will help.
We look forward to seeing people on the day but if you can’t make it, we can be contacted as follows:

WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452

Kind regards

PS 21VW Danny Smith

Wimbledon Park Updates

Halloween & Fireworks

There is often a seasonal increase in anti-social behaviour linked to Halloween and firework sales. The team will be visiting all the local shops in the ward over the next few weeks and asking the shopkeepers to agree not to sell flour and eggs to under 16’s. We will also reinforce their responsibilities relating to the sale of fireworks. There are very few fireworks which persons under the age of 18 can possess or set off in public! We would advise attending an organized display such as the one in Wimbledon Park which is one of the best south of the river.
The team can also provide posters / flyers for residents who would prefer not to be called on during the “Trick or Treat” period. If you would like any advice or a poster to display, please contact the team.

New Dog Watch Scheme for Wimbledon Park Ward

PCSO’s Steve Marsh and Andrew Harvey are launching a new “dog watch” scheme this week. The principal is the same as Neighbourhood watch but aimed at local dog walkers and people who frequently use the wards open spaces. We are keen to create a partnership with more park users. We will be encouraging people to report suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour. An example is the intermittent presence of a dog walker with what is described as a vicious dog (a white Staffordshire Bull type terrier) who has been seen in Wimbledon Park over the last six months. We are keen to speak with the owner to make sure that we have responsible dog ownership and that all dogs are under control. To date we have not identified or located this person and a prompt call from a dog walker may assist.
Steve and Andrew will be in Wimbledon Park and Durnsford Rec with flyers over the next two mornings. If you miss them, you can still contact the team for more information.

Contact the team

We are available by phone and e-mail. You can also meet with a team member in person on the first Wednesday of each month between 6pm and 8pm at our drop-in surgery in the pavilion at Wimbledon Park.

Your team is
PS Danny Smith
PC Terry Elmer
PC Danny Gulczynski
PCSO Andrew Harvey
PCSO Brett Lavey
PCSO Stephen Marsh
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452
We are monitoring the effectiveness of Community Safe therefore we need your comments and feedback.
Do you find the information contained in the messages both interesting and informative?
If not, what information would you like to receive? Please contact us with your views on the team’s e-mail address.
Kind Regards
PS 21VW Danny Smith

Wimbledon Park SNT newsletter
The team currently has priorities of burglary, vehicle crime, graffiti and anti-social behaviour (ASB)
Burglary & Motor vehicle crime
Our targeted patrols and use of the vulnerable vehicle and vulnerable premises schemes continue. We have seen the effect of this as less are coming to notice. We are committed to raising awareness of crime prevention measures to help reduce crime in our area. If you would like advice about crime prevention you can contact the team and we will arrange a visit or survey if necessary.Local residents may have noticed the team involved in two recent Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operations in Plough Lane. This is an important and effective method of both reducing and solving crime. Most criminals move around using motor vehicles and we can disrupt their activities using this technology. We worked in partnership with both Traffic Police Officers and Court Enforcement Officers. Selected vehicles were stopped as a result of reports on our ANPR databases or other driving matters. Forty four vehicles were stopped resulting in three arrests ( possession of a knife, immigration offences and theft of vehicle) outstanding fines totaling over £4,000 were recovered by enforcement officers and two vehicles seized.
We will continue to use this means of targeting those who are breaking the law whilst driving through the Wimbledon Park area.

Graffiti & ASB
The problem of graffiti is still with us. We aim to arrange removal within a couple of days but would rather catch those responsible. If you see any suspects please call the team and / or 999. We treat this crime seriously as it has a big impact on people’s quality of life and perception of crime. A local man has recently been arrested on suspicion of “tagging” in the Wimbledon Park area and possession of cannabis. This is as a result of information from our partners at the London Borough of Merton. A match came up on their database and the details passed to the Wimbledon park team. He is currently on police bail awaiting a charging decision from the Crown Prosecution Service.
Wimbledon Park has been very busy with visitors over the summer. We are pleased that there have been very few recorded incidents of anti-social behaviour. The seizures of alcohol and the removal of rowdy youths from the park at the start of the holiday period appear to have had a positive effect. The presence of both Park Rangers and the SNT office location means that there are frequent patrols and we hope to keep the park trouble free.

Contact the team
We are available on the first Wednesday of each month between 6pm and 8pm at our drop-in surgery in the pavilion at Wimbledon Park.

Your team is
PS Danny Smith
PC Terry Elmer
PCSO Andrew Harvey
PCSO Brett Lavey
PCSO Stephen Marsh
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452
We are monitoring the effectiveness of Community Safe therefore we need your comments and feedback.
Do you find the information contained in the messages both interesting and informative?
If not, what information would you like to receive? Please contact us with your views on the team’s e-mail address.
Kind Regards
PS 21VW Danny Smith

Wimbledon Park Safer Neighbourhoods team are keen to reduce the incidence of vehicle crime in this area. We have been using the vulnerable vehicle scheme for several months and will continue to contact vehicle owners when appropriate.

Vulnerable Vehicle Scheme

The Vulnerable Vehicle Scheme is aimed at reducing the amount of vehicles that are broken into, thereby reducing vehicle crime. Unfortunately some drivers are still leaving their property, often of value, in their cars in plain view of an opportunistic thief. Leaving valuables in sight will encourage a thief to break in. During the course of daily patrols we keep an eye out for vulnerable vehicles, which are vehicles that have property on show or have left windows or doors open.

The types of property that are often left on show are compact discs, mobile phones, MP3 players, laptops, handbags and wallets. Satellite Navigation systems are the thieves favourite at the moment and leaving the suction mount on the windscreen or even the mark left on the glass following removal can cause a thief to break in, so please take them with you and wipe away any marks from the windscreen.

When we come across a vulnerable vehicle we make a note of its registration, the make and model of the vehicle, where it was parked and why we consider it to be at risk. We then write to the registered keeper informing them why it was considered to be at risk. The letter acts as a reminder to the owner to be more safety conscious in the future and will hopefully significantly reduce the crime in the area.

Make sure that all valuables are secure when leaving your vehicle. A few extra seconds of your time will help to deter this sort of crime.
Please always report any suspicious activity.

regards

PS 21VW Danny Smith
Wimbledon Park SNT
WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452

Wimbledon Park SNT newsletter

The team currently have priorities of burglary, vehicle crime, graffiti and anti-social behaviour.

Burglary
The number of burglaries in Wimbledon Park has actually reduced in the last 3 months compared to last year and we want to continue this trend. As well as additional patrols, the team have now adopted a further crime prevention scheme in a bid to reduce burglary. We will be posting burglary footprint leaflets to any houses which are insecure or have obvious security issues. If requested we will arrange for a crime prevention survey to be carried out.

Graffiti
PCSO Steve Marsh is now the team’s nominated single point of contact for any graffiti related problems. He has a direct link with our partners at London Borough of Merton. They maintain a database of tags and pass any intelligence gained to the team. We can usually arrange for graffiti in public places to be removed within a couple of days.

Vehicle crime
We are continuing with high visibility patrols and our vulnerable vehicle scheme. In the last few weeks we have sent out over 30 letters to owners who have left valuables on display. There has been an increase in vehicle crime and it is important that we all do everything we can to prevent this. This has been well received and we are noticing a reduction in vehicles coming to notice. PCSO Andrew Harvey coordinates this scheme.

ASB
With the summer holidays fast approaching we are keen to make sure that our ward and the park remain a trouble-free area. We have been working with the rangers and with calls from the public to deal with under-age drinking. We have twice seized alcohol and recently cleared the park of a group of about 50 teenagers who had been drinking. There were no offences committed on this occasion and the group were encouraged to clear up before they were escorted away.
We will be looking to carry out some spot checks on our licensed premises in the near future with test purchases being conducted to make sure alcohol is not being sold to minors.

Contact the team

We are available on the first Wednesday of each month between 6pm and 8pm at our drop-in surgery in the pavilion at Wimbledon Park.
The team’s next community event will be at the new development on Durnsford Road on 11th July 2009 between 1000 & 1200 hrs where we will be providing a cycle marking service.
Come along and meet the team and safeguard your cycles.

Your team are
PS Danny Smith
PC Terry Elmer
PCSO Andrew Harvey
PCSO Brett Lavey
PCSO Stephen Marsh

WimbledonPark.snt@met.police.uk
0208 721 2452

We are monitoring the effectiveness of Community Safe therefore we need your comments and feedback.
Do you find the information contained in the messages both interesting and informative?
If not, what information would you like to receive?
Any other comments.

Please contact us with your views on the team’s e-mail address.

Kind Regards

PS 21VW Danny Smith