Ladies and Gentlemen of Trinity Ward

 

 

As your Sergeant for Trinity SNT, I am trying to register interest in taking part in a new initiative which aims to increase the police's understanding of the issues which affect you, the community.

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.

Your contribution, via a survey, will help make their decisions more relevant to your local area and the problems that affect your community.  The survey will be emailed to you approx 2 weeks before the Ward Panel meet. It involves you filling out a handful of questions and returning the survey. The results of this survey I will present to the Ward Panel at the relevant meeting.

There will be 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.

 

Please reply to the email address for PCSO Di Maria of Gabriella.Di-Maria@met.police.uk and feel free to add email details of anyone else who may be interested.

PS3VW Stuart WILTSHIRE
Trinity Safer Neighbourhood Team

Telephone: 0208 721 2453

Dear Resident/Member

Please recycle your cardboard boxes from your Christmas gifts.  Please break boxes down and pop them in your recycling box so that expensive new presents received aren't on show - this can help prevent you from being a burglary target.

May I wish you all “A Merry Christmas” from Trinity Team and in advance can I wish all of you a Happy New Year.

 

Regards

PS Stuart WILTSHIRE

Dear Resident

Although crime levels are actually down compared to 2010, we have recently experienced an increase in local burglary offences.

This is just a quick reminder of some simple ways you can reduce the chances of your house getting burgled in the future.

1. Lock your doors! Sounds like patronising advice, but in the last week at least two local properties were accessed via an unlocked back door!

2. If you have a UPVC front door, please make sure it is locked at night. Keep the key in a place where you can access it quickly, but where it cannot be  'hooked' through the letterbox.

3. If you have any tools in your back garden, e.g a garden spade or fork. please lock them away in a shed. Burglars quite often use these items to lever open windows and doors. It makes things easy for them!

4. Consider upgrading your home security, burglars don't like many of the following features;

• Dogs! - but if you don't want a dog, think about a 'Beware of the dog' sticker.
• Alarm boxes (real or dummy)
• CCTV cameras (real or dummy)
• Anti-climb paint on fences or drainpipes
• Motion sensor security lighting
• Barrier fencing above garden gates and walls

Regards

PS Stuart WILTSHIRE

Dear Resident

Many of the thieves believe that our houses are at their most vulnerable over Christmas, when we're out meeting friends and leaving presents wrapped tantalisingly under the tree.

The risk of burglary doesn't end after the presents have been opened. The number of break-ins usually increases after Christmas, reaching its peak on New Year's Eve.

It's worth checking what insurance cover you have if the worst does happen. Many home contents policies automatically increase their cover during the festive season, but a quick call to your insurer will make sure you're protected for the extra goodies under your tree.

Top tips to reduce your chances of a Christmas burglary

·        Look at your house like a burglar would, Christmas is the only time of year when we advertise all the goods in our house to such an extent.

·        Don't hide your presents in obvious places like under the bed or in the wardrobe. Thieves are less likely to get into the attic.

·        Before wrapping presents jot down model and serial numbers. Keep receipts separate so you have a record and thieves can't return your items to the shop.

·        Don't put gifts under the tree, or if you do, pull your curtains!

·        After opening presents put your postcode on with a permanent marker to make them harder to sell on and therefore less attractive to thieves - they are also more likely to be returned to you by police if found.

·        Rip up present boxes and take them to the tip - they are an indication that a house has brand new and valuable contents.

·        Make it look like you're in when you're out at Christmas parties and don't make your house vulnerable - keep lights on, windows and gates locked, use alarms and keep a car in the driveway (according to the Home Office, no force is required in as many as a fifth of burglaries because doors and windows are left open)

·        Secure sheds just as well as houses - they contain just the tools a burglar needs to get into your house. Garden forks are particularly useful as are makeshift ladders like wheelie bins and trampolines so keep them chained up.

 

Christmas is a time when many of us are spending time away from home visiting family or traveling abroad to escape the winter chill. It is also a time when the house is full of valuable items such as gifts, food and wine. Because of this, Christmas traditionally sees an increase in domestic burglary, with criminals targeting homes when they are at their most vulnerable. Whilst home insurance may be the last thing on your mind during the busy festive period, it is essential that you protect your home with contents insurance for high value items.

According to research, burglaries rise by 63% during the winter months, a figure which has perhaps increased in recent years as a result of the recession. However, whilst the nation is still gripped by economic woes, Christmas spending remains high and December 2010 saw consumer spending reach £4.09billion. To most of us, this expenditure manifests as presents for the family or food and drink to share with friends, but to a select group of criminals this figure means more items to steal.

To avoid being a victim of festive theft, take a look at these tips for protecting your home this Christmas.

Insurance

On average, a British household will spend around £624 on presents and other seasonal products meaning the worth of your contents significantly increases. It is worth getting in touch with your insurer to find out whether your contents insurance policy covers you for these additions so that if the worst occurs your financial losses can be kept to a minimum. Some policies automatically increase your contents sum insured by 10% over the Christmas period – it’s certainly worth seeing whether your policy offers this.

Safe storage

With more luxury items in the home than any other month of the year, burglars and opportunistic thieves take to residential areas to prey on unsuspecting households and one of the first things they will look for is items under the Christmas tree. Try to avoid displaying gifts here and keep all items hidden in a bedroom or attic until Christmas Eve as this can make your home an obvious target.

Box disposal

Once all the gifts have been opened, steer clear of leaving the empty boxes and packaging in plain sight. This acts as a glaring advertisement to thieves and shows them all the valuable items you now have in your home. Post-Christmas can be just as bad for burglaries, so make sure you dispose of packaging responsibly by ripping it up, taking it to the tip and recycling.

Signs of life

Burglars will be on the prowl for homes that look empty during the Christmas period, so make sure there are signs of life about your household. If you are out for a night or perhaps going away for a few days, make it look like you are in by keeping lights on, or installing automatic timer-switches to come on at intervals. According to the Home Office, one fifth of all burglaries require no force as windows and doors are frequently left open, so always make sure everything is locked and your home is fully secure before you leave.

 Regards

 

PS WILTSHIRE

Trinity Ward

 

Merton Trading Standards are reporting a noticeable rise in scams targeting local residents and businesses.

One recently reported scam concerns telephone calls from con artists who attempt to gain bank and personal details from victims by claiming they are entitled to compensation following a road traffic collision.

The usual technique is to phone the victims on a withheld number from overseas and tell them they know the victim has been in a car accident in the last few years and that they are eligible to claim compensation if they have been in a road accident.

Trading Standards are warning residents not to part with their bank or personal details unless they know they are dealing with a genuine organisation. They stress you should never let yourself to be pressured or persuaded into releasing your details to someone you do not know or trust.

 

www.merton.gov.uk/scamsFor more information on scams and how to avoid being caught out please visit

Regards

PS Stuart WILTSHIRE

 

 

 

Dear Resident 

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.

 

Please don’t make it easy for them go take your hard earned belongings.

If you would like more information on this, please do not hesitate to contact Trinity SNT on: 0208 721 2453

Many thanks

PS Stuart Wiltshire

 

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.

CYCLE THEFT CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE

 

The following is a guide on various measures that can be taken in order to reduce the risk of your pedal cycle being stolen.

 

LOCKS

 

First and foremost it is important to emphasise that the best way to reduce the risk of bike theft is to invest in a substantial bike lock, there are many different types available on the market, but D-locks and heavy chain locks are particularly strong and will help reduce the risk of bike theft. For further advice see www.soldsecure.com.

 

LOCKING YOUR BIKE

 

It is important when locking your bike that any removable parts, i.e. wheels, saddles etc, are either removed or secured with the bike, and most importantly make sure the main frame is secured to whichever locking point you are using. Any locks use you use should not be allowed to trail on the floor as this will aid any thief in attempting to break the lock. When you secure the bike, make sure that it is locked in such a way that any movement is limited making it hard for anyone to position it to facilitate cutting the lock.

 

When choosing your locking point it is important to secure the bike to an immovable object or stand, preferably a designated cycle stand. It is also worth bearing in mind that if you avoid locking your bike in an isolated and dimly lit location, you limit any opportunities for potential thieves.

When locking your bike to a lamppost or sign, consider the height and assess whether it would be possible for someone to lift the bike and lock over the top in order to steal it.

 

BIKE IDENTIFICATION

 

It is important to make note of any serial numbers or unique features of your bike to make it easy to trace or identify in the event it is stolen, and you can also register your cycle with a bike marking scheme online. It is quite common for police to recover stolen bikes where we are unable to re-unite it with an owner as the bike has not been registered and quite often because the owner has not reported the theft to police in the first place.

Reporting stolen bikes not only helps us with restoring it to the owner but it can also provide us with valuable information which can assist us in tackling bike theft on the streets. Companies such as SELECTAMARK provide online marking schemes.

 

PURCHASING BIKES ONLINE

 

When purchasing bikes online from private sellers it is important to ask yourself a question, is the sale price too good to be true? If so then there is a possibility that the bike is stolen! Find out how much the bike is worth first and then compare that with the asking price.

 

PS Stuart Wiltshire 

Trinity SNT

  

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.

 

 

Dear residents,

                        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

Safer Transport Command and Trinity SNT would like you to come and have your bike marked.

 

Friday 19th August 2011 in Queens Road, SW19 opposite Police Station between 07:30 and 10:00 hrs.

 

We look forward to meeting you.

Trinity Ward Safer Neighbourhoods Team

Tel: 0208 721 2453   

 

Email: Trinity.SNT@met.police.uk

 

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.

Dear residents,

 

Merton Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Dick Wolfenden writes "Since my last update (6pm yesterday), much work has been done overnight in relation to identifying and arresting those responsible for Monday night's serious disorder in Colliers Wood.

 

This morning a number of search warrants have been executed locally by Merton police, leading to a number of arrests.  

A significant amount of property believed to have been stolen from local retailers has been recovered.

 

Last night was relatively quiet with no outbreaks of disorder. Current policing levels are set to continue and will be reviewed on a daily basis.

I would like to thank the many members of our local communities and businesses who have been providing information to us about suspected looters and those involved in the violence, and supporting my officers and staff with so many messages of goodwill. 

 

We urge our communities to continue helping us, giving any information on the identities of the wanted people whose CCTV images we either have or will be releasing over the coming days. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 11 or Merton Police via 101 any time.

 

We continue to work closely with our partners at Merton Council and I thank them for the extraordinary support they are giving us in so many practical ways.

I have been asked by a number of stakeholders to explain the purpose of two operations that are running at the moment 'Operation Kirkin' and 'Operation Withern'

 

Operation Kirkin is the overall MPS policing operation which is coordinating a pan-London response to the series of outbreaks of criminality and disorder across London which commenced in Haringey Borough on Saturday 6th August and has spread to other London boroughs, including Merton.

Operation Withern is the Pan-London dedicated criminal investigation which is coordinating the resources and investigative strategies associated with all the crimes associated with the same events.

 

Merton Borough is aligned to and supporting both operations, making full use of the central and specialist support and additional resources available from elsewhere within the organisation.

 

Finally many of my staff are tired, but we remain absolutely resolute in our shared desire to do all that we possibly can to continue to keep communities within the borough safe and prevent bad things happening to good people.

As always, on behalf of all at Merton Police, thank you once again for the many messages of support we are currently receiving.   

 

Regards,

 

Sgt Stuart Wiltshire PS 3

Trinity SNT

 

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.

Protecting our communities in Merton!

 

Are you concerned about current issues of terrorism and related crime?

 

Would you like to know more about the work of your local police teams, protecting our communities?

 

If you live or work in Merton, we would like to invite YOU

to attend our next Project Griffin Presentation at

 

New Wimbledon Theatre

11am Thursday 1 September 2011

(registration/ tea and coffee from 10.15am)

 

Come and meet your counter-terrorist police unit, listen to speakers from specialist investigation teams and other partner organisations.

 

To secure YOUR free place at this important event, please email at projectgriffin.merton@met.police.uk today or call 101 and ask for “Merton Police Project Griffin”

 

Project Griffin is a London-wide police operation informing, advising and guiding public and private sector businesses and organisations about issues of counter-terrorism and security. We aim to engage and enable those working in our community to work in partnership with police to deter and detect terrorist activity and related crime.

 

www.met.police.uk/projectgriffin

Attached is information relating to an event taking place at Wimbledon Theatre.  Please take time to read this and I look forward to seeing some of you there.

Regards

PS Stuart WILTSHIRE

Trinity Ward

• Protecting our communities in Merton! (77.5 KB)

Around 150,000 bicycles are stolen across Britain every year, with bike theft proving to be a growing frustration for cyclists everywhere. You can make your bike more secure using the following tips:

·                 Do not leave cycles in isolated places

·                 Make sure you secure bikes to proper cycle stands or robust street furniture (but do observe any requests not to use certain items of street furniture and be sure not to cause any damage)

·                 Lock cycles through the frame, and secure or remove wheels. Also remove smaller parts and accessories that can't be secured, especially lights, pumps and quick release saddles

·                 Make the lock hard to maneuver when parked.

·                 Do not allow thieves to place your lock(s) in contact with the ground.

·                 Park cycles safely and considerately where they will not cause a danger or obstruction to others, particularly to older people, young children or people with disabilities. And always lock a cycle when leaving it, even if it's only for a few minutes.

Get a lock that works

Call Sold Secure on 01327 264687 or visit soldsecure.com for a list of approved locks. They also strongly recommended ground or wall anchors for use in a garage or shed.

More than half of all bike thefts take place from the owner's property so ensure garages and sheds are well secured and never leave your bike unattended outside your home, even for just a short time.

Register it

Register your bike at immobilise.com

This will make it easier for the police to reunite you with your bike if it is recovered.

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)

Dear members, Merton's Dog Watch scheme will be holding an event on: Saturday 9th July 2011 in South Park Gardens, SW19 between 10am and 1pm. The scheme is aimed at dog owners from across Trinity ward and aims to collect information from members about issues in their area that impact on their quality of life, for example, anti social behaviour, dangerous dogs or even untaxed vehicles. The scheme will also be used to advise and inform owners on dog welfare, care and legislation, through a quarterly newsletter. Please come along and support the event and bring your family, including your dog! There will be free micro chipping, advice re legislation and lots more. For more information or to sign up to the scheme, do not hesitate to contact Clare.L.Hammond@met.police.uk or on 020 8721 2456 or Trinity SNT on Trinity.snt@met.police.uk Kind Regards, PS3VW Stuart WILTSHIRE Trinity SNT

Dear Members Recently there have been a number of 'Baby buggies' that have been stolen from peoples front gardens. A few have been stolen even when the owner has left the buggy outside for as little as 10 minutes. Please always make sure that your buggy is not left unattended outside your house unless it is securely locked even if this is for a few minutes. Kind regards Trinity SNT

Dear members Now that the summer months are coming please be extra vigilant with security measures around your property. Many people are leaving windows open of an evening time and leaving them open during the night. If the windows are open on ground level this can provide easy access for intruders to reach through and steal items or open up larger windows to gain access. Many people are now leaving there bicycles outside their property unlocked. Whether this is for a few minutes or left overnight please make sure that they are locked. If you have a shed in your garden please make sure that this is locked or has some kind of locking mechanism rather than just a latch keeping it shut. Other crime prevention tips can be as simple as putting trellis up above your fence. Please enjoy the summer months but be security conscious with your property. Kind regards PC Pierce 233 VW

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.