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Dear Residents,
On behalf of the Abbey Safer Neighbourhood Team, I would like to wish all our residents, workers & visitors to Abbey 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 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 Abbey 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 flytipping.
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 Alleygate Coordinator can be contacted on 020 8545 4786.
6. Become a MetVolunteer 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 MetVolunteer.
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 also 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.
Best Wishes for 2010,
Emma Gardiner
PS18VW
Abbey SNT
0208 6493584
abbey@met.police.uk
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