CommunitySafe.gov.uk

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. SPECIFICALLY FOR THE WEST BARNES WARD THERE WAS A SPATE OF NUMBER PLATE THEFTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS. WHILE ONLY ONE HAS SO FAR BEEN REPORTED IN JANUARY, NEIGHBOURING WARDS HAVE SUFFERED SOME. 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. WE WILL DELIVER THEM AND UV PENS FOR PROPERTY MARKING TO YOUR HOUSE IF YOU CONTACT US. For any further information please contact your local West Barnes Neighbourhood Team via the main Met Police website by telephone or by e-mail. Graham Chapman PS 54VW 0208 721 2454 email: westbarnes.snt@met.police.uk