As the nights draw in, the Met commences Operation ‘Autumn Nights’, its seasonal awareness campaign to combat burglary, robbery and anti-social behaviour. With clocks due to go back an hour on Sunday 28 October and both Halloween and bonfire night approaching, residents become more vulnerable to burglars as the evenings get darker and burglars find it easy to identify unoccupied homes left in the dark.

So people of Merton Borough, here are the top ten tips for crime prevention from the Met! 

1. Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your house name.

2. Register items with a serial number at http://www.immobilise.com/

3. Do not leave your car keys, valuables or ID documents near a door, letterbox or window.

4. Always check who's at the door and don't open it if you feel anxious.

5. Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.

6. Keep your valuables out of sight.

7. Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home.

8. Fit a mortice lock to your front door and other external doors. Consider installing a burglar alarm.

9. Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked.

10. Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away for days or weeks at a time.

For those of you who may be attending Olympic venues, please be aware of the below article. It is worth remembering that Wimbledon Town Centre & Wimbedon Village may see significant numbers of visitors who will attend to enjoy the Olympic tennis.

Of these, there may be a small minority who seek to use the opportunity to their criminal advantage.

..........................................................................................................................................

**Inside the one-second theft** As police warn that gangs of pickpockets could target Olympic spectators, one shows off his "one-second" technique.

 

 

http:// www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/uk-18798792

We have received reports that men are calling colding stating there is a problem with leaks and attempting to get home owners to hire dehumidifiers at extortionate rates. We urge all residents not be persuaded to buy, hire or have work carried out on their homes by doorstep ‘workmen'. If you receive such an approach don’t let any workmen into your home under any circumstances. If you are suspicious of any callers, keep them shut out and call police immediately on 999.

Merton Police are now on Twitter - Please follow us on #MPSMerton - For updates on the police in your community.

This is not a crime reporting system and we can always be contacted in an emergency on 999 and by the non emergency number 101.

Crime alert / Appeal for witnesses

Distraction Burglaries

Dear Resident,

Police are investigating a distraction burglary that occurred in the Canterbury Road area of Morden (St Helier ward) on Thursday 29th March 2012 at 11 AM. We are appealing for witnesses to this offence.

 

The suspect is described as:-

 

Male, White in his late 20’s / early 30’s. He is of Medium build with Short brown Hair and ‘fluffy’ facial hair. He had an Eastern European accent.  He was wearing a Dark shirt, dark trousers and dark cardigan. He was wearing leather sandals with a bandage around one of his ankles.

 

He gained access to the house pretending to be from the gas board.

 

If you have any information please contact DI Daniel O’Sullivan on 0208 649 4044

 

If you have been a victim of this type of crime and have not reported it to police - please contact Police on the 101 non-emergency number to report.

 

 

Crime prevention advice

 

Bogus callers are people who try to con their way into your home to steal, or trick you out of money. They might pretend to be an official from a gas or Electricity Company, or a salesperson. It may even just be someone with a hard luck

Story claiming to need to borrow a few pounds, or wanting to use your telephone in an emergency.

 

• If you are not expecting a visitor: find out who is outside before you answer the door by using a spy-hole or looking through a window.

 

• If you do not recognise the caller, put the security chain on before you open the door.

 

• Ask to see identification and examine it carefully, or you can ask them to post proof of identity through your letter-box.

 

• If you are still unsure, telephone the organisation they say they are from – get the number from a bill or your phone book rather than ringing the number they give you, which could be answered by an accomplice.

 

• Alternatively, ask them to come back at another time when someone will be with you, or tell them to write to you to arrange an appointment.

 

• Don't keep large quantities of cash at home; put it in the bank where it is safe.

 

• Telephone a neighbour or friend nearby to come along and check out the caller before you open the door to them.

 

• Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door.

 

• If somebody asks for your help – needs to make a telephone call, lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper for example, refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door. Alternatively, call a friend or neighbour to come and assist.

 

• Remember, you do not have to let any stranger into your home. If you are suspicious or the caller will not leave, dial 999 and ask for the police.

 

 

• Not sure - Don’t open the door

 

If you require crime prevention advice - Please contact your local Safer Neighborhood team who are here to help you.

In the news on 07/03/12 it was stated that card fraud has fallen to its lowest level in 11 years. This is positive news. However, we want to highlight the need to be ever vigilant to new and existing card fraud scams such as the one detailed below.  

 

How does this scam work?

 

You receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be from your bank.

He or she will say their systems have spotted a fraudulent payment on your

card or that your card is due to expire and needs replacing.

 

You may be asked to ring back using the telephone number on the back of your card - which further convinces you that the call is genuine. However, the caller keeps the line open at their end so, when you make the call, you are unknowingly connected straight back to the fraudster.

 

Then, by seeming to offer assistance, the fraudster tries to gain your trust. In most cases you are asked to ‘cancel’ your existing card or ‘activate’ or ‘authorise’ a replacement card by keying your PIN into the handset of your phone.

 

The fraudster then poses as a bank representative who agrees to collect your card from your home, sometimes offering you a replacement card, which is a fake.

 

In some cases a genuine courier company is hired to pick up the card from your home address. The victim will have been asked to place the card into an envelope ready for collection. Once they have your card and PIN the fraudster uses them to spend your money.

 

A variation of the scam involves the fraudster ringing a prospective victim and claiming to be from the police – again with the aim of going to the victim’s home to collect the card and PIN.

 

What can I do to avoid being a victim of this scam?

 

• Neither your bank nor the police would ever ring you and state that they are coming to your home to pick up your card, so never hand it over to anyone who comes to collect it.

 

• Your bank will NEVER ask you to authorise anything by entering your PIN into the telephone handset.

 

• NEVER share your PIN with anyone – the only times you should use your PIN is at a cash machine or when you use a chip and PIN machine in a shop / restaurant.

 

 

I think I might have been a victim of this scam - what should I do?

 

If the criminals are nearby ring the Police immediately on 999, otherwise report the crime to your local Police via 101.

If you think you have been the victim of a fraud or scam of this nature you should also call your bank or card company immediately.

There is currently an increase in domestic burglary where those entering homes are removing jewellery

- If you keep valuable jewellery at home, keep it in a locked safe that cannot be easily removed.

- Don’t display gold jewellery on show in public unnecessarily.

- Ensure your doors and windows are closed and locked when you leave and remove keys from locks.

- Set your burglar alarm when you go out.

- Look like you are in when you are out – use a timer switch to turn lights on at night if you are out for a long period of time.

Thank you for continuing communitysafe. if you wish to contact the team, please do so via Mertonpark.SNT@Met.police.uk or to 0208 721 2451

For non-emergency calls, where life is not endangered dial  101, or in case of emergency where life is endangered 999

Your Local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are working closely with Halfords Autocentre to reduce the risk of

vehicle crime.

 

Across London there has been an increase in vehicle crime and a significant rise in the theft of registration plates.  Stolen plates are often used to commit other offences including speeding, fuel theft and driving of stolen vehicles.

 

Halfords Autocentre and the local safer neighbourhoods teams are offering a free fitting of Tamper Proof

Screws to your car

Saturday 18th February 2012

Event times 10am - 4pm

Halfords Auto Centre, Puma Industrial Estate,  Morden Road, Mitcham

All those attending will receive a discount voucher for future purchases

Please inform your relatives, friends and neighbours of the above event.

Ward Panel Virtual Surveys

Dear Members,

We would like to invite you all to have your say on the teams Local Policing Priorities that affect you the residents of Merton Park

By consulting with Community Safe members under a “Virtual Ward Panel Survey” we aim to capture the views of our diverse community in order to identify and tackle the issues that matter to you. The results of this process will be discussed at the dedicated Ward Panel meeting

A Ward Panel is the forum where representatives of your neighbourhood, your Local Safer Neighbourhoods Police team and Local Authority meet to agree local policing priorities four times a year.

Your contribution, via this survey, will help make decisions more relevant to your local area and the problems that affect your community.

There is a facility within this survey to add additional comments, enabling you to make the local policing team aware of any other community concerns you may have.

If you would rather not take part in this process please ignore the Survey upon receipt or email the team direct to be taken of the circulation list.

Thank you for your support of the team and local community.

Regards

Dear Merton Park resident.

When recycling cardboard boxes and wrapping from your Christmas gifts, please be aware that you may inadvertently ‘ advertise ’ that lovely new tap-top, Widescreen TV, or any other desirable electrical product, or jewellery which you may have received.

Consider obscuring the product’s identity by exposing the inner side of the cardboard box when you place your recycling out for collection.

Please note that this advice may also be pertinent of you are off to the Christmas sales too !!

We will be running ‘property marking’ events early in the new year, and advertise them here, and on our website at http://content.met.police.uk/Team/Merton/MertonPark

As ever, if you need free crime prevention advice regarding your home security, please contact us on 020 8721 2451

A recent method used for the commission of burglaries has been as follows.  A lone female will approach an address and throw what appears to be a squash ball or pebbles at a window.  They get no response and walk off.  About 5 minutes later a team of three males arrive and proceed to enter into the property.

There is reason to believe the ‘team’ may be of South American appearance, but of course, this particular method of establishing whether a home is occupied or not, might be used by any burglar.

 

Whilst increased vigilance is always to be encouraged around this time of year, this particular method is one which we wish to bring to your attention.

 

As ever, if you have any information, do please contact us via either mertonpark.SNT@met.police.uk, or on 0208 721 2451.

 

If life is endangered, or a crime is being committed ‘ now ‘, always ring 999,

 

Thank You

Rising temperatures and hot weather present criminals with additional opportunities. Taking a few simple precautions can reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of a summer crime. 

People are generally more relaxed when they are in their own homes and security can lapse, particularly with the onset of good weather. In summer burglary rates can increase as access to properties becomes easier via open or insecure windows. London can be a hot, stuffy place; naturally we like to ventilate our homes and/or business premises. Burglars will exploit any open window. 

Even if you are in the building a burglar will often strike while householders sleep upstairs, or when you are just in the back garden, or another part of the building. We encourage people to fit and most importantly, use good mortice locks on all doors and key operated locks on accessible windows (do not leave keys in the locks). 
"Accessible windows" are ones relatively easy to reach. The obvious ones are those at ground level, but those above a ground floor extension or porch, or next to a drainpipe can be equally as easy to reach. 

Traditional sash windows can be secured by fitting two pairs of sash stops to the upper frame. The lower pair locks the window shut, but can be removed to allow a 6-inch gap for ventilation; the upper pair prevents the window being opened further. Be mindful of a criminals’ ability to fish for nearby items via this gap though, the window is secure to actual entry perhaps, but not entirely secure. A room with a window secured in this fashion should not be left unoccupied and items of value should never be left in view of such a window, even if the room is occupied: a thief can strike in a matter of seconds if the item is close enough to the window.

 

 Ask neighbours to keep an eye on your property while you are away, be prepared to return the favour.When parking your motor vehicles never leave valuables, including sunglasses on display. Encourage visitors to do the same.  Even indications there may be something of worth in your car can give rise to an attempt – a jacket on the back seat or floor of the car, sucker marks on the window from a satellite navigation cradle etc

 

Whilst driving in slow traffic, remember handbags, phones etc on seats could be grabbed through an open window. The offender might be on a bicycle or moped with little chance of being caught. 

Cycle crime increases in summer simply because more people use their bikes. Unattended bicycles should always be locked to something solid. Secure the frame and wheels, two locks being better than one. Remember those expensive bike accessories as well take them with you. Visit www.bikeoff.org for further information on reducing cycle crime (as well as others – a more detailed list an be provided by your local Crime Prevention Officer).

 

Finally, remember to care for personal possessions when out walking. The Borough has several parks and open places to enjoy in warm weather, don't let a Robber spoil your day.

Dear all,

Safer Merton is your local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. The partners include a range of agencies such as the Police, Council, Fire Brigade, Health and Probation Services, working together to reduce problems in the borough related to crime, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol misuse.

By March 2012 Safer Merton will have completed its annual borough wide Strategic Assessment. This assessment examines all the crimes that have happened in Merton in order to help us set the Partnership’s priorities for 2012/13.

To help inform this decision making process we would really appreciate your views and for you to tell us what your concerns and priorities are. Below is a link to a form to enable you to provide us with your comments.

http://www.merton.gov.uk/safermertonconsultation

The consultation period will begin on the 19th August and the deadline for comments is the 23rd of September 2011. For more information, please contact Safer Merton at safer.merton@merton.gov.uk or alternatively please call us on 020 8 545 4146

 

 

Many thanks

 

Safer Merton

Neighbourhood Watch are offering women the chance to learn various techniques regarding women’s self-protection. The chances of being a victim of an attack are very unlikely but you will be taught skills that could assist you in dealing with confrontational situations. The training is being offered free of charge but you will need to commit to two 1 and a 1/2 hour sessions over two weeks (one session each week). In order to be as inclusive as possible we are holding 4 events, two of which are during the day.

Date as follows:

12th and 19th October 2011 - 7pm-8.30pm -  Mitcham Police Station
29th November and 6th December 2011 - 7pm-8.30pm - Morden - Civic Centre
7th and 14th December 2011 - 11am-12.30pm - Wimbledon - Venue TBC

The sessions are being run by Leoni Munslow, who has 20 years experience in martial arts and holds a black belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu, a brown belt in Judo and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). An active competitor in domestic and international competitions, Leoni is the current British Champion in BJJ and has been nominated "UK female competitor of the year 2010" by the European Fight Network.

If you are interested in attending one of the sessions please contact the Neighbourhood Watch office at mertonnhw@met.police.uk or call 020 8649 3213

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.

 

 

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.

This is a quick reminder that regularly updated images, of those sought in connection with the disorder in London, are available on either  www.met.police.uk/disordersuspects/  or on the Metropolitan's Police flickr page.

 

If you have any suspicions about persons selling ‘new’ goods, particularly sports goods, electrical equipment, or mobile phones in suspicious circumstances, please contact 999 if it is happening ‘now’ or via   crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information regarding it.

 

Thank you for your help in this matter

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.    

Dick Wolfenden
Merton Borough Commander

merton@met.police.uk

Last night London did not see the levels of disorder we saw the previous night and large numbers of officers on the streets prevented incidents occurring.

 

We will continue with similar numbers of officers on the streets of London tonight and this will be reviewed on a daily basis.

 

We ask members of the public to remain vigilant and take sensible precautions to ensure their safety.

 

We would advise members of the public to avoid any unnecessary travel to areas that have been affected by the events of the last few of days, and help the emergency services by giving us the room that we need to respond. Make sure you are safe and do not put yourselves into vulnerable positions.

 

It is possible that your journeys to and from your destination may be affected so think ahead and plan carefully. Stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you. If you do have any concerns about returning home, you should consider staying with friends or family members outside of the affected areas.

 

Over the last 24 hour period we have taken almost double the 999 calls that we normally would see (10,000 compared to a normal 5,300).  However during the previous 24 hour period to this we received over 20,000 999 calls.  Consequently some callers may experience difficulty in getting through to 999, or waiting longer than usual for their call to be answered. We would ask you to bear with us, and only use 999 in situations that require an immediate police response. 

 

We wish to reassure members of the public that we continue to have plans and resources in place to respond to any further disorder, deal with normal policing across the city and keep Londoners safe.  We continue to work with our partners and the community to ensure residents and businesses can go about their daily lives in confidence.

Merton Borough Commander Dick Wolfenden said "Following on from the violence, disorder, theft and criminal damage which took place on Monday evening within Merton we have worked together with the local authority, community groups (especially the business community) and other local stakeholders to plan and prepare for any outbreaks of similar criminal activity on the borough."

"As a result of a significant number of extra resources (supplemented by volunteers, special constables, police staff and other regular officers who have volunteered to come in from home) we are in a much improved position to cope with any future civil unrest and disorder."

"Our local CID are actively investigating the events that took place on Monday evening and we will follow all available leads to bring those responsible to justice. Last night was significantly quiet and any intelligence which suggested that groups were gathering intent on criminal behavior was actioned and potential offenders robustly dealt with."

"Our current intelligence does not suggest any immediate threat to local public order, however we are not complacent and will ensure we sustain optimum staffing levels for some time to come. "

"As always, I am extremely proud of all my staff and especially those who for a considerable time were expected to deal with large hostile crowds who were intent on causing criminal damage and stealing goods. We have been overwhelmed by messages of support from all sections of the community which has also been greatly appreciated by all staff."

"If you would like to pass on any comments or thoughts to our officers and staff, please email us at merton@met.police.uk".

"Merton police warn anyone who may be inclined to engage in civil disorder and theft to consider the consequences of such action - especially in terms of how such activity is impacting on their local communities."

"We also encourage anyone who knows of any individuals or groups that have either been involved in the recent disorder or are planning future events to let us know by calling the Major Incident Room on 0208 345 4142, or the new 101 non-emergency police contact number."

"You can also call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111."

"Remember - in any case of emergency always dial 999."

In response to the recent disorder, in different parts of London,  please be aware that from now, and in the near future, images of those suspects that The Metropolitan Police wish to identify in connection with ‘Operation Withern‘ are being displayed on both http://www.met.police.uk/rioterswanted/

and also via the social networking site, ‘ Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/metropolitanpolice/sets/72157627267892973/ 

 

We do encourage you to look at these images.

 

DAC Steve Kavanagh said:

 

"We are now undertaking an operation to identify those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will not tolerate this dangerous behaviour."

 

Anyone with information relating to the violent unrest experienced in London is urged to contact the incident room hotline, to report any information which may assist investigators as they bring arrests against those responsible for looting, disorder and violence. Incident room hotline: 0208 345 4142.

 

Please remember that you may also contact Crimestoppers, free of charge, and anonymously if you wish on 0800 555 111

 

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.

More and more of us now own either mobile phones, or, increasingly, iphones or similar mobile communication devices.

 

Please ensure that the ‘IMEI’ number of your mobile device is known to you, and recorded, securely, away from the phone itself.

 

This unique, 15-digit IMEI number, specific to each and every individual mobile phone, including i-phones,  can be found by dialling *#06# from the handset.

 

The IMEI number will then automatically be displayed on your handset.

 

The IMEI number is very useful to officers should you be unfortunate enough to have the item stolen from you as it assists in recovering the specific phone which was taken

 

Thank you for continuing to use communitysafe..

MertonPark.SNT@met.police.uk 0208 721 2451