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

Please, Double lock your door

 

Merton Park residents are urged to double lock their front doors whenever they leave their homes, and for whatever period of time.

 

Although not in Merton Park, there has been an increase in offences in Merton where Yale-type night latches, have been ‘slipped’, and entry to homes gained.

 

The simple precaution of using your deadlock, whenever you leave, will prevent this method of entry from being successful.

 

Through the diligent security practices of Merton Park residents, since the start of JUNE,  there have only been 3 residential burglaries where entry was effected and property  taken. Laptops were the most vulnerable items.

 

At 2 of these, a window was left open, at the third, the front door was not double locked.

 

3 offences were successfully prevented when the attempt at entry was thwarted by the windows being locked, and entry denied to the potential offender.

 

Please remember to lock when you leave, next time, and every time.

 

If you wish to arrange a free home security visit, then please contact us on 0208 721 2451, or via mertonpark.snt@met.police.uk

 

Thank you for continuing to use community safe

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)

Please be aware that, as the price of metal increases, so metal theft is increasing too. If you have a wrought iron garden gate, then please ensure it is fitted in such a way to prevent it being lifted directly from it’s hinges. If you are having a bathroom refitted, please ensure that the contractor you use does NOT allow the old water tank or boiler to linger outside without proper disposal. Such unattended items can attract callers which you may prefer not to have, and finally, as ever, our advice is to always double lock your doors whenever you leave your home. Of this month’s 3 substantive residential burglaries in Merton Park, ALL occurred where either, windows were left open, or front doors were not double locked on leaving. At 2 other homes, would-be burglars were thwarted by locked windows, and abandoned their attempts at entering the premises after being foiled by the locks Please lock it when you leave, next time and every time. If you would like one of our free home security surveys, then please contact us on Mertonpark.SNT@met.police.uk or on 0208 721 2451 Thank you for continuing to use Community safe

Merton Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team are asking residents to ALWAYS close and lock both their doors and windows whenever they leave the homes. In the most recent offence, a suspect took advantage of a window which had been left open at ground floor level. Ps Harman said “Although the window was small, it had been left open, and provided enough of a chance for this offence to occur. Had the window been shut, the offence may well have not happened at all” A lap-top and a necklace were stolen from the premises in Merton Hall Road, close to the junction of Kingston Road, on Thursday 9th June, between about 0930am and 6pm. Anyone who witnessed anything unusual is urged to contact T/Dc Richens on 0208 649 3244. Please, next time you leave, and every time you leave, lock your windows and double lock your doors. Help us to help you keep crime in Merton Park down If you would like free crime prevention advice, please call us on 0208 721 2451 or e-mail us at Mertonpark.SNT@met.police.uk. Thank you.

A recent burglary in Merton Park occurred where suspects apparently entered the premises by forcing a glazed panel in the front door, and then lifted the ‘night-latch’ to gain access to the home before removing property. It is possible that this entry would have been thwarted had the dead-lock been used on the front door. Be assured that at the current time 2 adult males have been arrested on suspicion of committing that burglary and are on bail for the offence. Please be aware that one should ALWAYS lock doors and windows when one leaves the home, no matter how long you intend to be out. Thank you for continuing to use community-safe mertonpark.snt@met.police.uk 0208 721 2451

Please note that in the last month there has been 1 reported offence of theft from motor vehicle in Merton Park, and only 2 since then start of April. However, 5 offences have been reported in roads surrounding the ward over the last 2 weeks. Registration plates are the most common items being stolen, followed by mobile phones, and satellite navigation systems. Tools from unlocked vans also feature. We have one-way screws - which assist in preventing your number plate from being stolen from your vehicle. Please contact us, either on 0208 721 2451 or by email to mertonpark.SNT@met.police.uk if you would like a set of these, free of charge. As ever, our advice to prevent mobile phones or satellite navigation systems from being stolen from your vehicle is to avoid leaving them in the vehicle at all if possible, and to ALWAYS lock your vehicle when you leave it. If you, or someone doing work at your home, is using a van, then please encourage them to keep the van locked when it is unattended - including when it is on the drive. Thank you for continuing to subscribe to communitysafe and helping us keep crime low.

Dear Merton Park Resident The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has launched a review into the different ways in which the public can contact police and access our services. These range from telephone, online and face-to-face methods, including via police stations and appointments. As part of the review, we have launched an online survey to find out which of the many channels the public use to contact us and after learning about the variety of ways that exist, the survey poses the question would members of the public choose a different way of accessing police services in future. The online survey at www.met.police.uk/contacts/public_access_survey also asks the public for their opinions on how we should consider the overall future of front counters; a proposed minimum ‘core service commitment’, which includes an easily accessible front counter in every London borough open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The survey is not about decisions regarding individual front counters. Consultation will also take place regarding the proposed criteria for enhanced front counter service provision, which will ensure that local services are tailored to meet demand. The online survey will be supported by a period of consultation with local partners and stakeholders, such as councils, Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) and Neighbourhood Watch schemes. The views of our partners and the public are key to any decisions made as to how services should be delivered in the future. We will use the results of the survey, which runs until 27th May 2011, to develop a strategy to maintain and enhance public access to policing services within a core minimum standard. No decisions have yet been made and any changes will only take place with the approval of the most senior officers and staff who form the MPS Management Board and the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), an independent governing body that holds the MPS to account. In these challenging financial times, it is essential that the MPS makes best use of available resources. This is one of the key aims of the review that will ensure we can deliver an efficient and cost effective service in the right place at the right time. To have your say and influence the future of local policing in your area please complete the survey at: www.met.police.uk/contacts/public_access_survey.htm by 27th May 2011. Your views are important to us and will help us improve our services to better meet your needs. If you have any further questions please contact us via Mertonpark.SNT@met.police.uk

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.

It has come to our attention that ‘distraction’ burglaries have been reported in Merton over the last few days. At this time, Merton Park has NOT, been affected. Nevertheless, let us take this opportunity to remind you to ALWAYS ask for identification from any unexpected caller and never to grant access if you are uncertain as to a caller’s identity. Ruses used to date have been to ask to use the toilet, to read the meter at another, to repair a fence, and to ‘check‘ the windows. This list is not exhaustive of potential deceit which might be used by would be thieves in an attempt to gain unlawful access to homes If you have a door chain, please use it when answering the door, and above all, call the police, via 999 if you are suspicious as to any unexpected caller or their intentions. Please be good enough to alert a vulnerable neighbour who may not otherwise have access to this e-mail. Thank You Mertonpark.SNT@met.police.uk