Dear Residents,

A Fraud Prevention Team called Operation Sterling are working together on fraud prevention concerning the crime we are calling "Courier Fraud".  As you may or may not be aware the "Courier" fraud is a real issue at the moment and has been for over a year now. Certainly in the Met Police area we are receiving daily crimes - on average ten a day. Our priority at present is to work on this fraud which is effecting the elderly and vulnerable more and more.
The method is that the victim is cold called at home on their landline number. The suspect then either pretends to be the police or from the victims bank. The suspect will say that there has been a compromise on their account and that in order to investigate it and catch the suspects responsible the card needs to be collected ASAP for forensic or other issues. They are then asked for the pin number to the card which they may give verbally over the telephone (via clever social engineering) or the victim is asked to key in the pin number on their telephone keypad. A simple "App" called "Blue Box" for example decodes the tone to the number keyed in. Social engineering aside the telephone allows the suspect to successfully obtain the pin number. In addition to verify the fraud the victim is advised to phone their bank or the police to confirm what they have just been told. This is when of course the victim's line has been held open by the suspect who does not hang up their end. Once the victim is convinced a "courier" is sent round to the victims address to collect the card. The courier is more often than not an innocent cab driver sent to collect from A to B or the suspects themselves. Much work has been done via Transport for London re prevention work streams for the cab companies etc.

Please be aware; neither the police or bank will ever ask for your PIN so don't give it out.

• "Courier Fraud" poster (983.7 KB)

Dear residents,

Christmas is a time to relax and have fun but it can also be very busy and stressful. You may be out and about more than usual – for that essential Christmas shopping and to festive parties and other social events – and the last thing you need is to become a victim of crime. To help avoid this, consider some of the following advice:

Christmas Parties

Most of us like a drink or two but remember that alcohol will affect your judgment – don’t let it endanger your personal safety.

Remember, the most common date rape drug is alcohol, with victims being given drinks with a far higher alcohol content than they think.

Watch your drinks and food to ensure that nothing is added to them.

Never leave your drink unattended, even if you are going to dance or to the toilet.

If your drink has been left unattended, don't drink any more of it.

If something tastes or looks odd, don't eat/drink any more of it. Be aware, though, that some date rape drugs are colourless and tasteless.

If someone you don't know or trust offers to buy you a drink either decline or accompany them to the bar and watch that nothing is added.

Know your own limit.

If you meet someone new at a party, avoid going home with them or inviting them back to your home/accepting a lift from them. It's far safer to arrange a second date in a public place to get to know the person better. If you do find yourself alone with someone you don't know well, make sure that someone knows where you are and who you're with.

Pay attention to your instincts. If you feel uneasy about someone, there may be a reason.

Carry your keys, mobile phone and some money in your pocket on the way home, so you can give up your handbag or wallet and escape quickly if necessary.

Christmas Shopping

Don’t get loaded down with too many bags. Try to keep one hand free.

Try and avoid taking young children into busy shopping areas. If it is unavoidable make sure they know what to do if they lose you, e.g. tell the nearest counter assistant that they are lost and NEVER leave a shop without you.

Agree a meeting point with older children in case you get separated.

Be careful where you park your car, especially if you will be returning to it after dark.

If parking in a multi-storey car park, choose a well-lit space as close to the exit as possible and away from pillars. Reverse into position.

Keep car doors locked whilst driving in built-up areas, especially if you’ve got bags of presents in the car.

Don’t leave presents on show in a parked car, as they could tempt thieves.

Keep alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in busy shops and crowded streets where thieves and pickpockets may well be operating.

Keep a close watch on your valuables and try not to keep them all in one place.

Transport

The party’s over and you need to get home. You are likely to be tired and slightly the worse for wear so you need to be careful.

The ideal plan is to book your cab or taxi in advance or call a licensed cab company from the party and arrange for them to pick you up right outside the venue.

Never accept a lift from a minicab touting for trade on the street. They are illegal and can be very dangerous.

Always sit in the back of a cab/taxi and if you get chatting to the driver, do not give away personal details. If you feel uneasy with the driver, ask him to stop at a busy familiar place and get out.

If using public transport, have your ticket, pass or change ready in your hand so that your wallet or purse is out of sight.

Always wait for the bus or train in a well-lit place near other people if possible and try and arrange for someone to meet you at the bus stop or station.

Take note of where the emergency alarms are and try to sit near them.

If a bus is empty or it is after dark, you may feel safer on the lower deck as near as possible to the driver.

On trains, avoid empty compartments or compartments that have no access to corridors or other parts of the train. If you feel threatened on any public transport press the alarm and/or make as much noise as possible to attract attention of your fellow passengers or the driver or guard.

Some good tips for the time of year.

 

Kindest regards

PS Katie Woods

St Helier and Lower Morden SNT

• Festive Season Safety (353.1 KB)

Still time to have your say on crime and anti social behaviour in Merton

 

The survey on community concerns in relation to crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour and drugs and alcohol has been extended until 30th November 2012.

 

Safer Merton, the partnership which includes the Council, Police, Fire Brigade, Probation and Health is calling on people who live, work and visit Merton to answer their annual survey about community safety in the borough. The results of the survey are combined with an examination of all the crimes that have happened in Merton in order to help Safer Merton set the partnership’s priorities for 2013/14.  

 

The survey can be completed online at http://www.merton.gov.uk/safermertonconsultation or paper copies are available from your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams and various locations across the borough.

 

PS Katie Woods

Police urge residents to ‘think like a burglar’ over the Autumn Nights

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.

 PS WOODS 27VW

Lookout For Counterfeit £10 and £20 Notes

 

Police are urging shoppers to be on the lookout for counterfeit £10 and £20 notes which are being passed around.

We advise shoppers and customers should check every individual note they receive from a retailer or private seller to make sure it feels and looks genuine.

Here’s some tips to help you decide if the currency you hold is genuine:

* Run your finger across the front of the note to feel raised print in areas such as the words ‘Bank of England’

* Hold it up to the light to check the following: the embedded metallic thread which appears as a continuous dark line, and an image of the Queen’s portrait

* Check that the lines and colours are sharp, clear and free from smudges

Further details and other tips are available from the Bank of England website on:
http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/Documents/takeacloserlooka3poster.pdf

 

Dear All,

Please see the below link, which provides some crime prevention advice. It refers to a gang of Romanian pickpockets who say they are coming to London for the games. The link is to a video that shows a couple of methods the pickpockets use.

 

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

Regards,

Police Sergeant Katie Woods 27 VW

St Helier and Lower Morden Safer Neighbourhood Team 

An Age Concern badge has gone missing in the post in Merton - related documents have been located, but the actual badge has not been found. The Name on the badge is Pif Clulow

If anyone sees this name being shown on an Age Concern badge ANYWHERE, call 999 immediately.

Age Concern will NEVER come to your address without an appointment - They can be contacted on 0208 648 5792

There have been 11 burglaries of elderly people on Merton since March, where people have said they are from official bodies like the Water or Gas board, then callously stolen from residents. We must all work together to stop this from continuing. Please pass this information to your friends, relatives, work colleagues, anyone you know.

Contact 101 with information or 999 if you believe a crime is in progress.

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.

Dear Members,

We would like to invite you all to have your say on the teams Local Policing Priorities that affect you the Local Community of Lower Morden and St Helier.

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 three 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

 

                    Sgt Katie WOODS Lower Morden and St Helier SNT

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

**************************************************************************************************

PS Russell

St Helier and Lower Morden SNT

 

 

 

 

Dear local 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.

 

*****************************************************************

PS Russell - St Helier & Lower Morden SNT's

Dear Resident,

We have recently been experiencing some burglary offences affecting properties with UPVC doors. Most of the offences have occurred at night.

Entry has been gained to properties by using a device inserted through the letterbox to operate the door handle from the inside.

This vulnerability can easily be eliminated by ensuring that the  UPVC door is fully locked at night - this ensures that the multi-point locking is all in place. 

For fire safety reasons, the key should then be left in a position where it can be easily accessed in an emergency - but please make sure it can't be reached via the letterbox.  

If you are a St Helier or Lower Morden resident and feel you would like more advice about this particular problem, please contact the SNT team on 02086493575

Many thanks

PS Cliff Russell

 

Dear Local resident,

Although overall, the number of burglary offences has reduced this year, we have had two recent incidents involving letterboxes that I wish to bring to your attention. The incidents involved an implement being pushed through a front door letterbox and used to open the door latch and gain entry. These offences have happened at night.

If you have a door that could be vulnerable to such a device, can you please consider locking it at night, and placing the key somewhere where it can be found easily by yourself and where it cannot be 'hooked' by someone using a pole through your letterbox.

Many Thanks

PS Russell

St Helier & Lower Morden SNT

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

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.

 

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.