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

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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.

 

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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.

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)

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.

DRIVE OUT VEHICLE CRIME In an effort to combat vehicle crime, Merton Borough Police in conjunction with Safer Merton are launching a ‘Drive Out Vehicle Crime’ initiative which will include a number of partnership interventions throughout the next 12 months. Inspector Jim COOK from Merton Police said, “Vehicle crime is the one of the highest crime types in the Borough and a number of Safer Neighbourhood Teams have had vehicle crime reduction chosen by their ward Panels to work on. We will be looking to raise the public’s awareness and offering advice on how they can help us reduce the incidence of vehicle crime. Over the coming weeks and months Merton Police will be carrying out a number of proactive operations against those involved in vehicle crime. Already the Safer Neighbourhood Teams conduct a large number of Automatic Number Plate Operations and will continue these with both uniform and plain clothes patrols in areas where vehicle crime is most prevalent. I would urge those living in Merton to contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team and sign up to Community Safe to receive up to date news of what their local Safer Neighbourhood Team is up to. This is a free system and by joining it you can find out about crime alerts and what the Police are doing in your local area. You can join by either logging onto WWW.Communitysafe.gov.uk or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team direct”. We take this opportunity to remind you all to: Ensure cars are locked – this might seem simple but a high percentage of cars are left unlocked in Merton. Don’t leave anything on view – you may know your jacket is empty but an opportunist thief doesn’t. Take your sat nav out of your vehicle and clean the suction mark off the windscreen – thieves will smash your window just to check the glove box. 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.

Dear Resident, This is just a quick message to update you of a recent crime trend in the Morden area. St Helier and other local wards has recently suffered from a rise in thefts from garages and outbuildings - the offences all occurring overnight. In particular bicycles, some of high value, have been taken. Can I ask you to please consider the security of any sheds or garages on your property - you may wish to upgrade locks, fit small inexpensive movement alarms or relocate more expensive items to a more secure area. Please see the attached document for some general advice. Finally, some good news! Total crime on St Helier ward is currently running at its lowest level since 2004, so please try to remember that St Helier is still a relatively low crime area. Many Thanks, PS Russell ST Helier SNT P.S If you are interested in local policing issues, please come along to our next Ward Panel meeting on 17/05/2011 at 1900 hours at the Police Office at 100 Green Lane (Next to St Helier BR Station)

• Burglary Advice Leaflet (94.5 KB)

Dear Residents Please see the attached document which gives some crime prevention advice about double glazed doors. Please can I also ask that you make sure your vehicles are locked at night - there have been a few thefts from motor vehicles in the last 2 weeks, with suspects trying car door handles. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! PS Russell St Helier SNT

• Crime Prevention Advice (163.6 KB)

Safer Neighbourhoods Teams have made a significant difference to safety and confidence across London. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) remains committed to delivering effective neighbourhood policing that focuses on the safety of local people and ensures a visible local policing presence in all our communities. We are committed to maintaining named officers in every neighbourhood in London who are responsible for identifying and tackling local crime and anti-social behaviour. The MPS is currently carrying out a review of Safer Neighbourhoods Teams across London. The purpose of the review is to find better ways of using current neighbourhood policing resources to meet the needs of the local community, and ensure local police teams continue to deliver an effective and relevant service in the right place at the right times. The review will focus on the locations of Safer Neighbourhoods teams, what they do and how they are structured. The review will be carried out by gathering the thoughts and feedback of local partners, such as the local authority and members of the community. This feedback will help plan any possible future changes. No changes will be made without talking to local partners and community members. You can be involved in the review by completing an online questionnaire. The questions will gather your thoughts about neighbourhood policing in your area and will play a valuable part in shaping plans for the future of neighbourhood policing in London. You can find the questionnaire at http://www.keysurvey.co.uk/survey/339166/19e4/ Thank you for your time and contribution.

Safer Merton is your local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. The partners include a range of agencies such as the Police, Council and Fire Brigade working together to reduce problems in the borough related to crime, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol misuse. By March 2011 Safer Merton will have completed its fourth 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 2011/12. To help inform this decision making process we would really appreciate your views and for you to tell us what your top three concerns and priorities are in relation to community safety. This form will not take long to complete and really allows you the opportunity to say what you think the Partner Agencies should be concentrating their resources on. Below is a link to the form to enable you to provide us with your comments. www.safermerton.gov.uk/safermertonconsultation Kelly Marshall Acting Strategic Team Leader Safer Merton Environment and Regeneration Merton Council Tel: 020 8 545 4146 Jim COOK Partnership Inspector Merton Borough Police

Merton Police are conducting Operation Lockdown, a three month burglary initiative which will employ a range of tactics to disrupt burglary, gain intelligence and arrest and convict offenders in identified hotspots across the Borough. St Helier is not a burglary hotspot Whilst the number of burglary offences across the Borough remain relatively low, there has been a recent rise in the number of opportunist burglaries where entry has been gained through open windows and unlocked doors. Many of these could be avoided. Residents are reminded to lock doors and windows when they go out, to keep ground floor doors and windows closed and secure when they go to bed and not to leave expensive and valuable items in view of passers by. Simple measures and some extra care will go along way to preventing you from becoming a victim of burglary. A simple measure can be securing your shed with a good quality padlock and keep tools locked away and out of sight to prevent them being used AGAINST YOUR OWN PROPERTY. People spend hundreds of pounds on tools and bikes then secure them with a padlock that would be more at home on a suitcase. The number of burglaries on St Helier has fallen for the second half of the first 6 months of this year. From the 1st April to the 30th June analysis shows that there were 9 substantive burglaries and 2 attempted. The worrying statistic is in 56% of these cases entry was gained via an UNLOCKED rear door which would suggest motives were more opportunistic than planned out. We need residents/occupiers to ensure that they are making best efforts to keep there homes secure and their property their own. These figures are low but we can reduce them further with relatively easy measures. I attended an an address to conduct an arrest enquiry, the front door was unlocked and the rear doors were wide open, on returning the occupier said it was ok because she had only been gone 5 minutes, on this occasion it made my job a lot easier but an opportunist burglar would have felt the same. If you have any information about criminal activity or you think you may have been offered stolen goods then CONTACT US. We have a proven track record in conducting pro-active operations and have recovered numerous different items from such early morning raids but we need information to take to a magistrates court to enable us to do these pro-active jobs. We can look at the information, attempt to corroborate it and take action where necessary. Your information will be treated confidentially. We will continue to patrol affected areas using intelligence led policing, we will utilise plain clothes and will also periodically adjust shifts to cover night time and the early hours of the morning to disrupt criminal activity and deter offenders. DRIVE OUT VEHICLE CRIME Come and get your free ‘Secur-I-Disc’ tamper proof tax disc holder as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough. The ‘Secur-I Disc’ tax disc holder prevents the re-use of a tax disc, thereby making it pointless to steal. Merton Police Crime Prevention Advisor PC Greg HUNT said, "This is our final intervention of the ‘Drive Out Vehicle Crime’ campaign which has been a real success in getting the message out to the public to take valuables with them and to secure their vehicles. We hope the Merton residents will continue in this trend to keep ‘theft from vehicle’ statistics down”. The ‘Secur-I-Disc’ tamper proof tax disc holder are available free of charge at the vehicle crime road shows run by your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. Regards Richard PS36VW and the St Helier Team 0208 649 3575 MertonSt Helier.SNT@met.police.uk In an emergency always dial 999

Merton - Driving out vehicle crime Hello all We are focussing a lot of our attention on vehicle crime including high visibility patrols and use of publicity material to deter would be offenders. We have conducted pro active operations where stolen property from vehicles has been recovered and continue to contact owners of vulnerable vehicles where property has been left inside but we need everybody to assist by not leaving items on show inside vehicles and to report suspicious incidents/persons to us with a decsription if possible. If you see somebody who you believe may be targeting parked vehicles then dial 999. June 2010 DRIVE OUT VEHICLE CRIME Get your free car air freshener as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough Merton Police and Safer Merton are handing out free car air fresheners to motorists in the Borough with a crime prevention message written on it. The message on the air freshener is clear - STOP - All valuables have been removed whilst on the other side the message reminding motorists to remove all valuables appears. Merton Police Crime Reduction Advisor Pc Greg HUNT said, "The Partnership is committed to keeping crime low by reducing vehicle crime. Theft from motor vehicle is on the increase and all too often the thief steals property left out on open display in the vehicle. These air fresheners serve 2 purposes, firstly that all items of value have been removed from the vehicle whilst secondly acting as a reminder to remove items of value from the vehicle. Taking a few seconds to remove any valuables from your vehicle may save you hundreds of pounds in repairing a broken window and replacing your valuables. This runs alongside the vulnerable vehicle scheme already being run by your Safer Neighbourhood Teams. If officers out on patrol discover something of value left out on open display in a vehicle they will contact the registered keeper and warn them of the likelihood of returning to their vehicle and finding that property stolen. This will either be in person at the time or by the Teams writing to the registered keeper if not local. This information may well be shared with insurance companies in the event of an insurance claim which may affect that claim” The air fresheners are available free of charge by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. If you would like to speak to St Helier Safer Neighbourhood Team regarding vehicle crime or anything relating to crime or anti social behaviour on St Helier Ward please do not hesitate to contact us on 0208 649 3575 if your call is of an urgent nature or you need police assistance immediately please call 999. Regards Richard ANDERSON PS36VW St Helier Safer Neighbourhood Team

Hello all We are working very hard to combat car crime on the ward, it is one of our priorities as set by the ward panel. April 2010 DRIVE OUT CAR CRIME Get your free ‘Don’t Bother’ kit as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough Merton Police and Safer Merton are handing out free ‘Don’t Bother kits’ to motorists within the Borough. Theft from vehicles accounts for 66% of all recorded vehicle crime. The don’t bother kit helps educate the vehicle owner to remove valuables. It also tells a would be thief that valuables have been removed from that vehicle. Merton Police Crime Reduction Advisor Pc Greg HUNT said, "The Partnership is committed to keeping crime low by reducing vehicle crime. Theft from motor vehicle is on the increase and all too often the thief steals property left out on open display in the vehicle. The ‘Don’t Bother Kit tells the thief that everything of value has been taken from the vehicle. Taking a few seconds to remove any valuables from your vehicle may save you hundreds of pounds in repairing a broken window and replacing your valuables. This runs alongside the vulnerable vehicle scheme already being run by your Safer Neighbourhood Teams. If officers out on patrol discover something of value left out on open display in a vehicle they will contact the registered keeper and warn them of the perils of their actions. This will either be in person at the time or by the Teams writing to the registered keeper if not local. This information may well be shared with insurance companies in the event of a claim which may affect that claim” The don’t bother kits are available free of charge at the Partnership Road shows through the year or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. For further crime reduction advice contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. For any further information please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team via the main Met Police website by telephone or by e-mail. We will be running a motor vehicle roadshow on May 18th outside the Green Lane Parade of shops between 10am-2pm where we can give or fit tamper proof screws which will prevent an opportunist from taking your number plates. We have cleaning kits to remove marks left by sat nav suckers, as well as the dont bother kits as described above. Please ensure that NO items are left on display, a vehicle was broken into recently because there was a small amount of loose change on display. We continue to contact owners who have left iems on display through our vulnerable vehicle scheme. Signs have gone up in areas on the ward which have been subject to car crime giving security advice and state plain clothes officers are working in the area. Any problems as always please dont hesitate to contact us, if you cannot attend the roadshow call or email and we will supply above crime prevention items to your home address. If you have any information on suspects committing or handling property from car crime please contact us on 0208 649 3575 or email MertonStHelier.snt@met.police.uk as always your call will be confidential Regards Richard ANDERSON PS 36VW and the St Helier Team

St Helier Community Safe Update 27th March 2010 The St Helier Safer Neighbourhood Team held our ward panel meeting with local residents. After crime figures were presented it was decided that the team priorities for the following 2 months will be. • Burglary • Theft from Motor Vehicles • Theft of Pedal Cycles Burglary St Helier Officers have continued to patrol the ward and are carrying out home security surveys whereby we notify residents of certain things that have been left visible or where a particular home security risk is seen. We plan to cover the entire ward. Both uniform and plain clothes officers are conducting burglary patrols in our area. Can all residents be made aware that a woman is knocking on doors stating she is working for social services. The female has then gained access to the property and once inside has stolen money and valuables. The elderly and vulnerable are being particularly targeted. ASK FOR IDENTIFICATION of anybody coming to your door with whom you are unfamiliar with, IF IN DOUBT DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. If you see anybody suspicious call the police. Motor vehicle crime We continue to contact owners of vehicles who have left valuables on display or sat nav cradles, charging cables. We have contacted in the region of 500 owners regarding their vehicle which may be at risk. We currently have a small amount of cleaning cloths available useful for sucker marks and UV pens that are available to our residents. We also have anti-theft number plate screws ALL FREE!!!!! Theft of pedal cycles There has been an increase in theft of pedal cycles on the ward. Please make sure that your bike is securely locked when unattended. Opportunists are taking bikes where the owner has just “left it for a second” We can cycle mark bicycles at our green lane police office. Just phone and arrange a time. St Helier is a safe ward we have one of the lowest instances of burglary on the borough. Acting on the above advice will further ensure that you are not a victim of crime. The St Helier Safer Neighbourhood Team recently conducted a pro active operation in Flaxley Road assisted by additional officers from Lower Morden and the Criminal Investigation Department. A warrant was obtained at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and entry was gained by officers using an enforcer hand ram. Four occupants were arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance after an as yet unidentified white substance was recovered during a thorough search of the address. The occupants were interviewed regarding this at Wimbledon Police Station and have been bailed pending laboratory analysis of the substance. If you see anything suspicious or have any information regarding criminal activity in our area call our ward mobile on 0208 649 3575 or email us at MertonStHelier.snt@met.police.uk We will research and act upon any information received regarding criminal activity. You do not have to leave your details if you do not wish to. In an emergency dial 999 Regards until our next update The St Helier Safer Neighbourhood Team

St Helier Ward up date 26/02/2010 On Thursday 18th Feb 2010, St Helier team assisted with other Morden officers carried out an Automatic Number Plate Recognition operation in Morden. Over 20 vehicles where stopped for various offences. MOTOR VEHICLE CRIME The team continue to complete High Visibility Patrols throughout the Ward and highlighting vehicles with valuables left in them. A number of visitors to the last ward surgery were given leaflets with crime prevention and also number plate screws. WIPING OUT CAR CRIME Get your free sat nav dusters/screen wipes as part of an ongoing campaign to drive out vehicle crime in the Borough Merton Police and Safer Merton are handing out the complimentary wipes and dusters to wipe away the suction marks left by a satellite navigation system on your car windscreen. Even if you have taken your ‘sat nav’ with you, thieves spotting a suction mark may break in to see if it has been hidden in the glove box. Getting rid of the marks will hopefully deter criminals looking for the tell tale signs and reduce the risk of unnecessary damage and cost to your vehicle. Supt Pete DOBSON Partnership lead for Merton Police said, “I fully support this scheme and I urge the public of Merton to secure their vehicles, keep them free of valuables and remove suction marks to help reduce vehicle crime”. Merton Police Crime Reduction Advisor Pc Greg HUNT said, "The Partnership is committed to keeping crime low by reducing vehicle crime. The theft of satellite navigation systems is one of the highest crimes at the moment, so taking a few seconds to get rid of the suction mark on your windscreen may save you hundreds of pounds in repairing a broken window and paying for a new sat nav”. Screen wipes and sat nav dusters are available free of charge at the Partnership Road show through the year or by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. BURGLARY St Helier Officers have continued to patrol the ward carrying out home security surveys we have noticed certain things while we have been out. : Ladders have been left out : Back gates unlocked : Windows left open : Keys left in windows or back doors If we have noticed this it is possible that a burglar could to! Protect your home: Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. In around 20% of all burglaries, they don't even have to use force. They enter through an open door or window. Safe and secure: Reduce the risk of your home being burgled by taking these simple (and often inexpensive) precautions Fit strong locks to external doors and windows, and make sure they are locked. Never leave spare keys in easy hiding this will be where they look first. Remove the keys and keep them out of sight and in a safe place. Make sure the doors and frames are strong and in good condition. Consider fitting a letterbox cage to prevent thieves from reaching through to open the door. Fit a door chain or bar and door viewer (spy-hole). Use them every time someone calls. Don't leave door chain or bar on all the time in case you need to get out in an emergency. If you see anything suspicious or have any information regarding criminal activity in our area call our ward mobile on 0208 649 3575 or email us at MertonStHelier.snt@met.police.uk In an emergency dial 999 St Helier Safer Neighbourhood Team.....