CommunitySafe.gov.uk

St Helier ward continues to see a decrease in burglaries. We continue to conduct high visibility patrols both on foot and bicycle and have been engaged in plain clothes patrols of the streets and alleyways. Yesterday we conducted an operation with trading standards from Merton Council speaking to builders who were working on premises in the St Helier area. I would just like to relay the following message to ensure that we are all doing as much as we can to deter offenders, the majority of whom are oppotunists. ARE YOU SECURE? An open house is an open invitation Remove the opportunity-prevent the burglary Don't make it easy for them-follow simple security advice to help keep your property safe: 1) When you leave your home, ensure that all windows and final exit doors are double locked. 2) Ensure that your front and back doors have at least two locks fitted centrally on the door at least 14 inches apart. 3) Check your door locks. Check they have the British standard kite mark. If they don't, change them for ones that do. You may be entitled to a reduction in your insurance premium. Residents over 60 may be entitled to have their locks upgraded free of charge under a scheme run by the London Borough of Merton (MESH). 4) Install timers which switch lights and or radios on and off automatically. 5) If going out after dark, draw the curtains, leave some lights on and a radio playing. 6) Never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door-burglars know all the hiding places. 7) Prevent letter box burglaries (whereby a hook or hanger is used) by storing keys away from the front door. 8) Property mark your valuable items and then register them at www.immobilise.com For crime prevention advice, log on to www.met.police.uk or contact your local Crime Reduction Officer on 020 8649 3245. Your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team is working hard to address the problem of residential burglary and are carrying out reassurance activities including high visibility patrols. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND REDUCE THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES Richard ANDERSON PS36VW St Helier Safer Neighbourhood