Hello and welcome to a crime update from St Helier Safer Neighbourhood team.
From time to time it is necessary to provide St Helier residents updates with information from other wards that may be useful to them. The following message relates to a 47 year old woman served with an ASBO
The police at Merton working in partnership with the London Borough of Merton have successfully served an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) on 47 year old Ruth Crawford from Mitcham.
Between January 2005 and October 2008, Crawford caused distress and alarm to a number of local residents by knocking on their doors asking for money, usually on the pretence that she needed it for her electricity meter. She often targeted vulnerable, elderly residents claiming to be a neighbour.
On several occasions Crawford would state that she was the victim’s carer so as to gain entry to their property. She would ask for money stating she would pay it back at a later date but never did.
On 11/01/2005 Ruth Crawford went to the house of an 87 year old stating that she was a home help. The victim let her in and Crawford left having stolen the victim’s wallet, £60 and a bus pass.
On 12/03/2005 she attended the address of a 77 year old. She told the victim that she needed money because her electricity had run out. She asked the victim for £30.The victim lent her £2 which Crawford never paid back.
On 17/02/2006 she attended the address of a 93 year old and asked to borrow money. She then stole two purses from the victim and a total of £42.35.
On 09/12/2007 Crawford attended the address of an 84 year old. She told the victim that she was her carer. She gained entry to the victim’s house and left with the victim’s purse and £50.
These are just some of the callous and ruthless crimes carried out by Ruth Crawford and as such have warranted the ASBO being served on her. The conditions of the ASBO are as follows:
Ruth Crawford is prohibited from attending any residential address in the London Borough of Merton and asking the occupant for money unless the address is that of a friend or family member.
If she breaches the prohibitions of her ASBO, she risks arrest and prison. You should report any breach to the police immediately by dialling 999 and telling the operator where you saw Ruth Crawford. You can also contact the Longthornton Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 020 8721 2742 or email the team at Longthornton.snt@met.police.uk
PS Susan Hughes said” I strongly believe that a three year Anti Social Behaviour Order is a necessary option in order to protect others from further anti social acts by Ruth Crawford. Crawford preyed on vulnerable members of the community who believed her lies. By prohibiting Crawford to attend any residential premises unless the venue is that of a friend or family member, will offer victims additional protection. May I take this opportunity to remind residents to never allow strangers in to their home without seeing valid identification first and to never give money to people they don’t know.”
The ASBO expires on 20/02/2012.
