CommunitySafe.gov.uk

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