THIS
YEAR'S DRINKS:
(item updated 14th Dec) Many thanks to Peter and Audrey for
hosting another very enjoyable evening. Great fun was had by all
who attended and it was interesting to catch up on the latest
news. It was good to see Al and Steve from the Watchlink Unit
at the Town Hall - the only way it could be better next year is
if even more neighbours would come and say hello.... ideas welcome!
GRAFFITI
ARTIST PROSECUTED:
P.C. Davies tells me that a youth was arrested
a few weeks ago for graffiti 'tagging'. He asked for around 20
other offences to be 'taken into consideration' - some of these
committed in Welham Road. Now while it's not crime of the century,
graffiti is criminal damage and is expensive to clear up (it costs
the council half a million pounds a year), so the drive to reduce
it should be welcomed. If you find graffiti on your property the
council will clean it off free of charge - usually within 48 hrs
(racist and other 'hate' graffiti is usually cleared even quicker).
Call the graffiti hotline on 020 8871 7049 (a link to their website
is on our links page). If you see someone creating graffiti, call
the Police on 020 8672 9922.
ANNUAL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SEMINAR 15th NOVEMBER:
This was a really interesting event. Lots of what
was said will be related in the next few newsletters, but a couple
the key points were: Burglary 17% down, Violent crime 2% down,
and car crime also down. This has been achieved with co-operation
between Police, Council and residents and the borough already
has one of the lowest crime rates in London.
A regular burglar, who usually operated in Wandsworth, was recently
arrested in Wimbledon - he told police that he'd given up burgling
in Wandsworth because it was too risky with so many Neighbourhood
Watches in the borough!
Delivered with this newsletter is a new sticker for your window
- they really do work as a deterrent - put yours up now!
On the day of the seminar Police took a large quantity of crack
cocaine off the streets in an operation in Wandsworth. Police
will be making drug dealing one of their priorities in the coming
year, as the vast majority of crime in our borough is drug related.
Other targets will include the tiny minority of youths who roam
the streets committing crimes and affecting the quality of life
of residents.
Crime Reports and News from the Police: 'Ringmaster' is still
not quite up and running, but soon there may be an alternative.
A new system is being trailed in Putney, and anyone can dial in
and hear messages from their ward officer (and leave messages for
that officer). John Stocker of the council's Watchlink Unit hopes
to roll the system out to all areas during the coming months, but
for a sneak preview of the trial service, why not dial in on 020
8871 8609 and follow John's voice instructions to hear the message
for East Putney Ward (the only ward currently using the system).
Let me know what you think of it, and I'll pass your comments back
to John.
As
always if you have any information about any crimes, call the Crime
Management Team on 020 8247 8442, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
(anonymously if you wish).
To call Police to an incident happening at the time, dial 999 for
immediate response.
To report a crime after the event (no matter how small), drop into
Tooting Police Station, or call them on 020 8672 9922.
SEASONAL SAFETY TIPS FROM THE POLICE:
The opportunities for criminals increase during the festive season,
so don't forget:
- If
you don’t return home until after dark, consider a timer
switch to switch on the lights – or get a friend to do it
for you.
- Don’t
leave presents on view either at home or in your car, you’d
be simply tempting fate.
- Don’t
leave packaging in your rubbish bin – it advertises that
you have new things to steal.
- While
out shopping, think about where you carry your wallet, purse or
handbag. Always keep them safe. Don’t tempt a pickpocket
or bag snatcher.
- Don’t
carry large amounts of cash if you can help it. Be wary at cash
machines.
- If
you’re going away, tell trusted neighbours. Ask them to remove
post, and check security while you’re away. Asking them to
leave some of their rubbish in your bin can also help fool burglars.
Remember to cancel newspapers and milk. Phone the local police
control room (020 8672 9922) to tell them when you’ll be
away - they’ll ask patrols to keep an eye on your house.
- Carol
singers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are bona fide collectors
for charity, others are collecting for themselves. Don’t
be intimidated into giving them money, but if you do, close the
door behind you while you go to get it.
- Beware
of bogus callers –DON’T LET THEM IN! Representatives
of gas, electricity etc WILL have photo ID cards, and won’t
mind you checking up on them. If you’re unsure or suspicious,
keep them out and call the police.
- Be
a good neighbour and look out for the elderly, as they are particularly
vulnerable to bogus callers.
- Property-mark
all your belongings and take a note of any serial numbers. Photograph
any items you cannot mark.
NEXT NEWSLETTER IN EARLY FEBRUARY
…will include fire safety advice. Hope to see
you all at the Christmas Drinks. Happy New Year!
Best Wishes
Andy (Watch Co-Ordinator)
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