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Item added 29th August 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Tooting & Balham Crime Reports Not Available:

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

19th August: I am afraid that I am unable to bring you a crime briefing this week, due to a little difficulty concerning information sharing and data protection issues.

We are hoping to resolve the situation and will keep you informed, but it is likely that the briefings will not be resumed for some time.



26th August: I'm afraid I am stilll unable to bring you the crime briefings this week. We are still attempting to fix the problem and will let you know as soon as it has been sorted out. Thank you to everyone who has offered to help in the matter, but I think it has to be resolved internally.

Please be aware that some people have been telephoned by a company, offering to fit a burglar alarm to your house for as little as £1. THIS IS A SCAM, AND YOU SHOULD NOT GIVE ANY DETAILS OF YOURSELF OR YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TO THEM.

Trading Standards have issued a warning about a company calling in the SW11 and SW17 areas, claiming to be collecting clothes for charity for distribution in the thirld world. The company has already been struck off at Companies House for non-compliance but have started up again under a different name. The charity number they give is false.

If you have any suspicions at all :-
1) check the charity number shown with the Charities Commission (08453000 218 or www.charitycommission.gov.uk - or ask Trading Standards

2) do they claim to be a registered company? This can be checked at Companies House:- http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/

3) Is the charity actually named - many give ambiguous wordings e.g.“families in need”

4) Does the leaflet give an address or phone number; if there are no details be wary.

You will be pleased to hear that the police arrested two men in the early hours of 14th August on suspicion of attempting a burglary using a curtain pole to reach through the letterbox of a house and retrieve items from inside. This is becoming quite a common method in all areas. They usually pick up keys that have been left near the front door, using a fishing rod or curtain pole, and then use the keys to enter the house and steal or to steal a car from outside. Please ensure that you do not leave anything, particularly keys, within reach of your front door.

There are three appeals this week for witnesses to assaults. If you can help, please call the numbers shown.


Balham Assault Appeal
Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault in Balham Hill SW12 on Sunday 22nd August 2010 at 3:30pm .
The female victim in her early 30s received serious facial injuries.
A male has been arrested and is currently on bail.
If you have any information that could help police with their enquiries, please call TDC James Vinnicombe, CSU Wandsworth on 020 8247 5412


Battersea Assault Appeal
Wandsworth police are appealing to people who may have witnessed a serious assault near to Queenstown Road Railway Station on 15th August 2010 at about 3am. It is believed that approx 6 males, described as between the ages of 19 and 20, of mixed ethnicity, assaulted the male victim in what appears to be motiveless attack.

If you have any information that could help police with their enquiries, please call Wandsworth Police on 0300 123 1212 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111


Garratt Lane Assault Appeal
Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault to come forward. On Saturday 7th August 2010 at approx. 2am a female victim, aged 25, was dragged into the doorway of a house on Garratt Lane by the junction of Gambole Road and sexually assaulted .She had walked past the Halifax on Tooting High Street, junction Garratt Lane when the male suspect approached her and put his arm around her. She brushed him off and went to sit at the bus stop.

The suspect approached her again and put his arm around her. She again told him to leave her alone and walked away up Garratt Lane.
The suspect then grabbed hold of her and dragged her towards a house on Garratt Lane.

Two passers-by came to the assistance of the victim. One chased the suspect whilst the other walked the victim home.
Were you in the area around the time of the incident? Did you witness this offence?
Did you help the victim following the incident?
If so, please contact the DC Lyndsay Barnett on 020 8247 8703 or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Item added 16th August 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 12th Aug 2010:

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Here is the latest crime briefing for your area.

You will have noticed that many of the deception burglaries suffered in Wandsworth involve someone posing as a representative of a water company. If you have any doubt at all about the caller's identity, Check the caller’s identification card
-Does the card photo show the person at the door?
-Is the card out of date?
-Has the card been tampered with?
-Does it show Thames Water’s logo?
If you are unsure, don’t open your door, and give Thames Water a call on 0845 641 0069.

Thames Water have a password scheme to ensure that the caller is genuine- he or she will quote a password previously registered by you. They can also make special arrangements if you are hard of hearing, blind or have mobility problems. Call 0845 641 0068 to register you password or make other arrangements.

For some time now, owing to a world increase in metal prices, there have been a number of thefts of cast iron gully/drain covers from the street. Besides costing a considerable amount to replace, a missing drain cover can cause severe accidents and can also seriously damage a vehicle driving over the unprotected hole. If you see anyone tampering with a drain cover and are not sure that they are genuine, please inform the council, on 0208 871 6000 or call the police.

Cemetery Robbery Appeal

Police at Wandsworth are investigating a violent robbery that occurred in Streatham Cemetery, Garratt Lane, SW17 at 12 noon on 11th August 2010.

The 72 year old victim had been attending to the grave of her late parents before washing her hands alone in the cemetery wash room. The suspect burst into the wash room, pushed the victim in the chest and grabbed her bag before making good his escape. She suffered a broken arm and bruising to the head and remained in hospital overnight.

The suspect was seen to run off towards the rear of the cemetery and the Aboyne Estate. It is believed he had been loitering for some time in the cemetery before the attack.

He is described as white, aged 18-21 between 5'6 and 5'10, slim build, with fair hair. He was wearing a white T shirt and grey jogging bottoms and had a distinctive dirty white scarf over his face. The stolen property was a green canvas shopping bag.

DS Steve Davidsen said
‘This was a cowardly attack on a defenceless pensioner in the cemetery where she should feel safe and be allowed to mourn her parents in peace. I would urge anyone that had been in the vicinity of the cemetery yesterday morning or on the Aboyne Estate to try and remember if they saw this suspect either before or after the attack.’

If you have any information please call Wandsworth Robbery Squad on 0207 247 8770 or call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Click to get the 12th Aug crime report (115k)

Item added 8th August 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 5th Aug 2010:

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Here is the latest crime briefing for your area.

Just a reminder that the £20 note with a picture of Elgar have been withdrawn from circulation. If you have any in your possession your high street bank will probably exchange them for a period, although they are not obliged to do so. However, the Bank of England will always take them. If you know anybody who might be keeping quantities of them, please let them know. Please warn them that nobody will ever call to inspect their notes; in the past there have been incidents where someone posing as a police officer or bank official has called to inspect the notes and has confiscated them. These people are thieves

Rogue Traders Operating in Wandsworth.

Residents are being reminded not to agree to have work done to their house by any traders calling uninvited to their home.

In the last few days, a number of homes in Wandsworth have been visited by a company offering to survey the exterior of your house for free. The caller - often a female, also states that she is working with the Council or Social Services and leaves a card entitling the customer to the free survey. A couple of days later the homeowner receives a telephone call and an appointment is made for the surveyor to call.

On examining the house walls, the surveyor indicates that they are in a bad condition - structural damage, wet rot and dry rot have all been mentioned and advises that the walls should be coated in a protective covering at an extortionate cost. The homeowner then feels pressured in to signing the contract when told their home is in a bad state of repair.

Residents should be aware of any uninvited traders calling at their homes, offering “free” surveys and are advised that they should not agree to work being carried out on their homes by traders who cold call.

Trading Standards would always advise any person considering having work done on their homes, to obtain three quotations from three different traders and check that they cover the work to be done. Also, it is advisable to use recommendations from family or friends or to check for a reputable trader through www.trustmark.org.uk or telephone 01344 630804.

Any trader calling at your home must give you the right to cancel a contract signed at your home and tell you how to do this. Once signed, you have a 7 day “cooling off” period in which to change your mind and cancel the contract.

If any homeowner has been visited by any trader offering a free survey, they are advised to contact Wandsworth Trading Standards on 0208 871 7720 or Wandsworth Community Safety on 0208 871 6603 or speak to a solicitor.

Click to get the 5th Aug crime report (114k)

Item added 1st August 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 29th July 2010:

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Here is the latest crime briefing for your area.

Council tax phone scam alert:
Trading standards officers in Wandsworth are issuing a fresh warning to residents that fraudsters are using a sophisticated council tax scam to try and steal from them.

Con-artists are using the promise of council tax rebates to obtain residents' bank details and other sensitive personal information. Armed with this important data, the fraudsters are then able to empty their victim's bank accounts.

Their latest tactic is to telephone householders and masquerade as council tax officials. They are either told they have paid too much and are entitled to a rebate, or that they have not paid enough and need to top up their payments.

In both scenarios, the caller asks for bank account details and other information such as date of birth and becomes quite insistent if refused.

The scam has been reported to trading standards in Wandsworth and is also believed to be happening in other parts of the country.

Now trading standards officers are urging people to be on their guard against the confidence tricksters and to also report any similar incidents.

Anyone receiving this kind of telephone call is strongly advised not to disclose any personal information and to report the matter to trading standards on (020) 8871 7720 or by emailing tradingstandards@wandsworth.gov.uk

Anyone who wishes to check their council tax account details can call (020) 8871 8081 or email counciltax@wandsworth.gov.uk



You will see from the crime briefings that many of the items stolen in street robberies are mobile phones. If you lose your mobile phone or have it stolen, the best way for the police to identify it is from the IMEI number. This is a unique number which can be found by keying in *#06# on your mobile phone. The 17 digit number that this produces should be recorded and kept somewhere safe, just in case. It can also be recorded at www.immobilise.com which is a free website where you can register details of any valuable items you may own, including phones and computers. The police will check the database when they find property they believe to be stolen, and should then be able to return it to the rightful owner. As a direct result of Immobilise there are over 250 cases a week where property is returned or information collected that assists the police in investigating criminal activity involving stolen goods.

Click to get the 29th July crime report (111k)

Item added 25th July 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 15th & 22nd July 2010:

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Trading Standards have warned us about someone calling themselves Stephen Williams from A OK Software Testing Services. A local resident received an email from above claiming his business partner and the partner's wife were ill and listed their ailments. He also stated that the Benefits Agency had messed up their claim and they had had to sell their possessions to survive. He was requesting help to replace their TV, DVD, computer etc. He said they had two children who needed help and he gave address in Gloucester which is being checked out. This is a scam.


It has come to our attention that there has been a slight increase in cold calling and doorstep sellers in your area. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all our Co-ordinators and Watch members not to buy or sell anything on the doorstep.

If you require any work or improvements on your property or garden please use reputable companies and get more than one quote. Please also be aware that for any work being carried out over a value of £35 cancellation rights must be given in writing.

Please remember that doorstep selling / Cold calling can be a way of gaining entry to your home and carrying out Distraction Burglary offences - Please be wary of any unexpected callers at your front door and keep the door closed if you are unsure of who it is. Please use a spy hole or window to verify who the caller is without opening the door. A genuine visitor will never mind waiting while you check who they are.

If you have any further concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 8871 8919 or contact Wandsworth’s Trading Standards on 020 8871 7720 for more advice.


Witness appeal
On Wednesday 23rd June 2010, at approximately 12:05pm, the victim, a 13 year old boy, was at the 280 bus stop on Tooting High Street when he was approached by a man who began talking to him and they boarded the same bus.
During the journey, the suspect placed his hand on the knee of the victim.

The victim got off of the bus at Figges Marsh in Mitcham and the man followed him. As the victim went to walk away, the suspect touched the victim’s private area and asked “is it big?”. He said that he wanted to become friends with the victim and told him he would wait for him while he attended his appointment. He later ran off after the victim had called a relative for help.

The suspect is an Asian male, approximately 30 years old, 6ft, proportionate build, wearing a blue and white light shirt and smart trousers. He speaks with a strong accent, believed to be Sri Lankan.

If you recognise the suspect or have any information concerning him, please contact T/DC Michelle Lamb, Wandsworth CID on 0208 247 8736, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers on 0800555111


Over the last few months, Wandsworth Common Safer Neighbourhood Team have been working hard around their theft from motor vehicle priority.

The ward has seen a recent increase in the number of thefts where no damage has been recorded to the vehicles. During the months of March and April, Ward officers carried out research and discovered that a large number of parked vehicles were inadvertently being left unlocked.

On 6th July using Wandsworth Council CCTV and utilising plain clothes officers on unmarked bikes, Wandsworth Common SNT ran a pro active operation. This resulted in a male being arrested after he was seen trying a number of car door handles in the hope of discovering unlocked vehicles.

The operation was repeated on the 7th July where another male was arrested for exactly the same offence on an adjacent road. The Operation confirmed suspicions of how entry was being gained to vehicles.

Sergeant Jerry Ostrowski of Wandsworth Common SNT said: "Listening to residents concerns prompted us to carry out our own research. This resulted in an excellent pro active operation where 2 males were arrested and a large amount of intelligence gathered. These males were blatantly caught trying car door handles and looking into vehicles in the hope of finding unopened ones that they could steal from. We can now move on to the next stage of this problem solving process which will be highlighting the importance of vehicle security to residents."

We have had warnings about two potential scams, neither of which were fallen for.

1. A lady received a call purporting to be from a company acting on behalf of BT, offering her reduced line rental and free evening and weekend calls. They confirmed her name and address and then asked her for her bank details, which she refused.

2. A resident received a handwritten note through the door, telling her that a parcel would be delivered to her address in error and asking her to call a number so that the writer could collect it. When Royal Mail called with the parcel she showed the driver the note, and was told that a similar incident had happened several times before. Apparently, the parcel contained a mobile phone which would be collected by the note-writer, and subsequent bills for the cost of the phone and calls would be sent to the person who took delivery of the note. The lady refused delivery of the parcel and told the note-writer so when he called sometime later.

Both ladies showed great presence of mind in refusing to be conned, but it is very easy to be caught by tricks like this if you don't keep your wits about you.

Click to get the 15th July crime report (111k)

Click to get the 2nd July crime report (113k)

Item added 13th July 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 8th July 2010:

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Here is the latest crime briefing for your area.

Please be aware of a scam operating locally. One of our co-ordinators was approached in the Lavender Hill area by a white male in his late 50s, 5ft 8-10ins, who asked her for £2 to extend his parking meter payment. She was more than a little surprised to be approached again, in the same area, two weeks later, with the same story!

Click to get the 8th July crime report (118k)

Item added 13th July 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Reports 8th July 2010:

Sadly, the 24th June report has news of a burglary just down the hill from our watch area in Crowborough Road, and I'm told by neighbours there has been a second. Please do let Police or Crimestoppers know if you saw anything which could help them track down the culprits.

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Here is the latest crime briefing for your area, and a poster for the annual Tooting Mela on 26th June.

Click to get the 17th June crime report (115k)

Item added 24th June 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Reports 17th & 24th June 2010:

Sadly, the 24th June report has news of a burglary just down the hill from our watch area in Crowborough Road, and I'm told by neighbours there has been a second. Please do let Police or Crimestoppers know if you saw anything which could help them track down the culprits.

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Here is the latest crime briefing for your area.

Click to get the 17th June crime report (115k)

Click to get the 24th June crime report (110k)

In Other News:

The £20 note with a portrait of Sir Edward Elgar on the reverse is due to be withdrawn on 30th June, although most banks, building societies and the Post Office will still accept them for some months afterwards. The Bank of England will always accept them, but will require ID if the amount is over £1000. If you know of anybody who might be keeping £20 notes at home, could you please inform them about this.

Witness Appeal

Police are investigating a series of offences (4) which have taken place on Tooting Bec Common between 1000-1230 in the morning on week days.

Women have been walking/jogging through the common near the Lido when they have been approached by a young teenage black male and have had their property snatched/stolen from them or have been sexually touched.

The incidents have had a sexual element as one woman was touched on her breast and crotch and the suspect has also exposed himself.

Police suspect he has been sitting on a bench and then selecting a woman to approach.

Police are seeking any witnesses to the incident and asking women to be vigilant in the area and ideally not to commute through the area alone and to follow crime prevention advice such as not have expensive items of electrical goods/mobile phones on display, carry a personal attack alarm and contact police immediately if you become victim of crime or you believe you sight the suspect.

Suspect has been described as : Male, black, teenage, 1m 70-80cm tall, wearing casual clothing or possibly in green uniform and tie.

If you have any information that could help police with their enquiries, please call Wandsworth CID on 0208 247 8860, Or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111


Local Personal Safety Advice

Tackling and preventing crimes of violence and sexual assaults is a priority for the Metropolitan Police Service. If you are a victim of violent crime it is very important that you report this to the police immediately, using the 999 telephone number. This will give the police the best opportunity to arrest the suspect. What may seem a minor crime may in fact signal further more serious offences. You should report your concerns.

Here is some advice to reduce the risks to you:

• Think ahead and plan your journey, avoiding deserted areas.
• Try to avoid walking alone at night, and keep to well-lit main roads where possible. You should try to avoid short cuts like alleyways, waste ground and wooded, bushy areas.
• Walk or travel with others and look after your friends.
• Stay alert: be aware of what's going on around you.
• It is always worth letting someone know where you are going, the route you intend to take and when you expect to return.
• If you agree to meet someone via the internet, arrange to meet in a safe public space.
• Consider investing in a mobile phone.
• Consider investing in a personal attack alarm or contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team who may have some limited free supply.
• Try to avoid wearing headphones - your ability to hear traffic, strangers or potential trouble is severely restricted.
  

If you do not wish to report the incident directly to the police you may report it via Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111 or to Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625.

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted and again you do not wish to report this to the police directly, you can report it to The Havens, specialist centres in London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. They have three centres: Camberwell: 020 3299 1599, Paddington: 020 3312 1101, Whitechapel: 020 7247 4787.

Witness Appeal: Attempted Distraction Burglary

On Thursday 10th June 2010, at approximately 4:30pm a 94 year old female was at home at Stoford Close SW19 when her intercom buzzer sounded.

A male stated that he was from the gas company and therefore needed to read her meter as she had paid too much on her previous bills. The victim let him in where he again stated that he needed to read her gas meter and that he had checked the flat upstairs for a similar thing. He then stated that he needed to check the kitchen area and also mentioned something about checking the lights in the premises.

The victim was concerned at this stage as to the identity/authenticity of the male and therefore asked him for identification. He produced from his pocket a card that he waved in front of her before quickly putting it back in his pocket. The victim asked him to leave which he did. The gas company was called, no-one had been sent to the address.

The suspect is described as a white male, aged about 20-25 years, 6ft -6ft 2inches in height. He was of slim build and had black short curly hair. He was clean shaven and was wearing a navy blue boiler suit.

Police are appealing to members of the public to remain vigilant and to contact DC Jon MCPHEE of Wandsworth Priority Crime Unit on 0208 247 8770 if they have any information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspect. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555 111.

Door to Door Selling: Trading Standards Complaint

Trading Standards have received a complaint about a smartly dressed man claiming to be from the Organisation for Homeless and Unemployed people, PO Box 2457, Woodford Green, IG8 1EE. He tried to sell the complainant dusters and similar items, which she said were overpriced. This was at about 9.45pm, and she felt threatened because of the lateness of the hour and the fact that he was quite persistent, claiming that his job would be in jeopardy if she did not buy anything
Initial checks show that they have been around the Merton area, the PO Box address is false and there is no such postcode.There are possible offences under the Consumer Protection Regulations and Trading Standards would appreciate a call if these people come to you. Their phone number is 08454 04 05 06 or, out of hours, please contact your local police Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Item added 13th June 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Reports 10th June 2010:

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Here is the latest crime briefing for your area, and a poster for the annual Tooting Mela on 26th June.

Click to get the 10th June crime report (64k)

Tooting Mela Poster (945k)

Trading Standards have asked us to warn you about a number of people offering gardening services and tree surgery around the borough. They will usually cold-call and the work they do is often exorbitantly priced and of poor quality. If you want this sort of work done, it is best to go by recommendation from a friend or neighbour or perhaps consult a reputable garden centre. Tree surgery in particular can be very expensive for you if carried out by unqualified and uninsured chainsaw operators, as considerable damage can be caused to your own or neighbouring property. Please do not sign contracts with these people unless you are completely sure about them.

During Wandsworth Hate Crime Awareness week (14 - 18 June) there will be events held across the borough and people are being encouraged, whether they’re victims of a crime or witnesses to an incident, to report it.

Chief Inspector Tim Harding from Wandsworth police said; ‘We want to get the message out to members of the community that we want people who are experiencing domestic violence and hate crime to report offences, no matter how minor they think they are. The police are committed to taking positive action wherever possible against the people who commit this type of crime.’

If you have been hurt, called names or had your property damaged because of your race, faith, disability, sexuality, gender or age you can report it 24 hours a day on 999 (in an emergency) or on 0300 123 1212, or you can report at a police station. Wandsworth Borough Police and Wandsworth Local Authority have jointly secured the services of Stop Hate UK Helpline.

Stop Hate UK are an independent charity who provide emotional and practical support for anyone who has experienced hate crime. You can report hate crime to Stop Hate UK 24 hours a day. Everything you tell them is kept confidential and you have the option to remain anonymous. They can be contacted by phone, email, text, post and online. Stop Hate UK can speak to victims in their preferred language if required Telephone: 0800 138 1625 Website: www.stophateuk.org

There will be a night of comedy and awareness on Thu 17th June at the Comedy Club Clapham - poster/details below.

Hate Crime Awareness Week Poster (233k)

Message from Keeley Tye PS 89WW
Met Police Furzedown Safer Neighbourhood Team :

Please find attached a leaflet relating to the Furzedown Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) Public Meeting, which is taking place on Wednesday 16th June 2010 at 7.30pm at The Furzedown Project, Moyser Road SW16.

Please feel free to invite any Neighbours, Colleagues etc living or working in Furzedown who may be keen to meet the local Policing Team, raise any issues of concern or learn about some of the initiatives currently underway in the local area.
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

If you have any issues or concerns that you would like to discuss prior to the meeting, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Keeley Tye PS 89WW
Furzedown Safer Neighbourhood Team
Wandsworth Borough
Tooting Police Station, 251 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9JQ
Tel 020 8247 8171
Mobile 07920 233 937
Email keeley.tye@met.police.uk

Click to get the Furzedown Meeting Poster/Invite (255k)

Item added 3rd June 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Reports 27th May & 3rd June 2010:

It's another bumper 2 week posting this week, with apologies for being unable to post last week.

Click to get the 27th May crime report (128k)

Click to get the 3rd June crime report (112k)

Item added 16th May 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Reports 6th an 13th May 2010
and the Furzedown Safer Neighbourhoods Team May bulletin:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included). It's a bumper 2 week posting this week, with apologies for being unable to post last week. Also below is the May Safer Neighbourhoods Team bulletin.

Click to get the 6th May crime report (117k)

Click to get the 13th May crime report (118k)

Click to get the May SNT bulletin (562k)

Item added 2nd May 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 29th April 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Click to get the 29th April crime report (116k)

Item added 25th April 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 22nd April 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Click to get the 22nd April crime report (118k)

Item added 17th April 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 15th April 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Wandsworth Police have linked three separate sexual assaults on females in the Cavendish Road and Bedford Hill area.

The assaults occurred on Monday 1st March, Monday 5th & Sunday 11th April 2010 between 6pm and 8pm.

The suspect for these offences has been described as a black male of dark complexion, between the age of 15 - 18 years old, 5'7" - 5'9" tall, average build with chubby cheeks.

He has approached three women on separate occasions and sexually assaulted them whilst in the street. On each occasion he has run off towards the Balham area.

Were you in the area around the time of these offences? Did you see anyone matching the description acting suspiciously?

Police are appealing to members of the public to contact Wandsworth CID or the Balham Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 247 8893 or 0208 247 8021 if they have any information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspect. Alternatively Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Click to get the 15th April crime report (112k)

Item added 11th April 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 7th April 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

The Furzedown Safer Neighbourhoods Bulletin for April has also been received, and can be downloaded below.

Sadly there has been another burglary reported in Crowborough Road. Again, intruders entered the garden & shed first. With the weather warmer, please always lock windows and doors properly, front and back.

Click to get the 7th April crime report (112k)

Click to get the April Furzedown Safer Neighbourhoods Team Bulletin (561k)

Item added 4th April 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 1st April 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Here is the latest crime briefing for your area.

We have had warnings from Trading Standards concerning two firms operating in across London. The first is SAS Fire and Safety, who will offer to supply and fit fire alarms and burglar alarms free or at very low cost, which they say is linked to the Fire Brigade, Police and other services. As part of the process they will sign you up to a maintenance agreement and a credit agreement at an exorbitant price. Trading Standards advise that you do not buy such items at the door, especially if they are cold-calling. If you want a burglar or fire alarm, please ensure that they are members of one of the supervisory bodies, either the National Approval Council for Security Systems or the Security Systems and Alarm Inspectioons Board. There is further advice at the Metropolitan Police web site at : www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/alarms.htm

The other company is called Anduraguard. This is a wall coating company whose representative will call on you and may stay for up to 5 (yes, five!) hours before signing you up to spend up to £30,000 pounds for wall coating. Again, please do not sign up to anything like this without careful consideration.

There have been a number of instances of people, especially the elderly, being caught out by this sort of con trick, and handing over very large sums of money to these people, sometimes being taken to the bank by the tricksters in order to take out the money. If you are aware of anyone in your Watch that you suspect might be vulnerable to this type of thing, please warn them. Don't forget, it is a criminal offence in most cases for the company not to offer you a seven day cooling-off period after signing a contract. If you have any suspicions that you or your neighbours may have fallen victim to this scam, please contact the police or Trading Standards officers at the council.

Click to get the 1st April crime report (120k)

Item added 28th Mar 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 25th March 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Here is the latest crime briefing for your area, together with the newsletter from the London Neighbourhood Watch Association.

We have had information from the police that an EDF meter reader has had her photo identity card and portable meter recording machine stolen. Please carefully check the identity of anyone wanting to get into your premises, before letting them in.

There have been a number of incidents reported recently where residents have arrived home to find sticky tape over the keyholes on their front doors. It is possible that this is a delaying tactic used by thieves to keep you at the front door before they attack and steal your keys or bag, so please be very wary if you find tape on the lock when you arrive home.

Leaflets are being distributed, apparently from a charity, requesting that unwanted medecines be left out in a plastic bag for collection, to be used later in third world countries. The flyer is bright yellow with black writing. This is not believed to be a legitimate agency and there are serious concerns about leaving any sort of drugs where children may be able to get at them. If you have any drugs, prescription or otherwise, that are surplus to requirements, your local pharmacy will usually take them off your hands and dispose of them safely.


An email is circulating to the effect that the person sending it, or a friend, has been contacted by someone claiming to be from the fraud department of your credit card company. The supposed fraud department ask if you have bought an item, and when you tell them that you have not, they say that it is somebody using your card details fraudulently. They then ask various questions in an effort to get details of your card, in particular the 3 figure number on the reverse. Whilst the email itself has been circulating for a number of years and is untrue, some of the advice in it is valid. Your credit card company will never ask for any details from your card, and anybody asking for this information is almost certainly acting fraudulently.

Click to get the 25th March crime report (120k)

Click to get the London Neighbourhood Watch Association Newsletter (59k)

Item added 21st Mar 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 18th March 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Sadly, a home within our watch suffered a burglary on 11th March during the daytime or evening. The burglars apparently broke into the garden shed to remove tools which they then used to break into the back of the house. They left via the front door having found keys inside the house.

The house is in the middle of our watch area, odd number side, so burglars would have had to cross 5 or 6 gardens to get into that back garden. As they left via the front door with some large items, it's possible you may have noticed them. Did you see anything? If so, please get in touch with us, or the local police or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111

Please ensure you always secure tools out of site in locked sheds, and that your door and window security is up to date - see the security advice pages of this site or the Metropolitan Police pages or the Home Office pages for more information. Do not leave keys in the house while you're out, and take tnem with you when you go to bed - this will make it much more difficult for burglars to open doors to remove items if they do get in.

Click to get the 18th March crime report (116k)

Item added 14th Mar 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 11th March 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Robbery witness appeal
Police are appealing for witnesses to a Robbery which occurred on Saturday 27th Feb 2010 at around 7:30pm in Church Lane near to the junction with Eswyn Road, Tooting SW17.

The victim, a 17 year old female was walking along Church Lane when she was approached from behind.

The 2 suspects are described as black males, approx 18-20 years old, 6 feet tall, with short dark hair. One suspect was wearing a black jacket, black hooded top, blue jeans, grey beanie hat and black trainers and the other was wearing a black hooded top.

Did you see anything? If you have any information that could help police with their enquiries, please call T/DC Pearce, Robbery Squad, Wandsworth on 020 8247 8871 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111

Protect Yourself From Burglars
Wandsworth Police would like to remind you of a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your home:

• Unless you are in the same room do not leave windows and doors open or unlocked, particularly if you are on the ground or first floor.
• Do not leave valuables including Car keys on display or within easy reach near windows and doors even if they are closed and locked.
• Lock away ladders, garden tools and other items that burglars could use to force an entry.
• Senior citizens especially should ensure that any strangers knocking at the door saying they are workmen show correct identification. Residents can also check with the local council whether any maintenance work is being carried out in their area.
• A simple test of home security is - if you can get into your home without keys - so can a burglar.

More detailed advice on crime prevention can be obtained by contacting your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team

Click to get the 11th March crime report (120k)

Item added 6th Mar 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 4th March 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Please also find attached the Furzedown Safer Neighbourhoods Team Community Bulletin for March.

Click to get the 25th Feb crime report (120k)

Click to get the March SNT Community Bulletin (120k)

Item added 28th Feb 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 25th Feb 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Click to get the 25th Feb crime report (120k)

Item added 20th Feb 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 17th Feb 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

There is now an on-line site for reporting fraud or for finding out information and resources to help in preventing fraud. It has been set up with backing from the Home Office and the National Fraud Authority and can be found at www.actionfraud.org.uk , or you can telephone 0300 1232040.

Don't forget that some other non-urgent crimes can also be reported on-line at https://online.met.police.uk/

Click to get the 17th Feb crime report (120k)

Item added 14th Feb 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 11th Feb 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

We have had a report from another part of London about a crime against the elderly, and while we have not yet had this happen here, it is as well to be aware. The resident of a flat in sheltered housing had a knock at the door from a man who told her that his friend was stuck in the lift and the assistance bell in the lift wasn't working. He asked her to call the warden, via her pull-cord, and followed her into the flat, went straight to her kitchen and stole money that she had hidden there. This is a bit worrying, as he had obviously been let into the block by another resident, and also seemed to know where she kept her money. Please warn any vulnerable people you know, so that they are aware of this method.

A reminder that the "Scamnesty" bins are still in place at all Wandsworth libraries, Randall Close Day Centre, the Town Hall, Adult Social Services in Putney Bridge Road and Shopmobility in Garratt Lane. Drop in any letters or emails that you suspect to be scams, so that others can be made aware of them and action taken against them where possible.

Earlier this week I received a plastic bag through the door, from an outfit claiming to be a childrens' charity and quoting a charity number, asking for donations. It looked a bit odd, so I checked with the Charity Commissioners web site www.charity-commission.gov.uk, and found that the charity they claimed to be working for had been removed from the register some years earlier, so I informed my local Trading Standards officers. Quite often these people do not directly claim to be working for a charity, but imply it; the charity usually gets nothing from them.


Useful contact details.


To ensure that you do not receive nuisance phone calls from traders, register with the :-

Telephone Preference Service
DAM House, 70 Margaret House, London, W1W 8SS
0845 070 0707
www.tpsonline.org.uk

To ensure that you do not receive junk mail from traders, register with the :-

Mailing Preference Service
DAM House, 70 Margaret House, London, W1W 8SS
0845 703 4599
www.mpsonline.org.uk


Wandsworth Trading Standards Service
78 Garratt Lane, Wandsworth, SW18 4DJ
020 8871 7720
www.wandsworth.gov.uk

Consumer Direct
0845 04 05 06
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

or to report a scam online:-
https://secure.consumerdirect.gov.uk/reportascam.aspx

Click to get the 11th Feb crime report (107k)

Item added 7th Feb 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 4th Feb 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

I have also attached the latest Furzedown Community Bulletin for February.

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Co-ordinators are invited to a public consultation meeting to be held on 17th February, details attached (Face The Public attachment below). Please reply to Andrew Jolly if you wish to attend - details in the file available below.


The Police at Wandsworth need your help in locating the man in the picture (attached), Mr Gao Long YU, who has been wanted on a recall to Wandsworth prison since Tuesday 8th September 2009 for failing to attend his probation appointments.

Mr YU was initially convicted for using false documents and was sentenced to 12 months in prison and subject to a deportation order on his release. He has not been seen since his release from prison on Wednesday 2nd September 2009.

He is described as male, of Chinese origin, 5 ft, 8 inches in height and approximately 34 years old.

If you have any information that could help police with their enquiries, please contact PS Sally Pattison of Wandsworth Police on 020 8247 8723 / 8748 or e-mail sally.pattison@met.police.uk Or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault which occurred on Monday 1st February 2010 at 6.20pm in Southfields Passage,SW18.

A group of four sixteen year olds (3 boys and 1 girl) were assaulted and robbed in Southfields Passage. The suspects are three 18-19 year old boys wearing dark or grey hooded tops, armed with two long, wooden poles and a glass bottle which were used to assault the victims causing injuries that needed hospital treatment.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the suspects involved prior to, or after, the incident and anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

If you have any information that could help police with their enquiries, please call T/DC Adam BELL, Robbery Investigation Team on 020 8247 8770, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Click to get the 4th Feb crime report (106k)

Click to get the Face The Public invitation (56k)

Click to get the Furzedown Bulletin for Febuary (560k)

Item added 30th Jan 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 27th Jan 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Here is the latest crime briefing for your area.

I have also attached details of the Scamnesty campaign which will be running throughout February, across the country, together with contact addresses.

Assault witness appeal
Police were called shortly after 6.30pm on Thursday 21st January 2010 to reports of a 48 year old female who had been assaulted and her car stolen from Surrey Lane, near the Prince of Wales Pub, SW11.

Officers attended and spoke to the victim, who was suffering from swelling and grazing to the hand following the assault. Her car, a blue BMW Z4 was seen driving off down Surrey Lane.

Enquiries into the incident by Wandsworth CID are ongoing and there have been no arrests at this time. Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. The first suspect is described as a black male, 20’s, 6’00 tall, of skinny build. He was wearing a dark parka jacket, possibly with a fur trim on the hood. The hood was up.
The second male is described as a black male, wearing a dark hoody and slightly shorter than the first suspect.

If you were in the area of The Prince of Wales Pub, or the surrounding roads, between 6.30pm and 6.35pm and may have seen this incident, noticed anyone matching this description or someone acting suspiciously please contact Wandsworth Police Priority Crime Unit on 0208 247 8874 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Click to get the 27th Jan crime report (109k)

Click to get the Scamnesty leaflet (61k)

Item added 23rd Jan 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 22nd Jan 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Whilst the burglaries numbers are not too high, several of them could have been prevented by the use of decent locks on doors and windows. If you have window locks, by which I mean key-operated locks, not just a simple catch that can be released without the use of a key, please make sure you use them EVERY TIME you leave home. They should be fitted to all windows that could be accessible to a thief, whether at ground level or reachable by climbing a drainpipe or wall. Similarly, both front and back doors should be fitted with suitable locks and you should ensure that your door frames are strong enough to withstand an attack. A common method of entry is to break a small pane of glass in a door and reach through to release the latch. If the door were fitted with a LOCKED mortice lock, this type of entry could be prevented. Frames can be fitted with strengthening bars and plates, obtainable from locksmiths.

Blocks of flats, and houses converted to flats, are vulnerable to thieves who manage to get past the communal front door, as many people do not secure the door of their flat as well as they should. Treat it as if it were the door of a house and fit it with the appropriate locks, which should be used each time you leave.

I do not give details of motor vehicle crimes in the briefings, but there are quite a lot each month. For instance, in December 2009 there were 51 thefts of vehicles and 174 thefts from vehicles in the borough. The following advice from the police should help you to prevent some of these.

VEHICLE SECURITY
• Lock the doors, windows, boot and sun-roof every time you leave your car - however briefly. Always remove the keys even if the car is parked in a drive or garage. Do not leave them within reach of the front door of your house.

• If your vehicle is fitted with an alarm or immobiliser - use it - if you do not have an alarm or immobiliser consider having one fitted.

• If you have a steering wheel lock or other security devices - use them.

• Don’t leave valuables or other possessions on display - the thief won’t know if its worthless or the bag is empty until after he has broken in. Don’t leave driving documents and personal correspondence in the vehicle.

• Mobile phones - very high on the list of items stolen from cars - always take them with you.

• If your stereo system is removable - always remove it.

• SatNav systems. The sticker on the windscreen indicates that you have one so do not leave it in the glove box etc - always take it with you.

Assault witness appeal
Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault which occurred on Wednesday 20th January 2010 between 7pm and 7:30pm in Danebury Avenue SW15.

The victim, a female aged 32 years old was dragged by her hair and then punched repeatedly in the face. She received facial injuries and required hospital treatment.
The suspect who made off on foot along Danebury Avenue prior to police arrival is described as a white man aged 30 years old, 5ft 10 inches, large build, wearing a grey top and dark coloured trousers.

Did you see him ? If you have any information that could help police with their enquiries, please call T/DC James Vinnicombe, Wandsworth Community Safety Unit on 0208 247 5418 Or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111

Click to get the 22nd Jan crime report (109k)

Item added 16th Jan 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 14th Jan 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Click to get the 14th Jan crime report (116k)

Item added 8th Jan 2010
FROM EMAIL FROM WANDSWORTH COUNCIL:
Including Tooting & Balham Crime Report 7th Jan 2010:

The file attached below has reports on burglary and street crime (note that car crimes are not included).

Message from Steve Selby,
Community Safety Division, Wandsworth Council:

Here is the latest crime briefing for your area. Please note that there are details from two weeks, and we are not going through a mini crime wave!

Click the logo to get the 7th Jan crime report (116k)

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