Item added 11th October
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Free Safety Check For Electric Blankets:

Residents who use an electric blanket to keep them warm during the winter nights can have them tested during a free safety check next month.

Wandsworth Council's trading standards department will be running electric blanket clinics, free of charge, on Thursday, October 18 and Friday, October 19.

The safety tests will be conducted by a specialist electrical engineer at the environmental services office at 78 Garratt Lane.

People who use an electric blanket are being urged to take advantage of the opportunity. The Fire Brigade says faulty electric blankets are the cause of around 5,000 fires each year.

A similar safety check was carried out by trading standards last year. Out of 120 blankets tested, nearly half were found to be dangerous. Some were decades old and many did not have an overheating cut out facility. Many of the plugs on the blankets were wired incorrectly or had the wrong fuses.

Anyone who wishes to have their blanket checked will need to make an appointment. Appointments can be arranged by telephoning 020 8871-7720 or emailing tradingstandards@wandsworth.gov.uk. People using email need to provide their telephone number.

Item added 11th October
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Balham and Tooting Crime Briefing - 8th October 2001:

STREET CRIME
An unusual robbery occurred outside Tooting Underground Station on Friday 28th September 2001 at 3.30pm. A male pedestrian was approached by a couple and asked by the male partner if he wanted to have 'jiggy, jiggy' with his female companion . He declined politely and was kicked in the chest by the man, fell to the ground and robbed of the wallet he carried in his pocket.

The police would like to interview a 24 year old Asian man, 6 feet tall, wearing a long black leather coat, and a 48 year old white female, about 5 feet 4 inches tall who were involved in this crime.


Two robberies were reported to have taken place between 4pm and 4.15pm on Monday 1st October 2001, near Graveney School. One victim had his wallet stolen after being punched. He ended up in St George's Hospital with cuts to his cheek.

The second victim was also robbed of his wallet, again by the same group. At the time a large group of black youths were hanging around the school looking for a fight and it is believed that some of them were responsible for the attacks.


Shop Robbery
A shop in Thrale Road, SW16 was robbed on Wednesday 3rd October 2001 at 8.30am. Two suspects entered shop and asked the shopkeeper how to get to the rear. One of them, a black man, 27 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, wearing dark woollen gloves, dark jacket with checks, dark trousers and shiny shoes pulled out a black or bronze pistol, pointed it at him and said, 'You can either give me the money or you'll be dead.' He demanded the security video and both suspects then left. The second robber is described as being a black man, 27 years old, wearing a dark casual jacket.


PENSIONER ROBBED
Thrale Rd, SW16, was the location of another robbery the next day, Thursday 4th October 2001, at 2.55pm. A pensioner had just collected her pension money from the Post Office in Mitcham Lane when a black man, 17 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, wearing a blue hooded zip top, blue tracksuit bottoms and white trainers, came from behind and her snatched bag pulling her to the ground. The poor lady was very shocked and needed hospital treatment.


Two Good Arrests
Following a robbery on Thursday 4th October on a route 133 bus, in which a watch and cash were taken from a school boy, officers patrolling nearby were alerted and two juveniles were arrested and charged with the offence. Congratulations to those involved on their prompt action.


BURGLARY
13 reports in the Balham and Tooting areas this week. Al significant crimes are shown in the 'burglary briefings' which can be found under 'crime bulletins' in the 'all areas' section of the Wandsworth internet site at www.wandsworth.gov.uk.


Motor vehicle crime
The following vehicles have recently been reported lost or stolen from the following locations at the dates and times shown below. The police would like your help to trace them.

1) Wyston Road, SW17 on Monday 1st October 2001 at 8pm - a green Peugeot 205Gti, registration A 4 GYP.
2) Cloudesdale Road, SW17 between Thursday 27th September at 7pm and Friday 28th September 8.30am - a grey Peugeot 205xs, registration E 692 AGF.
3) Birchwood Road, SW17 between Wednesday 26th September at 10pm and Thursday 27th September at 6am - a white Toyota 4 x 4, registration F 673 NPF.
4) Balham Hill, SW12 on Monday 1st October 2001 at 9pm - a white Ford Transit, registration X 616 DLC.
5) Broomwood Road, SW17 between Wednesday 3rd October at 8pm and Thursday 4th October 2001 at 9am - a black Gilera Runner, registration V 138 LGO.

Please remember: The owners may have had their vehicles returned to them. Always contact the police to deal with the situation. If the vehicle is parked and unattended ring the Wandsworth Police Control Room, telephone 020 8672 9922.

If you see someone with the vehicle, DO NOT INTERVENE - call 999 IMMEDIATELY

If you have information on the above incidents - CLICK HERE

For local places to get Crime Prevention Advice - CLICK HERE

Item added 11th October
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Husband amd Wife Team Catch Graffiti Vandal:

A crime fighting husband and wife team have been praised for bringing a graffiti vandal to justice. Wandsworth Council parks police officers Chris and Leanne Cullen have been commended for capturing a vandal they spotted damaging a traffic light control box in Tooting Bec Road.

The incident occurred just before 1am on September 20th as the two Pc Cullens were on patrol in a marked council parks police vehicle in Tooting. They saw a man "tagging" graffiti onto the traffic light control box with a large marker pen. They immediately challenged the man, who ran off towards a nearby housing estate where he went to ground. The two officers conducted a painstaking search of the area and found the six foot tall suspect hiding underneath a parked car. They also found the marker pen in his pocket.

The 23-year-old man, who comes from Tooting, was taken to Wandsworth police station where he admitted criminal damage and was later given a caution by the Metropolitan police.

The officers have now both been praised by Wandsworth's cabinet member for environment and public services Cllr Guy Senior who added "People should be aware that if they get involved in this type of obnoxious anti-social activity and are caught, then they run the risk of ending up with a criminal record and being fined thousands of pounds."

The council's determination to stamp out graffiti vandalism in Wandsworth was highlighted last month when councillors agreed to provide a £250,000 boost in funding to a service which promises rapid removal of offensive graffiti.

The extra money has brought spending on measures to combat graffiti to more than £600,000 this year.

The council aims to remove racist and offensive graffiti from buildings within 24 hours of being notified. For other outbreaks the target is 48 hours. The service is free and can be called to clear graffiti from any privately-owned building in the borough - providing the owner consents.

The number to call for the council's 24 hour graffiti removal service is 020 8871 7049 or logon to their webpage at: http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/Home/EnvironmentandTransport/StreetDefects/default.htm

Item added 11th October
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Wandsworth Superquiz 2001:

Wandsworth Superquiz 2001 is in aid of the Wandsworth Young Person of the Year Award Scheme.

Tuesday 30th October. Doors open @ 6.30 p.m. for a 7.00 p.m. start.

2nd Floor Staff Canteen
New Town Hall
(Entrance via the main Town Hall car park)

Maximum size of teams 8 people - Entry fee £3.00 per person
- Prize for winning team
- Spot prizes
- Raffle
- Bring your own Wine or Beer
- Hot and cold food

Please register your team with Andrew Jolly at Wandsworth Town Hall on 020 8871 6567.

Item added 11th October
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Tooting and Balham crime update:

Knifepoint Robberies .....
Were you in or near Rossiter Road, SW12 on Wednesday, 26th September 2001 at 8-45pm. If you were you may have witnessed a robbery and the police would like your help to identify those responsible.

Our victim in this case was walking to a pizza shop, carrying a £5 note in his hand. He noticed a black man aged about 20, of medium build, approximately 5'8"tall, with a wispy beard, standing a little further along the pavement drinking out of bottle. This person was dressed in a dark sweat shirt and jacket, dark trousers and wore a gold chain with square medallion around his neck. As he approached the man jumped in front of him, produced a folding knife and demanded money and the victim's watch. He refused and was slashed on his wrist. Finally, realising the futility of his situation, he was forced to accede. The robber then fled, accompanied by a 6 foot tall, thinly built white man , wearing a light coloured T-shirt and trousers.

The following evening, Thursday 27th September 2001, at 8-25pm, a man was walking home from Balham Underground Station. He had just turned into Sistova Rd when an black man snatched his bag. Not content with this the thief produced a black commando knife, threatened to stab his victim and made him produce his wallet. After stealing the £15 it contained he walked off. The assailant in this case was about 27 years of age, 5'10" tall, and was wearing a black shiny jacket which came to below his waist.

Another violent robbery took place at 5-09pm the same day, this time in Sainsbury's Car Park off Tooting High Street, SW17. In this instance the victim was engaged in conversation by an Asian man, 5' 09" tall, aged about 20, who asked for money. Shortly afterwards he was joined by six other Asian men who joined in a concerted attack.
During the assault one suspect opened the boot of a white Honda car, removed the wheel brace and struck the victim several times. Following the horrific assault they tried to run victim down with the same vehicle. The first robber and another of the team were wearing beige tracksuit tops, jeans, and trainers. Two others are described as Asian, one was 5' 5" tall, 19yrs old and was wearing a blue 'Addidas' top with yellow piping on his vest. The other was 5' 10" tall, and wore a beige jacket and tracksuit bottoms.




Astute householder foils con-men
At 1430Hrs on 26th September 2001 Alston Road SW17 two suspects purported to be from Electricity Company with ID pass, talked about digging up back garden. Victim knew cables were out front, Suspect 1 also made other incorrect statements. Victim asked him to leave, found Suspect 2 in hall way having been into sitting room.
Suspects:
1. White male 5' 06" dark suit, white shirt.
2. White male 6' 00" in workmen's clothes.


Please keep your eyes peeled....
For a white Toyota 4 x 4, index no F673NPF, stolen between 10pm on Wednesday
26th and 6am on Thursday 27th September 2001, from Birchwood Road SW17.
Please remember:
The owner may have had the vehicle returned to them in the intervening period between the time this message is sent and the time you read it. Always contact the police to deal with the situation. If the vehicle is parked and unattended ring the Wandsworth Police Control Room, telephone 020 8672 9922.
If you see someone with the vehicle, DO NOT INTERVENE - call 999 IMMEDIATELY.


Finally....
In the small hours of 24th September at 0300 and 0500, residential burglaries were carried out in Byrne Road and Fernlea Road respectively. In both cases the suspect was disturbed and made off. Due to the locations proximity, the timings and descriptions, it is believed that these offences were carried out by the same suspect.

If you have information on the above incidents - CLICK HERE

For local places to get Crime Prevention Advice - CLICK HERE

Item added 11th October
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Burglaries committed between Sunday 16th and Saturday 23rd September:

87 allegations of burglary were made during this period - 53 last week

Of these allegations 53 were committed in residential property, 27 in non-residential, 4 were artifice (distraction) burglaries, and 3 were aggravated residential burglaries.

The sector suffering the worst figures was Tooting with 18 offences. Balham and Putney recorded 15 each.

Due to the large rise in Burglary Offences since last week, over ten streets have made the Hotspots table.

There have been 4 Artifice Burglaries this week. Unlike previous weeks none have a similar 'modus operandi' or suspect description.


On Tuesday 18th September 2001 between midnight and 11am two non-residential
burglaries occurred. In each instance industrial kitchen equipment was stolen from 'take away' outlets.

The first happened in Mitcham Road SW17. Thieves broke in between midnight and 9am and stole two deep fat-fryers, a fridge, milkshake maker and the CCTV tape.

The same night, between midnight and 11am, thieves cut the locks from the front door of premises in Garratt Lane, Earlsfield SW18. The suspects donned staff uniforms whilst they tipped the cooking oil from the deep fat fryers into the toilet. The fryers were then stolen.

On Friday 21st September 2001a lock was picked to gain entry into premises in Upper Richmond Road, SW15, some time between 12-20am and 11am. On this occasion a large pizza oven and two pressure cookers were their targets. It is estimated that it would require at least five people with a van to steal these items.

The most theft involving removal of industrial kitchen equipment happened between Friday 21st and Monday 24th September 2001 in Riverside Road, SW17. The premises were secured at 12-30pm on the Friday, and between then and 8-30am on the Monday morning the ground floor door was kicked in and roller shutters were dented and broken to gain entry. On this occasion the intruders took ice cream makers and siphoned fuel from vehicles parked in the yard.

On all occasions the property that was taken was extremely heavy and would have needed at least three people plus a vehicle to remove it. In a number of instances they would certainly made a considerable amount of noise.

Possible Lead.......
Recently tools were stolen from a pub in Colliers Wood High Street. During the afternoon, prior to the offence, two men offered to clear away scrap metal for the landlord. The Landlord declined their offer, but was given a business card:

The descriptions of the men are as follows:
1) A white male, age about 50 years, 5feet 8 inches tall, slimly built, with a scar on his right cheek
2) A white male, 30 years of age, 6feet tall, and slimly built build

The police would like to trace these people to eliminate them from their enquiries.

If you have information on the above incidents - CLICK HERE

For local places to get Crime Prevention Advice - CLICK HERE

Item added 11th October
DISTRIBUTED BY WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Message From Borough Fire Brigade Commander:

Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Tony Mortimer and since the first of October I have been the London Fire Brigade Borough Commander for Fire related matters within the London Borough of Wandsworth.

May I take this opportunity to highlight my concerns over the number of homes within the LB Wandsworth that still do not have a working smoke alarm fitted. It has been proven time after time that that smoke alarms do save lives.

Research has identified that amongst those most at risk are the elderly and single parent families with young children. Could I ask your help in identifying those within your Neighbourhood Watch area that fall into these categories and please encourage them to have a smoke alarm fitted.

I believe that Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators are ideally placed within the community to help make those communities safer places to live and I look forward to working with you all to achieve common goals.

I shall be attending the Neighbourhood Watch seminar at Wandsworth Civic Centre on the 13th November with the Commanders of the local fire stations and I look forward to meeting you all there.

In the meantime should you require any Fire Safety advice or information then please contact any of the fire stations with the Borough:

Battersea Fire Station
11 Este Road
Battersea
SW11 1TL
0207 587 4548

Tooting Fire Station
91 Trinity Road
Tooting
SW17 7SQ
0207 587 4550

Wandsworth Fire Station
45 West Hill
Wandsworth
SW18 1RL
0207 587 4549

Tony Mortimer
Borough Commander
London Fire Brigade

Item added 11th October
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Outbreak of 'Bogus Caller' Crime:

Following recent alerts concerning bogus callers operating across the borough, four such offences have been committed recently.


Between 2.30pm and 2.40pm on Wednesday, 26th September 2001, two men posing as electricity board workers managed to con their way into a house in Alston Road, Tooting, SW17. They claimed that damage had been done to cables outside and that they needed to check the victims supply.

The two suspects are described as:
1) A white man, about 5'6" tall of slim build with curly black sideburns but greying hair. He was wearing a navy suit and was 'very well spoken'.
2) A 6' tall white man of broad build with an Irish accent, wearing 'workman's clothes'.


At about 7.30pm on Wednesday, 26th September 2001 in Westover Road, Wandsworth, SW18, two suspects of the same description as those above produced some type of identification and again claimed to be from the electricity company. They claimed there was a problem with the electricity supply to the flats above and had an 'electrical meter' that looked like a mobile phone. Once inside they stole £760 in cash.


Two flats were entered at Riplington Court, Lockwood Drive, Putney, SW15 around midday on Thursday, 27th September 2001, by the 'paper and pen' burglars who visited Putney two weeks ago (whose details were circulated last week). Asking to borrow a pen and paper so they can leave a note for a neighbour they enter and steal property when the victim goes for the items requested.

The suspects are described as:
1) White female between 5'2" and 5'6" tall of slim build with long blonde or light brown hair tied in a ponytail.
2) White male about 5'8" tall of slim build with mousy brown hair.
3) A third male suspect was also seen acting as a lookout.
These suspects are very active in the Putney area and their photographs have been circulated to officers. Please ask all members of your watch to look out for these suspects and warn elderly neighbours to be on their guard.


On Wednesday, 26th September 2001 a major conference to discuss 'Distraction
Burglary', as these offences are now called, took place in London. A prolific distraction burglar was quoted as saying "There is nothing worse than a nosey neighbour". Could it be that there is nothing better for us?

Please call the Police on 999 if you are unsure about the identity of any caller at your door and encourage everyone to report all instances of this crime. Even if they fail to get past you, please report the facts immediately to the Police on 999. Having failed to get past you, they may still be in the area trying it on with another of your neighbours who may not be so alert.

Many people who become the victims of such thieves feel too embarrassed to report the crime to police for fear of being branded stupid or incapable of looking after themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth but if you, or anyone you know, really does not wish to make a formal allegation, Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 would be happy to receive the information anonymously.

IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT !!!

Item added 11th October
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
BATTERSEA POLICE BALL 2001:

Prepare to Party! Join the Battersea Crime Prevention Panel at their ninth annual Ball on Thursday 22nd November 2001 in The Grand Marquee, Battersea Park. Eight 'til late. Battersea's Fun Event of the Year...

Come and meet your friends and neighbours at the Ball, which brings together the Battersea Community in a good cause, to raise funds for the Battersea Crime Prevention Panel, a registered Charity. Christmas Events organise this splendid "themed" evening including dinner, a spectacular floor show and disco. Their continued support is greatly appreciated.

The Battersea Crime Prevention Panel, which is a partnership between the local Community, Police and Council, aims to make Battersea a better and safer place for people to live work and play. It manages and supports many local projects, schemes and initiatives.

The Panel cannot function in the community without funds. This event makes a vital contribution, so please support us by coming to the Ball, sending a donation, giving us a prize for the raffle, or advertising in the programme. Last year's Police Ball raised over £30,000 and was attended by some 1,400 people. With your help we hope to raise even more money this year!

Booking Information
Tickets for the Ball cost £32.50 each (£25 each for Senior Citizens).
Tables are arranged to seat ten people. You may be allocated to a table or you may wish to make up your own table of ten.

If you would like an application form, please telephone the Ball Office on 07770 802 881: but do respond early to avoid disappointment - tickets go fast!

Battersea Crime Prevention Panel: Company No. 3731933, Registered Office 112 Battersea Bridge Road, London SW11 3AF. Registered Charity No. 1076855

Item added 8th October
MESSAGE FROM HILLSIDE WEBMASTER:
Apologies for the lack of updates in the last 10 days:

In case you were wondering, updates have not been posted to this page since 21st September because I've been out of the country. Expect the backlog of messages to all appear at once over the next few days now that I'm back! Apolgies for the interruption to normal service.

Item added 21st September
FROM EMAIL FROM WATCHLINK UNIT:
Bogus Mobile Phone Text Message Scam:

All mobile phone users should be aware of a bogus SMS message which they may receive. The message takes the form:-

"Please call me on 0901 150 0065 Urgent" or similar.

The number is a premium rate number, charged at £5.00 per minute. When the number is dialed an engaged tone will be heard. This is not a genuine engaged tone but a recording, which encourages the caller to try again later whilst also being charged for the call.

It is believed that the message is being received by users of all UK networks.

If you receive one of these messages, you should check that the number that you are being asked to call is either known to you, or likely to be valid, before making the return call.

The UK network operators are aware of this bogus message and are taking preventative action.

Item added 21st September
FROM EMAIL FROM WATCHLINK UNIT:
Large Scale Car Thefts:

We have been asked by Wandsworth Police Borough Intelligence Unit to forward the following information about a series of vehicle thefts that have occurred recently.

Thieves entered Budget Rent a Car in Battersea Park Road overnight from Sunday 9th September 2001 and Monday 10th September 2001 by smashing a window. Selecting car keys from inside they made off with:

A green Ford Focus registration number Y497 NRX and
A Citroen Berlingo, sign written 'Budget' registration number W863 SGJ (now recovered).


TFL Garage in Putney Bridge Road, also suffered a similar incident involving three vehicles but suspects have been arrested and two vehicles recovered. However, it is apparent from forensic evidence that more than one team is operating.

Overnight from Monday 10th September 2001 to Tuesday 11th September 2001 thieves cut the padlock from the gates of a Putney car dealer, reached through the letter box and 'fished' out sets of car keys, making good their escape with:

A green Peugeot 306 Cabriolet registration number S670 MLT
A blue Peugeot 206 'Look' registration number Y979 WGP
A grey Peugeot 206 Gti registration number V267 PKK
A silver Peugeot 206 registration number X37 KGH

Please pay particular attention to garages in your area and call the Police immediately on 999 if you see groups of people entering buildings, 'fishing' through letter flaps for keys or opening and starting several cars. Under no circumstances should you approach these people or attempt to stop them.

Try to get as much information as possible about suspects including descriptions of any suspects or vehicles they may have arrived in.

To date, none of the five cars have been recovered and all are still recorded as lost or stolen. Please remember to call the Police on 8672 9922 if you see one of these cars parked and unattended. Call the Police on 999 if you see the any being driven or in someone's possession.

Remember, it is possible that the car may have been recovered by the Police and restored to its' lawful keeper. Let the Police check it out.

If you have information on the above incidents - CLICK HERE

For local places to get Crime Prevention Advice - CLICK HERE

When you are delivering your car for service ensure that the garage have secure arrangements for dropping off keys, rather than just asking you to drop them through the letter box where the fishing thieves can hook them out.

Finally, for several months now there have been no 'fishing burglaries' reported from private addresses. Until this week, that is, when a Range Rover 4.6HSE with Swiss number plates was taken from the driveway of house in Putney, that former hotbed of such offences. DO NOT LEAVE KEYS ON HALL TABLES OR ANYWHERE THEY MAY BE VISIBLE THROUGH YOUR LETTER FLAP.

Item added 21st September
FROM EMAIL FROM WATCHLINK UNIT:
Wandsworth Community Safety Days this weekend:

On Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd September 2001, nineteen of the agencies which provide services to people living and working in Wandsworth will holding "Community Safety Days" in the Wandsworth Shopping Centre, in Wandsworth High Street.

Representatives from the Police, British Transport Police, Fire Service, Abandoned Vehicles Service, Graffiti Removal Service, Trading Standards Office, Warden Services, Equinox Homeless Project, Victim Support, Safe CDA Drugs Project, Wandsworth Women's Aid, Chamber of Commerce, Age Concern, Shopmobility, Watchlink Unit, and the Probation Service. and other organisations will be on hand to offer advice and answer your questions.

There will be an opportunity to have your mobile phone property marked, and competitions are being organised for children, with a 'Bob the Builder' doll as a prize for the youngsters and a portable CD player for older children. Elderly and disabled people attending will be entered for a free raffle for £100 of vouchers, kindly donated by J. Sainsbury's Wandsworth Store. A Jazz Band will play in Wandsworth Shopping Centre between 11am and 2pm on
Saturday and there will be goodies and give-aways for all ages.

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm on both days, so why not come along and join in the fun?

Item added 17th September
FROM EMAIL FROM WATCHLINK UNIT:
Tooting & Balham Briefing 14th September:


STREET CRIME:

Keep alert near rail and tube stations. Robberies, particularly the thefts of mobile phones, in the areas around the railway and Tube stations are still causing concern. It seems that as soon as the travelling public alight from a train the first thing they have to do is to call someone on their mobile phone. Please be aware of the risks and, if you really have to make that call, try to be a discreet with your phone.



ROBBERS ARRESTED:

It’s not all bad news this week though. Just after 9pm on Tuesday, 11th September 2001 in Elmfield Road, SW12, two suspects demanded a mobile phone from their intended victims. They were in no mood to hand over their phone and fought back. As a result of some good information from the 'victims' and some good detective work, the two robbers were arrested shortly afterwards. The police are still keen to talk to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have further information about it.



ARMED ROBBERY:

At 3am on Wednesday, 12th September 2001 a man and a woman were walking along Bedford Hill, SW12 away from Balham High Road when they realised they were being followed. The victims stopped walking when the suspect demanded they hand over property. The suspect is then alleged to have pointed a handgun at the male victims’ chest and the victims duly handed over their valuables. The suspect ran off into Oakmead Road, SW12, and may have made good his escape in a car as one was heard to start a few moments after the robbery.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged between 30 and 35 years wearing dark clothing. He had short hair in braids or dreadlocks.



BURGLARY:

Suspected bogus caller...

On Tuesday, 11th September at about 4.15pm a white man, about 5'6" tall, wearing a blue or black long sleeved jersey, called at the home of an elderly woman in Diprose Lodge, Garratt Lane, SW17. He stated that he had come to fix her door and walked straight in, asking for the toilet. The suspect left shortly afterwards and the victim, who was left rather shaken, was unable to confirm if anything had been stolen. The victim believes that she has seen the suspect before, hanging around near her hairdressers in Rostella Road, SW17.

Such thieves often target their victims by loitering near Post Offices on pension days but the Police are wise to this and any known thief would stick out like a sore thumb. Many hairdressers and other businesses now offer reduced rates for pensioners at traditionally slack times and advertise the fact widely. Could this be proving to be another source of victims for these callous thieves? It may be worth mentioning this to local shopkeepers with a suggestion that they keep their eyes open for people hanging around at such times and do urge them to report any suspicious characters to the police.


ATTEMPTED BURGLARY:

At about 2.30am on Sunday, 9th September 2001 unknown suspects attempted to break into a building at the Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec Road, SW17 by kicking a previously boarded window.



PARTICULAR ATTENTION:

Officers on late and night duties will be paying particular attention to the northern end of Furzedown Ward.

VEHICLE CRIME:

Carjackings

There have been several 'carjackings' recently, where high value cars, typically Porsches, have been stolen. The method used is a form of distraction theft. The suspects are currently driving a large black van (possibly a Mercedes, registration number Y 714 OGU which has also been reported stolen) to follow high value vehicles. The van will bump into the back of the car and the driver will stop and get out of the car to inspect the 'damage'. At that moment another car will stop (previous cars used have been a silver, 'S' registration Ford Fiesta and a dark Vauxhall Cavalier saloon), the passenger will get out, jump into the victims’ empty car and drive it away. No weapons have been used and the offences seem to be very well planned and executed.

Two vehicles stolen using this method have been recovered together from behind a block of flats in Clapham.

The suspects for these offences are all black men. Three of them are described as follows:-

1) The van driver is described as aged between 35 and 40, of slim build with an oval shaped face. He was smartly dressed in a black blazer and white open necked shirt and spoke with a London accent.

2) The second suspect, who had a distinctive large gap between his front teeth, is described as between 18 and 25 years, 5'8" tall of skinny build with short black curly hair. He was wearing a three-quarter length 'Yves Saint Laurent' coat.

3) The third suspect had a new white plaster cast on his right forearm. His skin was noticeably lighter than his associates and he is also described as between 18 and 25 years. He is between 5'7" and 5'8" tall with an unshaven, oval shaped face. He was wearing a black t-shirt with a red design on the front.



RECENT STOLEN VEHICLES:

The following vehicles have now been confirmed as lost or stolen.

A green VW Golf Gti, registration number E388 GLY was taken from Blegborough Road, SW16 between 10pm on Tuesday, September 11th 2001 and 1030am on Wednesday, 12th September.

Between 7pm on Monday, 10th September 2001 and 9.30am on Tuesday, 11th September a blue Rover Montego estate registration number M178 MOP was stolen from Clairview Road, SW16.

Westcote Road, SW16 between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday 9th September 2001 was the scene of the theft of a black Piaggio Scooter, registration number V627 KGT.


If you find any of these vehicles parked and unattended, please notify the Police on 8672 9922. Remember that the vehicles may have been recovered and returned to their original owner.

PLEASE NOTE: SHOULD you see any of these vehicles being ridden or driven DO NOT approach it under any circumstances, but call the Police by dialling 999.

If you have information on the above incidents - CLICK HERE

For local places to get Crime Prevention Advice - CLICK HERE