Item added 1st December
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Tooting & Balham Crime Briefing - 27th Nov 2001:

Unfortunately there have been a number of very nasty incidents this week, which we are providing you information on in some detail.

ROBBERY WITH WEAPONS INVOLVED: 'STEAMERS' STRIKE ON TRAIN
DATE & TIME OF OFFENCE: 4.10pm on Thursday 22nd November 2001
LOCATION: On a train between SELHURST and BALHAM BR stations
THE INCIDENT - involved a knife and a handgun.

A man was travelling home on the train when the 1st suspect sat down opposite him and asked for cash and then demanded the victim's phone. When the victim refused the suspect produced a three-inch lock knife and stated that he had already robbed four people that day and had stabbed one in the leg. The victim still refused to hand over property, and moved to sit near other passengers.

The first suspect followed the victim and threatened to stab him for "wasting his time". A passenger attempted to intervene and was also threatened with the knife. Three more suspects joined the first and the third suspect produced a silver handgun from his pocket and demanded the victim's phone.

The victim then tried to get off the train at STREATHAM BR but was stopped and searched. When the train reached BALHAM BR the victim managed to get off and run from the station but was punched and hit against a door by suspects two and three.

THE SUSPECTS:
The first suspect armed with a knife, was a black male, 20 years old, 5'10" tall with short hair, long sideburns and a two-inch scar on the right side of the face and forehead. He was wearing a dark sweater, khaki shirt and trousers.
The second suspect was a black male, 18 years old, 5'07" tall, thin build and had a black moustache. He wore a dark blue Nike cap and a Nike navy blue jacket.
The third suspect, was a black male, armed with a silver handgun, was black, aged 19 years old, 6'02" tall, stocky build with a goatee beard. He wore a black woolly hat, dark leather jacket with khaki trim.
The fourth suspect was a black male, wearing a cream Nike baseball cap and a brown leather bomber jacket with khaki trim.

Please remember: No material possession is worth risking life OR serious injury over. They can be replaced - you can't.

THIEVES STEAL SCHOOLBOY'S MOBILE
DATE & TIME OF OFFENCE: 4.50pm on Wednesday 21 November 2001
LOCATION: Near MITCHAM LANE
THE INCIDENT- involving a handgun (possibly fake)

A youngster was walking home from school, along the alleyway between Streatham BR Station and Mitcham Lane, when he was confronted by the three other youths. He was asked if he came from Graveney School. The first suspect showed the victim the grip of a silver pistol in his pocket, the second took the victim's mobile, whilst a third stood behind the others.

The SIM card was removed from the phone, the handset was returned to the victim and the robbers made off towards Streatham.

The same team of three were apparently seen earlier in the day looking for a particular boy at Graveney School and had been caught on CCTV. Two officers stopped them earlier in the day in Chillerton Road where they had shown a toy gun to the officers and stated they were on their way home.

THE SUSPECTS:
The youth with the gun, was a black male, 16 years old, 6' tall, large build and was wearing a black woollen hat with a white border, a dark jumper and grey trousers.
The second was a light skinned black male, 15 years old, 5'6" tall and was wearing a blue jacket and blue tracksuit. Their accomplice was a black male, 16 years old, 5'07" tall and wearing a black baseball cap and black Nike jumper.

THIEVES CASH IN ON BUS
DATE & TIME OF OFFENCE: 2.30am on Thursday 22nd November 2001
LOCATION: BEDFORD HILL SW12
THE INCIDENT:
A bus driver was driving his bus along Bedford Hill and as he approached VERONICA ROAD a woman stepped out into the roadway and forced him to stop. At this point a second suspect opened the passenger door and grabbed the victim, threatening that he would stab him if he didn't comply. The victim was struck in the mouth by the man who took the money from bus cash box and they made off.

THE SUSPECTS:
The first suspect was a white female aged 28 years, 5' tall with shoulder length brown curly hair and smartly dressed including a long dark coat. It is believed she may be a prostitute.
The second suspect was a black male, aged 33 years, wearing a cap and a long dark coat.

CASH TRANSITED BUT SUSPECT CAUGHT
DATE & TIME OF OFFENCE: 12.50am on Tuesday 20th November 2001
LOCATION: MITCHAM ROAD SW17
THE INCIDENT:
A security firm were carrying out a planned delivery. One security guard remained inside the vehicle whilst the other delivered ten bags of cash. As he walked up the stairs and began to open the door, the first suspect grabbed the bags. A struggle ensued and the suspect grabbed five bags and made off towards TOOTING BROADWAY tube. The guard gave chase but lost sight of the suspect. During the robbery the guard was aware of a second suspect loitering behind with a length of wood. The second suspect was later arrested and a vehicle taken away for forensic testing.

THE SUSPECTS:
The first was a black male, possibly mixed race, aged 27 years old, thin build, London accent and wearing a light bomber jacket, blue jeans, dark woollen hat and black backpack.
The second suspect was a black male, possibly mixed race, aged 25 years old, stocky build, wearing black sunglasses.

BURGLARY
DATE & TIME OF OFFENCE 2.10pm on Wednesday 21st November 2001
LOCATION: BEDFORD HILL
THE INCIDENT A female resident left her grandfather at her ground floor flat whilst she went out. Whilst she was gone, her grandfather opened the door thinking it was her, only to be pushed to one side by two suspects. The second suspect put his hand over the old man's mouth and pushed him against a wall whilst his accomplice searched him and removed a quantity of cash.

They also demanded to know where his granddaughter kept her cash. At this point the victim returned and they ran past her, getting into a small burgundy Fiat car.

THE SUSPECTS: The first was a black male aged 36 years, wearing a woolly hat, jeans and a blue jumper.
The other was a black male aged 28 years, 5'08" tall, wearing a woolly hat.

BURGLARY
DATE & TIME OF OFFENCE: 8.00am on Thursday 22nd November 2001
LOCATION: Fircroft School SW17
THE INCIDENT:
A man was found by staff wandering around the school and one of the teachers realised her purse was missing. As a result he was taken to the school office. Whilst they attempted to call the police, he ran off and was pursued into GLENBURNIE ROAD. He attempted to dispose of the purse down a drain but when challenged again he ran into TOOTING BEC TUBE where he was lost.

THE SUSPECT:
A black male, 25-35 years old, 6'02" tall, slim build, short afro hair, wearing black jeans, dark grey three quarter length jacket and white trainers.

ATTEMPTED BURGLARY
DATE & TIME OF OFFENCE: 6.20am on Saturday 17th November 2001
LOCATION: DAFFORNE ROAD SW17
THE INCIDENT:
The victim was asleep in front ground floor bedroom when he was awoken by the suspect pushing aside some wooden shutters to gain entry. The suspect made off. A flat bladed tool had been used.

This was similar to other incidents on the Putney and Wandsworth sectors.

THE SUSPECT: No description

CAR JACKING
DATE & TIME OF OFFENCE: 10.35am on Wednesday 20th November 2001
LOCATION: CROCKERTON ROAD
THE INCIDENT:
The victim parked her car a silver VW Golf TDI, index no W 437 SBL, when a small silver car, possibly a VW Polo, screeched to a halt. Two men approached, threatened her and demanded she hand over her car keys. The victim, concerned for her safety, handed the keys to them and the suspects drove off in the vehicle. A third unseen suspect had already left in the silver car.

THE SUSPECTS:
The first was a black light skinned male, 5'08" tall, aged 18 years, small thin build, scraggy looking, thin lips ,dark coloured jacket and trousers.
The second suspect was a dark skinned black male, aged around 19 years, 5'06" tall, thick lips, round face, short hair - possibly shaved, wearing a dark jumper.

On a previous occasion these suspects made off in a blue Peugeot bearing the index number L 911 BHP.


Unfortunately carjacking is on the increase in the borough. The makes of cars targeted are BMWs, Audis and Golf VWs and the drivers tend to be single women.

Take extra care when parking up your vehicle. Check your surroundings before you get out of your car. Stay inside with the doors locked for a couple of extra minutes if need be. If necessary, drive away again or use your mobile if you have one to phone the police.

AND 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
telephone the Wandsworth Control Room on 020 8672 9922.

If you see someone with the vehicle. DO NOT INTERVENE - DIAL 999 IMEDIATELY

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE
DATE & TIME OF OFFENCE At 9.40am on Wednesday 20 November 2001
LOCATION: AVARN ROAD junction with MITCHAM ROAD
THE INCIDENT:
Officers noticed a black BMW, index number HYT 838 W with two occupants. As they approached the vehicle it sped off. Later checks showed it had been used in a number of robberies.

THE SUSPECTS: Two black males in their late 20s.


DO NOT APPROACH ANY OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE. THEY MAY BE ARMED.



VEHICLES TAKEN WITHOUT PERMISSION
Between 10.45pm on Wednesday 21st and 8.20am on Thursday 22 November 2001 FRANCISCAN ROAD Yellow Gilera SKP W578 YGJ

Between Monday 5th and Tuesday 20 November 2001 BICKERSTETH ROAD Red Suzuki GS 500E H189CNJ

Between 9.15pm on Wednesday 19th and 8.30am on Thursday 20 November 2001 BIKEADELIC, MITCHAM ROAD Orange Gilera Runner 125 LJ51VJU

Between 12pm and 12.30pm on Sunday 18 November 2001 ROME CLOSE Black Peugeot F9090AS

Between 10.30pm on Friday 16th and 9am on Saturday 17 November 2001 CLAIRVIEW ROAD Red Ford Fiesta H872AAP

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 telephone the Wandsworth Control Room on 020 8672 9922.

If you see someone with the vehicle. DO NOT INTERVENE - DIAL 999 IMMEDIATELY

If you have information on the above incidents - CLICK HERE

For local places to get Crime Prevention Advice - CLICK HERE

Information on crime in other parts of Wandsworth can be found under 'crime bulletin' on www.wandsworth.gov.uk

Item added 14th November
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Tooting & Balham Crime Briefing - 5th - 12th Nov 2001:

ROBBERY:
On Thursday 8 November 2001 at 5.30pm in Balham High Road, a delivery driver was robbed of a considerable amount of cash and his mobile phone. He was made to lie face down and told "do not shout or you will be killed." The victim was in a dark alleyway at the time and did not see the male suspect.


ATTEMPTED VIOLENT ROBBERY - CLOSE TO OUR WATCH:
On Friday 9 November 2001 at 1.09am in Welham Road SW17, two victims sustained facial injuries from an assault. A group walking along the road was approached by four white males, three of whom wore dark hooded clothing, were aged approximately 17-20 years and were 5'8" tall. The fourth male was slightly taller at 5'9".

The first victim was grabbed in a headlock and the other suspects punched and kicked him till he fell to the ground. A companion who came to his aid was jostled, falling to the ground where he was kicked. The remaining members of the group that had been attacked tried to pull the suspects off, but were pushed away and one of them saw one of the suspects with a knife. The attackers then ran off towards Rectory Lane SW17.


BURGLARY:
A burglary took place at 11.30am on Thursday 8 November 2001 in Endlesham Road, Balham SW12. There are no details as to how entry was gained to the premises but once inside the suspects filled a green suitcase with cash, electrical goods and toiletries. They were seen running from the scene by a witness. One of them was holding the suitcase.

Both were described as black males and one was 6'2". They got into a white VW Golf which was approximately five years old, and drove off.


BOGUS CALLER:
At 2pm on Thursday 8 November 2001 in Coverton Road SW17 a white man, 6'00" tall, large build wearing a dark cap and long coat, called at premises occupied by an 85 year old gentleman and offered to repair a fence. The victim stated he didn't want his fence repaired but without invitation the caller walked through the house and into the living room. The intruder told the occupier to go into the garden and measure the fence for him. Not unnaturally the householder told him to leave, and it was only after it was noticed a tin containing £100 (one hundred) in savings had been stolen.


BURGLAR ARRESTED:
Well done to the following member of the public for his prompt action! On Friday 2 November at around midday, a keen eyed member of the public noticed a male apparently slipping a front door lock at an address in Balham Hill. His suspicions were aroused and he immediately called the police. Through his prompt action, police were quickly on the scene and confronted the male on the communal stairs of the property. The suspect had apparently attempted to enter two flats but had been challenged by the occupants. He was found to be in possession of property that had recently been stolen from a similar burglary in Laitwood Road. The suspect was arrested and charged with three counts of burglary. He was also on the run have jumped bail for a previous burglary and has been remanded in custody. Remember - if you see a crime is taking place (or suspect it is), summon the Police immediately using the 999 system.


VEHICLE CRIME:
Have you seen any of the following vehicles since they were reported stolen?

* A Black Golf V5 registration T 739 JGP, stolen in a robbery in Temperley Road on Monday 5 November 2001 at 9.12am.

* A Blue Piaggio ET2 registration LF51 RBV stolen from Fernside Road SW12 on Monday 5 November 2001 between 9.30pm and 1015pm.

* An orange VW Beetle registration VFE 563 M stolen from Carmina Road SW17 Between 10.30pm on Monday 5 November 2001 and 11.30am on Tuesday 6 November 2001.

* A green Peugeot 806 registration V 7 AYC stolen from Nottingham Road SW17 between 8pm on Saturday 3 November 2001 and 9.30am on Monday 5 November 2001.

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 - dial 999 IMMEDIATELY


ANY WITNESSES?
On Thursday 9 November 2001 a traffic warden was almost run over by a black VW Golf Convertible. The vehicle had been parked outside Argos at the junction of Balham High Road and Ritherdon Road with two children in the back seat. As the vehicle was committing an offence, the traffic warden issued a parking ticket and noticed that the tax disc displayed on the car was for another vehicle. Police attendance was requested. The driver, described as a black female, very slim build, 5' tall, long hair, aged early to mid twenties and wearing dark clothing, returned to the vehicle, refused to speak to the traffic warden, got into the vehicle and drove directly at the traffic warden who had to step back out of the way. The vehicle then drove straight through a red light and made off down Ritherdon Road.


HAVE YOU SEEN THIS VEHICLE SINCE WEDNESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2001?
A red Rover 216, registration G 96 GHD was stolen on the afternoon of Wednesday 7 November 2001 from Huron Road SW17. This vehicle is owned by an army employee and contained documents, clothing, ammunition and an army pass.

If you have information on the above incidents - CLICK HERE

For local places to get Crime Prevention Advice - CLICK HERE

Information on crime in other parts of Wandsworth can be found under 'crime bulletins' on www.wandsworth.gov.uk

Item added 9th November
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Tooting & Balham Crime Briefing - 29th Oct - 4th Nov 2001:

Each week the Police compile a summary of burglary offences for their officers, to enable them to be aware of areas requiring special attention. Here is this weeks information.

The good news is that the number of allegations of burglary dropped considerably this week to fifty-five, as compared to eighty-three last week. Of these forty-one were in residential premises and fourteen non-residential.

The police sector worst affected was Wandsworth with eleven offences, closely followed by Putney with ten.

The beat area suffering most burglaries was WN04, (the area to the north of Clapham Common bounded by Elspeth Road, Latchmere Road to the railway, Stanley Grove, Queenstown Road and Wix's Lane), with seven allegations. This was followed by WL01, (to the south of Battersea Rise, bounded by the railway line across Wandsworth Common, Broomwood Road, The Avenue, and Clapham Common Westside), with six.

HOTSPOTS:
The following roads suffered most during the week :
(shown as: Number of burglaries, Street Name, Beat, Type of Burglary)

4, Theatre Street, WN04, 4 Residential (Same Address).
2, Garratt Lane, WF01/5, 2 Residential.
2, Lavender Hill, WN04 / WL01, 2 Non-residential.
2, Spalding Road, WD02, 2 Residential (multi-occupancy).
2, Upper Richmond Road, WH1, 2 Residential (Same Address).


WARNING:
A prolific burglar who often works the Tooting area is about to be released from prison. The majority of his crimes are committed by climbing on to the roof of commercial premises to gain access. Occupants of this type of premises are strongly advised to check the security of skylights and other means of access from the roof.

If you have information on the above incidents - CLICK HERE

For local places to get Crime Prevention Advice - CLICK HERE

Item added 1st November & updated 2nd November
FROM INFORMATION FROM POLICE:

Urgent Advice & Appeal For Information:

TWO ROBBERIES (MUGGINGS) VERY CLOSE TO OUR WATCH ON TUESDAY 30TH OCTOBER

P.C. Davies - Sector Officer for our area - has informed me that on Tuesday 30th Oct, two females were robbed close to our watch in separate incidents. In both cases they were pushed to the ground and money was demanded. Luckily, neither was seriously injured, but understandably both are very shaken.


The first incident was at 7.50pm when a woman was followed at a distance from Amen Corner, along Rectory Lane, into Welham Road and into Crowborough Road. The attacker then ran up, grabbing her from behind and shoving her to the floor. The victim screamed which attracted the attention of members of the public who came to her aid. The suspect then ran off towards Furzedown Road - believed empty handed, but it was later discovered that he had taken the woman's purse and credit cards.

The suspect is described as an 18-25yr old black male, 6 feet tall, slender, good looking, medium to light skinned, and may have had some facial hair. He had nice straight white teeth. He was wearing a black leather bomber jacket with cloth cuffs and waistband with white trim/piping. He was wearing a hat - possibly a baseball cap.


The second incident was at 8.30pm. A young woman had walked along Southcroft Road and turned into Crowborough Road. She was followed into Crowborough Road and pushed to the floor by a man who demanded money. She screamed for help and the man then threatened to harm her. He made off with £20. The victim sustained a slight injury.

The suspect is described as a 25yr old black male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, slim build, long eyelashes, wearing a grey fleece and baseball cap.

Police think that although the descriptions are not the identical, both attacks may have been by the same man. They warn that there have been other similar robberies in recent weeks where females have been followed from busy streets into side streets before being robbed. Some have been followed from Tooting Broadway Underground Station.


Please be extra vigilant when walking alone, and report anyone suspicious to Police immediately by dialling 020 8672 9922 and ask for the Control Room at Tooting - if you feel threatened dial 999 - don't worry if it turns out to be a false suspicion - better to pass on your concerns than discover later that you could have prevented a crime.

If you have information on the above incidents - CLICK HERE

For local places to get Crime Prevention Advice - CLICK HERE

Andy
Watch Co-Ordinator
Hillside Neighbourhood Watch

Item added 5th November
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Tooting & Balham Crime Briefing - 1st November 2001:

STREET CRIME

Violent Robbers: On Friday 26th October 2001, at about 9-20pm, a pedestrian coming from Tooting Bec Station entered Streathbourne Road, SW17. As he walked along the street the bag on his shoulder was tugged and he was struck across the face from behind, causing him to fall to the ground.

A witness describes the two assailants being white men. A red hatchback saloon, believed to be either a Renault Megane or a Renault 19, was standing a little further up the street with the doors open. Following the attack the men ran to the car, which sped off in the direction of the car park.
A number of items of property were stolen, including credit and bank cards, a black canvas bag with brown leather trim, ('Landsend' make), small black 'Samsonite' bag incorporating a wallet, a 'Palm Pilot' organiser and a grey plastic case (PALM XXX).

The Police ask anyone who witnessed this crime or can help identify those responsible to contact them at the number shown at the end of this briefing.


Robbery of schoolchildren: Schoolchildren have been the victims of a further eight robberies recently. The majority of these involved the theft of their mobile phones. Please impress on young people the risk of using these whilst walking along the street, as they present an easy target to the robbers. It is far safer to remain stationary facing towards the street when making or receiving a call, preferably in a recessed doorway. In this way it is far easier to be aware of the movements of those around you.

All mobile phone users should know their handset's IMEI number (click here for how to find it) and all handsets should be property marked with the users post code and door number and advice on how to do this can be obtained from:

1) Wandsworth Crime Prevention Centre, 17 Arndale Walk, Wandsworth Shopping Centre, London SW18, (telephone 020 8871 0803), open to callers between 9am and 5pm Mondays to Saturdays

2) Putney Crime Prevention Shop, next to the Odeon Cinema in Putney High Street, (telephone 020 8785 8874). The shop is open to the public between 10am and 5-30pm, Mondays to Saturdays.


TAKE CARE AFTER DARK:
Recently robberies (muggings) have occurred in Thurleigh Ave, Mayford Road, Endlesham Road and two in Balham High Road. The perpetrators are mainly black men who on occasions have been accompanied by a white woman.


GOOD NEWS:
A pedestrian had his wristwatch stolen at 1am on Monday 29th October 2001 outside J.Sainsbury's in Tooting High Street, SW17. Three men have now been arrested in connection with this crime.


BURGLARY:
Con-men strike again - twice: Unfortunately we continue to be plagued by gangs of burglars posing as workmen and delivery drivers to gain access to houses occupied by elderly pensioners.

A recently widowed lady living in Gassiot Road, SW17, was the target for these thieves on Friday 19th October 2001. Between 6pm and 6-30pm, two men and a woman called at her address asking to borrow a pen & paper to leave a note for somebody living further up the road. They then barged their way past the occupant, searched premises and stole property.

All of the thieves were white skinned. The woman was about 18 years old, 5 feet 5 inches tall, heavily built and wore a coat. Her male companions were between 18 and 20 years of age, one was 6 feet 1 inch tall, wore a dark cap and beige clothes, and the other was 5 feet 8 inches tall.


On 22nd October 2001 at 11-30 am, at Oakmead Road SW12, suspects entered premises and stole money, cheque book and keys from the elderly occupier. One posed as a representative of the landlord and the other as a police officer. The suspects are both described as being white, 5 feet 8 inches tall, and about 26 years of age. The first wore a white suit style jacket and black casual trousers, the other a black shirt, sleeveless jacket and dark plain trousers.


HUNGRY THEIVES:
A stall holder in Broadway Market, SW17, had some unwelcome early customers at 6-40am on Monday 22nd October 2001. Two thieves helped themselves to trays of drink and fruit and vegetables whilst he was working at the back of the premises.

The police would appreciate help to identify the people responsible. Both were aged between 17 and 25, one was black and one white. The white man was 5 feet 10 inches tall and was wearing a distinctive navy and black coat and beige trousers. His accomplice had black hair and a beard and was wearing dark coloured clothing.


NIGHT TIME BURGLARS DISTURBED:
Sunday 28th October 2001 was an eventful morning for three Tooting residents.

At 2-58am, the occupier of premises in Avarn Road SW17 heard a noise coming from down stairs in his house. When he went to investigate he found the top window in the front room fully open and the lights on. The intruder, on hearing the approaching sounds of the householder, beat a hasty retreat. Fortunately nothing had been stolen.

Shortly afterwards, at 3-50am, at Coverton Road SW17 the occupier was asleep in her ground floor flat. The top window in the bedroom had been left slightly open to allow for ventilation. She was awakened by the noise as someone climbed in through the window and as she opened the curtains the suspect, described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall, jumped down, pulled the hood of his jacket up and ran off.

If you are in the habit of sleeping with a window open, particularly a sash window, please remember to fit window stops to restrict its opening to no more than 4 inches. Home security advice is available, free of charge at:

1) Wandsworth Crime Prevention Centre, 17 Arndale Walk, Wandsworth Shopping Centre, London SW18, (telephone 020 8871 0803), open to callers between 9am and 5pm Mondays to Saturdays

2) Putney Crime Prevention Shop, next to the Odeon Cinema in Putney High Street, (telephone 020 8785 8874). The shop is open to the public between 10am and 5-30pm, Mondays to Saturdays.


A resident in Okeburn Road SW17 had a rude awakening at 5am when he was awakened by the sound of breaking glass. He went downstairs to investigate, and surprised an intruder trying to climb through the window into the lounge. Realising he had been observed, the suspect, an athletically built, 6 feet tall black man, decamped into Lessingham Avenue. At the time he was wearing a long sleeved white T-shirt, blue jeans and trainers. Foolishly the victim returned to bed without calling police and was woken
shortly afterwards once more by the sound of breaking glass. Again he went to see what had happened and found the same suspect attempting to enter the house. The would-be intruder decamped along the same route.

Please remember always, if anything untoward happens and an intruder is disturbed or you think the Police should attend an incident , the time to dial 999 is right away. It is no good leaving it until later, the bird will have flown and be far away or as in this case, return.


VEHICLE CRIME:
Please keep a look out for the following vehicles, which have been reported to the Police as being lost or stolen:
(Date/ Time, Venue, Make & Type, Registration).

1) Mon 22nd Oct 2001, 9-50pm, Crockerton Road SW17, Black BMW 1000cc motor cycle,
H897FPX.

2) Monday 22nd October 2001, 5-55pm Ritherdon Road SW17 Blue ford Focus X994VAR.

3) Between Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th October 2001, between 1am and 4am, Corsehill Rd SW16 Blue Ford Mondeo N313LGO.

4) Between Thursday 25th and Friday 26th October 2001, between 6-30pm and 8-10am,
Lynwood Road White Fiesta J701VVX.

5) Between Sunday 28th and Monday 29th October 2001, between 11-30pm and 8-45am, Marius Road SW17, White Peugeot 205, L142BPB.

6) Between Sunday 28th and Monday 29th October 2001, between 6pm and 7pm, Pendle Road SW16, Green Peugeot 306, M486MUC.

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 - dial 999 IMMEDIATELY.

If you have information on the above incidents - CLICK HERE

For local places to get Crime Prevention Advice - CLICK HERE

Item added 22nd October
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Wandsworth-wide Burglary Briefing:

Monday 8th October 2001 to Sunday 14th October 2001

* 78 allegations of burglary were made during this period as opposed to 87 last week
* Of these 58 were of residential burglary, 17 were non-residential, 2 artifice (distraction) burglary and 1 aggravated residential, (force or threat of force was used in the commission of the crime).
* The worst sector was Wandsworth with 17 offences, with Tooting and Battersea equal second with 14 each.
* The worst beat was WN4 with 8 crimes. WL01 had 7 crimes.


Hotspots - see 'Beat Map' to decode locations - Tooting is "WD" and Crowborough Road is in beat "WD02".

3 x Lower Richmond Road - beat WP1 (2 non-residential 1 residential)
2 x Bickerseth Road - beat WD01 (2 residential)
2 x Brightwell Crescent - beat WD01 (2 residential) (Same Address )
2 x Cairns Road - beat WL01 (2 residential) (Same Address )
2 x Garratt Lane - beats WF02/WH2 (2 residential)
2 x Leathwaite Road - beat WL01 (2 residential)
2 x Mysore Road - beat WN04 (2 residential)
2 x Upper Richmond Road - beat WP2 (2 non-residential)
2 x Viewfield Road - beat WH3 (2 residential)


BEWARE - CON-MEN STRIKE YET AGAIN
On the artifice front one offence of note took place on Wednesday 17th October 2001, in Hanford Close, Wandsworth, SW18. Once again the victim was an elderly lady, as is often the case in this type of crime.

Two men posing as water board officials flustered her by saying that there was a water leak upstairs in her home. The occupier, quite properly, demanded to see proof of their identity to which they flashed a piece of paper towards her and barged their way past.

The man who did most of the talking, a 35 year old, stockily built white man, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, with spiky brown hair, spoke in a soft Irish accent. He kept her chatting about the leak whilst his accomplice, a white skinned, slimly built, 30 year old man with dark brown hair, pretended to fix the radiator in the hallway. This man spoke in an English accent and as the older man distracted their victim, he stole £1800 from her bag.

Both of the callers wore blue or grey woolly jumpers and jeans.


Literature, giving tips on how to prevent this type of crime, can be obtained free of charge from:

a) Wandsworth Crime Prevention Centre, 17 Arndale Walk, Wandsworth Shopping Centre, London SW18, (telephone 020 8871 0803), open to callers between 9am and 5pm Mondays to Saturdays.

b) Putney Crime Prevention Shop, next to the Odeon Cinema in Putney High Street, (telephone 020 8785 8874). The shop is open to the public between 10am and 5-30pm, Mondays to Saturdays.

Item added 16th October
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Volunteers Required:

On Saturday 27th October 2001, Tooting Crime Prevention Panel will be joining forces with Wandsworth Council and the Metropolitan Police to hold a crime prevention event in the car park of Sainsbury's in Tooting High Street, London SW17. The event will start at 10am and run until 4pm.
The Panel are seeking Neighbourhood Watch members and others who would be prepared to volunteer to help with the distribution of leaflets for all or part of the day.

If you can help, please contact Roy Warran on 01825 732366, or e-mail him at RoyWarran@aol.com

Item added 16th October
FROM WATCHLINK UNIT EMAIL:
Wandsworth-wide Burglary Briefing:

Monday 1st October 2001 to Sunday 8th October 2001:

Summary:

* 87 allegations of burglary were made during this period- this compares with 83 last week
* Of these allegations 57 were residential, 24 were non-residential, and 6 Artifice Burglary.
* The area worst affected was Nine Elms with 16 offences, followed by Lavender Hill with 14.
* The worst beat was WN4 (Clapham Junct) with 6 crimes. WP 1 & 2 (Putney), and WT2 (Tooting Bec/Balham) all had 5 crimes (click here to see map of police 'beats')

Burglary Hotspots (No of Burglaries, Street Name, Type of Burglary)
5 x Garratt Lane (3 x non-residential 1 x residential 1 x artifice)
4 x Balham High Road (4 x non-residential)
2 x Felsham Road (2 x residential - Same Address )
2 x Garratt Terrace (2 x residential - Same Address )
2 x Lower Richmond Road (1 x non-residential, 1 residential)
2 x Marney Road (2 x residential)
2 x Clapham Mansions, Nightingale Lane (2 x residential - Same Address)
2 x St John's Hill (1 x residential, 1 x artifice)
2 x Upper Richmond Road (1 x non-residential, 1 x residential)


Artifice Burglary - good result
On Thursday 4th October 2001 two suspects posing as deliverymen were arrested by Wimbledon Police officers for artifice burglary offences in the SW19 postal area.

The ploy they employed was to say to an elderly resident they had a parcel to deliver to a neighbour but they were not at home. They would then ask for a pen and piece of paper to leave a note to tell them they had called, and edge themselves inside the premises as they did so.

On this occasion they distracted their victim, a 92 year old lady by asking for a glass of water. The result was that whilst the occupier was being distracted money was stolen from her handbag. Police, alerted by an observant paperboy, were quickly on the scene and gave chase, arresting both men.

Our congratulations and thanks go to both the paper boy and the police officers concerned for their prompt action in arresting these vile criminals.


A couple of hours previously an artifice burglary had occurred at Evenwood Close, Putney, where the same 'modus operandi' was employed by suspects fitting the descriptions of these two men.

At a recent conference organised by Help the Aged the typical victim profile for this type of offence showed that 82 year old ladies living on their own were particularly vulnerable, that only one in five offences are reported and the most common ruses involve the thieves posing as bogus officials from public utilities, local authorities and the police.

Everyone is requested to keep an eye on any elderly neighbours, especially if they fit the profile described above, and report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately using the 999 system.