Neighbourhood Watch Street Signs

I am pleased to announce that the Neighbourhood Watch Association have successful secured funding for 200 new Neighbourhood Watch street signs. They have been designed by Nuneaten signs and are different from the multi-colour signs we currently use. They still feature the well known Meerkats logo but are an eye catching black and yellow design. Unfortunately, there are not enough to replace all existing signs so priority will be given to those schemes that do not have signs or that have broken or damaged signs. 

If you would like to request a new sign/s please fill in the linked form and return to me. The new street signs will be erected in the priority areas during April and May. Remaining street signs will be replaced as new funding is received.

Free self-defence training for Women

Calling all ladies – Neighbourhood Watch in partnership with Merton police is offering all co-ordinators (and their families) a chance to learn various techniques regarding womens self-protection. Your chances of being a victim of an attack are very unlikely but you will be taught skills that could assist you in dealing with confrontational situations. The training is being offered free of charge but you will need to commit to two 1 1/2 hour sessions over two weeks. We will be holding two events.

The first is being held on Thursday 22nd and 29th March - 6.30-8pm and the second on Thursday 19th and 26th April - 6.30-8pm.

Both sessions will held at Mitcham Police Station and will be run by Inspector Fowles, who has over 20 years experience as a police self defence instructor.

If you are interested in attending one of these sessions please return the attached slip to me or send an email with your details. We are expecting a high demand for this course so places will be offered on a first come first served basis. Future sessions may be held if there is an overwhelming response.

General Alert

There have been a number of Residential Burglaries in the last few weeks where only the Yale lock on the front door has been engaged, therefore making it easier for the lock to be "slipped" open or the door kicked open.

Greg Hunt, one of boroughs Crime Prevention Officers, said that by having both locks engaged [Yale and Mortice] strengthens the opening side of the door, which would reduce the ease of gaining entry. He also stated that if people don't have one, they should consider getting one fitted as many insurance companies insist on a five lever Mortice lock fitted and engaged at the time of the offence if they are to fulfill claims.

If you are not sure if you have the correct locks and would like some free advice or a visit, please contact the Crime Prevention Office on 020 8649 3245.

Burglaries

The below statement is taken from an alert that was sent via email to co-ordinators in Figges Marsh.

“There have been seven Residential Burglary offences since 20th January 2007 in Figges Marsh ward - six of these have been in roads where Neighbourhood Watch exists!!”

The co-ordinators in Figges Marsh have been working extremely hard to protect themselves and their neighbours from becoming victims. They are not the only ward to have had burglaries in watch areas so we need all co-ordinators to remain vigilante. 

It is difficult to make your property 100% secure against a determined burglar, however, there are things you can do that will reduce your chances of becoming a victim, such as:

•    Leave a radio on during the day,
•    use a timer to switch on lights when it gets dark,
•    do not leave valuables lying around,
•    hang nets at your window,
•    security mark and photograph property,
•    register items at www.immobilise.com

If Neighbours are at home during the day ask them to keep an eye on your property and report any suspicious noises/people/vehicles to police.