Winter Burglary Advice

The Barnet Borough Police offer this Winter burglary advice:

LIGHTING
Make it look like you are in when you are out by using a timer switch on lights fitted with energy saving bulbs and on a radio but remember to change the timer switch as the evenings get darker earlier. Also think about exterior dusk to dawn lighting.

TRIM HEDGES AND TREES
Make sure these are trimmed back from windows and are about 3 feet high so that burglars can't hide behind them and they don't block any lighting you may have. Consider planting some prickly plants such as Pyracantha (Firethorn) around the perimeter.

FENCES, SHEDS AND GATES
Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition and that gates can be secured properly. Put several good locks/padlocks on shed doors and check the windows too. Think about putting trellis over the top of fences and gates.

LADDERS AND TOOLS
Never leave tools or ladders out, always lock them away in a properly secured shed or garage as they could be used by burglars to break into your home.

FIT LOCKS
Fit good quality deadlocks to outside doors and ensure you have locks on ground floor windows and patio doors - never leave the keys in the locks or on the window sill but make sure everyone in the house knows where they are so that they can get out in the event of a fire.

VALUABLE ITEMS ON VIEW
Ensure all valuable items (laptops, digital cameras, car keys, jewellery etc) are kept out of view and not left by the doors or windows especially if they can be seen through the letter box or by looking in the window. Think about keeping spare car keys in a secure location as expensive cars can be targeted.

GOLD JEWELLERY
If you keep large amounts of gold jewellery in the house think about getting a safe and locking it away or keeping it in the bank especially if it is only worn on special occasions.

WINDOW AND DOOR LOCKS
These are not being used enough and burglars are taking advantage - close and lock all doors and windows even if you are just popping out for a few minutes. Also get into the habit of checking them before you go to bed but make sure everyone in the house knows where the keys are kept.

CURTAINS AND BLINDS
Please close these as soon as it starts getting dark outside - if there is a light on indoors but its dark outside this provides the ideal conditions for burglars to "window shop" and make a note of anything worth taking at a later date.

SECURITY MARKING
Think about registering your valuable items such as phones, laptops & TV's etc. at www.immobilise.com this company also provide property marking micro dots.

WHEELY BINS
When not in use please chain these up together so that they can't be used to climb over fences or to take items away in. Get together with your neighbours and bring each others bins in if they have been left out after collection as this is a sure way to tell if you are in or out or if you are away.

CHRISTMAS
Never leave presents on show even if they are wrapped and under the tree. After Christmas or when buying new items please don't just put the boxes out as they are for recycling, break them up and put them in the bins otherwise everyone knows you have a new laptop or 40inch flat screen TV. Keep a record of any serial numbers of electrical items and record them on www.immobilise.com also keep your receipts for these items in a safe place. Please get someone you trust (e.g. a family member) to come and pick up your post if you are away and remember to cancel the papers and milk delivery etc.

Winter Burglary Prevention Event

Date: 5th December 2011, 7pm – 8.30pm
Venue: Greek Cypriot Centre, Britannia Road, North Finchley, N12 9RU

Barnet Community Safety Engagement Group (CSEG) would like to invite you to a special meeting on burglary and how to keep your home safe from intruders. The winter months see a rise in burglary, the aim of this meeting is to inform Barnet residents of how to keep their homes and possessions safe and to give the local police an opportunity to hear from concerned local residents.

The meeting will be addressed by a senior officer from the burglary team, followed by an opportunity to ask them questions.

Also present will be representatives from the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams and at the end of the meeting there will be an open session to question them on other local matters.

This event is open to all residents in Barnet. For further information and to book a place please contact Anahied.Hatamian@CommUNITYBarnet.org.uk or call 020 8364 8400 ext: 203

Planning Appeal: 65-67 Oakleigh Park South

Although the planning application B/03174/10 to convert the family home at number 65-67 Oakleigh Park South into 5 flats with 20 beds and only 5 car parking spaces was turned down by the Barnet Planning Committee, the applicant has made an appeal to the Secretary of State.

Any representation you made about the original application will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate and to the Appellant. However, if you wish to make any further representations, please quote reference APP/N5090/A/11/2160152/NWF and either send an email to teamp3@pins.gsi.gov.uk or send three copies to be received by 24th October, 2011 to:

Planning Inspectorate
Room 3/19
Eagle Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
BRISTOL
BS1 6PN

If you wish to receive a copy of the appeal decision, please write to the Planning Inspectorate at the above address quoting the reference number above.

Thank You Letter From The Borough Commander

To the residents, business people and their employees in Barnet I want to say thank you.

Without your overwhelming support, the police efforts in Barnet and London would not have been possible. It has been a deeply humbling experience that so many of you have come out to say thank you and to talk directly to police officers and community support officers patrolling your streets to keep you safe.

13 days ago, when the worst violence to hit the UK since the 1980s erupted on our streets, my officers and staff said goodbye to their families, cancelled all leave and came to work. They were ready to put their lives on the line and protect the community they love. Thanks to incredibly robust policing in the first 48 hours of the violence, Barnet was spared the worst.

But I am acutely aware that some of our residents and businesses did suffer and many people were left in fear that Barnet would be next. I will always be sorry for that and assure you that on my watch, your police will do everything we can to prevent it from happening.

Never has there been a more important time to examine the relationship between the public and the police. At a time when we have been under the greatest threat we have felt that the vast majority of decent people have stood shoulder to shoulder with us and we salute you for it.

As I toured the Borough last night, I was regaled with stories from my officers and staff about the kindness and concern shown by members of the public, young and old and of every colour and religion. It is a real demonstration of the strength of this Borough.

Please remember that you owe us nothing. This is our job and we are proud to do it on your behalf. But as we return to normality we should never forget that we were in this together, and I would be forever grateful if you continued to extend the hand of friendship you have offered my people long into the future.

In turn we must do the same, talking to you at every opportunity, listening to what you have to say, and making sure you feel safe. Once again - thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Neil Basu

Detective Chief Superintendent
Barnet Borough Commander
Metropolitan Police Service
www.met.police.uk/barnet
Tel: 020 8733 4022

Advice For The Public Following Disorder

Whilst those who live and work in London should go about their daily lives without fear - we do however ask that they take sensible precautions to ensure their safety.

We would advise members of the public to avoid any unnecessary travel to areas that have been affected by the events of the last couple of days, and help the emergency services by giving us the room that we need to respond. Make sure you are safe and do not put yourselves into vulnerable positions.

It is possible that your journeys to and from work may be affected so think ahead and plan carefully. Stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you. If you do have any concerns about returning home this evening, you should consider staying with friends or family members outside of the affected areas.

Over the last 24 hour period we have received almost four times more 999 emergency calls than normal (20,800 compared to 5,400). Consequently some callers may experience difficulty in getting through to 999, or waiting longer than usual for their call to be answered. We would ask you to bear with us, and only use 999 in situations that require an immediate police response.

DAC Steve Kavanagh said: "I wish to reassure members of the public that a London wide policing operation is in place to manage any further public disorder in the capital. We are doing everything we can by working with our partners and the community to ensure residents and businesses can go about their daily lives in confidence."

FAQs

Getting information and advice

Where can I get information and advice? Police are providing the media with information to keep the public informed. Tune in to your local radio or television station for updates or visit our website.

You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/metpoliceuk or join our Neighbourhoodlink Service.

How can I find out local information? Many councils are providing local updates on the disturbances in their area. You can find your local council by following the DirectGov link below: Find your local council Opens new window

Travelling in and around London

Is it safe to travel around London? We would advise members of the public to avoid any unnecessary travel to areas that have been affected by the events of the last couple of days and to keep safe by not putting themselves into vulnerable positions.

It is possible that your journeys to and from work may be affected so think ahead and plan carefully. Stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you.

If you do have any concerns about returning home this evening, you should consider staying with friends or family members outside of the affected areas.

If you need help planning a journey, you can use the 'Travel Tools' on TfL's website. These include tools to help plan your journey and free mobile travel alerts.

You can also call the London Travel Information on 020 7222 1234 any time - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It can provide journey information like the last tube and bus times, bus stop locations and cab numbers, as well as train, DLR and tram information.

Are the buses safe?

Our Safer Transport Teams are providing support to drivers and providing a visible presence, but please consider whether your journey is absolutely necessary.

Advice for parents/guardians

Are my children safe? There are unprecedented numbers of officers on the streets of London - over 16,000 today. We are doing everything we can to support communities and keep people safe.

Over the last couple of nights there have been a large numbers of young people placing themselves in situations that were dangerous and violent. We appeal to parents and all those responsible for young people to work together with police to ensure that youngsters do not get drawn into the kind of disorder we have seen.

There is a role for the whole community - police, parents, schools, local leaders and others - to stand together and convey the message that crime and disorder will not be tolerated.

Contacting the police

I can't get through on 999, what should I do? If it is an emergency please keep trying. We have been experiencing significant demands; almost four times as many calls than normal. We will deal with your call as quickly as possible. If it is not an emergency, please use one of the following:

• calling 101 to report a crime that has already happened, seek crime prevention advice or make us aware of any policing issues in your local area;
• via our website at www.met.police.uk;
• via your local police station.

Helping the police

How can I help the police?

You can help us by assisting in the identification of people that have been looting, rioting and committing crime.

Anyone with information should call our incident room on 020 8345 4142. Alternatively you can call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We are also publishing images of people wanted in connection with looting. Click this link to see if you recognise any of the people we wish to speak to.

Police tactics

What tactic are the police using? The MPS employs tactics that are primarily designed to prevent injury to members of the public and police officers. In instances where officers have been outnumbered, they have waited until they can intervene with minimum risk to the public. The MPS is determined to prevent further crime and to bring the criminals to justice.

Possible Disorder in Barnet

Barnet police are aware of concerns regarding possible disorder in Barnet borough over the next 48 hours.

Most of this is generated by social media; in particular those rumours that relate to High Barnet appear to be created as a result of concerns raised by anxious residents.

In relation to Brent Cross shopping centre, there was some minor disorder last night that was quickly curtailed by police.

The public should be assured that extra policing has been authorised to deter any potential disorder.

Those who may be tempted to get involved in criminal activity should consider that Barnet police will vigorously prosecute anyone concerned with theft or damage to property in this borough.

Neil Basu, Barnet Borough Commander

Planning Application: 65-67 Oakleigh Park South

Last Chance To Object

The planning application B/03174/10 to convert the family home at number 65-67 Oakleigh Park South into 5 flats with 20 beds and only 5 car parking spaces will come before the planning committee this Wednesday, 13th July at 7pm.

Despite objections from 102 residents we understand that this application is likely to be granted.

If you wish to help stop this planning application please consider attending the committee meeting this Wednesday evening at London Borough Barnet Town Hall, The Burroughs, Hendon, NW4 4BG.

Barnet Police Vehicle Crime Event

Superintendent Neil Seabridge of Barnet Police will be opening a vehicle crime event on the 11th July 1930-2030 hrs at Queen Elizabeth's School, Queen's Road, Barnet, EN5 4DQ.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the current service provided to victims of motor vehicle crime and areas in which this service can be improved.

Barnet police would particularly like to hear from you if you have been the victim of car crime as your views could be crucial in improving the way your local police investigate vehicle crime and deal with the victims of this offence.

Officers will also be on hand to offer crime prevention advice so you can avoid becoming a victim of car or other crime.

Superintendent Neil Seabridge said "This is the first of a number of events that we will be hosting across Barnet; later events will discuss the service we provide to the victims of other crimes. We want to make sure that when our residents call police they get the quality of service that they expect. It is only by listening to victim’s view that we can be sure that we are meeting their expectation. I hope that as many residents as possible will attend to give us their opinion”.

For more information call Jim Avey in the Media Unit at Colindale Police Station on 020 8733 4519.

Barnet Community Safety Engagement Group Public Meeting/AGM

Barnet Community Safety Engagement Group (CSEG) would like to invite you to a public meeting to give an update on the SNT consultation results which are due out by the end of June:

Date: 7th July
Time: 19.00 - 20.30
Location: Avenue House, 17 East End Road, Finchley, N3 3QE

The Borough Commander and Chief Inspector Simon Causer will be attending to answer any questions on the consultation results. In addition, the CSEG will be hosting its annual general meeting and is looking for new executive group members. If you are interested in nominating yourself or somebody else for executive group membership please email Anahied Hatamian by the 4th July.

To reserve your place at this event please please email Anahied Hatamian or call 020 8364 8400 ext: 203

St John Ambulance Fundraising Campaign

This is to advise you of a fundraising campaign for St John Ambulance in the London Borough of Barnet that will commence on Friday 17 June 2011 and will operate in the borough throughout the remain months of 2011. The Police and Trading Standards in Barnet have also been informed.

The campaign, using a team of professional fundraisers who work solely on behalf of St John Ambulance, involves canvassing door to door to talk to residents about the work of St John Ambulance and to encourage their support with a voluntary donation, by Direct Debit only. They DO NOT collect cash and are in fact forbidden to do so.

The fundraisers all wear identification badges and sweatshirts/t-shirts bearing the St John Ambulance logo.

This email is to inform you of the activity should any member of the public question the status of the canvassers. St John Ambulance is the holder of a House to House Order of Exemption (reference CHC/87-7/207-1 ), which enables us to fundraise in this way.

At the beginning of each week, I will be able to send a list of fundraisers names together with their unique EDP (reference) number. I would be grateful if you could advise if it would be useful if I were to forward this information onto others in the Barnet area. We have found from past experience that the more people we can inform in advance, the less problems you may encounter from the public.

Anyone wishing to confirm the identification of a fundraiser should they be approached should ask for their name and identification number and call 0845 222 11 99.

This form of fundraising is extremely important to us because the more long-term supporters we recruit, the more funds we can raise - and the greater the potential St John Ambulance has to continue with its life-saving activities in our local communities. For St John Ambulance this is one of our most successful activities. As you will probably know we have to fundraise as we do not receive Government funding for carrying out our first aid duties. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information.

Murat Ismail

Direct Marketing Executive St John Ambulance, 27 St John's Lane, London EC1M 4BU

T 020 7324 4153

Beware Of Gold Burglars

It has come to our attention that across north London gold is now a target for burglars. Asian families appear to be most at risk as criminals perceive that they will have large amounts of 22 carat gold at home.

Paul Hammond
Barnet Boroughwatch

Assault in Oakleigh Park North

My daughter was assaulted last Wednesday night in Oakleigh Park North whilst walking home from Totteridge & Whetstone tube station just after midnight. Her assailant was a male about six feet tall of asian appearance who grabbed and tried to restrain her. Although her screams were not heard by neighbours she fortunately fought herself free and ran home.

The police are DNA testing her jacket that was torn in the incident and are examining CTV footage from the High Road and tube station.

Please be vigilant in case this person strikes again.

Michael Soliatis

0845 669 3669

Help shape the future of policing in London

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has launched a review into the different ways in which the public can contact police and access our services. These range from telephone, online and face-to-face methods, including via police stations and appointments.

As part of the review, we have launched an online survey to find out which of the many channels the public use to contact us and after learning about the variety of ways that exist, the survey poses the question would members of the public choose a different way of accessing police services in future.

The online survey at www.met.police.uk also asks the public for their opinions on how we should consider the overall future of front counters; a proposed minimum ‘core service commitment’, which includes an easily accessible front counter in every London borough open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The survey is not about decisions regarding individual front counters.

Consultation will also take place regarding the proposed criteria for enhanced front counter service provision, which will ensure that local services are tailored to meet demand.

The online survey will be supported by a period of consultation with local partners and stakeholders, such as councils, Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) and Neighbourhood Watch schemes. The views of our partners and the public are key to any decisions made as to how services should be delivered in the future.

We will use the results of the survey, which runs until 27th May 2011, to develop a strategy to maintain and enhance public access to policing services within a core minimum standard. No decisions have yet been made and any changes will only take place with the approval of the most senior officers and staff who form the MPS Management Board and the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), an independent governing body that holds the MPS to account.

In these challenging financial times, it is essential that the MPS makes best use of available resources. This is one of the key aims of the review that will ensure we can deliver an efficient and cost effective service in the right place at the right time.

To have your say and influence the future of local policing in your area please complete the survey at: www.met.police.uk by 27th May 2011. Your views are important to us and will help us improve our services to better meet your needs. If you have any further questions please contact me.

Chief InspInspector Simon CAUSER
Crime and Disorder Reduction. Barnet Borough

Colindale Police Station
Grahame Park Way
London
NW9 5TW
Telephone: 0208 733 4403

Assault Witnesses Sought

Police are appealing after a man was seriously assaulted on April 25th 2011 at about 7.15am on Osidge lane, London N14. The victim aged 38 had just parked his car in Manor drive, N14 on his way to work as a gardener. He was apparently waiting to cross Osidge Lane and witnesses might recall he was carrying a hammer and a garden fork in his hands. As he waited to cross a white car has stopped and flashed the car lights to allow him to cross. However as he began to cross the road the white car accelerated and struck the victim knocking him to the ground.

As he lay on the ground he was approached by three males who began a sustained attack. The victim was struck with a sprit level, threatened with blinding and received eye injuries, a broken bone in his leg and serious knee injuries that will require further surgery.

Police have arrested three men on suspicion of causing Grievous bodily harm, however the driver of the car is still being sought. DC Nick Harvey of the Community Safety Unit said "This man received serious injuries as a result of a prolonged assault and being struck by a car. Whoever was driving this car carried out an apparently intentional assault with his vehicle, the driver is dangerous and needs to be found. I would appeal to any witness to this incident to contact police with any information they have, no mater how small, this could be the piece of the puzzle that proves vital."

You can contact police by phoning Tel 020 8733 5808 Or if you do not want to give your name please call CrimeStoppers on Tel 0800 555 111 and quote reference number 2410012/11.

M1 Fire Arrests

Officers from Barnet CID, who are investigating a number of suspicious fires across the borough, carried out early morning arrests today across Barnet and Harrow. Two fires in the Moat Mount Open Space, Mill Hill, NW7; one of which occurred between 14 and 15 April and the other between 15 and 16 April, have been linked to the fire that resulted in wide-scale traffic disruption when a blaze broke out at Apex Metal Recycling, Ellesmere Ave, Mill Hill, London on Friday 15 April 2011.

This fire caused the closure of the M1 motorway, which runs on a bridge directly above the scene of the fire, caused serious damage to the recycling yard, the motorway bridge and extensive traffic disruption.

Five people aged between 14 and 17 were arrested this morning and are in custody at a North London Police Station. A number of items were seized during the operation for forensic examination. DCI Roycroft of Barnet CID said, " Although we are pursuing a number of active leads into these fires we would still ask that anyone who has any information about these crimes contact Barnet police. Your information could be invaluable to the investigation and bringing those responsible to justice".

Anyone with information is asked to call Barnet police on 0300 123 1212 or, if you don't want to give your name, call CrimeStoppers on Tel 0800 555 111

BoroughWatch Seeks New Committee Members

The BoroughWatch Council is actively seeking new committee members. Any voluntary organisation needs a committee of people who will organise how the group is run to ensure that decisions are made in a democratic way and so that all committee members take collective responsibility. We meet four times a year. The committee has a responsibility to:

• Meet! This sounds obvious but if the committee doesn't meet regularly then it can't manage the proper running of the organisation.
• Ensure the organisation follows its aims and objectives and carries them out in accordance with the law.
• Ensure the organisation manages its finances properly.
• Ensure that activities carried out and decisions made are in the best interest of the organisation and not any individual member of the committee.
• If necessary the committee can organise sub-committees to address specific tasks such as finance or event organisation.

If you are willing to join please email Paul Hammond at barnetboroughwatch@gmail.com

Synagogue burglaries across Barnet

There have been a number of synagogue burglaries across Barnet during which a number of religious artefacts have been taken.

Police are asking members of the Jewish community to be made aware that some of the prominent pieces of silver could well be offered back to unsuspecting members of the community.

Police are asking people to cooperate with the enquiry and if they become aware of any of the following silver religious items being offered for sale they should contact police immediately:

• 2 x solid silver breast plates.
• 3 x solid silver pointers.
• 2 x solid silver crowns.
• 3 sets of solid silver bells.
• 3 sets of candelabra each containing 5 candle sticks.
• 1 x goblet 1 foot in length.
• 1 x silver chess set.
• 1 x silver tray approx. 40cm across without handles.
• 1 x silver tray approx 50cm across with handles.
• Several small silver goblets about 10cm in length.

Total value of these items is in the region of £20,000. DC Paul Richardson of Barnet CID said, "We have liaised closely to ensure that places of worship are aware that these criminals are active. But it is important that the local community is also given the information, so police can be alerted if this property is being circulated. If people give us information we do all we can to ensure that this property is returned and those responsible brought to justice."

Anyone who recognises these men or is aware of any of the religious items being offered for sale should contact police directly on 0300 123 1212 or phone CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 1111 and quote reference 2401181/11.

Safety on Public Transport in Barnet

Public Meeting on 30th March 2011 from 18.30 to 20.30 at the Greek Cypriot Centre, 2 Britannia Road, N2 9RU (map).

Barnet Community Safety Engagement Group (CSEG) would like to invite you to meet with Barnet's Borough Commander and representatives from the British Transport Police to discuss any concerns you may have around crime and safety on Public Transport within the Borough.

The CSEG is funded by the Metropolitan Police Authority and has the direct involvement of the Barnet Police, the local authority and other agencies. Participating in the group and its activities gives you the opportunity to meet the Borough Commander, senior police officers, local councillors, the probation service and the court service to raise issues, discuss concerns, find out about what's being done and come up with solutions.

To reserve your place at this event please contact: Anahied.Hatamian@CommUNITYBarnet.org.uk or call 020 8364 8400 ext: 203
Anahied Hatamian
Community Safety Engagement Group Coordinator
CommUNITY Barnet
52 Moxon Street, High Barnet, EN5 5TS
020 8364 8400 ext 203

Please Complete This Crime Survey

Oakleigh is one of the Wards where few residents have completed the Crime and Community Safety Survey mentioned in the post dated 10th February.

Your views are important, so please take a few minutes to tell us about how crime and disorder in Barnet is tackled and prevented:

Click here to complete a short survey

Please complete the survey by Friday 4th March at the latest. Completed surveys will be entered into a free prize draw and one lucky resident will win a £75 gift voucher.

Howard Pothecary

Barnet Safer Communities Partnership
howard.pothecary@barnet.gov.uk
020 8359 7788

Super Cap Meeting Q & A's

Here follows Chief Inspector Simon Causer's brief and informative summary of the questions and answers that were discussed at the Super Cap* meeting which took place on 3rd Feb 2011.

*CAP = Community Action Panel; Super Cap is a meeting help between Chairmen of CAPs around the borough.

Super CAP Meeting:
Location: Simpson Hall lecture Theatre
Date: Thursday 3rd Feb 2011 1900 - 2130.

Item 1 and 2 on the agenda were presentations about the neighbourhood policing review project and the burglary picture in Barnet. During the discussion that followed a number of issues were discussed. Below is a brief summary of the main issues that were raised.

Qu 1: Why haven’t PCSOs been given more powers such as dealing with abandoned cars?

Ans: PCSOs are the eyes and ears of the ward. 70% of all our intelligence comes from PCSOs who are asked to go out and talk to people and learn about problems on their ward. Extra powers are available by deference through the local authority. At a recent Barnet Council cabinet meeting, additional powers were requested but not granted. CAP members may wish to take this matter up with their local councillor.

Qu 2: Will the change in resources reflect the changing population dynamics that will be evident in the forthcoming census?

Ans: The flexibility that we are seeking in our review of neighbourhood policing will put us in a far better picture to respond to local issues such as the building of a new housing estate.

Qu 3: Will there be staff reductions on wards?

Ans: There is a proposal to look at the way teams are currently supervised and whether we have got the management ratio right. This may lead to a reduction in the current number of sergeants.

Qu 4: If a year later, crime gets worse; will it all go back to how it was with 1:2:6 ratio in every ward?

Ans: The Metropolitan Police needs to make savings and it is only right that we look at how we currently deliver our policing services and whether we can be more efficient. We need to ensure that we meet the service demand and balance our resources accordingly. What any new model will give is flexibility to change; this will make it far easier to respond to emerging crime pictures. What we will do is keep the structure under constant review and if there is a sound argument to change then we will do so.

Qu 5: How do the PCSOs feel about the change?

Ans: Most of the PCSOs are happy to move across ward boundaries as this opportunity will broaden their skill base as they move to different parts of borough to deal with issues that have an impact on their own ward. PCSOs do a fantastic job and they all want to continue delivering that level of service where ever they work.

Qu 6: Is funding secured for the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams?

Ans: Safer Neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of the MPS response to dealing with crime and disorder in the local community. As such the MPS is committed to maintaining a safer neighbourhood team in every ward.

Qu 9: In the current economic climate, does the MPS have a way of preventing the older experienced officers from leaving?

Ans: The situation with retirement in the MPS has not changed, unlike some other forces the MPS has no plans to insist that an officer retires once they have reached 30 years service. In this way there will be no exodus of skill and experience.

Qu 10: Do you encourage ‘have a go hero’s’?

Ans: We would want members of the public to act in a safe and appropriate manner in response to a situation as they see it. As part of this we would encourage interaction with their local safer neighbourhood teams and be part of Borough Watch. One of the most important things that the public can do is be a good neighbour and keep an eye on each others property, reporting anything they consider as suspicious to the police.

Qu 11: Is there any information that suggests criminals in Barnet track where police officers are in order to commit crime?

Ans: No

Qu 12: If PCSOs leave their SNT to become PCs, will there be a backfill?

Ans: There are PCSOs that are not in the Safer Neighbourhoods teams. It is likely that they will be used to backfill those PCSOs who leave a SNT for a career elsewhere.

Qu 13: How do we increase our borough watch and help the Police?

Ans: The borough watch coordinators need to be known to their Ward Panel and Safer Neighbourhood Team. Through communication, we can identify those streets where representation is low and then actively market Borough watch in these locations. Working with Borough Watch your local team will be doing just that.

Qu 14: Can we have a series of regular meetings with our Borough Watch, local police and local council?

Ans: Yes - If we have it ward specific, the Safer Neighbourhoods teams can facilitate.

Qu 15: Can we get regular updates on crimes that occur on our ward and ward specific news?

Ans: The Safer Neighbourhoods teams should be feeding you regular updates via email. A Newsletter for each ward has been sent to the printers and will be delivered to every home by April of this year.

If you want regular updates, and are not getting them, in the first instance speak to your local SNT. If you are dissatisfied with the response please email simon.causer@met.police.uk

Summary of Barnet Boroughwatch AGM

The good news is that Barnet Borough has had a dramatic decrease in alcohol related violence.

The bad news is that on burglaries Barnet is “the most challenged borough”. There has been a large increase in burglaries and Barnet police are working hard at tackling this. Most burglaries occur during the day when people are at work.

Give a "lived in" look by doing simple things like...

• Keep lights on while you’re out or use a timer switch if returning after dark.
• Keep key and loose valuables like laptops, cameras and mobiles out of sight from anyone looking in.
• Secure rear garden. Lock sheds, back doors and windows. Keep gates shut and locked.
• Don’t leave ladders or tools outside.
• Use front and back lights.
• Use burglar alarms.
• Do not leave the dustbins out longer than necessary. Agree with your neighbour to move back the dustbins after collection especially if away on holiday.

Communicate with your neighbours: Encourage your neighbours to send their email address to totteridge.nw@gmail.com so that they can receive information from Barnet Boroughwatch and the Totteridge Safer Neighbourhood Team. For those neighbours who are elderly or have no email please help them by printing off information and delivering it to them.

The meeting was well attended and informative. Barnet Borough Commander Neil Basu and Chief Inspector Simon Causer discussed the implications of the government cutbacks and the different options which are being considered. At the meeting there were lively questions from Barnet residents and good explanations from our senior police officers. Discussions included:

• the flexibility to move officers across ward boundaries without having to justify to management
• the training and use of Special Constables
• the deployment of Safer Neighbourhood Teams during the Olympics
• how to deal with a burglary where the premises are occupied.

Survey: 12,000 people responded to the survey which Simon Causer issued in early December. This helps to guide the Chief Inspector in policing policy in Barnet’s 21 wards specifically in the following areas:

1. Team location
2. Team responsibility
3. Team structure
4. The working shifts of police officers
5. Safer Transport Teams, (funded by TFL and located at Tally Ho, Edgware and Golders Green)
6. Safer Schools Teams
7. Safer Town Centre Teams

Kitty Nabarro

Totteridge Residents' Association

Have Your Say on Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Barnet

The Barnet Safer Communities Partnership believes the way to create a safer, stronger community is by partnership working between the council, police and other local agencies. Barnet residents now have the opportunity to have their say about crime and disorder is tackled and prevented, substance misuse and anti-social behaviour.

Please have your say:

Click here to complete a short survey, which is designed to discover more about:

• your perceptions of crime and anti-social behaviour in your local area;
• your experiences of crime and anti-social behaviour in the last twelve months;
• your feelings towards how well the local police, council and their partners work together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour;
• what you think the priorities should be for the borough and for your local area.

The questions contained in this survey will help us understand the concerns that you have about your safety and the safety of others in the community. The results will be used to inform the types of actions taken to improve community safety and improve the quality of life for everyone in the borough.

Please complete the survey by Friday 4th March at the latest. Completed surveys will be entered into a free prize draw and one lucky resident will win a £75 gift voucher.

Howard Pothecary
Barnet Safer Communities Partnership
howard.pothecary@barnet.gov.uk
020 8359 7788

Barnet Boroughwatch AGM 7th Feb 2010

This is a final reminder that the AGM of Barnet Boroughwatch is tomorrow evening, 7th February at 7.45pm, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, Hendon, NW4. (See previous post below for a map.) Car parking is available in the University car park off Greyhound Hill. The university wishes it to be known that, although you park at your own risk, no charges will be made.

The meeting will be held in Room C211 on the 2nd floor and refreshments will be served on arrival.

This is your last chance to discuss the policing of Barnet with the Borough Commander before the cuts really hit.

The meeting will consist of a brief introduction from Paul Hammond of Barnet Boroughwatch and Maureen West the Chair and then straight into an open forum with Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Neil Basu and Chief Inspector Simon Causer.

The future policing of Barnet is at stake so it is important that the police hear your views.

Boroughwatch AGM

The Boroughwatch AGM will be held on Monday, 7th February at 7.45pm at Middlesex University, The Boroughs, Hendon, NW4 4BT. Click here to download a map.

Arrangements have been made for Boroughwatch members to use the campus car park, the entrance to which is in Greyhound Hill.

On arrival use the main entrance and assemble in the Quad which is the cafe and reception area. We will meet you there.

Paul Hammond, Boroughwatch