Skills Auction in aid of Nepal Earthquake Appeal 30 May

A skills auction in aid of the Nepal Earthquake Appeal is being held on 30th May, 7.30 - 10.30 pm at St Peters Bourne, 40 Oakleigh Park South. Lots of pledges in already, so come along and help support those in need, by giving to this great cause, and having some fun!
RSVP on Facebook bit.ly/spauction, 0208 445 5535

Springdene Nursing and Care Home closure

We had heard that Springdene, in Oakleigh Park North, was closing.  Checking with the home itself has confirmed that this is true - it closes on 6th January.  Most of the residents have been moved out, only about three or four remain.  The staff have not been told what is to become of the building, but presumably it is not continuing as a care home, as it would have been sold as a going concern if that was the case.  No planning applications have been published as yet.  Anyone know anything?

Welcome to the relaunched OPRA

Welcome to the relaunched Oakleigh Park Residents’ Association blog. OPRA was set up ten years ago to campaign to stop a proposed bus route planned to operate along Oakleigh Avenue. The residents felt that it was far too narrow for such a route and with the help of more Oakleigh Park residents, the plan was shelved.  Other battles fought and won were over planning applications for blocks of flats. Our intention is to keep those residents who subscribe to OPRA informed of anything that could affect the amenity of the Oakleigh Park area and where necessary liase with council and police.  The area we intend to focus on is Oakleigh Parks North and South, Oakleigh Avenue and the smaller roads coming off them. We have already been contacted by over 65 households, so we are well on our way.  Some have asked if we will be collecting a membership fee and the answer is not at the moment, as we will be using emails for communication we have virtually no paper or printing expenses.  For future events, such as the drinks evening, we will ask for a contribution from those attending to cover costs.  We hope to meet you soon and in the meantime thank you again for your support in joining OPRA.with on-line

Marina Yannakoudakis, Jeanette Fry and Julian Olver

Get Your Free Anti-Scam Guide

Every year the British public loses billions of pounds to 'scammers' who bombard people with on-line, postal, door-to-door and telephone scams.  Officers from the Met's Specialist and Economic Crime Directorate have produced a comprehensive fraud prevention booklet entitled, The Little Book of Big Scams.  The guide explains some of the most common scams, ranging from the simple to the sophisticated, and provides the reader with essential advice to reduce the chances of them being parted from their money.  Tips are included on how to avoid door to door scams, bank and payment card scams, mobile phone scams and Internet scams as well as handy hints everyone can read to protect themselves.

Scammers target people from all backgrounds and income levels - anyone can fall victim to fraud.  This booklet is primarily aimed at the elderly and vulnerable in society, as they are particularly at risk, but anyone who reads it will benefit.  The MPS Commissioner, Bernard Hogan-Howe, who was joined by Esther Rantzen and Gary Fitzgerald, (CEO of Action on Elder Abuse), to launch The Little Book of Big Scams, on Friday 15 June, to coincide with 'World Elder Abuse Awareness Day’, said:

"We know the best way to fight these fraudsters is to take steps to prevent people from being caught out in the first place. That is why we have produced The Little Book of Big Scams.  My officers have seen the devastating effects scams have on people and their families.  This comprehensive guide will go a long way in helping to reduce the number of victims of fraud and will undoubtedly make it harder for the scammers of this world to succeed. There are a number of people out there intent on conning people out of their hard earned money so I urge people to take caution when confronted with what appears to be a deal of a lifetime; remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is."

Download your copy here

Oakleigh Park Car Key Burglaries

Police dealt with several car key burglaries on the Oakleigh Park estate during the night of Thursday 14th June. One resident in Oakleigh Park South was targeted at around 3 am in the morning and said that they disturbed the intruder who had peeled back leaded diamond panes but had not got past the locks. The intruder escaped in a hurry down the garden and over a fence into a garden in Oakleigh Avenue.

Do ensure that your car keys are not left lying around especially in the hall.

Barnet Survey: Controlled Drinking Zone

As part of its commitment to keep Barnet safe, the Council is proposing to introduce a borough wide Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) more commonly known as Alcohol Control Area or Controlled Drinking Zone.

To make your views known, please consider completing a survey.

Beware Distraction Burglaries

We have had a distraction Burglary in Kenilworth Road.

The suspect posed as a workman saying that he needed to turn off the victim's water. Suspect asked the victim to stay in the kitchen and to tell him when the water stopped or changed colour. During this time the suspect while made a tidy search of the premises.

Please ask people to be aware yet again of people posing as workmen to gain entry to their property. Do not let them in. If in doubt call the company they say they are from (get the number from the phone book) or call police.

Also please get a description of what they look like and what they were wearing.

Nicola Pettitt 7345 SX
Police Community Support Officer
Hale SNT
Barnet Borough Police
SNT Phone: 020 7161 9335
SNT Mobile: 07920 233741