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

Petition to Stop Barnet's traffic-light controlled crossings being removed.

On 20 Feb the Cabinet of Barnet Council agreed to Councillor Brian Coleman's plan to review every traffic light controlled crossing in Barnet, with the intention of removing them if possible. All decisions on individual crossings would be made under delegated powers.

Julia Hines of Age UK Barnet has created an online petition that states:

Pelican crossings are vital for older people, those with disabilities, including sensory impairment, physical disabilities and learning disabilities and children. Given Barnet Council's record on road safety, we believe money would be better spent improving road safety rather than reducing it. In 2010 Barnet had the highest number of road deaths of any London Borough (9) and the second highest number of accidents causing injury (1520).

To sign her petition, please click here.

Make this post viral by sending this link to your friends and neighbours in Barnet:
www.opra.me.uk

Petition to Barnet Council to Reverse Parking Charges

Cllr Kath McGuirk of Barnet Labour Group has submitted a petition to Barnet Council to reverse the parking charge increases implemented in 2011. To read the petition and sign it please go to:

http://petitions.barnet.gov.uk/parkingcharges/

Planning Appeal: 65-67 Oakleigh Park South

When the Barnet Planning Committee refused 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 the applicant made an appeal to the Secretary of State.

The Planning Inspectorate has since turned down the appeal. The Inspector found that it would constitute a loss of a single-family house, contrary to emerging policy and that it would have an adverse effect on the character of the area and on the living conditions of neighbours.

Click here to read the full Appeal Decision.

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