Suspects fled but three men were arrested later
A community conscious council tenant tipped off police after spotting two men on the roof of Sarah House, in Arabella Drive, Roehampton, on April 11th. The suspects fled before police arrived but the following day officers arrested three men in connection with the incident.
Wandsworth Council’s housing department immediately inspected the roof of the flat block after details of the tip-off were reported. They established that a quantity of lead had been made ready for removal, as well as discovering that the roof access door had become insecure as a result of the thieves getting onto the roof.
It subsequently emerged that thieves had removed and stolen lead from nearby Louisa House and removed lead from Esme House – but failed to make off with it.
After repair work commenced, the borough’s director of housing, Roy Evans, issued a public thank you to the woman who alerted police to the criminals’ activities.
He said:“The actions of this astute neighbour have ultimately put a stop to these crooks escaping with all of the lead they planned to steal. Lead thieves are nothing but mindless and greedy criminals who put public safety at risk and cause disruption in order to line their own pockets. We would encourage all residents to stand up for their communities by reporting suspicious incidents to the police or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
He continued: “Housing related problems can also be reported to the council by calling the 24-hour Housing Emergencies and noise nuisance line on 020 8871 7490.”
The council encourages residents to get involved & believes that resident involvement is central to the continued delivery of first class services. Wandsworth has four specialist Resident Participation Officers who support accredited residents' associations and help set up and support the formation of new ones.
Accredited residents' associations are able to nominate members to attend one of the four Area Housing Panels, from where they can help to shape the borough’s housing service. To find out how you can get involved in your area visit /www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/200027/council_housing/246/get_involved. For more information about different services within the housing department call 020 8871 6000 or visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/100007/housing/248/housing_contacts. |
April 20, 2012