We would firstly like to wish all our residents and business’ on the West Hill Ward a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2008.  

WESTHILLWARD LOCAL OFFICERS:

PS 30WW Nigel MUSSETT
PC 643WW Mark TOULSON
PC 986WW GLEN CHEAL
PCSO 7168WW Kirsteen MCPHEE
PCSO 7185WW Laura SMITH
PCSO 7272WW Lisa TYLER
PCSO 7107WW Dan TAYLOR
PCSO 7230WW Andrew MORGAN

In recent news the West Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team has been increasingly busy with the launching of the Ward Surgery, which is currently being held at the Ackroyden Community Centre’s lower hall on Montfort Place.

The surgery has proved a success as residents feel more at ease to come and speak with officers directly about issues they feel should be brought to police attention. It has also made our team more accessible to residents who feel they can’t report problems to police at the police station, and the location is closer and more convenient. Currently we are holding a surgery per month and the next surgery is to take place will be on the 1 st of December 2007.

 Operation ‘SPETSES’ a motor vehicle initiative, was carried out towards the end of October, targeting groups of youths in vehicle crime hotspots where cars had been mindlessly vandalised and was a great success.

The Team are also currently targeting key individuals for anti-social behaviour, seeking Anti-Social Behavioural Orders (ASBOS) in areas on West Hill Ward having a detrimental affect on the lives of our residents. With a strong and dedicated team we hope that implementing the ASBO on certain individuals will deter unacceptable anti-social behaviour.

We have also come to that time of year again when we distribute the West Hill Ward (Key Individual Network) KIN surveys, once a year throughout the ward to key individuals.

A key individual is someone who has lived or worked in the ward/ neighbourhood for a long period of time. What is important is that we tap into the people who know a lot about a neighbourhood or ward, because he or she can name local problems and sometimes identify solutions.

This allows us to attain public opinion enabling us to set an agenda and shape where we patrol and strengthens our links with the local residents.

As Christmas rapidly approaches, it is also the season for opportunistic burglars to target motor vehicles and homes. We ask all members of public to be extra vigilant in the run up to Christmas and below are a few suggestions that could prevent an opportunistic burglar/robber from making you their next victim.

 Crime prevention advice

Think about what is in your handbag before leaving home. We advise that you only take out what you really need when shopping. Replacing items, such as passports and driving licences, can be costly and inconvenient.

• Keep purses, wallets and cash secure at the bottom of bags or deep in pockets
• Do not put valuables in back packs
• Do not let handbags out of your sight in shops or cafes
• Do not leave handbags on the backs of chairs or unattended on the floor in cafes and bars
• Do not carry your bag over one shoulder where someone can grab it. Wear it around your body so the strap crosses from shoulder to hip
  Be aware of others when using a cash point
  Do not leave valuables on display in cars and make sure that your car is locked
• Do not be tempted to leave Christmas presents in the boot of your car and return to the shops, you do not know who is watching your movements
• Never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door - burglars know all the hiding places

• Prevent letterbox burglaries by storing keys away from the front door
• Do not label your house keys in case you lose them and they fall into the wrong hands
• Install timers which switch lights or radios on and off automatically
• Have a neighbour or friend pop round to clear your letter-box or doorstep
• Encourage a neighbour to park on your drive if you are away for the festive holiday
• If going out after dark, draw the curtains, leave some lights on and a radio playing
• Where possible, try to keep valuables out of sight from windows including Christmas presents and try to avoid putting them under the tree in plain view
• Be aware of side gates unlocked, accessible windows open ladders left out and try to ensure they are locked or put into a secure area
• Ensure sheds with tools and other items that could force entry are locked Trim untrimmed hedges or reduce high fences that can prevent natural surveillance

WESTHILL WARD LOCAL OFFICERS	DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
PS 30WW Nigel Mussett PC 643WW Mark Toulson PC 986WW Glen Cheal PCSO 7168WW Kirsteen McPhee PCSO 7185WW Laura SMITH PCSO 7272WW Lisa TYLER PCSO 7107WW Dan TAYLOR PCSO 7230WW Andrew MORGAN	WARD SURGERY MEETING - 5th January 2008 Noon in the Ackroydon Community Centre Lower Hall, 26 Montfort Place , SW19 . WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE.

December 7, 2007