I WELCOMED 16 new police officers joining us this week who will be based on Safer Neighbourhoods teams across the borough.

I spoke to them about professionalism, having pride in their work, catching criminals and giving victims of crime and members of the public the best possible service.

I also discussed my vision of making Harrow the safest borough in London over the next three years and how their contribution will help us achieve this. I look forward to seeing their development over the coming months.

* In the early hours of Saturday, June 29, Harrow officers executed three, simultaneous, drugs warrants to disrupt gang and drugs-related activity in the Wealdstone area.

Officers arrested three people for public order and drugs offences, seizing drugs and associated paraphernalia. Officers made two more arrests for drugs offences as they executed further warrants.

They arrested a woman who was using her property for drug-related activities and seized some heroin.

The next day, officers arrested four more people in Wealdstone connected with drugs, gangs and serious youth violence.

This is an excellent result and we continue to crack down and disrupt those intent on causing anti-social behaviour and involved in drug-related activity in the Wealdstone area.

* A reminder, during this spell of warmer weather, please shut and lock all windows and doors when you go out. Also, lock and secure all side gates leading to rear gardens and don’t forget to secure all sheds and outbuildings with good quality locks.

We have also seen a slight rise in theft from motor vehicles in the North Harrow and Stanmore areas.

Please remember not to leave any valuable items on display and if possible remove them completely from your car when leaving it unattended.

Try to park your car in a well-lit area.

* Officers arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of robbery after responding to a call of two men fighting in the street in Stanmore.

It turned out the two, who knew each other from a few years ago, had met by chance in the street. The suspect asked the victim for his phone on the pretence of adding his name to his contacts, he then asked for his iPad to see what music he was listening to before snatching both items and running off.

The victim chased and caught up with the suspect before officers arrived and arrested him.

* Jason Raeburn of Sitwell Grove, Stanmore, was convicted at Harrow Crown Court on Monday last week for possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs.

Officers from the Territorial Support Group (TSG) executed a drugs search warrant in February 2012 and Raeburn was found in possession of heroin, crack cocaine, cannabis and other drug paraphernalia. The court sentenced him to 25 months imprisonment.

* Harrow officers arrested a woman in a dawn raid in Manchester this week, who they have wanted for nearly 14 years. She went on the run after failing to appear at Harrow Crown Court in relation to a fraud matter back in November 1999.

This is an excellent result and is testament to the dedication and commitment of our officers in their pursuit of criminals and ensuring that justice is done.

I will keep you posted on the outcome of this case at court as it progresses.