I ATTENDED the monthly meeting of Borough Commanders last week and I am pleased to report that we continue to see a reduction in crime across the borough, which also means fewer victims.
However, I am concerned about burglaries and ask people to follow some basic crime prevention advice.
To protect your home from intruders, please ensure that all windows and doors are secured and where possible, locked with keys.
If you have a UPVC door, lift the handle, lock the door with the key and then remove the key and store in a safe place. Use timer switches to make your home look occupied when you are out and leave a radio on.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously, don't approach them, contact police by calling 999.
Last week we charged an 18-year-old man with burglary and theft after receiving a call from a vigilant member of the public.
We continue our relentless pursuit of criminals and I was pleased to see one of our prolific burglars recalled to prison after breaching the conditions of his release.
We work closely with the Probation Service to support people who want to change their behaviour, but we will continue to do everything we can to put persistent criminals behind bars.
Our colleagues from Bedfordshire Constabulary are seeking our assistance in identifying the owner of a set of knives that was recently recovered from an address in Luton. They currently have four men in custody for burglary and believe the knives to have been stolen from an address in Harrow.
If you are the owner of this set of knives please contact Harrow Police on 101.
I was out with the cycle patrols last week who are patrolling in uniform and plain clothes as we focus our attention on stopping burglaries. Bicycles are a great way of getting around the borough and are ideal for patrolling and covering areas not suitable for vehicles.
We had a recent blitz on drug dealers and executed nine drugs warrants last week. Officers and police staff continue to work exceptionally hard and are totally focused on reducing crime on the borough.
A word of warning to anyone thinking of withdrawing large amounts of cash from their banks – thieves are operating on the borough and stealing money from victims by using distraction tactics.
A 76-year-old man became the latest victim of this crime type when he was approached by two men on an H14 bus, pretending to ask for directions and unfolding a large map in front of him.
When the man got home he discovered the cash he’d withdrawn from his bank account was missing from his inside pocket. It’s thought the thieves targeted the man and followed him and his wife off from the bank after noticing them complete the transaction.
Please be aware of who is around you and be wary of anyone who approaches you for whatever reason, as there are a number of tactics that these criminals use.
I attended Harrow Council and the Met Police Diwali celebrations last week. They both had an amazing array of music and dancing. I also attended the Swaminarayan Temple in Kenton Road, where thousands of people had gathered to celebrate Diwali and the New Year.
Traditionally, this is a time of year when people set off fireworks, which has resulted in us receiving quite a few inquiries from residents.
To find out more details regarding regulations around fireworks, visit www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law
Acting Detective Sergeant Andy Simpson is Harrow’s officer of the week.
Act Det Sgt Simpson is a lively energetic officer who works very hard dealing with some of the most complex investigations on the borough.
This involves working long hours, often over weekends and evenings. Act Det Sgt Simpson is a doting father to his two daughters and son and spoke warmly about the support from his wife who also works full-time.
He has been selected to be part of the Met Police Murder Investigation Team and will be a big loss to the borough where he has served for the past 10 years. I wish him well in his new job.
