On Tuesday, 14 October I was delighted to be part of the Harrows Heroes 2014 ceremony at Harrow Arts Centre. Harrow’s Heroes is an annual volunteer award scheme that celebrates the hard work, dedication and commitment of local volunteers.
I was proud to see so many heroes be rewarded for their actions and I thank them for the difference they have made to our Borough.
I would like to congratulate Harrow Head Police Cadet, Khushal Shah for winning his award. I was moved by the Harrow Community Choir and was honoured to have been invited on the stage for their last song. I look forward to meeting more Harrow Heroes next year.
On Wednesday, 15 October I attended the Community Champions Conference at the Kadwa Patidar Centre, Kenmore Avenue. Being a Community Champion is an important role in ensuring that we continue to be the safest Borough in London.
This is done on a volunteer basis and is a point of contact for us to keep informed of local issues. We currently have over one thousand champions on our Borough. If you are interested in joining the team please visit www.harrow.gov.uk to apply.
Lighting
Lighting up your home is a useful deterrent of burglary. You could consider leaving some lights on if it will be dark before you get home and fitting an external security light.
A useful addition to perimeter security can be exterior lighting, either switched manually or automatically operated. Lighting does have its limitations - burglaries often take place during daylight hours; if the light is activated, someone has to notice it - and take action. Lighting should be seen as an aid, but on its own it is not sufficient to deter a burglar.
Lights can be useful on the approach to a front or rear door or garage, not only lighting up if someone approaches your house, but also when you approach, so that you can see if anyone is lurking in the shadows.
It must be remembered though that lights can be activated by certain animals. Also, you do not want the light to be activated every time your neighbours go into their garden or when someone walks past the front of your property. However, the field of activation can be adjusted. You must also make sure that your light does not intrude into your neighbours windows or those of passing vehicles - light pollution can often be at the centre of many disputes.
Good work by my officers
On Wednesday, 15 October three men were arrested in Harrow after making off from a stolen vehicle. My officers on patrol noticed the stolen vehicle with three occupants inside.
They ran off and two were detained instantly with the third being found by a police dog, hiding in back gardens. This is an excellent result and the three men will now face justice! Harrow is the Safest Borough in London, so think twice before coming here to commit crime.
