On Friday October 24, Operation Secure Streets targeted Northolt Road.

This monthly operation is in its tenth month and continues to produce excellent results, working in partnership with Harrow Council, Trading Standards and London Fire Brigade.

We were able to make six arrests during the day, all linked to the use and supply of drugs on Northolt Road.

With the help from our partners we were also able to clean up the streets, getting rid of fly tipping, graffiti and rubbish left in areas with problems of anti social behaviour.

Trading standards were also able to make a large seizure of fraudulent DVDs from a store operating in Northolt Road.

The day was a huge success and has improved the look and feel of Northolt Road, making it a safer and cleaner place. The next Secure Streets is planned for Tuesday November 18.

This operation helps make Harrow the Safest Borough in London.

On Friday, October 31, I attended the Metropolitan Police Training School, Peel Centre, Hendon to witness new recruits pass out after successfully completing their police training.

This is an extremely proud day for the officers and their families and I am delighted to have been able to wish them well in their chosen careers.

Remember to follow us on Twitter @MPSHarrow

Flats and apartments

Burglars will often target blocks of flats because they can easily gain access to them through a communal entrance, which may have poor access control.

Once inside they will often go straight to the top floor flats first, as there is less likelihood of passers by seeing them whilst they break in.

So, if you own or manage a flat which is off a shared landing and not on the ground floor, remember that your front door is your only form of defence against intruders.

Tips

Invest in a strong door and door frame with good quality locks.

PVCu and aluminium doors generally have multi-locking systems. When you lock the door, remember to remove the key. Always put keys in a safe and easily accessible place in case of fire.

Internal letterbox shields also prevent access to the handle inside or keys being fished through the letterbox.

Frames should be reinforced with reinforcing metal strips called ‘London’ and ‘Birmingham’ bars.

Hinge bolts should be fitted to outward opening doors.

Glass panels in doors should be replaced with laminated glass or reinforced with security film or grilles.

Door viewers enable residents to see callers before they open the door.

Wooden back doors should be solid timber, with a British Standard 5-lever mortice lock and two mortice rack bolts.

French, patio and balcony doors should have a minimum of three locking points. Patio doors should be fitted with an anti-lift device to prevent them being lifted from their runners.

All ground floor windows and any windows that are easily accessible must have key operated window locks.

Audible intruder alarm systems with flashing lights are a good deterrent against burglary.

Security lighting increases vision and makes burglars feel vulnerable and at risk of being seen.

Access into communal entrances

Doors without Electronic Access Control

Ideally the door should be fitted with a lock which has an automatic deadlocking facility, approximately a third of the way down from the top of the door.

Additionally, a mortice deadlock latch should be installed a third of the way up from the bottom of the door and it should be used as often as is practicable.

These locks must be suitable for emergency exit purposes, in that they must not require key release from within, opening being achieved by means of a handle or thumb turn.

Where there is any conflict between security and fire requirements or legislation, the latter must prevail.

In any case of doubt, seek the Fire Officer's approval.

All doors must be fitted with an automatic closing mechanism, both properly adjusted and regularly maintained, to ensure that the door is secured at all times.

Doors should never be left wedged open, as this not only negates any security within the building, but may also contravene any Fire Regulations.

Doors with Electronic Access Control

The remote release lock should be of a type that has an electrically operated bolt action with an automatic deadlocking facility, or is a magnetic type lock.

It is imperative that the system has a safeguard incorporated, which ensures that the lock can be released in the event of a power failure.

Access Control Systems

It is preferable that at least one of the following security measures applies:

The door is secured at all times and visitors are permitted entry via a remote release facility which is linked to an audio-visual or audio only entry-phone.

The door is secured at all times and visitors are met personally at the door.

The communal entrance is constantly monitored by a receptionist or concierge.

Good work by my officers

On Friday, October 24, Martin Cassidy of Greenway,  Pinner was arrested and charged for the offence of burglary.

We are committed to ensuring that Harrow remains the safest borough in London and burglary is a priority crime for us.

We have many anti burglary operations running all across the borough, if you commit the crime be prepared to do the time, we will catch you!