I held my first live Twitter question and answer session for members of the public on Tuesday last week.

I was very pleased with the response and hope that I managed to engage with the community and reassure everyone, that in terms of our crime rates, Harrow is the safest London borough. I welcome you to follow us on Twitter @MPSHarrow and hope to hold another session soon.

On Saturday, I attended Harrow’s Freedom Parade – this was a unique occasion and gave the residents of Harrow the opportunity to show their appreciation to the soldiers who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq; and to honour veterans from the Royal British Legion who served our country in WWII. Various voluntary groups supported the event and we had a fantastic turn out from the community.

Historically, criminals take advantage of the clock change and darker nights. To combat this trend, we are launching ‘Operation Conker.’ We will be working closely with Harrow Council, and have numerous crime prevention initiatives planned. We are also increasing high visibility and undercover patrols.

Advice on securing your property:

  • If you have a multi-locking door, do not forget to lift the handle to engage the locks and turn the key to secure them, even when in the house
  • Give your house the ‘lived in look’ when you are out by leaving a light on
  • Call us if you see anything suspicious on 101 or 999

Since the beginning of August, there has been a dramatic increase in thefts of catalytic converters from motor vehicles. In a period of three months, Harrow experienced 32 thefts from vehicles across the borough.

Last week, a brave member of the public detained a man who he believed was attempting to steal a catalytic converter. Officers attended and arrested the man on suspicion of theft, he appeared at court shortly afterwards. This is a demonstration of great community spirit and a fantastic result enabling us to keep Harrow safe.

Tips to prevent theft of catalytic converters:

  • Property marking: Etching a catalytic converter with a serial number will help us track a stolen one and reduce the opportunities for selling on the converters at reputable scrap metal dealers
  • Welded bolts: If a catalytic converter is a bolt on it is possible to have the bolts welded shut.
  • Catalytic converter protective sleeves: Protective coverings are quite expensive but make it much more difficult for the saw-wielding thief
  • Defensive parking: If possible, block the high-clearance vehicles by using natural structures such as walls etc.
  • Effective security lighting: Good security lighting can make vehicles more visible and improve natural surveillance
  • Perimeter security: Fencing is the first line of defence and can deter most criminals