RIDDLESDOWN RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION

CRIME AND POLICE MATTERS

See also POLICE NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFETY SCHEME - SANDERSTEAD AREA

REPORT FROM OCTOBER 2006 RIDDLESDOWN RECORDER

TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE
The message is simple but so many people are not following advice.
The distraction burglary, or bogus entry, is here to stay and they keep getting away with it.
IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT is the new police slogan.
All across Croydon every day of the week some unfortunate person is being burgled in this way.
It is simple - a reasonably well dressed person will call at your door with a plausible reason. They attempt to get you to let them in and they are invariably accompanied by another person. They show you identity cards that look authentic, and they may say that they are from the water board, gas suppliers, council or even police. They are let in and, whilst one distracts the person, the other one steals something and then they are out of the door. It can be some time before the person realises that they have been robbed and in many cases they do not tell the police because they feel silly.
The advice is also simple. Do not let anyone into your property unless you are expecting a visit. If you are elderly and do not know the person, do not open your door without having a chain on it. If you have a side window, speak to them through that. If they are calling unannounced ask them to make an appointment whatever the reason they give. They may say that they have visited next door and a water problem or a gas problem may be in your house and difficulties will occur if they are not let in to rectify it. The answer is simple: tell them to come back after making an appointment by letter or telephone. If they are genuine they will not object. This will give you time to check up with whatever supplier they have said they represent. Simple isn't it? Now follow the advice and do not become one of the unfortunates.
Stolen identity is also a problem that appears to be growing. People are still throwing away their addresses with the rubbish. All addresses, including those from 'junk mail', should be taken off and ideally shredded, but certainly torn up so that they cannot be reconstructed. It has been known that some people throw away their old gas and water bills. They even throw away old bank statements. How silly can they be? It only needs someone to present these with a little change to the date and obtain credit in your name.
If an identity is stolen it can take years to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. The process is time consuming, costly and very frustrating. Why take the risk when all you have to do is buy a shredder (under £20 )?
You can also put the shedded paper on your compost heap and it improves the soil. Some big banks are also offering insurance to help keep track of anyone trying to obtain credit in your name and to offer help to get back your identity if you are one of the unfortunate ones that have been affected. Over 100,000 people were last year and this is set to rise over the next few years.
Some good news! Our local Safer Neighbourhood team is now set up and will be working from an office in Selsdon. They are really getting to know the area and the places where there are likely to be problems. They are very dedicated police and support staff and they will identify the rogue element that is causing trouble. Do talk to them when you see them out patrolling the streets.
The Residents’ Association will be represented on both the Purley and Sanderstead committees that will agree how policing will take place in the respective wards. This is a big new venture and we all hope it will show benefits in a short period of time.
Take Care And Stay Safe.

The RRA representative on the Police Consultative Committee

REPORT FROM APRIL 2006 RIDDLESDOWN RECORDER

It is all good news coming from the Met Police. In the next few months, the safer neighbourhood scheme will be rolled out across the whole of Croydon.

   In this new venture, Sanderstead will initially get a team of four police officers. Their roles will be to get to know our area and the people who live and work here. The team will consist of a sergeant, one PC and two community officers. By April 2007, the team will be increased by two extra PCs making a total of six people to cover  Sanderstead. Our current cover is one PC, so things are looking up.

   They will be based in in Selsdon. The plan is that they will liaise with all parts of the community to establish how our area is best policed. It will be the responsibility of the RRA to discuss with them, along with other organisations, what our residents want and what their concerns are. It will naturally take some time for them to become knowledgeable about our problems and concerns, and it will give all the residents an opportunity to get to know their local ‘bobby’. This follows the plan of the Met. police to increase and develop community policing, which is seen as the way forward. If you do see them patrolling our area, do talk to them as you will find them very approachable.

   One big problem, across the whole of Croydon, will just not go away and is on the increase. The problem is BOGUS entry or distraction burglary. This means that someone comes to your door and tells you he is a water-official, policeman, gasman or anyone. They also have what can seem like identity cards that will pass inspection. They can say they are in the house next door and a problem is happening that could affect you or your property. They want to gain entry and when there are two of them, one separates and while the other searches the house to find easy articles to steal.

   You might think that ‘this could not happen to me’, but so did all the others that it is happening to every day and every week across Croydon. Well, what are you going to do about it?

   First and foremost be determined that you are not going to be the next VICTIM.

   DO NOT  let anyone into you house unless you know them. Just because they say they are from the waterboard, or whoever, does not mean they are. What should you do? If you are alone in the house, do not open the door to them but talk to them through a side window. If they want to come into the house, be on your guard even if they have plausible reasons.

   Do not let them come into your property. Ask for identity and a telephone number that you can phone to check their credentials. No genuine authority will ask to come into you property without making an appointment with you. All of this can seem like a lot of  hassle, but the people that have had their property stolen wished they had taken more time before they let the crooks in. Tell them to come back after they have written to you stating why they want to enter your property.
Keep yourself safe.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

CAR DRIVERS: BEWARE CAR JACKING!

Following taken from the April 2005 Recorder

Safety and security

Well, summer is nearly over and we have all been carefully locking up our garden sheds with all those costly machines and tools in them. We have been checking to see that all the window locks are working well for the time when autumn starts. We have trimmed all those overhanging bushes that could hide anyone wanting to break into our house. We have done all those things that we have been told about to make ourselves more safe and secure.

   Hang on for a moment! Have we really done all these things or are we just lazing in the sun thinking about doing them?

   Now is the time to remind yourself that these things are essential and are well worth doing. The suggestion is ‘make yourself a list and tick off one job at a time as you do them’. In no time you have completed the list and you are safe and secure for another year.

   One BIG subject that is hitting the

headlines is IDENTITY FRAUD. You really know you are in trouble when it has been done to you, and to try and get the fraudster off your back can take a long time, in some cases up to two years, with plenty of trouble over that period.

   Well, you can help yourselves to keep your identity as safe as possible. First, do not let your credit card out of you sight. It only takes a second to copy your card and then you are in trouble. With the new pin numbers, do not let the people around you know it when you are entering the number at the cash point. It only takes a little more effort and it is your security that you are protecting.

   The next thing to do is to see that you never throw away bills with your name and address on them. Also, tear off your name from anything that you are throwing away. You all should have one of those little shredding machines by now, so get shredding and safeguard your security. These little shredding machines are so cheap and so easy to use, so if you have not got one, get straight out and buy one as soon as possible.

   Never give your details to people who phone and ask for them. Ask for the name and telephone number of the organisation they work for and check with them. If it is important they will write to you.

   On the Internet, make sure you have the full security package that will keep out the viruses. If you are banking on the Internet then you must really have the full security package recommended by the various organisations.

   If you want to check your credit rating to see if someone has applied for credit in your name, you can go to the agencies themselves; they will charge you a small fee but it is worth it for the amount of information you can get:

EXPERIAN 0870 241 6212 (experian.co.uk)

EQUIFAX    08700 100 583 (Equifax.co.uk)

CALL CREDIT 0870 060 1414 (callcredit.co.uk)

   To find out more on how to protect your identity, it is worth going to two good Internet websites run by the Home Office:

identity-theft.org.uk

identityfraud.org.uk

   Keep up the good work and keep safe and secure.

The RRA representative on the
Police Consultative Committee

Following taken from the April 2005 Recorder

Good News – Coulsdon East (including the High Street) has been made a ‘Safer Neighbourhood Area’ ward. This means that they will have one Sergeant, two PCs and three PCSOs to patrol the area instead of, as previously, one PC. This will lead to a greater control of the people causing trouble and a constant system of gathering information, hopefully leading to more arrests.
   Where Safer Neighbourhood Areas have been created, they have had a very good effect. The crime rate has reduced and the anti-social behaviour has improved. We are now surrounded by New Addington, Waddon and East Coulsdon all with high numbers of police maintaining good control and this will show in the lower crime rates in those areas.
   In Sanderstead, Purley and Selsdon we have one PC per ward because our crime rates are not high enough to put us at the head of the queue for consideration as a Safer Neighbourhood Ward. The plan in due time is to increase all the wards in Croydon to a strength of six  police on each ward, but this will be based on need and where they will be most effective. The money is coming from the Mayor of London and will be available in allocations each year for the next four years.
   We are a big area and cover both Sanderstead and Riddlesdown. This area is looked after very well by PC Linda Cain, sometimes supported by a PCSO.
   What can you do to make sure that we remain a low crime area? Well, the first thing is to review your home security. Good locks and good lights are the simple things to check. Call in the local Crime Prevention Officers. They are always very helpful and you only have to contact Croydon Police Station or Kenley and they will arrange for someone to come along.
   Have you thought about a home security system (burglar alarm)? They are now quite reasonable to have installed and do give some peace of mind. Do go around your property and see what needs to be upgraded. Things like a bolt and lock on the side gate are initial deterrents to the casual burglar. Also make sure that your house is not surrounded by overgrown bushes and that fences are in good order. These things are easy to do and they really do help to make you safer.
   With lighter evenings and warmer weather around the corner, do remember not to leave windows open on the ground floor as it is just inviting the casual criminal to pop in and help himself to your goodies. With all  the garden equipment starting to be used and the garden furniture being put out, do take care that wherever possible these are kept in a secure shed or you may find they have gone walkies.
   Well, there are a few things to be going on with until next time. How about starting tomorrow and see how safe you can make yourself?
          TAKE CARE –STAY SAFE
      Our Police Consultative Group Representative

(Following taken from the April 2004 Riddlesdown Recorder)

Information from the Police and Neighbourhood Watch.

Latest Scams
PC Linda Cain, our local Police Officer, has advised us to beware of two scams being carried out currently.
The first appears more serious than the second.

1. A NEW WAY TO STEAL CARS. This scam starts off by someone, thought to be of Kosovan origin, placing a piece of paper on your rear window under the wiper, while your car is parked in a car park such as Tesco's. When you come back to your car, you don't notice this until, after you have started the engine, you look in the rear mirror and see the paper. Naturally you get out to see what it is, leaving the engine running. While you are at the rear of the car, the thief slips into the driving seat and drives off. So please watch out for this.

2. STEALING THE CONTENTS OF YOUR GREEN RECYCLING BOXES. People, again thought to be of Kosovan origin, are going round looking for some of the more valuable rubbish placed in the boxes, particularly clothes, that may have been placed in the boxes. They then sell this on for profit.

Bogus Callers (distraction burglaries)
Bogus callers have been up to their tricks in Croydon and in most cases getting away with a scam or stealing money and valuables. Do not think this could not happen to you – that’s what most of the victims felt. The people that come to your door can, and do, look quite normal and they are very good at conning their way into your home. They are well-organised gangs; they target the most vulnerable. They know a lot about the local area even though they themselves are not local. It might be a female saying that she is visiting a neighbour but they are not in and she has lost her purse with the keys to the house and she would like to borrow £10 to have a taxi home and she will bring back the money shortly. Obviously she is not seen again and she may have done this to quite a few people. It could be a couple of nicely dressed men with a form of identification, saying they believe you are not getting the correct pension and could they come in and discuss the matter. Well, once in the house one of them wants to use the toilet or a drink of water and, of course, he visits other rooms and things go missing. There are many different stories, all called BOGUS CALLERS, so take care and do not become a victim.

   Remember, if it is an important matter most officials phone first to make an appointment, they do not just turn up at your door. Always keep the chain on the door when speaking with people that you do not know and are not expecting, especially if you are alone in the house. Even better look through the window and talk to them that way. Tell them to leave their details and you will contact them. You choose the time when you want any visits, not just let them turn up unannounced. Do not be embarrassed to look after your security; you feel very silly afterwards if you are a victim and you could have avoided becoming one.

Fighting anti-social behaviour

   Our Police are working hard in our area. A big effort is being made on anti-social issues. They have had good success in obtaining anti-social behavioural orders against some known problem youngsters. It is early days but the magistrates have been supportive and this has given the Police some hope of having a positive effect over the next year.

   We can expect to see more Police and Police Community Support Officers patrolling the various wards in the future. Three wards in the Croydon area will see their police presence increased from one constable to one sergeant, two constables and three support staff. They will obviously be based in the wards that need them and that choice is now being made. Because our area is not a ‘high’ crime spot we will not be one of these wards. We must be careful as the criminals in the ‘hot’ spots may look to other areas; keep your house and garden as secure as possible. Do not become the easy target.

‘Fishing rod burglars’

It looks like these villains are at it again. They go through the letterbox and carefully lift the keys to the house and car; all nicely left on the table in the hall saying come and get me. They open the door, collect a few things and drive away in your car. Those with an outside porch should lock the door of the porch. You could consider a wire mesh cage on the back of your letterbox or even better do not leave the keys in view of the door.

Security advice is available

If you are worried about your security and are over 60, phone the Crime Prevention Office 020 8649 0170. They will visit the property and give you good advice on security matters.

   For those of you who have email and want to receive crime messages direct from Croydon Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association, log on at:
      cbnwa@ btconnect.com

They will email to you the latest crimes being committed in ours and the surrounding areas. It is better to know what is going on rather than finding out the hard way.

   If you do not have email why not ask a friend or a member of the family to log on and let you know what is being sent out. You can now register at the library, so, as the old saying goes, ‘where there is a will there is a way’.

   Keep safe.

From our committee member attending the Police Consultative Group

(Following taken from the October 2003 Riddlesdown Recorder)

HOW EASY IS IT TO BREAK INTO YOUR GARDEN SHED OR GARAGE?

Just stop and ask yourself that question. This type of crime is very high in the whole of Croydon and is on the increase.

   You may not think that there is a big demand for second hand tools but you would be surprised. They can easily be sold, especially the power tools, with very few questions asked by those doing the buying.

   What can you do? Always lock the shed and the garage. If you have valuable equipment, fit a strong door on the shed and a good quality lock. Many times when they have had good pickings the first time, they come back again for the new equipment. Over to you!

 BOGUS CALLERS ARE STILL OUT THERE!!

This despicable crime is still on the increase and although their victims can be from all age groups they can tend to concentrate on the elderly. It seems quite easy to take people in when you are very experienced at this sort of crime. It happens most days across our region.

   What can you do? Always let the police know if you have become suspicious about a person who has been at your door. It may help the police to catch them or save another person from becoming a victim.

   What are the scams? They have lost their keys and their child needs to go to the toilet. Their child is not feeling well, could they have a glass of water. The stories go on and they keep finding new ones.

Always be on your guard when you do not know the person at your door.

 GET YOURSELF A SHREDDER

Good advice from our crime prevention officers. The more sophisticated burglar will be looking for bank and credit card statements. They use the details to access your money without your knowledge. All letters with your address should go into the shredder along with all unwanted statements and accounts. Even gas and electricity bills can be used to create an identity for the criminal, and if that identity is yours they can cause you a lot of trouble. Take care with your private papers. The modern shredder is as little as £14 to purchase, so why not give one to your family as a Christmas present. You know it make sense!                  

Our Police Representative 

(Following taken from the April 2003 Riddlesdown Recorder)

Looking after you
Our Association has a seat on the local Police Consultative Committee that meets six times a year to hear views and comments of residents south of the borough.
We make sure that the local Police force and the local councillors of Purley, Sanderstead, Coulsdon and Kenley hear our views on the subject of law and order.
Our representative attends these meetings on your behalf to carry forward for discussion points that affect the safety to persons and property in the  Riddlesdown and Sanderstead area. The subjects range from graffiti to local traffic and cover the full range of crime and disorder in our area and across the whole of the borough. 
We ask for Police help wherever we believe their presence will bring benefits to our community. We have always received the help that we have requested and long may that continue. 

Our local police officers
Our local police force, although less in numbers than in the past, are a very dedicated team under Inspector Stephen Price and Sgt Paul Knight. Their efforts are constantly directed to make this area a better place to live in. Our local Pc, Fiona Baker, can be contacted at Kenley Police station or when she is on duty but away from the station, on her mobile number. Pc Helen Combeer, who is currently on maternity leave, will shortly join her again. 
Those of you who know these two constables will know that nothing appears too much for them to tackle in order to keep us safe and sound, and to their credit the level of crime in our area is amongst the lowest in the borough. They hold a regular surgery at the Sanderstead library on the last Tuesday in the month between 4–6 pm so if you have problems that concern you, and it is convenient to wait, why not go along and discuss the matter with them? Alternatively, let the Association know of your concern and we will bring the matter up at the next meeting.
There, all crimes committed locally are fully discussed and methods of how best to help lower the incidents suggested. When the crimes vary from burglary to street crimes and cover the full range from graffiti to bogus callers, lots of suggestions are forthcoming and acted upon.
The level of each type of crime is compared by area and how this compares to the borough as a whole. Trends are seen and efforts to lower these are constantly being instigated by the Police. 
Performance is constantly monitored with the Police being strongly questioned when things appear to not be going in the right direction.

Crime prevention measures 
It is not easy to police the area with the constantly changing activities of those that are out to commit crime but we can make it a little harder for them with just a few simple suggestions:
*   Make sure your house has good locks on doors and windows
*   Have a chain fitted, and use it, or even better look through a window to see who is calling, particularly at night. If you do not know them, do not let them in.
*   Try and ensure that the side and rear entrances to your garden are kept locked.
*   Keep your hedges and fences in good repair.  If in doubt, use trellis to make fences higher.
*   Keep your garage locked.
*   Don’t leave the car running and go indoors. You would be surprised if you knew how many cars are stolen this way, particularly in the winter months.
*   Let a neighbour know when you are away and ask them to make sure that post or other pamphlets are not left sticking out of the letter box.
*   Keep an eye on your neighbour’s property. You can sometimes see things they cannot.
*   If you are in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, display the signs and notices. If you are not in neighbourhood watch, why not join one or start one up for your road? It only makes for a safer place to live.
*   Ask the Police for advice if you have any concerns about your safety.
Lots of suggestions are just commonsense; the facts are that we just forgetting to do the correct things to make our property and ourselves safe. Keep trying, good luck.