Lewisham Burglary Pack

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1 Supporting you Lewisham Burglary Pack TOTAL POLICING

2 A message from the Borough Commander The reason you are receiving this Burglary Pack is because you have either been a victim of burglary or you want to prevent yourself becoming a victim in the future. If you ve been a victim of burglary, let me take this opportunity to thank you for reporting it to us. This can be a very distressing time, but it is vital that we are made aware when a crime occurs, so that we can use the information to gather intelligence about who is committing these crimes and where they are happening. This helps us to target our resources effectively and bring those responsible to justice. When you report a crime, we will strive to consider your needs and keep you informed as the investigation progresses. You will be given the name and contact details of the officer who is dealing with your case and a contact number for the Crime Management Unit, who are responsible for keeping you informed if there are any significant developments. If you have any concerns about crime in your ward please contact you local Safer Neighbourhoods Team ( you can find your local team on our website Chief Superintendent Russell Nyman Borough Commander Lewisham Police Open window burglaries In warm weather, people leave windows and doors open for ventilation. This gives burglars an easy opportunity to gain entry quickly and quietly or reach in to open larger windows. Small windows often give access to larger windows so, no matter how small they are, make sure you lock them. These burglaries occur at all times of the day and night. It is therefore essential that you remember to close and lock all doors and downstairs windows, especially those adjacent to flat roofs and large downpipes. Lift, Lock, Remove UPVC front doors targeted by burglars Burglars often gain access through UPVC front doors. This is mainly due to the fact that householders are not using the key to lock their UPVC front doors. Most UPVC doors have multi-locking mechanisms, which are operated by lifting the handle. If the handle is not lifted and locked with the key, then access can easily be gained from outside, by simply reaching through the letterbox and using an implement to push the handle down. The key message for anybody with a UPVC front or Remember to put the key in a safe place but within easy reach in case of a fire backdoor is to always lift the handle, lock it with the key and remove it.

3 Externally beaded windows Some UPVC windows have the plastic beading which holds the glass in place on the outside. Ideally, windows should be internally beaded to prevent the glass being removed, however external beading is sufficient if the glazed unit has been secured in place with either security clips, security tape or sealant. Any reputable window company should be able to help you put this right Intruder alarms Some people think that an intruder alarm system advertises that you have something worth stealing. This is not the case; alarms are the best deterrent against burglary. Remember, burglars do not want to be seen or heard; time and noise are their enemies. The alarm industry is governed by inspectorate bodies similar to the Gas Safe Register who oversee the gas industry. By choosing a company affiliated to one of the recognised inspectorate bodies such as NSI (National Security Inspectorate) or SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board), it guarantees that they have met the high standards and business ethics required to be members. There are three different types of alarm system response: 1. A monitored system which provides a police response if the alarm is activated it signals to the alarm receiving centre who will contact the keyholders and the police. The alarm company will charge an ongoing fee for this facility, on top of the initial installation. 2. Speech dialer - if the alarm is activated, the system dials out to a selection of pre-programmed keyholder telephone numbers (not 999) to alert the recipient. The alarm company will charge a one-off purchase price for the speech dialer, on top of the alarm installation. 3. Audible only system - if the alarm is activated, it will sound, but relies on neighbours and passers-by to respond. All alarm systems must stop sounding and re-arm themselves after 20 minutes.

4 The Next Steps Initial investigation You have reported a crime and an officer has carried out the first part of the investigation. Their findings will be examined to establish whether this crime can be solved. This will involve a review of witnesses. CCTV and all evidence. Crime recorded The crime will be recorded on the Police system before the end of the officer s shift. Crime reviewed The crime will be reviewed and a crime number issued within 36 hours of the initial investigation. Crime transferred Officer in the case (OIC) assigned. This officer will be leading the investigation into your crime. You will be updated on the status of this investigation within five days. Investigation closed Unless further evidence comes to light, the police will keep all the details on record and will refer to your report when investigating other crime related offences or trying to identify stolen property. The information you provide forms a vital part in deciding where and when to allocate police resources to best address the types of crime most difficult to solve For further advice to assist you in safeguarding your home against burglary and to provide you with support following a burglary please contact Lewisham Burglary Squad on

5 Speak to your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team Your dedicated Safer Neighbourhoods team is here to make a difference in your community. If you have concerns about day-to-day crime and disorder issues, please contact a member of your local team. Your team is always on hand to offer crime prevention advice and listen to your concerns. Brockley Blackheath Bellingham Crofton Park Catford South Evelyn Downham Forest Hill Grove Park Lee Green Lewisham Central Ladywell New Cross Perry Vale Rushey Green Sydenham Telegraph Hill Whitefoot

6 Remember prevention is better than a cure! If you don t believe us than maybe you will believe the words of a burglar. Last year a prolific burglar wrote a letter to us saying things like a lit house, having a dog, motion sensor lighting and alarm warning stickers would put him off. In his letter he said he would not select a property with any of the following: A well lit premises The presence of a dog Anti climbing paint on drainpipes, balconies etc Barrier fencing above garden gates etc Motion sensor lighting Beware of dog stickers Alarm warning stickers Pebbles/shingle near rear patio doors Switch on house alarms CCTV camera (dummy or live) Pad sensors behind doors/windows

7 Useful contact details Metropolitan Police Service Dial 101 or in an emergency 999 Neighbourhood Watch (office hours) Immobilise Home Office Victim Support (London region) Sold Secured You can follow us on Sign up to Neighbourhood Link to receive community messages

8 And remember those car keys.. Many cars nowadays have security systems which make it impossible to steal the car without keys. So car thieves are increasingly burgling homes in order to get hold of the keys to a vehicle. On entering the house lock the front door behind you. Never leave your car keys near a door or window. Criminals can hook keys through open windows and letterboxes. Keep them in a safe place away from doors and windows as there they can be seen. People have stolen keys without even entering the premises Remember think about what a burglar would do, if you think like them you are less likely to be a target! The Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are also looking for people who want to be part of their local policing team as a ward panel member (to keep in touch, to get updates on all crimes and what's going on). If you would like to get involved then please speak to your local team.