Neighbourhood Watch Impact Report available - click here
Update on the most recent Raynes Park ward panel / community policing meeting (September 29th);
Retail crime and Anti-social behaviour (ASB) remain highest priorities for the ward
Organised crime gangs are by far the most prominent issue driving retail crime. We heard from a member of Waitrose management and the increasing challenges facing that store in particular. In the context of what is happening with prisons at the moment, the justice ‘system’ is increasingly reluctant to follow through on custodial prosecutions.
Teenage ASB and store theft has declined following interventions at schools level.
ASB issues seem to be driven by one (adult) group in particular who hang about the station and cause disruption as the day progresses. The community policing team are engaged on this.
Street ‘beggars’ remarkably all have homes and the police are dealing with them, albeit slowly. The community is encouraged not to engage/fund their activities/habits.
Burglary and auto-theft is pretty stable/low although a recent bout of thefts of car ‘badges’ that hold the electronic parking sensors has been seen.
5 [reported] burglaries this quarter down from 10 last quarter. Typical levels are around 2-3 per month.
motor vehicle thefts (incl. motorcycles) up to 7 from 3 last quarter
thefts from motor vehicles also up - 5 this quarter from 3 last quarter
more concerning, and the key priority for the local team is retail theft with 38 reported incidents vs. 18 last quarter.
Of note, Coop, Waitrose and Sainsburys are all being targeted with alcohol and similar higher value items being stolen. Most retail crimes (but clearly not all) seem to be driven by funding drug habits.
For neighbours interested in Neighbourhood Watch crime related podcasts, these links may be of interest;
On community crime - Click Here
On safer high streets - Click Here
Safer gardens - Click Here