Summer sunshine brings with it many joys but also its share of headaches.It is natural for most people to try and make the best of the short months and let their guard down.Many of us feel relaxed and want to just go about,enjoying the good weather,in a carefree manner.This is precisely where the criminals score.They cash in on our carelessness.

You must have all read and heard about the spike in street robberies in London and in our own borough.A crime that has shot up recently in Harrow is the SNATCHING OF GOLD CHAINS.This is not just limited to the Asian community although they are often targetted.

We have the auspicious festivals of JANAMASHTMI(birth of Lord Krishna)later this month,followed by NAVARATRI on September 28.Also we have ID celebrations once the Holy month of Ramadaan ends.I appeal to members of these communities to please be more alert as they go about.There will be additional policing but,equally,criminals looking for easy targets.Make sure you remain vigilant.

Some of you must have seen PC Mahesh Nandha of Harrow Police speaking about gold chain-snatching on BBC TV news recently.Please dont be alarmed but do follow the advice given and help foil the plans of these crooks.

The meteoric rise in gold prices has contributed greatly to to robbery on our streets.Your Borough Commander,Chief Superintendent Dal Babu,has reminded you that simple precautions can prevent you becoming a victim of this type of crime.Please help us beat these heinous crimes.

I appreciate some of us may like to display our beautiful jewellery but is it worth it when we know this increases our risk of having it ripped off us---causing us physical and emotional damage,quite apart from the financial and sentimental loss.The experience is often traumatising and may result in a lack of confidence.Just not worth the trouble!

We are advised,time and again, by our police, that should we find ourselves in the difficult position of being robbed, it is much more sensible to let go of the article---maybe your purse,mobile phone or item of jewellery rather than getting hurt.I know this may go against the grain.

Our natural instinct tends towards fighting back.Please LET IT GO!These items are all replacable.Remember,YOUR life is precious.No point risking your life or limb.

Of course,you could consciously choose NOT to become a victim of crime by covering your jewellery when you go out on the streets,maybe with a light scarf or other item of clothing.

The price of gold looks set to go through the roof,with stock markets crashing.This could escalate gold chain-snatching.Best beware.Same thing goes for BURGLARY.

Please speak with your local SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAMS and get valuable crime prevention tips-- to protect your home and person.Harrovians are so lucky and have the opportunity to get cutting edge technology-SMARTWATER--free of charge-- to mark their valuable property, from their local police.Its easy to use and an extremely useful deterrent with extremely high detection rates.

Also please ensure you have good security lights both back and front.Keep windows and doors locked at all times and make sure your side entrances are also secure.If you are going on holiday,cancel the papers etc and let your local cops know.Alert any NEIGHBOURHOOD CHAMPIONS in your area.

Try to think like a potential thief.Would you enter a home where the radio is playing and lights are on or would you choose one left in total darkness?Your police can only advise you.Its YOUR responsibility to take the steps needed to protect yourselves.

OPERATION TARGET has been successfully running throughout all 32 London Boroughs and has helped the Met to nab thousands of burglars,robbers and also violent offenders.They are working hard to rid London of these crimes but we must do our bit and strengthen their hands.

We would prefer you to prevent it happening to you in the first case!So,please take care and make sure you dont allow yourself to become a target for opportunist criminals.

Have a wonderful summer.Please support your police in helping to keep you and your property safe.Keep our Harrow a safe and inviting borough for all to enjoy.

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Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here