I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2015 brings new challenges to the Borough and I am committed to ensuring that we become the safest borough in London. Burglary, domestic abuse and violence with injury offences still remain priorities. We continue to have the best arrest rate for domestic abuse offenders and our overall crime rate, per 1000 population, is still one of the lowest in the whole of London. I look forward to continued success in 2015.

On Christmas Eve, Special Police Constables from Harrow borough assisted shoppers pack their bags in Waitrose in Northolt Road. Harrow Fire Brigade Commander Richard Claydon and I also helped shoppers through the tills. We were raising money for St Luke’s Hospice Charity and I am delighted to announce that £1671.21 was raised. I would like to say a big thank you to all those involved, with special thanks to Waitrose for accommodating the event.

Used bicycle buyer’s guide

Buying a second hand bicycle is a great way to grab yourself a bargain, however before handing over any cash, think about whether you are being sold a stolen bike. If you buy a stolen bike, not only could you have the bike seized - meaning you lose the money you paid for the bike, but you could be prosecuted by the police for handling stolen goods.

The Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command and Transport for London are dedicated to reducing cycle theft and improve cycle security across London. They are working to create an environment in which all cyclists and potential cyclists feel safe and secure to enjoy cycling in London. This includes investigating and tackling organised bicycle theft and disrupting the market and trade in stolen and second hand bikes and parts.

So before you buy a second hand bike, please consider the following:

  • Always inspect the bike thoroughly before, and if you’re not an expert, ask a knowledgeable friend for help.
  • Does the bike have its original paintwork or has the frame number been tampered with? Thieves alter the appearance of bikes, to disguise it from the legitimate owner.
  • Check the bike’s frame number on all national property databases. The MPS preferred registration database is www.bikeregister.com
  • Check how much the seller knows about the bike.
  • Check to see if it has been property marked.
  • Meet the buyer at a fixed home or work address. Be wary of meeting buyers in a public place.
  • Ask for an original purchase receipt.
  • Ask for a receipt for the transaction.
  • Be wary of stock photos - ask to see original photos of the actual bike.
  • Do not buy from anyone who approaches you on the street.
  • Is the price of the bike at market value? If something seems too good to be true, it usually is…
  • If you suspect you are being sold a stolen bike, do not go through with the purchase, and report it to the police by calling 101 or online using our secure form. In an emergency dial 999.

Good work by my officers

On December 24, two men were arrested and charged with theft from a motor vehicle and possession of cannabis.

Thanks to excellent investigation skills by my officers, both had been identified as suspects when a vehicle in Pinner was broken into back in November. 

One of the males was also found to be in possession of cannabis. Both will now face justice at court. This helps towards our objective in being the safest borough in London.

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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