Targeting robbers and burglars

I was pleased we arrested 12 robbers and two burglars this week. We continue to target these criminals and stop the harm they do to our communities. I cannot reiterate enough, the importance of making sure you lock your doors and windows; in over half of break-ins reported to us entry is gained through unlocked doors.

Most burglars are opportunists so please take measures to secure your home and property.

■ Intruder alarms are the best deterrent against burglary because burglars don’t want to be seen or heard. If you have an intruder alarm, remember to set it when you go out.

■ Close and lock all easily accessible doors and windows when you go out or go to bed, especially those next to flat roofs and large downpipes.

■ Always lift the handle to engage the door locks. If you have a UPVC front or back door with a multi-locking mechanism, lock it with the key and remove it. Remember to put the key in a safe place out of sight, but within easy reach in case of fire.

■ Timer switches linked to lights and a radio will make your home look and sound occupied.

■ A small safe, securely fixed to a solid surface will protect your valuables and sentimental items.

■ Property mark valuables with your postcode and house name or number.

■ Photograph your jewellery separately against a plain, dark background and include a ruler in the picture to indicate actual size.

I attended the Swaminariyan Temple in Kenton on Sunday evening with PC Mahesh Nandha, to emphasise the importance of staying safe during the festival of Navarati. Traditionally, this a is time of year when many members of the Hindu population wear expensive gold items. We have seen a number of handbag thefts and jewellery snatches over recent months, and I would advise you to take extra precautions during the celebrations, when travelling between venues. ■ Staying safe is about listening and being aware of what and who’s around you.

■ Keep your jewellery covered when you are in public places.

■ Wear your bag across your body, so that it opens on the side facing you.

■ If somebody does try to snatch your bag or your jewellery, let it go and don’t fight to keep it - you’re less likely to be hurt.

■ Don’t take short cuts through dark places. Walk in the middle of the pavement facing the traffic, so vehicles can’t follow you.

For further advice, please contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team or visit www.met.police.uk Police are actively targeting thieves in Harrow borough and we have additional patrols in and around places of worship. Following these basic crime prevention measures will help you to keep safe.

On Saturday, I attended the Peace Week celebrations in Centenary Park, Stanmore organised by Sergeant Lorraine Warren and her Queensbury Safer Neighbourhoods Team. The event gave police an opportunity to speak with members of the local community about the importance of crime prevention and keeping safe within their communities. Police helicopters and several other attractions proved popular with the crowds, especially the inflatable assault course, provided by the army and the exotic animal show. Harrow Council and Police are working together in a joint Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). This involves police, social workers and other organisations who specialise in protecting children, all working from the same location in our borough. I attended a morning seminar with over 40 professionals to look at the MASH implementation. I was extremely pleased to see how well different agencies are working together.

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