This week, I was in my usual role of Borough Commander at Harrow Police Station. It was my responsibility to deal with any major incidents which may occur in Harrow.

It gives me pleasure to report that crime continues to fall in Harrow.

In the rolling 12 months, burglary has seen a 15.3% reduction, meaning 223 fewer victims.

In robberies, a 6.9% reduction, meaning 21 fewer victims.

These figures help keep us the safest borough in London and we will continue to work together to reduce crime further.

Remember to follow us on Twitter for all the up to date stories and crime prevention advice @MPSHARROW.

This week, some crime prevention advice on securing garages and sheds:

Metal up-and-over garage doors can be secured with additional purpose made locks fitted to either side, approximately 300mm up from the floor, to reduce leverage points.

An external floor mounted, solid steel locking “T” bar with a closed shackle padlock will offer a good visual deterrent and make it difficult to force the door open.

Wooden garage double doors can be secured with two substantial hasps and staples and closed shackle padlocks, one towards the top and one towards the bottom.

Garage side or rear doors can be secured with British Standard 5-lever mortice locks and two internal mortice rack bolts, one towards the top and one towards the bottom, top reduce leverage points.

Shed doors can be secured with two substantial hasps and staples and two closed shackle padlocks on the outside, one towards the top and one towards the bottom. External hinge screws should be replaced with one-way clutch head screws to prevent them being removed and access gained this way.

Garage and shed windows can be secured with internal diamond mesh grilles, which provide a good visual deterrent to opportunistic burglaries.

Garden tools and ladders should be secured by wrapping a substantial chain around them and padlocking them to an eyebolt which has been secured to the floor or wall. This will prevent them being stolen or used to break into the house.

Tools and garden implements should be visibly property marked with the postcode and house name or number, to deter theft and assist police with identifying the rightful owner.

Good work by my officers

On Monday, 31 August, police were on patrol when they received a call that stated a male wearing a black t-shirt was breaking in to a van on Oxleay Road.

The male was then seen to break the passenger window and remove items from the van.

He then returned to a car and drove off.

Fortunately, officers were on scene very quickly, and saw the vehicle pulling out of Oxleay Road. They attempted to stop the vehicle, which continued to drive away.

Officers initiated a police pursuit, and continued to follow.

The police helicopter attended and managed to locate two males, who had parked their vehicle, before running off and hiding nearby.

Officers attended where they had been found; the males were swiftly arrested. The car they were using was searched, and a number of electrical items and tools were recovered.

These arrests demonstrated good local knowledge by attending officers, and additional help from the police helicopter ensured that two prolific offenders will now face justice.

 

On Friday, 11 September, officers from Harrow Borough conducted a search warrant at an address in Wembley.

During a search of the address, a quantity of suspected Class A drugs were recovered, as well as a Taser and fraudulent documents.

A male and female have been arrested in connection with various offences.

The male was also wanted on a recall to prison and will be promptly returned.

These arrests demonstrate that police in Harrow will use all available tactics and resources in order to locate fugitives and deal robustly with anyone committing offences of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

This also ensured that a dangerous and prohibited weapon has been taken off of our streets.

 

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of our colleague PCSO Sandy Van Damme of the West Harrow Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Sandy had been battling against cancer for some time and died on Sunday, 30 August in St. Luke's Hospice in Kenton.

Throughout this period, Sandy has had the amazing support of her team, whom, I know, have provided much support and comfort to her and her children. I am very proud of all that they did for her in these recent difficult months.

My thoughts are with Sandy's family and her team. I have met with Sandy's family to formally pass on our condolences Harrow Borough Commander Simon Ovens

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