We are presently on the threshold of celebrating a string of varied religious festivals in Harrow. Not only do we have have the honour of being the most religiously diverse borough in the UK ,but we also have the largest Hindu population in the nation.

Of course,warmest congratulations and good wishes are in order for ALL our communities,as we kick off this fantastic period of celebration.However,this brings with it huge responsibilities --for our local Police as well as for ourselves---to keep us from becoming victims of preventable crime.

Let me paint the scenario for you, as we step into this wonderful period of colour and gaiety. Our Jewish community celebrate their New Year---ROSH HOSSANAH--on September 9. The month-long Holy period of fasting during Ramadan finally ends around September 9/10,when our Muslim brethren celebrate EID-UL-FITR. Hot on their heels follow the Hindus,with a six week period of festivities!! At long last,we can get away for a while,from the terrible difficulties we have been facing, and have some fun.

The first important Hindu festival,called GANESH CHATURTHI--lasts from Sept 11 to 17 and is dedicated to the Elephant God, the Remover of all Obstacles.

The next main festival is an extremely popular and colourful one,with much singing and dancing for nine nights called NAVARATRI.This lasts from October 8 through to 17,when we celebrate DASSERA---the burning of the effigy of the demon king Ravana, representing all things evil.

Our borough is famous for its wonderful events especially the PANCHMUKHI DURGA POOJA at the Hatch End Arts Centre, as well as the much- acclaimed NAVARATRI celebrations held annually, at the Harrow Leisure Centre.Both these events attract huge crowds,cross-borough,making policing very challenging.

The crowning glory is the finale---the celebration of the HINDU NEW YEAR---DIWALI.This is the Festival of Lights and falls on November 5 this year,co-inciding with GUY FAWKES.That's another story!

I hope this has helped you,in some measure,to visualise how some of Harrow's Ethnic communities,in particular the asians, are getting set to have a ball!Therein lies the rub.So are our budding criminals. The ASIAN COMMUNITY ARE EASY,LUCRATIVE TARGETS.

These villains do their home-work quite thoroughly and prey on our weaknesses,because WE ALLOW THEM TO.They have these dates clearly marked out to carry out their nasty deeds.We must do everything in our power, to foil their plans.

Let me make one thing crystal clear.Harrow is STILL one of the SAFEST LONDON BOROUGHS. However,it is our collective responsibility to see that this remains so.You need not be fearful. JUST BE VERY ALERT and sensible.Then, you can go out and enjoy yourself,peacefully and safely.

This is where WE---the COMMUNITY come in.Your Borough Commander and the entire Police team of Harrow have carefully planned some creative ways to prevent and detect street robberies and residential burglaries.However,in the real world,it takes more than just the Law to beat villains.WE HAVE A BIG CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE.

As I write,the price of gold is rocketing.This makes the ASIAN community very attractive,easy targets,as we dash about from one festive event to another,blissfully ignoring security messages.I fully empathise with those who say we have the right to enjoy wearing our own ornaments,so much a part of our tradition,especially during these festivities.However,this must be balanced by OUR DUTY to look after and help protect ourselves.The two are inseparable.

Our main concern during this festive period must be that the criminals are also watching us.They have carefully studied our habits and activities, like the back of their hands.For them you and I represent RICH PICKINGS!!Nobody can deny you the right to enjoy the fruits of your labour but a little careful planning can help prevent floods of tears later.Even your lovely cars are a temptation.Lock them well and put packages out of sight.Dont make them presents for would-be thieves.

The Police will be posting many uniformed officers on special duty, as well as carrying out under-cover operations to disrupt these criminals.They can only do their job most effectively WITH YOUR FULL CO-OPERATION.The success of their operations is fully tied up with the extent of community buy-in.

Please listen to the CRIME PREVENTION messages which you will be bombarded with from many quarters---radio,newspapers,posters,leaflets etc.

Be a GREAT HARROVIAN.Go out and SHARE these messages with family,friends and neighbours.Make sure you FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS.The Police cannot force you to secure your valuables or stop you from displaying your jewellery.We must use common-sense and not become sitting ducks!

Please consider getting a safety deposit box installed in your home and a burglar alarm, from a reputed firm.This would make your valuables difficult for burglars to access.Most of them are opportunists and dont wish to attract attention.This is where a burglar alarm is really a long-term investment.These are some Crime Prevention tips for ALL our citizens to follow.

Surely, with the period of austerity we are in,you realize that securing your home and person must be a PRIORITY. Another very useful and fairly inexpensive way forward is to install security lights ,back and front. Lock all side gates securely at all times.Keep bins away from the front so that burglars cannot use these to jump over your side gate.Those whose homes back onto alleys can easily and cheaply plant thorny bushes around the back fence and securely lock all access from the rear as well as the front---windows included.It is definitely preferable to try and prevent BURGLARY happening in the first case and keep your peace of mind.

Please DO NOT DISPLAY your valuable jewellery in public.When you are out and about cover yourselves,perhaps with a scarf,shawl,sari or other appropriate garment,so that the glitter of your gold does not attract prospective villians.Similarly,do not leave your valuable ornaments lying around your homes,tempting erstwhile burglars.Please,also,get your jewellery insured.

Your peace of mind and feeling of safety can only be safe-guarded when YOU co-operate.The Police and public must be PARTNERS AGAINST CRIME to drive burglars and robbers out of Harrow.

Please also remember to take simple precautions as you travel to and from Harrow,as these crimes are on the increase throughout London,and tend to spike during the Asian Festival Season.Lock your car as you drive around.No point being in denial!

You can get very useful tips from Harrow Police's Crime Prevention officers and local Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

Many of you are aware,we have had SMARTWATER available ,free of charge,for marking your valuable property,provided by Harrow Council for ALL Harrovians.This is an excellent initiative which we are very lucky to have.Please ask your local police teams about it.

As Chair of Harrow Police & Community Consultative Group and also a member of the ASIAN Community I humbly request each and every one of you to please pull out all the stops and help our Harrow Police to try and make Harrow as BURGLARY and ROBBERY PROOF as possible,especially during the Festivities outlined in great detail for your information. Let me take this opportunity to wish our Jewish Community a VERY HAPPY ROSH HOSSANAH,our Muslim community EID MUBARAK,and our Hindus,HAPPY DASSERA AND HAPPY DIWALI,well in advance.

Last but not least,wish every single one of you, much happiness,joy and Crime-free celebrations.STAY ALERT.STAY SAFE.