Release Date: 22/08/2008
Richmond Council and the local Police are urging residents to apply basic security measures to drive down crime such as theft and burglary and make sure that Richmond upon Thames remains the safest borough in London.
Richmond upon Thames has the lowest crime figures in the capital, with robberies, burglaries and theft from motor vehicles all continuing to fall.
However, particularly on warm days, trusting residents who are perhaps aware of the safe nature of the borough tend to leave their doors and windows open, sometimes with their house or car keys in full view.
At a time when neighbourhoods are quieter due to residents being away on holiday, it is especially important to be vigilant and take simple security measures such as locking doors and windows and storing keys safely and away from view.
Sir David Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“I am appealing to residents to not be complacent and help us keep Richmond upon Thames the safest borough in London, and drive crime levels down even further.
“Some people think it’s fine to leave properties and cars unlocked even just for a few minutes but sadly that’s not the case, and this relaxed attitude makes residential areas an attractive target for burglary and theft criminals.”
Rick Turner, Detective Chief Superintendent and borough Police Commander, added:
“Crime figures from April to August this year are significantly lower than those for the same period last year, with 34% less robberies, 13% less burglaries and 23% less theft from motor vehicles. Crime is reducing but we need to continue taking precautions to keep the borough safe.
“I urge local people to make sure their property is always secure, lock doors, garden sheds and bicycles, avoid leaving valuables in view in their car, and be aware of their personal property when out and about - such as handbags, purses and wallets.
“I also remind residents that Property Marking is available through the Safer Neighbourhood Teams.”
Many burglaries are preventable through awareness and vigilance - about 40% of all burglaries currently being reported involved no forced entry.
Other basic precautions include avoiding flower pots as hiding places for keys and valuables and not leaving unattended ladders that could provide access to upper floors or neighbouring properties.
The Council and the Police have been working in partnership to tackle residential burglary and theft from motor vehicles through Operation Lockout.
The campaign, which was launched in 2006 and has helped reduce crime figures since, includes providing DNA property marking kits to victims of residential burglary; marking crime hot spots to warn residents and visitors to be particularly aware; running a vulnerable premises initiative that identifies premises where the occupiers have left themselves vulnerable; producing education materials to raise the public’s awareness of how they can help tackle crime.
For further information on safety and security and on Operation Lockout please contact the Community Safety Partnership Team on 020 8891 7777.