Working for the Police Service I am used to the role that officers perform being under constant scrutiny. I expect it and I welcome it. That is how we learn from mistakes and improve. Being transparent in what we do is vital to our success, particularly in my current role. On this note I received an e-mail last week from a local resident. He was supportive of the Safer Neighbourhood team but had concerns over many wider policing tactics which he felt were over zealous and infringing on peoples' freedoms. Included in the e-mail was a link to a story regarding the arrest of a man for child neglect. The gentleman was critical over police response to the situation. I have replied individually to him. I am always happy to be contacted regardless of the issue and welcome the opportunity to engage with people on any topic.
Also this week I watched the ITV programme following the Met's armed response teams, CO19. It showed the work of the unit and charted the levels of gun crime in the Capital. Some of the incidents filmed during the show occurred on Haringey Borough and highlighted the level of force required to deal with the threat of gun crime. One of the officers on the programme said that he saw the department as, 'a necessary evil', which I thought put it quite succinctly.
Today a story was run in the local press regarding the willingness or otherwise of Safer Neighbourhood officers to have their photographs on police websites etc.
All of the above are very important issues and
can have an impact on the way in which the public perceive the police.
My immediate concern is the policing and well -being of Crouch End and
it's people. I aim to make sure that my team treat everyone with whom
they come into contact courteously and with respect. I expect my team
to use discretion, common sense and where necessary enforce the law. My
rule of thumb is to treat others the way you would want a member of
your family to be treated, no matter what the circumstances. I want my
team to be approachable and be a part of the community. You can access
the Crouch End SNT website at: www.met.police.uk/teams/
There are huge policing issues that don't impact on a daily basis on policing in Crouch End. I have my own personal views on some of these but no matter what the incident my approach will always be the same. I will deal with people and situations in the way that I believe to be appropriate and proportionate. This ethos has stood me in good stead over my 26 years in the police service.
Right then, now that's off my chest, on with the
news! A few things to report unfortunately, although bear in mind that
those quoted have occurred since Feb 1st:
Burglary
Glasslyn Road 05.02.09
Russell Road 07.02.09
Berkeley Road 06.07.09
Cecile Park 17.02.09
Of the four offences reported it is likely that three were 'letterbox' burglaries. This is where access is gained either by reaching through the letterbox and opening the yale lock or inserting an implement (bamboo cane or similar) and 'hooking' keys. This can mean not only items being stolen from the premises but also the vehicle being taken too. To prevent this sort of crime is relatively simple. If you have a mortice lock fitted use it. If you don't, either consider getting one fitted or utilise bolts, chains or other security devices. Also do not leave keys accessible from the doorway. The team have widely distributed relevant crime prevention information regarding this issue. We have also continued with our road checks. The number of non residential burglaries has declined over the past couple of weeks which is encouraging.
Robbery
Mount View Road 12.02.09
As stated the only robbery offence in the month resulted in an arrest. A young man has been bailed to return to the police station pending the completion of the investigation. There was also a 'snatch' of a mobile phone in The Broadway. No force was used against the owner but the thief grabbed the phone and made off.
Vehicle Crime
The past couple of weeks has seen 8 vehicle
crimes reported. The only real point of note being that two of the
offences involved tools being stolen from traders vans.
Other news
Last Saturday saw the latest joint surgery
with myself and our Ward councillors. This took place at Highgate
Library. Despite my team and I risking life and limb delivering
hundreds of leaflets advertising the event at the height of the ice and
snow (ok, that may be a bit of an exaggeration!), the turnout was a
little disappointing! That said if you do have an issue to raise and
weren't able to get to see us on the day, please do get in touch.
Being in the same area on a daily basis we do get to know those more vulnerable members of society. Whether it be mental health issues, life style choices, age or disability the team are always anxious to assist in any way we can. In the past couple of weeks we have attended a home at the request of the mother of a teenage girl. She believes her daughter is getting involved in situations and with people that are leading her along the wrong path. We had a chat with the family and have arranged regular visits and provided a point of contact for the youngster should she feel she needs support in trying to break away from the unhelpful influences around her. She is an intelligent, articulate young lady who is finding it difficult to do the right thing when the alternative seems so much more exciting. Part of the 'long-term problem solving approach' we aim to adopt is about intervening in situations like this and providing support. We have offered to assist the young lady in a college course application and provided details of activities and opportunities that she may wish to take. As the father of two teenage girls I am aware of the pressures they, and in turn their parents or guardians, faced. The fact she was willing to talk to us and expressed a desire to make the most of any assistance we could offer gave me real hope that we may have become involved in time. The young lady's mother had seen our team poster in a local cafe and spoke to one of the team when she saw them on the street. I will ensure that we do the best we can for this family. If you know of anyone who you think we can help, even if it is finding out the most appropriate agency to deal with their particular issue please pass on our details. We are here to assist all members of the local community in any way we can.
Last week we were visible around Highgate Wood School as the pupils broke up for half term as the beginning of a break is traditionally the time for 'high jinx' and more sinister activity. It was really encouraging to experience the politeness, interest and support shown to us by the vast majority. I know school children can misbehave and on occasions step over the line (didn't we all!) but so many seem to me to be responsible young people who contribute positively to the ward. Those who don't will be dealt with appropriately.
We have had a spate of thefts from ATM machines in the Broadway, specifically with a device being attached to the machine and the next user losing their card and PIN and the thieves returning, collecting the device with the card therein and fleecing the account for as much as possible. If the machine you are using looks or feels in any way different avoid using it. Victims have said that their card was unusually difficult to push into the machine when the device was attached. I have included below a few other tips regarding use of ATM's :
1/ Where possible please use cash machines in the bank
2/ Utilise 'cash back' in shops but again cover your hand when inputting your PIN.
3/ Check for anyone hanging around near a cash point machine, if you are concerned then don't use the machine and if you feel they are there intending to commit crime, then dial 999.
4/ When using the machine, don't let anyone distract you. Another regular trick is for them to state you have dropped £10 and they hand it to you. The money is actually theirs. They then have an accomplice that takes your card from the machine while you are distracted and they have also noted your pin number. Beware of your personal space; don't let people get too close to you. If you feel uncomfortable then walk away or make it clear you are watching them. If you are happy to do so, ask them to give you some space and step back.
5/ Don't let people see your PIN. Always cover your hand that is inputting with the other so no person or possible hidden camera can see your pin number.
6/ Finally and most importantly, if you ever feel your card details have been compromised or a machine keeps it, always report it immediately to your bank. If you discover that a machine has been tampered with whether you have used it or not, please also contact police on 0300 123 1212.
Well Mrs M and Little M are off up to Nanny and Grandads for the weekend...........leaving the way clear for me to.......decorate! I know, more decorating! I expect I will have the odd break...mainly when the footballs on! And then the following weekend it's off to my parents to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. That is some achievement in my book. I will have to think carefully about the few words I say on the day. So, busy at work, busy at home, that's the way I like things, never a quiet moment......until kick off!
Thank you for your time and please, please get in touch regarding anything you have read or any other issue at all
Take care
John
0208 6493515
