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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Get into a habit of completing a set procedure when you lock up you home - this ensures you don’t forget anything. Simply locking doors and windows can deter opportunistic burglars.
If you are going away, try not to advertise this on social media until your return.
Leave radios and lights in your home on a timer to make the property appear occupied.
Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home.
Cancel any regular deliveries like milk or news papers that would be otherwise sitting on your door step advertising you been away for days.
Distraction burglary
Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they are not in order to enter your home to steal. Come common methods include:
Pretending to be from a utility company investigating a gas or water leak
Asking for help to leave a note for a neighbour.
Claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get into your home quickly.
Working in teams where one person distracts you while the other searches your home.
Remember - If in doubt, keep them out! Call 999
Always check the identity of any caller - use your door viewer to see who is there and keep the door chain on.
Ask for ID and check it by calling the company before letting somebody in.
Use the phone number advertised in the phone book or online, as the number on their identity card will be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the door while you do this.
Remember, genuine callers won’t mind checks. If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there.
For pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up.
If a distraction burglar has entered your home, be careful not to touch anything as there may be forensic evidence to trace the suspect. Call the police immediately.
Key messages on CCTV:
CCTV can be a valuable tool and may deter some burglars but it does not stop a crime from occurring
CCTV cannot replace the requirement for good quality physical security
Two industry bodies accredit reputable companies who install CCTV to the British standard: the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB).
Any footage should be able to capture the head and face of a person so they can be recognised and identified. Cameras should be positioned so that they can obtain such footage but also be out of reach to prevent tampering.
There is extensive legislation on CCTV – especially on the need to respect the privacy of neighbouring properties and the recording of public space - so seek advice from an installer to ensure any system complies with the law. https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/cctv-on-your-property/
Signage is required if practical to show that CCTV is in use
Dummy CCTV cameras are not advisable – experienced burglars can spot them.
 While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you: Double lock your door every time you leave the house If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access. Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows. Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through. If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house. Make sure all valuables are out of sight. Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps. In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on. Set your burglar alarm Lock your shed or garage Mark, register or record your valuables.
Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years, and we want to make sure you have had the chance to have your say. The consultation paper is available online, as well as a survey to let us know what you think. This closes on the 15 September. | 
