|
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. On Thursday 29th January 2026, police received a report of a burglary at an address on Derwent Drive, Purley.
The victim informed officers that she left the property at around 1830 hours and returned approximately one hour later. On entering the house, she discovered that an untidy search had been carried out in both the bedroom and the office.
There were no signs of forced entry, however the victim reported that the front bay upper‑right window was found open, with no visible damage.
Stolen property:
Jewellery – 11 sets of Asian gold
If you have CCTV, Ring Doorbell footage, or any information that may assist, please contact police on 101, quoting Crime Reference 01/7109126/25, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Burglars often target homes where they believe high value gold jewellery may be kept. Asian gold, in particular, is attractive to offenders due to its high purity and resale value. To help protect your property:
• Avoid keeping large quantities of gold at home.
• Keep jewellery out of sight
• Take detailed photos of your jewellery and record descriptions
• Consider CCTV, doorbell cameras, and alarm systems, and ensure they are working and positioned effectively.
 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. | 
