Local Priorities Robbery Message

I wanted to provide you an update regarding robbery, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey.

Safer Neighbourhood Team officers from Belmont, Sutton North, Cheam and Sutton South have been carrying out school robbery patrols for the past two days. This to target an anticipated rise in personal robbery offences when students return to school, especially with new phones, bags, coats. The schools patrolled were Greenshaw High School, Carshalton Boys, Overton Grange, Glenthorne High School, Cheam High, Harris Academy Belmont and any other schools on route. This would also have included general patrolling in all of these areas for any suspicious or criminal behavior.

We will continue to tackle robbery in your local area. While we are investigating and arresting those responsible, please consider following the below advice to keep yourself and your property safe:  

• Do not leave your phone, tablet or other digital goods unattended, out of sight or on a table.  

• Be aware of your surroundings and only use your phone when it is safe to do so. 

• Put your phone away when you have finished using it.  

• Secure your phone by choosing a strong pin or password 

• Keep a note of your IMEU number (to access, type *#06# on your phone keypad) 

• Plan your route, especially if you are going somewhere you have not been before. Keep to busy, well-lit streets and walkways. Move with purpose and appear confident.

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.  

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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