Dulwich Wood Safer Neighbourhoods Team – Community Update

Dulwich Wood Safer Neighbourhoods Team – Community Update

We’d like to provide residents with an update on the work carried out over the past couple of months across Dulwich Wood. As always, we remain committed to tackling crime, supporting victims, and maintaining a visible and proactive presence within the community.

Team Update

Firstly, we would like to inform residents that PS Daniel Warner has now left the Metropolitan Police Service and the Dulwich Wood and Village wards, having moved to South Wales Police. We thank him for his service to the area and wish him all the best in his new role.

We are currently awaiting the arrival of a new Sergeant, who is expected to join the team later this month.

Operational Activity & Results

Over recent weeks, the team has been actively involved in a number of investigations and enforcement activities:

We assisted Thames Valley Police with a warrant executed on the ward, relating to a suspect involved in thousands of pounds worth of fraudulent activity. During this operation, a number of designer items were seized, which will support Thames Valley’s ongoing investigation.

PC Wake attended Croydon Magistrates’ Court in relation to a prolific shoplifter identified on the ward. This case is now progressing through the court system and is currently awaiting trial.

PC Comfort and PC Powley carried out a voluntary interview with a male suspected of being involved in parcel thefts on the ward. A full case file was prepared by PC Wake, and the matter is now awaiting a charging decision.

PC Wake also supported an investigation into a commercial burglary on the Lambeth borough, involving a known offender linked to our ward. Her work included taking statements and identifying the suspect, which contributed to the offender being arrested and remanded into custody until their first court hearing.

Supporting Our Officers

We are also pleased to share that:

PC Wake and PC Powley have both qualified as Welfare Support Officers.
This role enables them to provide support to fellow officers who have experienced traumatic incidents, ensuring the wellbeing of officers across the service.

Local Policing & Visibility

Whilst PC Wake has recently been heavily abstracted from the ward to carry out her role as a Licensed Search Officer, she has continued to maintain a strong awareness of local issues and remains actively engaged with the ward wherever possible.

Crime Trends & Prevention Advice

We want to keep residents informed of emerging trends so that we can work together to prevent crime:

Catalytic Converter Theft

We have seen a rise in catalytic converter thefts, which had previously reduced significantly. Notably, these are now occurring during the daytime, rather than overnight.
➡️ Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around vehicles.

Motor Vehicle Theft

There has been an increase in motor vehicle thefts, particularly in:

Crescent Wood Road

Peckarmans Wood area

We have noted a pattern, with Ford vehicles being disproportionately targeted.
➡️ If you own a Ford or are concerned about vehicle security, please contact us for tailored crime prevention advice.

Burglaries – Sheds & Garages

We have seen several burglaries affecting sheds and garages, particularly around:

College Road

Hitherwood Road

Woodsyre

➡️ Please ensure all outbuildings are securely locked and consider additional security measures.

PC Wake is trained in crime prevention surveying and is available to carry out home security assessments upon request. She has recently conducted a survey for Herne Hill Velodrome, helping improve their site security.

Theft from Person

There have been a number of incidents of theft from person, particularly in:

Dulwich Common

Lordship Lane area

➡️ Please remain aware of your surroundings when out and about. Keep valuables, especially mobile phones, secure and out of sight where possible.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

We have received increased reports of ASB in the following locations:

Dowell House, Kingswood Estate

Bew Court, Lordship Lane Estate

Kennoldes (off Croxted Road)

We have increased patrols in these areas, although we have not yet identified those responsible.

➡️ Continued reporting is essential. Please keep informing us so we can build intelligence and take action.

Ongoing Work & Positive Outcomes

We are pleased to report that:

There has been a noticeable reduction in shoplifting around the Park Hall Road / Croxted Road area, following robust action taken by the team against a repeat offender.

The team continues to maintain patrols and monitor the area closely to prevent any recurrence of issues.

Working Together

Your information and reports are invaluable in helping us tackle crime and keep Dulwich Wood safe. Please continue to engage with us, report incidents, and reach out if you need advice or support.

If you would like:

Crime prevention advice

A home or business security survey

To raise concerns in your area

➡️ Please get in touch with the Dulwich Wood Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards,

The Dulwich Wood team

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Message Sent By
Francesca Wake
(Metropolitan Police, Police Constable, Dulwich Wood)