|
I wanted to provide an update regarding Vandalism/ graffiti, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Dear Valley Ward Members,
Community Safety Notice – Vehicle Vandalism on Westward Road E4
Residents are advised that a vehicle was reportedly vandalised overnight on Westward Road. Incidents of this nature can cause distress within the community, and everyone is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Crime Prevention Advice
To help reduce the risk of vehicle crime:
Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
Ensure vehicles are locked and windows are fully closed.
Remove valuables, bags, and electronic devices from sight.
Consider installing a dashcam or additional vehicle security devices.
Use steering wheel locks or other approved anti-theft measures.
Report suspicious persons or vehicles to the police promptly.
Check home CCTV, doorbell cameras, or security systems for any relevant footage if an incident occurs nearby.
Community Action
A safe community relies on everyone working together. Residents are encouraged to:
Stay alert and look out for neighbours.
Share relevant information through local community groups.
Report crimes and suspicious behaviour to the police using the appropriate reporting channels.
If anyone witnessed suspicious activity in the area overnight or has CCTV footage that may assist investigations, please contact the police and quote the relevant crime reference number if available.
Together, we can help keep the community safe and reduce opportunities for crime.
 We want to ensure everyone is able to keep their property safe from vandalism or defacement in your local area. As such, through conversations with homeowners, members of the public, police officers and staff we’ve collated our 5 Top Tips for safeguarding a property. Please see the advice listed below: - Stay visible: Having a property that can’t be seen from the street may make it more susceptible to being a target of vandalism. Make sure you are limiting places around your property where vandals can hide.
- Create a fence/boundary: By doing this, you’re creating a visible barrier that works as a reminder that if someone crosses uninvited, they would be trespassing.
- Keep it secure: Evaluate your property and be sure to safeguard vulnerable points such as ground floor windows with one-metre high sharp, prickly bushes.
- Extra security: If you have a surface which anyone can sit on – like a ledge or a low wall – some carefully placed plants can work as a good deterrent. Also, you can secure the side and rear boundary of your property with a two-metre-high fence topped with a trellis.
- Keep it tidy: If the property looks untidy, some people won’t think twice about adding to it or simply hanging around in the area. We would advise you not to leave rubbish, ladders, wheelie bins or anything else that could be used for burglary or vandalism in the property's vicinity.
For more advice and up-to-the-minute information about the latest crime prevention products, visit Secured by Design – an official police security initiative. 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. | 
