Author: Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association

Neighbourhood Watch is a partnership where everyone comes together to make their communities safer. It involves Police, Local Authorities, other voluntary organisations and, above all, individuals who want to make their neighbourhoods better places to live. It aims to help people protect themselves and their properties and to reduce the fear of crime by means of improved home security, greater vigilance, reporting of suspicious incidents and by fostering a community spirit. It relies on unpaid volunteers at all levels of the organisation and is always looking for more volunteers to fill the many gaps, particularly at local level. Bromley Neighbourhood Watch Association has over 600 Coordinators serving the local community and our objectives are: To help prevent crime by improving security, increasing vigilance, creating and maintaining a caring community and reducing opportunities for crime by increasing crime prevention awareness. To assist Police in detecting crime by promoting effective communication and the prompt reporting of suspicious and criminal activity. To reduce undue fear of crime by providing accurate information about risks and by promoting a sense of security and community spirit, particularly amongst the more vulnerable members of the community

Don’t let burglars ruin your Xmas

Don’t give burglars your presents this Xmas

Even as we plan a perfect Xmas, burglars could be planning to ruin it.

Bromley Police and Neighbourhood Watch volunteers are working hard to reduce burglaries on the Borough. However it is not possible to prevent every offence from occurring. If you are a victim of burglary, below are some actions you can take to improve the chances of catching the suspect and bringing them to justice.

* Remember to always report to Police as soon as possible. Use 101 for non-emergency reporting or 999 if it is an emergency.

* Establish if objects have been moved. Have any drawers or cupboards been opened? List where these items are and try to keep them untouched for when Police attend.

* Try to find the place of entry and exit used by the burglar. Try to keep this area untouched. Are there any footprints? If you find a route you think was used, try to find another route to use yourself so as not to disturb evidence.

* Has anything been eaten or drunk out of? Are there discarded cigarettes or tools? If so, note where and let officers know when they attend.

* If you feel comfortable, make enquiries with neighbours. Did they see or hear anything? Try to find a time of the incident and any other specific details to pass on to officers.

* If you believe they have been stolen, cancel bank debit/credit cards.

* Think back over the past few days. Has anyone been hanging around, acting suspiciously? The smallest piece of information can help identify a suspect.

* If you saw the suspect and think you would recognise them again, tell the reporting officer so they can give you the opportunity to identify them.

* You will be asked to make a statement so think of all relevant details the officer may need to help progress the investigation.

* Please let us know whether you have any special requirements i.e. you are disabled or feel particularly vulnerable.

We hope you are never in a position where you need to take this advice. However, if it does happen to you we hope it will assist you.

For further advice on Burglary prevention please go to www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary/