December 2009
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE FESTIVE PERIOD
Bogus traders are knocking door to door stating they will provide services. These callers may target householders under the pretence of charity collecting, carols singing or offering services, with the sole purpose of pocketing cash or valuables. The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team has confirmed that only this week two males were stopped in Moordown posting leaflets offering gardening services. These men have a known history of criminal activity. Even though it is the season of goodwill, use your door chain before opening up and never allow strangers in to your home. Always ask for ID and don't be afraid to say no. If in doubt, keep them out. If you suspect anyone of begging or bogus calling, take note of what they look like and which way they are travelling, then call the police. Detailed and timely information will help the police and your efforts will help stop criminal activities.
Shopping - When the shops are crowded thieves have more chance to steal from you. Try to shop during less busy times and make sure you are extra careful with your wallet or purse. If you have too many bags you may struggle and not be aware of someone stealing from you. Try to make smaller shopping trips rather than do it all at once. Have your purse/wallet close to your body and don't carry too much cash. Be aware that thieves may be watching car parks so choose a well-lit area to park, lock all doors and windows and do not leave your shopping in view. Some shops provide a collection service which you could use at the end of your shopping and help reduce the risk of items being stolen.
At home - Having bought gifts don't make it easy for someone to steal them from your home. Keep them out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and if you hide larger items such as bicycles in the shed or garage, make sure they are very secure. Take the frame numbers of new cycles and the serial numbers of new electrical equipment. Empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside - dispose of packaging carefully and recycle. It is a good time to check your insurance cover.
Going out - Make it look like someone is at home by turning on lights and using security timers as well turning on a radio. Be extra careful about locking doors and windows. As a fire precaution, don't leave Christmas lights on while you are out.
Going on holiday - Ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home. Don't forget to cancel newspapers and milk and either redirect your mail through Royal Mail or have your neighbour take mail and free newspapers/flyers in to your house.
Strangers at the door - Delivery drivers usually have uniforms and liveried vehicles. Bonafide charity collectors will have identification and will not be offended if you ask to see it. If you are not sure but want to make a donation, ask whether these can be made in other ways, perhaps through a bank but don't give your account details to a stranger. If someone comes to the front door suggesting that they are collecting for charity and have no registration documents, or has documents that may appear to be fraudulent, contact the Police as there may be offences committed under the Fraud Act 2006. Bogus Callers may well target householders under the pretence of charity collecting or carol singing. If in any doubt do not open the door and call the Police.
Celebrating - At office parties venues are often crowded. Don't leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body to deter thieves. Make prior arrangements for getting home. Stay with friends if you can and don't take illegal minicabs. Don't drink too much and avoid any potential disturbances on the street.
19 December 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
KEEP SAFE ON THE ROAD
As winter draws in with longer nights and increasingly poor weather conditions, there is a seasonal rise in the number of road traffic accidents. Many of these accidents can be avoided by taking sensible precautions:
- Check that your tyre treads are legal and free from damage.
- Check your lights are working and you have spare bulbs handy.
- Carry a warning triangle to place behind your vehicle in the event of a breakdown.
- Top up your anti-freeze.
- If you are driving on motorways keep warm, weatherproof clothing in the boot and ideally a high visibility jacket. If your vehicle breaks down or you are involved in an accident it is safer to leave your car on the hard shoulder and wait on the embankment. Call for help on an emergency phone, or mobile if you already have a contact who can assist you. If you are a woman alone make sure you inform the contact of this fact. If you return to the car stay on the verge/bank. Lock all doors except the passenger door nearest to you. Get back in and lock the door if someone pulls up. If you are lost it is safer to make your way to the nearest service station, roadside restaurant or town and establish your bearings there. Do not accept help from passers by. If someone approaches get in to the car, lock the doors and speak through a slightly open window.
- It is illegal to use hand-held mobile phones whilst driving a vehicle. This includes cars, motorcycles, goods vehicles, buses, coaches and taxis and also applies to anyone supervising a learner driver, while the learner driver is driving. From 27 February 2007, the Road Safety Act was changed to support a fixed penalty of three points on your license and a minimum fine of £60.00. "Research shows that talking on a mobile phone while driving affects your concentration and ability to react to dangerous situations. It's quite simple - it's impossible to do two things at once and do them well," said Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander.
14 December 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Borough Commander Meets Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard Wood, Greenwich Borough Commander of the Metropolitan Police, joined street co-ordinators of the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme at their recent quarterly meeting. Richard is a firm supporter of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and wanted to find out first hand how a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme operates and what their focus is. "Communities defeat crime, not the police," said Richard. "I am passionate about policing and have brought with me my own management team to bring fresh, new and innovative ideas to help police the 100,000 houses, a quarter of a million residents and the huge amount of people travelling to and from Greenwich Borough every day".
Six months in to the role and twenty-two years experience as a police officer, Richard is a keen supporter of back-to-basics, traditional style policing, with police visible on our streets and criminals locked up. With five Borough Commanders over the past eight years, the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Co-ordinators welcome Richard's passion for community policing and look forward to positive improvements and consistency going forward.
06 December 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
November 2009
Six Months Old And Going From Strength to Strength
The Shooters Hill Neighbourhood Watch Scheme website celebrates six months on the 1st December, and is going from strength to strength. The site was developed and is maintained by the Principal Co-ordinators of the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, inspired by the need to communicate news on safety, security and community issues in a quick, efficient way and to a large audience.
"In designing the site we realised that the issues we face in and around Eaglesfield Park are the same or similar that people are facing throughout the Shooters Hill Ward, hence why we did not develop a website aimed just at the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme," said Graham Penn. Utilising the power of the web has enabled the Principal Co-ordinators to communicate information in a timely manner, with minimal cost and maximum impact.
The webmasters work in collaboration with the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team, Shooters Hill Ward Councillors, other Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and residents in the area to provide you with up to date and informative news. To date visitors to the site have viewed over 2,000 pages.
The website is being redesigned with a new look and feel, due to go live early in 2010, so please keep on checking the site.
To ensure you receive notification when the site has been updated, register your email address at: contact@shnws.org.uk Your email address will only be used for the purposes of providing you with alerts when the Shooters Hill Neighbourhood Watch Schemes website has been updated.
28 November 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
Road Safety Improvements On Shooters Hill
Our community will benefit from traffic calming and road safety initiatives in early 2010.The Strategic Transportation team, responsible for road safety and traffic calming initiatives for Greenwich Borough, has been working throughout 2009 with various partners, agencies, the police, Transport for London and local communities such as the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in developing ways in which to help improve road safety and implement traffic calming initiatives. Following a number of accidents on Shooters Hill, particular focus has been placed on Shooters Hill from Shrewsbury Lane to the Greenwich - Bexley Borough Boundary. An accident study was undertaken, feedback from local residents was taken in to consideration and a public consultation process was carried out.
In spring 2010 various initiatives will be implemented including:
- Provision of an 'entry treatment' at the junction of Shrewsbury Lane and Shooters Hill. This will hopefully reduce the number of recurrent collisions with drivers turning out of Shrewsbury Lane on to Shooters Hill.
- Installation of 'SLOW' carriageway markings and red-coloured surfacing on Shooters Hill at the junction with Eaglesfield Road. This in turn should alter driver perception and encourage reduced speed.
- Installation of a pedestrian refuge island east of Cleanthus Road, very near the water tower. This will provide a safe crossing for people using the bus stops near Eaglesfield Road.Installation of a pedestrian refuge island near Woodlands Farm. This will provide a safe crossing for people visiting Woodlands Farm and the bus stop located opposite on Shooters Hill.
- Installation of five traffic islands on Shooters Hill towards Welling, in addition to red-coloured surfacing within the central hatching from Shrewsbury Lane to the Greenwich-Bexley Borough Boundary.
- Installation of a 'Speed Warning Sign' on the traffic island near Woodlands Farm.
The Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Co-ordinators welcome these initiatives which we hope will go a long way to help tackle speeding drivers, raise awareness of the importance of driving within the speed limits and help keep our roads a safe place for pedestrians and drivers alike.
23 November 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
Attempted Break-in, Bushmoor Crescent
A young person was seen walking away from a property in Bushmoor Crescent, near the junction of Mereworth Drive, at 5:30pm on Saturday 14 November after smashing a pane of glass in the front door to try and gain access. The police have been to the scene, where the suspect left footprints.
Did you see or hear anything that night? If so please contact the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team as your information could help aid an arrest.Our community continues to be targeted by burglars. Please do your bit to keep you, your family and friends safe and secure:
- Close and lock windows - this denies opportunist burglars easy access to your home.- Set burglar alarms when you go to bed.
- Ensure all doors are locked and pay particular attention to UPVC doors by pulling the handle up and locking the door with a key.
- Hide your valuables and keys out of sight.- Carry out an overall maintenance check of your windows and doors to ensure they are in good condition. Property that is not well maintained presents an easy target.
- Be alert - if you hear a noise investigate it, whilst ensuring your safety at all times. Your vigilance will help combat crime.
Dial 999 immediately if you see anything suspicious.
15 November 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
Protect Yourself Against Spam Emails and Phishing
Have you received a suspicious email? Sounds too good to be true? Or perhaps urging you to 'update your security information'?
Phishing is a scam where criminals send emails to thousands of people. These emails pretend to come from banks, credit card companies, online shops and auction sites as well as other trusted organisations. They usually contain a compelling but bogus reason to go to the site, for example to update your password before your account is suspended. Victims click on an embedded link in the email itself which takes them to a website that looks exactly like the real thing but is, in fact, a fake designed to trick victims into entering personal information such as a password or credit card number.
Criminals can make an email look as if it comes from someone else. Fake emails often (but not always) display some of the following characteristics:
- The sender's email address doesn't tally with the trusted organisation's website addres.
- The email is sent from a completely different address or a free web mail address.
- The email does not use your proper name, but uses a non-specific greeting like "dear customer".
- A sense of urgency; for example the threat that unless you act immediately your account may be closed.
- A prominent website link. These can be forged or seem very similar to the proper address, but even a single character's difference means a different website.
- A request for personal information such as user name, password or bank details.
- You weren't expecting to get an email from the company that appears to have sent it.
- The entire text of the email is contained within an image rather than the usual text format.
- The image contains an embedded hyperlink to a bogus site.
You can take a few steps to protect yourself:
- Never click on a link embedded in an email. Always enter the real address yourself by typing it into the web browser.
- Consider using a spam email filter that will detect and block many fraudulent emails.
- Be wary of hoax emails and advance fee fraud emails.
- Don't give out personal information unless you initiated the contact and you are sure you know who you're dealing with.
If in doubt contact the website owner direct by telephone or email before proceeding.
15 November 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Burglars Continue To Operate Within Our Community
Over the past few weeks homes and vehicles have been targeted by burglars. The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team are aware of four incidents that took place, with the majority during the daytime. Strong door locks foiled one attempt though burglars have adopted more aggressive techniques by smashing windows to get in. In addition diversionary tactics are being used including the setting off of fireworks to distract residents attention from people breaking-in.
The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team is carrying out additional patrols to help tackle this issue. Please do your bit to keep you, your family and friends safe and secure:- Close and lock windows - this denies opportunist burglars easy access to your home.
- Set burglar alarms when you go to bed.
- Ensure all doors are locked and pay particular attention to UPVC doors by pulling the handle up and locking the door with a key.
- Hide your valuables and keys out of sight.
- Carry out an overall maintenance check of your windows and doors to ensure they are in good condition. Property that is not well maintained presents an easy target.
- Be alert - if you hear a noise investigate it, whist ensuring your safety at all times. Your vigilance will help combat crime.
- Dial 999 immediately if you see anything suspicious.
08 November 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
All Change On The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team
The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team moves from strength to strength with the arrival of PC Sarah Knapp who joined the team on Tuesday 27 October. She has seven years in the force, joining the team from the Greenwich Rapid Response team as a response driver. Sarah is looking for a new challenge in her career and takes over the responsibilities of PC Cliff Graham, with particular focus on the Shooters Hill area. In addition we welcome new PCSO Giles Balestrini who has been in the team for two weeks, straight out of training at Sidcup PCSO Training College.
With 22,000 residents living in the Shooters Hill Ward covering a very large geographic area, and a recent increase in burglaries, this extra police resource is very much welcome and we hope will go a long way to help tackle crime and ASB within our community.
08 November 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Second Night of Running Street Battles
For a second consecutive night the quiet and peaceful area around Eaglesfield Park was turned in to a 'battlefield', by a gang of teenagers using fireworks as missiles targeting vehicles, houses, each other and most worrying the residents.
A number of concerned residents took it upon themselves to investigate further the chaos occurring on the corner of Cleanthus and Foxcroft, and in Eaglesfield Park , from 9pm onwards on Tuesday 3 November.
On attempting to speak with one young person which resulted in a stream of verbal abuse, the lads decided to turn the rockets from themselves on to the small gathering of residents. The evening saw residents chasing on foot after some of the perpetrators who unfortunately got away.
Did you see or hear anything? If you did please provide details asap to the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team including what the individuals were wearing, their names, any other information that might assist in an arrest. If you live on Cleanthus, Foxcroft and Eaglesfield Roads please check your vehicles and property for any damage.
The police were called on two occasions that evening but very disappointingly did not appear to arrive at the scene. The Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Co-ordinators have asked the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team for additional special patrols to help tackle this dangerous and anti social behaviour.
Whilst a small number of residents did a stirling effort in trying to tackle the issue, no one should put themselves in danger.
If this happens again please do your bit and dial 999 without delay.
04 November 2009 . . .......BACK TO TOP
Keep Our Green Spaces Beautiful
Do you have a passion for your local parks? If so you can do your bit to help keep it to a standard you, your family and friends can be proud of. The Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Co-ordinators work closely with the Parks and Open Spaces Shooters Hill depot in ensuring that the fabric of Eaglesfield Park is maintained to provide a safe, secure and pleasant environment to enjoy.
Recent work includes:
- New stencils applied on the footpaths reminding dog owners to pick up their dog waste.
- Installation of two new dog waste bins.
- Cold tarmac repairs to the footpath.
- The cutting back or feathering of the spiny Acacia thorns.
- In addition the scheme co-ordinators maintain a regular dialogue with Parks for urgent removal of all tagging and graffiti as part of a zero tolerance approach to this anti social behaviour. Shrewsbury Park has recently been targeted with a spate of tagging. Friends of Shrewsbury Park is working with both Parks and Open Spaces and the police to address. You can do your bit by reporting issues such as tagging, graffiti, vandalism, fly tipping, rubbish etc found in our local parks including children's play areas, footpaths, benches and trees by contacting Greenwich Council's Parks and Open Spaces Shooters Hill depot on 020 8921 6885, or email: parks@greenwich.gov.uk Also inform the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team of incidents of tagging, graffiti, vandalism as this helps with evidence gathering - email them with supporting photos and details to: shootershill.snt@met.police.uk
01 November 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
October 2009
GUY FAWKES AND FIREWORKS
You and your family might be planning to host an event to celebrate Guy Fawkes on Thursday 5 November. Please ensure it is properly organised, buying fireworks from a reputable source, paying particular attention to the safety of you, your family, friends and neighbours. As an alternative, why not enjoy the many organised fireworks displays such as at Blackheath or Danson Park? The free display at Blackheath is on Saturday 7 November starting at 8pm for 30 minutes.
Did you know it is an offence for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks? Trading Standards officers will be in the area ensuring shop keepers are enforcing laws in relation to selling fireworks to under 18s. It is also an offence for anyone to throw lit fireworks in the streets or to use 'adult' fireworks after certain times. The Fireworks Regulations 2004 make it an offence for any person to use adult fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am except for 'permitted fireworks nights'. These exceptions, where the curfew start time is later, are as follows:
- Diwali - Saturday 17 October - 1am
- Guy Fawkes - Thursday 5 November - midnight
- New Year's Eve - Thursday 31 December - 1am
- Chinese New Year - Sunday 14 February 2010 - 1am
The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team will be carrying out extra patrols over the Halloween and Guy Fawkes period to ensure people abide by the laws. They will also be asking shop owners to refrain from selling eggs and flour which are used by a minority of individuals to try and spoil this festive time. You can help by contacting Greenwich Council on 020 8854 8888 or Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 if you have any information about shops selling fireworks to under 18's, or about other dangerous or illegal activities involving fireworks. If you witness any anti social or criminal behaviour relating to the misuse of fireworks, call the police non-emergency number on 0300 123 1212.
SEASONAL NIGHTMARE FOR YOUR PETS
Although fireworks are fun for us, they are not fun for animals. Most animals get very scared by the lights and noise, so you should take precautions to protect your pets during the times of the year when fireworks are likely to be set off.
The animal charity The Blue Cross says that the best thing you can do is to keep your pets indoors. This includes bringing in pets that are normally kept outside, such as rabbits or guinea pigs. Close all your windows and doors and try to drown out the noise as much as possible. And make sure that cats and dogs have name tags on them in case the noise scares them and they run off. Blue Cross has a leaflet with more detailed advice on keeping your pets safe from fireworks.
26 October 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
Calling All Ghosts And Goblins, Batty Bats and Witches
While Halloween can be a great deal of fun, it can also be a particularly distressing time of year for some of the more vulnerable members of our community, especially the elderly. If you or you family are planning to 'trick or treat' on Saturday 31 October, think carefully about which doors you knock on this Halloween. Better still, why not just stay at home and have a Halloween themed party with your friends and neighbours!
If you do decide to go trick or treating, please respect the wishes of any household displaying a 'No Trick or Treat' poster. When trick or treating follow the 'Halloween Code' to help you and your family stay as safe as possible:
- Always go trick or treating with an adult.- Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents.
- Don't knock on doors where there is a 'No Trick or Treat' sign.
- Stay in areas that are well lit with street lights - take a torch with you just in case.
- Stay with your friends - don't split into smaller groups unless an adult goes with you.
- Don't talk to strangers on the street.
- Don't enter any house - stay on the doorstep.
- Be careful not to frighten vulnerable people, especially the elderly.
- Be visible.- Look carefully before crossing the road, even if you're part of a group.
- Don't vandalise anything or throw things like eggs and flour. This can cause a great deal of damage and misery. What's more it can be classed as criminal damage, or even assault, and a night of 'fun' could end up with you in trouble with the police. Source: www.met.police.uk/ Our local shops will be requested by the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team to remove eggs and flour from sale during this period. Please ensure you do not buy these items on behalf of anyone you do not know, or suspect may engage in anti social behaviour. The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team will also be carrying out extra patrols over this festive period. So please enjoy Halloween and have a spooky time!
17 October 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
Your Personal Safety Is Paramount
We benefit from living in an area in London that has plenty of parks and open spaces to enjoy. However there are the occasional isolated incidents that remind us to do all we can to ensure our personal safety, and that of our friends and family. You may have read in local newspapers about an incident that took place in Oxleas Wood in August involving an attempted abduction.
Please do your bit to help stop this happening in the future:
- If you see someone acting suspiciously report it immediately by calling the Police on 999.
- If you need help shout and scream to attract attention.
- Whilst walking in woods, be aware of your surroundings and what other people are doing around you. Be alert.
- Don't venture in to areas where visibility is poor and avoid deserted areas.
- Try to avoid walking alone at night and keep to well-lit areas.
- Avoid short cuts like alleyways, waste ground and wooded, bushy areas.
- It is always worth letting someone know where you are going, the route you intend to take and when you expect to return.
- Take your mobile with you.
- Try to avoid wearing headphones - your ability to hear traffic, strangers or potential trouble is severely restricted.
If you see or hear something at a later date that could help lead to an arrest provide the information to the police using the non-emergency number on 0300 123 1212.
If you have any information about the incident that took place in Oxleas Wood in August contact Detective Constable Mark Ringrose at Greenwich CID on 020 8284 9554, alternately Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
11 October 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
Update Following the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Ward Panel Meeting
The latest Shooters Hill Police Ward Panel meeting was held on Tuesday 15 September, where current community issues are discussed including residents concerns, and priorities of our local Safer Neighbourhood Police Team are agreed for the forthcoming weeks. Principal Co-ordinators from three local Neighbourhood Watch Schemes attended to raise on your behalf key issues affecting our community.
Key items discussed included burglaries, the Barnfield Estate and the illegal driving of motorcycles in local parks and woods.
Burglaries still remain a major concern within the Shooters Hill Ward. Whilst reported cases have dropped in the Shooters Hill area following the seven arrests in July, the problem still exists. Over the last few weeks extra police patrols have made a positive difference, focusing on Plumstead where burglaries are on the increase. Criminals are using open windows for easy access, as well as smashing rear windows to gain entry. They are striking both day and night, stealing laptops, flat screen TVs as well as cars - all because owners are leaving car keys in clear view.
In our current economic climate, some people are doing desperate things to raise money. Please help reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of burglary:
- If you have a UPVC door, make sure it is fully locked. This requires you to pull the handle upwards, and locking the door with a key.
- Use a door chain when opening the door to strangers.
- Check the identification thoroughly of any visitors and if in doubt, lock them out.
- Secure your garden. Don't leave ladders unlocked.
- Hide your keys out of sight, whilst letting your trusted friends and family know where they are in case of emergency. The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team in conjunction with Greenwich Council recently conducted a sweep of the Barnfield Estate, amassing a large arrange array of weapons including a loaded gun and drugs. The estate continues to be a focus for criminal activity, with non-residents coming in to the area causing issues. It is a growing concern to the community. Do your bit in supporting our local police team who are doing all they can to tackle these issues. If you have an issue you would like raised at the Ward Panel Meetings, contact the Principal Co-ordinator of your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme to discuss further.
04 October 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
September 2009
Don't Be A Victim Of Rogue Traders
The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team has been alerted to rogue traders, or 'cowboys', operating within our community, targeting vulnerable and elderly residents.
There have been reports of traders doing basic, or no work, and demanding ludicrous amounts of money or direct debit arrangements over extended periods of time.
Rogue traders pose as property maintenance workers, gardeners, builders and roofers, offering any number of services at vastly inflated prices. With the current economic crisis, some people are using the credit crunch as an opportunity to cold call. If someone makes you an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If you think a rogue trader has visited you, or is operating in your area, report it is in to Greenwich Council's Neighbourhood Response Team on 020 8921 8223, and in an emergency dial 999. Officers from the Neighbourhood Response Team can arrange to be at your house if and when the traders are due to return.
Take a few steps to help prevent you and your family from becoming victims:
- Never agree to have work done by somebody who is "just passing and spotted something". Or says: "I'm working in your area and noticed that your drive/roof (or something similar) needs urgent attention".
- Never take their word that work on your property needs doing - seek a second opinion from other repututable and recommended traders.
- Do not agree to any work until you have obtained three quotes from different builders - that way you can judge whether a fair charge is being quoted.Always ask for a quote in writing, including the name of the traders, address and phone number.
- Never pay anything until the work is finished. A reputable trader will be happy to agree a reasonable payment schedule.
- Do not accept any offer to "drive you to the bank to withdraw money".- Keep your house secure and use a chain when answering the door to a stranger.Be very cautious by someone knocking at your door that:
-Has a friendly but insistent manner whilst selling their services.
-Has materials left over from another job that they can use to carry out repairs with.
-Says you need work done urgently and they can do it straight away.
-Quotes a very low price for a job without assessing the work needed.
-Won't give you their address and/or contact details.
23 September 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
Illegal Motorbike Riders Are Still Being Targeted
Have you or your family been kept awake a night by the sound of motorbikes and/or go peds being ridden along your road? Have you experienced a close encounter with an illegal bike rider in Eaglesfield or Shrewsbury Park, or Oxleas Wood?
We benefit from living in an area of London surrounded by wonderful parks and woods, but there is a minority who want to use our open spaces for dangerous, illegal and anti social practices.
If you spot someone riding a motorbike off road in your local park or woods, or riding a bike on road but without a helmet for instance, contact the police non emergency number on 0300 123 1212 and include the location, license number and description of the drivers. Do you bit and call it in to the police and help tackle this behaviour. The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team continue to patrol Oxleas Wood and neighbouring parks and open spaces following reports that youths are riding motorbikes illegally. Officers have warned several youths about their behaviour and the nuisance they are causing to those who are trying to enjoy a day out in our local parks and woods.
Sergeant Barry Edge said: "There are some serious concerns regarding the use of motorbikes. Clearly, some youths do not realise that it is illegal to drive them through the woods. Families enjoy the woods and this is not the place where teenagers should be riding their motorbikes. I urge all parents of teenagers in possession of a motorbike to ensure the bikes are insured and that those riding are in possession of a licence. We have plans to confiscate and destroy all uninsured bikes driven illegally." Driving a motorbike off the road in public places is illegal. To use a mini moto/go ped on a road or public place you must:
- Be over 16 years old.
- Wear an approved protective helmet.
- Hold a driving license, have insurance and display a road tax disc.
- Have undergone Compulsory Basic Training- Have an MOT if the bike is older than three years.
- Ensure the bike has number plates, lights, indicators and legal tyres.
If the vehicle is seized it will cost £140 for it to be released. Also the police have the power to issue Fixed Penalty Tickets for £200 and six points on your licence for no insurance.
23 September 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
New Borough Commander Supports Safer Neighbourhoods Strategy
Members of the Greenwich Community Engagement Board recently had the opportunity to meet Detective Chief Superintendent Richard Wood, the newly appointed Borough Commander of the Metropolitan Police. In a presentation to the board Richard confirmed his back to basics approach to policing. Scrutability and accountability are key aspects of his mission for Greenwich Borough to become the safest borough in London. Richard is passionate about performance and committed to partnership working. He is a firm supporter of the Safer Neighbourhoods strategy of local policing working with local people.
You might see Richard walking the beat, on his own, as a firm advocate of single patrols. "I will ask my officers to patrol singly where they can", said Richard. "We need to maximise the amount of uniforms on the streets even though there might be times when it is necessary to patrol in pairs because of safety. I am keen to ensure that we increase our presence on the streets of Greenwich. In our 'Policing Pledge' we have made a commitment to the public and promised that we will keep their neighbourhood free from harm - I intend to do so and ensure that every single point of the Pledge is met by my officers."
For more information on policing in Greenwich Borough visit: http://cms.met.police.uk/met/boroughs/greenwich/index
The Greenwich Community Engagement Board meets quarterly to discuss borough-wide policing strategies. The meeting is chaired by Counsellor Maureen O'Mara, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services. Attendees include community representatives, the police and various Greenwich Council teams. If you have a strategic matter that you would like tabled for the Shooters Hill area, contact the Principal Co-ordinator of the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme by email at: epnws@hotmail.co.uk Local policing issues should be raised in the first instance through your local Safer Neighbourhoods Police Teams. Visit www.met.police.uk/teams/greenwich/index.php for contact details.
Posted: 17 September 2009 .......BACK TO TOP
Fly Tippers Plague Our Community
Our community is being blighted with the illegal dumping of rubbish which is dangerous, unsightly and unacceptable. The latest incident took place around 9pm on Thursday 10 September with a load of household waste dumped at the top end of Foxcroft Road. After the crime was reported in by the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme co-ordinators, Greenwich Council's Cleansweep teams took action the following morning in removing three small van loads of debris. Evidence was found within the contents that links to an address and, if the offenders are identified, the council will prosecute.
This is the fifth incident that the Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is aware of over the last few months, with previous fly tipping taking place in Cleanthus and Eaglesfield Roads. Did you see anything? Whilst the co-ordinators heard the incident on Thursday, we really need the make, model and registration number of the vehicle. It could be the same driver involved in all the recent incidents.
Please do you bit to help and remain vigilant. Look and listen for vans arriving outside your house at odd hours and make a note of the registration number, make and model. Call this type of incident in immediately to Greenwich Council on 020 8921 4661, 8am to 8pm weekdays and from 8am to 1pm on weekends. Ring 020 8854 8888 to report outside of these hours.
11 September 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
All Change On The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team
The community says goodbye to PC Cliff Graham as he starts his new role in the Met Police Safer Schools initiative, focusing on Pupil Referral Units in Plumstead and Eltham. Cliff started his new role on Monday 7 September, joining PC Adam Calladine and PCSO Dave Lennon - ex members of the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team. Whilst we have not lost Cliff from Greenwich Borough, we say goodbye to our original Homebeat Officer and founder member of the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team when it was formed in April 2006.
Cliff's knowledge and experience of the Shooters Hill area will be missed, along with the calm, efficient and reassuring way he dealt with issues...and with an all important sense of humour! Sergeant Barry Edge is busy recruiting new PC's to join PC Fiona Genovese and build the team back up to full capacity. We welcome the arrival of PC Richard Sale who joined the team on Wednesday 9 September, replacing PC Matt Gosgrove, and look forward to welcoming one more PC to the team asap. We wish you well Cliff and thank you for all your help, dedication and commitment over the years - you'll be missed
11 September 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Free Home Fire Safety Visit
With autumn well and truly here, take some time to review the fire safety arrangements you have in your home. You could save lives by booking a FREE home fire safety visit, a service provided by the London Fire Brigade. Telephone 0800 0284428, or register online at: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/HomeFireSafetyVisit.asp
Representatives from your local fire station will visit your home and install smoke alarms where needed. They will also give fire safety advice specific to your home and lifestyle.
05 September 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
August 2009
Burglars Are Operating Within Our Community
Are you doing your bit to help ensure you are not a victim of crime?
In the early hours of Thursday 20 August a family living in Cleanthus Road were subjected to an attempted burglary. The burglars tried to gain access through the front room windows but appear to have been disturbed in the process.
Please do all you can to protect your property and family by following a few steps:
- With these hot nights people are still leaving windows open, providing easy access for burglars. Ensure all windows are shut and locked in the rooms which are not occupied.
- Chain/lock away your ladders.
- If you have a burglar alarm turn it on when you go to bed.
- Carry out an overall maintenance check of your windows and doors to ensure they are in good condition. Property that is not well maintained presents an easy target.
- Be alert - if you hear a noise investigate it, whist ensuring your safety at all times. Your vigilance will help combat crime.
- Dial 999 immediately if you see anything suspicious.
23 August 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Go Batty On Friday 4 September
Do you want to learn more about the bats that live, hunt and feed in our area? Join the Friends of Shrewsbury Park and Ed Santry, Count Bat Project, on a Bat Walk taking place in Shrewsbury Park on Friday 4 September. Meet in the car park from 7:15-7:30pm.
Ed Santry, one of London's foremost bat experts, will provide information on what to look and listen for. You'll have a chance to learn more about bats in the area and how to identify the different species. Both adults and children will be able to try your hand at using a bat detector.
The route will mainly follow the pathways but may involve walking on some uneven ground, so please ensure that you wear sturdy footwear and clothing for the conditions, and bring a torch. The session is suitable for all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult. If you have any questions about the event contact the Friends of Shrewsbury Park by email: fspdog@hotmail.com or visit www.fspark.org.uk In case of poor weather, the Bat Walk will be cancelled. In its place, Ed will give a Bat Talk and answer questions in Shrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent, starting at 7:15 pm.
23 August 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team Targeting Illegal Bike Riding
Our Safer Neighbourhood Neighbourhood has enlisted the help of additional police officers trained in the use of off-road motorbikes to help deal with illegal bike riders.
Our community is suffering from regular occurrences of illegal riding of bikes and mini motos in Shrewsbury Park, Eaglesfield Park and Oxleas Wood as well as on public roads. This anti social behaviour is being targeted. Not only is it noisy, it is dangerous and illegal. All instances of bikes being ridden in this manner will be dealt with by prosecution of the offenders, with bikes seized and crushed. It is illegal to ride motorbikes and mini motos in a public parks, pavements and highways, including private fields without the prior permission of the landowner. If anyone has any information about the people riding these bikes, where they are being ridden and stored, please contact theSafer Neighbourhood Police team and they will act
23 August 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Sergeant Barry Edge and the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team Make A Positive Impact
Since joining the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police team on 27 July, Sergeant Barry Edge has made a positive impact on our community.During the week of 3 August, Barry led our Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood team in late night patrols to tackle the burglary problem that has been plaguing the borough generally, and Shooters Hill in particular. This resulted in six arrests - one a prolific burglar and two other people for 'going equipped' with all the paraphernalia for house breaking and vehicle crime. To achieve this terrific result, the team worked 16-18 hour shifts until 7.30 in the morning, but as a consequence there have been no further burglaries or vehicle crime reported since this operation was carried out.
This demonstrates the commitment Sergeant Barry Edge and the rest of the team have in their determination to tackle these and other criminal activities that occur in the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Ward. Do your bit to help our Safer Neighbourhood Team - remain alert and phone in all suspicious activities - Your Call Counts.
15 August 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
New Local Scheme
A new Red Lion Lane Neighbourhood Watch Scheme launched on 6 July at an informal public meeting. The scheme is focusing on the anti social behaviour including litter and vandalism, vehicle congestion and low level crime taking place in Red Lion Lane and Constitution Rise. The scheme's co-ordinators can be contacted by email: redlionwatch@yahoo.co.uk
06 August 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Anti Social Behaviour Incidents Are On The Increase
Our community is experiencing an increase in car crime, and in particular around the Laing Estate. A number of incidents have taken place recently involving anti social behaviour and vandalism to property and cars.
Please do your bit and remain alert, dialling 999 if you witness an incident taking place immediately, or the non-emergency number on 0300 123 1212 to report a crime after the event. Please provide as much detailed information as possible to help the police. Contact the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team to provide valuable intelligence by email at: shootershill.snt@met.police.uk
06 August 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Identity Fraud Costs The Economy £1.2 billion A Year
Did you know that identity fraud cost the economy £1.2 billion in one year (Identity Fraud Steering Committee figures, 2008) and identity fraud accounts for a criminal cash flow of £10m per day? Source: http://www.cifas.org.uk/ You can take a few steps to help protect yourself and avoid being a victim of identity fraud and identity theft:
Protect your personal details and think before you give them away: Who precisely is asking for my details? What details are they asking for? And why do they need these details?
Dispose of your documents securely. Any document containing any of your personal details is potentially useful to a fraudster.
04 August 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
July 2009
All Change On The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team
Sergeant Barry Edge joins to head up the existing team on Monday 27 July. Barry is an ex-traffic officer and has a passion for this which we hope can be utilised to help tackle motorbike and mini moto crime within our community. PC Fiona Genovese will step down in her role as acting Sergeant but continue within the team as a Police Constable. We welcome Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Adam Kear who joined the team on Tuesday 14 July straight out from training in Hendon Police College, and is focusing his attentions on Woolwich Common. Adam takes over from PCSO Dave Lennon who is working out of Westcombe Park police station with the schools team. We say goodbye to PC Matt Gosgrove who leaves the team on 27 July and await news of a replacement PC. At the end of July, the team will comprise of:
Sergeant Barry Edge
PC Cliff Graham
PC Fiona Genovese
PCSO Maria Packer
PCSO Kevin Denney
PCSO Adam Kear
Whilst there has been significant changes within the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team, we hope the new recruits will provide a well needed team of dedicated police. The scheme welcomes them to our community and looks forward to working with them.
24 July 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Community Event
Residents living in and around Shooters Hill showed their support by attending the free Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Community Event held on Saturday 11 July. The events, activities and stands kept people busy whilst the weather did little to dampen the event. Mini tennis, provided by coach Phil Layfield of the Shooters Hill Lawn Tennis Club, proved a hit, as did an impromptu footie session with representatives from the Charlton Athletic Football Club. The British Transport Police team came on masse providing first hand experience of being locked up on the back of a police van....and for those better behaved youngsters they received a watch and colouring books! Norman Abbott from the Greenwich Division the London Ambulance Service provided a terrific hands on demo of life saving resuscitation methods, and a number of the 8-15th Woolwich Scout Group will no doubt earn their first aid badge as a result. Jake, the accordion player and one-man band provided background music, whilst attendees took part in henna hand painting, face painting and sampling one of the many yummy home-made cakes on offer. A big thank you to everyone who took part in the event on a voluntary basis, providing opportunities for attendees to get to know the people that help make our community great. Here's to a third annual event in 2010!
19 July 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Our community is being targeted by burglars
The scheme is aware of incidents that took place on Wednesday 1 July in Cleanthus Road, Foxcroft Road and Shrewsbury Lane, but believe there could be more on the same night. In addition, an attempted burglary took place in Ashridge Crescent on Tuesday 30 June and a car was stolen from Mereworth Drive. Opportunist burglars are taking full advantage of residents leaving their windows open in this hot weather, gaining access into homes through front windows. Whilst it is hot, please help to ensure you are not a victim of crime by taking a few simple steps:
- Close and lock windows - this denies opportunist burglars easy access to your home.
- Set burglar alarms when you go to bed.
- Ensure all doors are locked and pay particular attention to UPVC doors by
- pulling the handle up and locking the door with a key.
- Hide your valuables and keys out of sight.
- Secure your home and help keep the burglars out.
05 July 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
June 2009
Update Following the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Ward Panel Meeting
The latest Shooters Hill Police Ward Panel meeting was held on Tuesday 23 June, and from this meeting the priorities of our local Safer Neighbourhood Police Team are agreed. Our community is still without a permanent Sergeant as we await the arrival of Sergeant Barry Edge. Inspector Nick Crowe stated at the meeting that: "our area is a priority posting area" and we hope due focus is placed on our need. The community thanks PC Fiona Genovese in her role as acting Sergeant. 102 burglaries have been committed within the Shooters Hill Ward since the start of 2009, with 12 in May alone. The burglars are striking both day and night, at all types of property, smashing rear windows to gain entry. Another approach they are using is 'distraction' burglaries, where by they claim to be either a council worker, or from a gas/electricity supplier to read your meters. Their uniforms and identification look genuine, but once they gain entry to your property they help themselves to your property whilst you are not looking. Always check for an identity card and if you are not expecting a visit do not allow the caller into your address. Where possible take the callers name and company details and once you refuse the caller entry and close your door, call the company and check the details.Residents can play a huge part in helping to combat this issue by taking a few easy steps:
- Look out for one another.
- Get to know your neighbours, especially the elderly who may need a bit more attention.
- Report in any suspicious behaviour.
- Secure your home and garden.
- Check identification thoroughly of any visitors and if in doubt, lock them out
29 June 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Eaglesfield Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Joined In With Friends of Shrewsbury Park
The sun shone and the people came for an action packed Friends of Shrewsbury Park Open Day on Saturday 27 June. Four of the EPNWS co-ordinators hosted a stand to promote awareness of the benefits of a neighbourhood watch scheme, and took full advantage of the cakes, teas and educational talks about archaeology in Shrewsbury Park.The 'doggy events' proved a firm favourite with residents and dog lovers alike. Why not take part in 'The School in the Park Party' on Friday 17 July in Shrewsbury Park, from 11:30am to 6pm - part of the Parksfest programme.
29 June 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
The Shooters Hill Neighbourhood Watch Schemes Website Goes From Strength To Strength
Kenilworth Gardens Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, located at the top of Shooters Hill, has recently agreed to support the website, adding a potential 63 residents and visitors to the website. Principal Co-ordinator Keith Iles maintains a low profile approach to running the scheme, providing face-to-face practical advice and a common sense approach to safety and security. The webmasters are delighted to add the scheme to the website and hope the residents find the news and information useful.
21 June 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Update From The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team
In direct response to a serious act of vandalism on the Great War Archaeological Group dig held in Eaglesfield Park , the Safer Neighbourhood Team has stepped up their patrols of our community. Recent drug taking activity near the park has also been curtailed.
Please remain alert and report in any suspicious behaviour and anti social/criminal activities. Your vigilance and subsequent phone calls make a positive difference to our community. 21 June 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Piecing The Jigsaw Puzzle Together
Eaglesfield Park heralds the arrival of a team of dedicated archaeologists to help uncover the past. The team of professionals, students and volunteers (local to the area), is headed up by Field Director David Thorpe and Assistant Field Director Rod Scott - part of the Great War Archaeological Group. Their focus is on 20th century conflict archaeology, and in particular WWI (1914-1918), but also on engaging local communities to help bring history alive.
Guy Taylor, military archaeologist and resident 'Archive Ferret' explained that the dig will: "Help us understand more about our nations history. Little has been published recently about WWI, or it is forgotten, and those individuals with first hand knowledge are passing away. There may be individuals still living within the community that have stories passed on from family members, or memories of playing in the park as a child, and can recollect the installations - all of which form part of a large jigsaw puzzle. Our detective work helps provide the evidence in support of what went on in Eaglesfield Park during WWI and WWII".
You can get involved by attending the Friends of Eaglesfield Park 'Community Event in the Park' on Saturday 20 June. This will give you an opportunity to experience first hand an archaeological dig. Local primary and secondary schools are also getting involved during the week.
10 June 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Weeds, Glorious Weeds
Residents of Cleanthus Road may have noticed that the size and amount of the weeds in our pavements is outstripping the flora and fauna we have come to admire! Greenwich Council's Cleansweep team has investigated and confirmed: "The Cleansweep East area weed-spraying team are currently carrying out weed spraying in and around the Laing estate area. Cleanthus Road is scheduled to be addressed within the next five days. This could be delayed if there is heavy rainfall as the weed spraying chemical would be washed away and therefore ineffective".
Posted: 10 June 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Anti Social Behaviour
Residents living in Cleanthus Road, SE18, are experiencing issues relating to anti social behaviour. A group of young men, aged around seventeen years, have taken to gathering in numbers on Cleanthus Road, either on foot or in cars - even though there is plenty of space to play football and hang out in Eaglesfield Park. Activities witnessed to date include urinating in public, driving without care and attention, littering and entering private property. This has culminated in one person being arrested on Wednesday 3 June after verbally abusing a police officer patrolling the area. Behaviour of this type will not be tolerated. Please do not hesitate to call this in to the police as this type of activity can escalate to more serious crime. The Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team have been alerted to these incidents and are targeting the issue. Don't let our community be blighted by a few individuals who want to spoil it for the majority. Let's encourage everyone to act responsibly, care and respect each other and look out for one other.
10 June 2009. .......BACK TO TOP
Car Fire
Residents in Cleanthus Road, SE18, were woken in the early hours of Wednesday 3 June with the fire brigade putting out a car on fire. The white estate car, parked outside 16 Cleanthus Road, somehow caught fire or was set alight. It took three firemen to put out the fire, which completely destroyed the car and damaged a near-by tree. Residents were deeply concerned that the fire could have spread to parked cars and properties. Did anyone spot anything suspicious around 1am on Wednesday 3 June? If so contact the Shooters Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team. Your Call Counts in providing valuable information about this incident.
06 June 2009. .......BACK TO TOP