Letterbox Burglaries, Opportunistic Thefts and Tarmac

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July update from Neighbourhood Watch

Letter Box Burglaries
There have been a number of burglaries in the Hounslow area where offenders have gained entry into properties through front doors without any visible signs of forced entry. 

The police believe that burglar(s) are entering properties by placing a rod or something similar, though letter boxes to hook onto inside door handles to gain entry.  There have also been offences where thieves using the same type of equipment have managed to lift vehicle keys placed near to the front door that enables the offenders to steal their victim’s vehicle parked in driveways or close to the property. 

Please ensure that all entrances to properties are locked and bolted on the inside when retiring for the evening and place all vehicle and house keys out of sight from both front and back doors.

Thieves Quick Thinking
The theft and attempted theft mentioned below highlight just how quickly thieves think and the risks they are prepared to take. 

Please be aware of the dangers of opportunist theft at all times.  It can happen to anyone, anywhere. 

A local resident returning home from holiday, parked their vehicle outside the home, unlocked the front door and when entering the house, placed their wallet on a hallway table.  They then commenced unloading their vehicle.  Unfortunately this action was seen by someone in the street, who loitered nearby and when the opportunity arose, dashed through the open front door, grabbed the wallet and ran off.  The resident lost cash and credit cards in the theft.        
Another local resident, after paying for their shopping at a supermarket, pushed their trolley towards the supermarket exit and on the way met a friend.  They stopped to chat. During their conversation the resident noticed a male making his way towards the resident’s trolley and who then stood next to it.  The resident was puzzled why this male had to stand so close to the trolley in a relatively quiet supermarket and repeatedly glanced in his direction.  It was then that the man believing that the resident was totally distracted reached into the trolley in an attempt to steal items from it.  The resident saw the attempted theft and shouted. The would be thief made his escape from the supermarket empty handed. 

New Brentford Crime Mapping Website
www.crimeinlondon.com/hounslow/brentford/
The above website gives a total picture of recorded crimes that have happened in Brentford, together with the previous year comparison.  Crime categories shown on the website include anti-social behavior, burglary, criminal damage, robbery, vehicle crime, and violent crime.

Graffiti, Fly Tipping and Broken Street Lights
Graffiti, fly tipping and broken street lights have an adverse affect on our neighbourhood and should be reported as soon as possible to the Brentford and Chiswick Safer   Neighbourhoods Team, phone 078 8172 3891 or e-mail brentfordsnt@met.police.uk.
Should you prefer you can also contact your Neighbourhood Watch representative with your concerns?
 
Traders Offering to Tarmac Driveways in Brentford
It has been brought to the attention of Neighbourhood Watch that ‘traders’ have been visiting homes in the Brentford area offering to tarmac driveways at attractive knocked down price. Although there is no indication of illegal activity, if you are approached, it is advisable to get a description of traders and the plate number of their vehicle before entering into any agreement.  

The 2013/14 Football Season
Brentford FC’s first home game of the 2013/14 season will be a Capital One Cup match against Dagenham and Redbridge, taking place during the evening of Tuesday 6th August, kick off 7.45pm.  Brentford’s first npower League 1 home game will take place on Saturday 10th August, against Sheffield United, kick off 3pm.  The Sheffield United game is expected to attract a very large crowd. All games, home and away, are listed on the BrentfordTW8 calendar.

July 16, 2013