Hampstead Garden Suburb - HOME
HGS Police Safer Neighbourhood Team
Contact Details
The Suburb's Police Safer Neighbourhood Team is based at 113 High Road, East Finchley N2 8AG (map) and can be contacted on 020 7161 9016 or email gardensuburb.snt@met.police.uk. See www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods for more information about the Safer Neighbourhood Teams.
News & Alerts
- February 2010 - New Police Constable for Garden Suburb
- PC Matthew Clee has recently joined the Garden Suburb team having previously been on the response team for Barnet Borough. Matt has been in the Metropolitan Police for eight years so has a wealth of experience an ideas which he is eagerly awaiting to put to use within the Suburb.
- February 2010 - Youth Community Action Panel
- In February 2010 we are organising a series of meetings in the local Secondary Schools as part of a recruitment process for the Youth CAP. Officers from Garden Suburb SNT are going to visit Schools and explain to youths what the meetings are about and invite them to join. Youth Community Action Panel is a project that invites youths to interact with the Safer Neighbourhood and bring forward their concerns in order for the officers to tackle the problems. It is also a very good opportunity for children to personally meet their local Police, have an informal discussion and get crime prevention advice. Any students within the Suburb who would like to have a chat with us and do not attend the local schools are more than welcome to email/phone us to discuss their issues.
3rd February - Christ College on East End Road N2
8th February - Henrietta Barnet on Central Square NW11
2nd March - King Alfred’s on North End Road NW11 - December 2009 - Immobilise
- With Christmas fast approaching I would like to make residents aware of the website http://www.immobilise.com which is a free site for you to record serial numbers and photos of purchases you might make during this period. Immobilise is the world's largest FREE register of possession ownership details which the Metropolitan Police have access to check serial numbers to ensure they are in lawful possession if people are stop and searched on the street or during . The register is used by all UK police forces and can also be used as a useful record for recording purchase dates/prices should you ever have a warranty claim. Nothing gives the police more satisfaction than recovering stolen property or proving that items do not belong to an individual. Help us to make life for criminals more difficult and to seize their ill-gotten gains - sadly if we can't prove that the property belongs to someone else then we have to return it back to them which is very galling!! Sgt Matthew Hinton
- December 2009 - Christmas Car Crime Prevention
- In the run up to Christmas when you may be out shopping or planning on taking presents to friends or family please remember not to leave items on display: even an old coat or a plastic bag can tempt a thief as most car theives are opportunistic. Never leave mobile phones, chargers, cash, clothing or documents on display - if you must keep them in the car then keep them out of sight in the boot. If there is no obvious property on display then the theif is more likely to target another vehicle that has some form of property on display and therefore yield some return for them - however small in value.
In the colder months condensation may form on the inside of your car. If you regularly use a SatNav, the suction cap position may appear on the front of your car windscreen giving a thief a clue that you may have left you SatNav in your car in the boot, glovebox or under a seat. Please ensure you regularly wipe the area where you attach your SatNav to the windscreen and never leave an empty SatNav cradle attached to the car windscreen. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth every time you remove it will help prevent such obvious tale tale signs to a thief.
When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one, and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don't have a garage, try to park in a well-lit, open place. Try to avoid parking next to a tree as it provides cover for a thief and gives them an excuse that they are just resting next to a tree if disturbed!
A final point of note - please when locking your car via your remote control stop and look. Did all the door locks actually go down? Wireless doorbells and other wireless technology has increeased over the years and has been known to interfere with car remote locking so whilst you may have pressed the lock button, the locks may not have gone down. Visually check and verify - don't just assume it locked because you pressed the button.
- September 2009 - Metropolitan Police organises Peace Week
Every year The Metropolitan Police organises Peace Week, an event that takes place every September throughout the boroughs of London. Together with the Community we are trying to build new bridges and celebrate peace. This year Garden Suburb Safer Neighbourhoods organised an event together with King Alfred’s School. Children from year 7 had the opportunity to artistically design something to represent Peace and have the chance to win a £200 voucher given by the Safer neighbourhood team. On the 29th of September Sergeant Matt Hinton, Constables Carl Mercer and Mehmet Ganidagli and PCSO Denisa Andronic attended the School where they judged all the displays that the students created. They then awarded the prize to the creators of the winning piece, a living tree. - September 2009 - New Sergeant for Garden Suburb SNT
- Sergeant Matthew Hinton has taken over responsibility for the Garden Suburb SNT.
"I am extremely proud to have been selected as the Sergeant for Hampstead Garden Suburb Safer Neighbourhood Team and to have been given the opportunity to continue to ensure a safe environment for you to live and work within. I look forward to meeting those who reside and have businesses within the ward so that my team and I can address any needs or concerns that you may have. I am lucky to have a professional hard working team who all believe that it is our responsibility to listen to your views and set these as the foundation to our daily priorities whilst on patrol within the community." - October 2008 - Thefts from motor vehicles
- It has come to notice that there has been a slight increase in number of thefts from motor vehicles in the ward. There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of being a victim of this type of crime:
- Make sure you remove all valuables on display from your vehicle
- Check that vehicle is locked and secured
- Activate your vehicle alarm (if you have one)
- Park your vehicle in a well lit area even if it means walking a little distance to your home address
- September 2008 - New Sergeant for Suburb SNT
- Sergeant Damian Southall has taken over responsibility for the Garden Suburb SNT. "I am very happy to have taken over as a Sergeant on the Garden Suburb Safer Neighbourhood Team. I joined the Metropolitan Police in April 2008, serving in Islington borough for 5 years before being transferred on promotion to Barnet borough. I am looking forward to working with residents and local businesses on Garden Suburb ward to making it an enjoyable and safe place to live and work."
- July 2008 - Speeding on Willifield Way
- Local residents have brought it to our attention that motorists have been speeding on Willifield Way NW11. The Garden Suburb Safer Neighbourhood Team has deployed the use of a Laser Speed Gun in this area to deter speeding motorists on the 15th July 2008. As a result, it has been decided that further random Speeding Operation will occur on this stretch of road. Please be aware that there is a large 20 mph zone in the area of Willifield Way and Addison Way NW11.
- April 2008 - Laser speed gun 23rd and 24th April
- The Community Action Panel, which is made up of local residents, has brought it to our attention that motorists have been speeding on Finchley Road, NW11. The Garden Suburb Safer Neighbourhood Team will be deploying a Laser Speed Gun in this area to deter speeding motorists on the 23rd and 24th April 2008 at 1100 - 1200. Speeding is not just inconsiderate driving - it contributes to the 36,000 serious injuries and 3,400 deaths that occur on Britain's roads each year. Garden Suburb SNT will be in place to Deter, Educate, and Enforce. This means being a visible presence to slow cars down, we will stop and inform minor offenders of the possible consequences of their speeding and, where speed is excessive, we will enforce the law. At 40mph, 85% of people hit by vehicles die, compared to 20% at 30mph (at 20mph it is just 5%). The 30mph limit is not an arbitrary figure.
- April 2008 - Thefts from motor vehicles
- It has come to notice that there has been a slight increase in number of thefts from motor vehicles in the ward. There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of being a victim of this type of crime:
- Make sure you remove all valuables on display from your vehicle
- Check that vehicle is locked and secured
- Activate your vehicle alarm (if you have one)
- Park your vehicle in a well lit area even if it means walking a little distance to your home address
- March 2008 - Be on the look out for burglars!
- There was an attempt to burgle the house of one of your neighbours in the Suburb on Thursday 28 March at 2 o’ clock in the morning. Somebody inserted a long cane with a hook through the front door letterbox. It is believed they were after car keys, which were hanging on a nearby wall. There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of being a victim of this type of crime. Fix a letterbox cage on the inside of the door, Remove items such as keys and jewellery from near the doorway, Shut all doors leading off from the hallway.
- March 2008 - Laser speed gun 26th March
- The Community Action Panel, which is made up of local residents, has brought it to our attention that motorists have been speeding on Finchley Road, NW11. The Garden Suburb Safer Neighbourhood Team will be deploying a Laser Speed Gun in this area to deter speeding motorists on the 26th March 2008 at 0930-1030 & 1200- 1300. Speeding is not just inconsiderate driving - it contributes to the 36,000 serious injuries and 3,400 deaths that occur on Britain's roads each year. Garden Suburb SNT will be in place to Deter, Educate, and Enforce. This means being a visible presence to slow cars down, we will stop and inform minor offenders of the possible consequences of their speeding and, where speed is excessive, we will enforce the law. At 40mph, 85% of people hit by vehicles die, compared to 20% at 30mph (at 20mph it is just 5%). The 30mph limit is not an arbitrary figure.
- March 2008 - Parcel delivery warning
- A male has been going around knocking on doors on Finchley Road NW11 near Hoop Lane NW11 claiming to have a parcel and for whatever reason he might be using this method as means of gaining entry into houses. Please be vigilant and be on your guard before opening the door.
- March 2008 - Male arrested on suspicion of burglary
- A male was arrested on suspicion of burglary on Falloden Way NW11. A local resident had been vigilant and had noticed the male acting suspiciously around the house. Police were contacted and the male was arrested in the vicinity.
- February 2008 - Laser speed gun 26 & 27 February - update
- During the course of nearly 2 hours in the last 2 days, police stopped and advised nearly 30 speeding motorists and issued 2 speeding tickets. See more details below.
- February 2008 - Arsenal Reserve Team Scam - still operating
- Previously reported in January, the same people are still going around the area asking for sponsorship money. We just want to make all our residents are aware that this is not for a genuine cause: A male has been seen knocking on doors purporting to be part of the Arsenal Reserve Team and trying to raise money for a charity event. This is bogus!!! Always check the identification of callers to the door, if in doubt, then do not give them any money even though the charity might appear to be a good one. If you have any vulnerable neighbours and you are aware that someone suspicious is collecting in the area, can you please check up on them as well so as to ensure that hey are not deceived. If you do become suspicious of people collecting from door to door, please contact Barnet police directly on 0208 200 1212.
- February 2008 - Laser speed gun
- The Community Action Panel, which is made up of local residents, has brought it to our attention that motorists have been speeding on Finchley Road, NW11. The Garden Suburb Safer Neighbourhood Team will be deploying a Laser Speed Gun in this area to deter speeding motorists on the 26th and 27th February 2008 at Approx 1000am. Speeding is not just inconsiderate driving - it contributes to the 36,000 serious injuries and 3,400 deaths that occur on Britain's roads each year. Garden Suburb SNT will be in place to Deter, Educate, and Enforce. This means being a visible presence to slow cars down, we will stop and inform minor offenders of the possible consequences of their speeding and, where speed is excessive, we will enforce the law. At 40mph, 85% of people hit by vehicles die, compared to 20% at 30mph (at 20mph it is just 5%). The 30mph limit is not an arbitrary figure.
- January 2008 - Want to help Police with their enquiries?
- The Police need volunteers to act as role players for street based scenarios, which are part of the training for trainee Police officers. It would only be for a couple of hours a week at most and does not have to be a regular commitment. If you wish to be considered for this or know of people who do, please contact Sgt. Edmondson for further information.
- January 2008 - Speeding on Finchley Road
- The Community Action Panel, which is made up of local residents, has brought it to our attention that motorists have been speeding on Finchley Road, NW11. The Garden Suburb Safer Neighbourhood Team will be deploying a Laser Speed Gun in this area to deter speeding motorists on the 29th and 30th January at Approx 1pm. Speeding is not just inconsiderate driving - it contributes to the 36,000 serious injuries and 3,400 deaths that occur on Britain's roads each year. Garden Suburb SNT will be in place to Deter, Educate, and Enforce. This means being a visible presence to slow cars down, we will stop and inform minor offenders of the possible consequences of their speeding and, where speed is excessive, we will enforce the law. At 40mph, 85% of people hit by vehicles die, compared to 20% at 30mph (at 20mph it is just 5%). The 30mph limit is not an arbitrary figure.
- January 2008 - Robberies
- In the last few weeks there have been a couple of incidents on the Suburb. It is our view that you should be made aware of the incidents in order for you to look out for yourselves. There have been two Robberies that have taken place where the victims have been grabbed on their driveways after getting out of their cars, and property taken from them. In both cases the victim was not aware of the suspects presence until they had been grabbed. It is suspected by police that in both cases the suspects made their escape in a vehicle. In both these instances the suspects have been described as being in their mid-twenties, about 6ft tall, black, and male. It would appear that the suspects always work in a group and not as individuals. In order to try and combat this can you all please be vigilant when getting out of your vehicles, especially when it is dark. Have a quick glance to see if there is anyone around you prior to leaving the car. Also can you please contact the police if you see a group of people matching the above descriptions who appear to be watching people/loitering in the area and are not known to you locally. If you do see such a group, could you also pass on any information relating to any vehicles you may see the group with, as the police would find this intelligence very useful. Lastly, can I please assure you that these incidents are thankfully still very rare and let us not deter you from your normal routines. Please remember you are living in one of the safest parts of the capital. We are dedicated to catching the individuals committing these crimes, and we are sure that with your continued, vigilance and support we will arrest these suspects and bring them to justice.
- January 2008 - Arsenal Reserve Team
- A male has been seen knocking on doors purporting to be part of the Arsenal Reserve Team and trying to raise money for a charity event. This is bogus!!! Always check the identification of callers to the door, if in doubt, then do not give them any money even though the charity might appear to be a good one. If you have any vulnerable neighbours and you are aware that someone suspicious is collecting in the area, can you please check up on them as well so as to ensure that hey are not deceived. If you do become suspicious of people collecting from door to door, please contact Barnet police directly on 0208 200 1212.
- December 2007 - Crime Prevention Stall
- The Garden Suburb SNT team will be at the Marks and Spencer Finchley Road NW11 holding a Crime Prevention Stall at the following times:
- 1300 - 1700 Monday 17th December 2007
- 0900 - 1200 Tuesday 18th December 2007
- 1200 - 1600 Wednesday 19th december 2007
- November 2007 - Burglaries
- At present the Suburb is being hit by a number of residential burglaries. The main affected area is the 'A1 corridor' between Brim Hill and Oakwood Road and adjacent streets. The peak time during the day is 1-6pm. In a lot of cases the suspects break in at the rear of the premises. Please be aware of this and contact Barnet Police on 020 8200 1212 if you see anything suspicious or 999 if you think a crime is happening at the time.
- November 2007 - Twitten security gates
- Thank you for your contribution to the proposed gating of twitten between Erskine Hill and Willifield Way. Of the random sample of 18 households involved in a survey we did to get an idea of what residents thought of the idea 11 were for it while 7 opposed it. We also received 4 emails opposed to the idea. We also spoke with the Garden Suburb Trust and they were opposed to the idea as well. Based on this feedback we have dropped the proposal.
- November 2007 - North London Hospice collections scam
- A local resident has stated that on two occasions in the last two weeks he has had 12-13 year old white girls knock on the house door and ask for sponsorship money, stating that they were collecting money for the NORTH LONDON HOSPICE. They had photocopied sponsorship forms with them, with the Hospice logo on it. The resident has contacted the hospice and they don’t know anything about a collection. Can you please be aware that unless someone has an official badge with them, then do not give them any money. When someone is officially collecting money they will have a badge and let the police know which roads they are collecting from so we confirm their credentials. Also, if you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour and you are aware that someone suspicious is collecting in the area, can you please check up on them as well so as to ensure they are ok.
If you do become suspicious of people collecting from door to door, please contact Barnet police directly on 020 8733 1212, or if not available on that number then 999 (not the safer neighbourhood team as we are not a 24hr service)
Crime Prevention Tips
- Immobilise-record serial numbers and purchase details
- You can record serial numbers and photos of purchases free at http://www.immobilise.com. Immobilise is the world's largest FREE register of possession ownership details and is used by all UK police forces to identify and return stolen property.
- Personal Attack Alarms:
- Consider the carrying & use of a personal attack alarm. Can be obtained from various sources nowadays. E.g. DIY stores. To be carried in a pocket and not in the bottom of a bag. Remember the alarm will not prevent an attack but will hopefully attraction attention and disorientate any attacker for a few seconds so the victim can break free.
- Motor Vehicle :
- Remove all property from view when leaving the vehicle unattended. Audio, I.T. equipment, coats, bags, loose change. etc.
Ensure vehicle is locked properly and that any alarm & mobiliser fitted are set correctly.
Consider fitting locking wheel nuts and having the Index/ Registration number etched into the glass. Park in well lit & overlooked roads overnight. - Identity Theft
- Be aware of this growing problem and ensure that all documents bearing personal details are destroyed / disposed of safely.
- Gardens
- Ensure that trees and large shrubs in gardens do not grow so large so as to provide forms of concealment for criminals. Especially relevant to shrubs that are adjacent to ground floor windows. A burglar may hide behind / amongst a shrub whilst forcing entry to a window.
- Gates
- Ensure that rear & side gates are always closed and secured by a lock. To prevent free access to the rear and side of the property.
- Christmas
- Remember as Christmas approaches, empty boxes and packaging left outside advertise that you have new goods inside - dispose of packing carefully. If you go out for the evening - make it look like someone is at home by turning on lights and the radio. As a fire precaution, don't leave Christmas lights on in the house whilst you are out.
- Perimeter Security
- Ensure all fencing, walls & railings are sound and secure. Boundary treatments should be free from holes, gaps and damage. Repair/Replace sections as soon as possible. Erect to height of at least 1.8m (approx. 6ft)
- Garden Tools
- Remove all tools and any other implements from the garden that could be used to force entry to the home. Spades, Hoes, Shears etc Remove to secure shed/outhouse/garage or the house itself.
- Keys
- Good key management is very important. Know where your keys are! Never leave keys inside locks on view. This is often the case on rear garden doors whereby the Burglar breaks the glass puts his/her hand through to turn the key. Never leave house or car keys where they can be reached through the letterbox. This is commonly known as a `fishing rod` burglary. Sticks or bamboos are put through the aperture of letterboxes to reach and remove keys from hallway. The keys are then used to gain entry to the house or to steal a car from the driveway or road outside.
- Property Marking Schemes
- Use the Postcode property marking schemes on all valuable items. UV pen markers, Etching & Photographs. Note all serial numbers and keep the list in a safe place for future reference. immobilise.com Nationally recognised register of various property & equipment. Free to users via website.
- Shared/Communal Entrance Doors
- Ensure this door closes and then locks properly. Keep well maintained. Do not "buzz" strangers into the building and do not allow, "tailgating". This is where a stranger follows you through the door and into the lobby to access the entire building.
- Lighting
- Ensure that any external security lights are installed at a height where they cannot be easily reached and that they are maintained correctly. Consider the use of internal security lighting within the home. Simply leave lights on or use timer units to switch lamps on at pre-set times.