Merton Partnership Against Crime (MPAC) WANTS YOU to join with the Council and the police to help fight crime in Merton.

It is known from previous crime figures that this time of year sees an increase in vehicle crime. MPAC are taking steps to combat vehicle crime and it is one of the priorities in Merton’s Crime & Disorder Strategy. Caroline Ellis, MPAC Assistant Officer, also suggests these simple, practical steps be followed by local residents to help keep their cars safe and sound:

· When parking your car remember to close the windows and sunroof, lock the door, remove your stereo if possible and activate any alarm system. Always lock your car, even if you are only leaving it for a few minutes.
· Never leave valuables in your car. If you have to do so keep them out of sight by putting them under a seat or in the boot and do so before you begin your journey – thieves may be watching you park.
· Think about where you are parking, particularly at night. Park in a busy, well lit area. This is important both for the safety of your car as well as your own personal safety when returning to it.
· Never leave your keys in the car. Keep them in a secure place when at home – burglars have been know to break into houses or ‘fish’ through letterboxes in order to steal car keys.
· Around 150,000 tax disks are taken from cars each year. These can be tampered with and sold on to someone else. You can protect your tax disk with a tamper proof disk holder, available from the Post Office.
· When driving, lock your doors, keep valuables out of sight and only open windows a little, so no one can reach into your car if you are stopped in traffic.
· If someone tries to flag you down, bumps into the back of your vehicle, involves you in an accident or appears to be following you and you are suspicious, do not stop or get out of your vehicle for them. Instead, drive on to the nearest police station or somewhere busy such as a service station or supermarket where you can report the incident to the police. Or dial 999 on your mobile phone, if it is safe to do so.

“If you follow this advice you can help deny thieves the opportunity and keep your vehicle safe and sound,” Caroline Ellis said.

Further information on crime prevention can be found at http://www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention
Or by contacting the Crime Prevention Unit at Wimbledon Police station on
020 8649 3249
You can also get advice from the National Vehicle Security Helpline on 0990 502 006

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