Congratulations to Lee Westhead (the new Police Sergeant at Whetstone Police Station) and his team who have succeeded in lowering crime in the Totteridge, Woodside Park and Whetstone areas.

At a recent Totteridge Community Action Partnership (CAP) meeting held at Whetstone Police Station (attended by a representative of the TRA) Sgt. Westhead and his colleagues gave an update on the priorities given from the previous meeting:

1. High visibility patrolling and visits to local schools
   and youth clubs.
2. Burglary
3. Road traffic safety
4. Graffiti

The burglary  rate is 14.8% lower for the area compared to last year and the general rate of crime is very low.

Although the burglary level in the Totteridge area is not high the Police have prioritised areas that are crime hotspots and checked individual houses for poor security and offered security advice. There was a problem with car crime and 500 leaflets have been delivered and local residents given advice. The local Police Cadets have been used to help Police.

Car crime in the area has all but disappeared. Road traffic safety and speeding has been targeted and the Police feel this has had a positive effect on speeding. This is also the case with the issue of drink driving from local pubs including the Orange Tree. There has been investigations into the selling of alcohol to underage individuals which has involved trading standards.

The Kick Scheme has been introduced in conjunction with Barnet Football Club to occupy children with spare time. The scheme is open to everyone and is free.

Due to the rise in pick pocketing in the Whetstone area a special operation was set up which has resulted in a rapid fall of this crime.

Finally, the Police predict a rise in crime levels as the days get longer and the weather warmer, so residents are warned to be extra vigiliant.

DOWNLOAD:

The press and media are being made aware of the increase in the value of scrap metal. Across the county there has been an increase in the thefts of metal - roofs from schools, halls and churches. Building plots and even manhole covers.

The police have asked Neighbourhood Watch to help to prevent and stop these offences. If anyone unusual or other activity is seen out of normal hours in and around likely premises, please ring the police. If you can get any index numbers even better, but do not put yourself at risk. If you live near a school or church please act as an unofficial warden and protect these premises by reporting incidents .Use the 999 system if necessary. Crimestoppers will pass on your call, ring  0800 555111.

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Warning of a new scam.
 A parcel delivery service called PDS posts a card through your door stating that you were out and asking you to telephone 0906 6611911 to arrange delivery. This is a premium rate number and if you call this number you will already have incurred a charge of £15 for the telephone call. Do not call this number and beware of similar scams in the Christmas period.

You can contact Royal Mail fraud on 02072396655 or at www.ictis.org.uk