Category: Policing

Wave of bike thefts in Clock House, December 2020

Bromley Police have warned that there seems to be a hike in the number of burglary incidents in Clock House, mostly around Mackenzie Road, Ravenscroft Road and Birkbeck Road. It is likely that this increase could also affect other areas in Beckenham, especially in the run-up to Christmas. The target has been bike sheds, which criminals have been breaking into and stealing bikes from. Bromley Police have said that they will increase their patrol in these areas, but also advise residents to try as much as possible to beef up their personal security as well. 

Met Police warning on potential NHS Test & Trace scams, June 2020

The Metropolitan Police Cyber Crime Unit has issued the following alert:

NHS TEST & TRACE SCAMS

This government service is extremely important in the fight against coronavirus and it’s vital the public are on board with it; however, people have concerns about the opportunity for criminals to commit scams and some scam texts are already in circulation.
NHS Test & Trace will never ask you for financial details, PINs or passwords and will never visit your home. Also, Contact Tracers will never:

Ask you to dial a premium rate number (eg those starting 09 or 087);Ask you to make any form of payment;
Ask for details of your bank account;
Ask for your social media identities, login details, or those of your contacts;
Ask for any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up passwords or PINs over the phone;
Ask you to purchase a product;
Ask you to download software or hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet;
Ask you to access any website that does not belong to the Government or NHS.

Whilst it is possible for criminals to fake official phone numbers, they cannot fake official website addresses. Anyone with concerns about a phone call, text message or email in relation to Test & Trace is encouraged to check the website address provided carefully. If possible, type the official address (https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk) followed by unique characters given to you, directly into your browser.

If you think you have been sent a scam message, please report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Bromley Community Safety Survey – January 2020

Bromley Crime Prevention and Community Safety Survey 2020

Every four years the Safer Bromley Partnership carries out a strategic assessment, which looks at all community safety issues in the borough. As part of this process, a survey is conducted to find out the community’s concerns in relation to crime, anti-social behaviour and drugs and alcohol.

The results of the survey combined with an analysis of all crimes that happen in the borough help Safer Bromley Partnership set the partnership’s priorities for the year.

https://www.bromley.gov.uk/info/200030/crime_prevention_and_community_safety/1364/safer_bromley_community_safety_survey

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share with colleagues and residents.  It takes about 5 minutes.  Questions are closed and straightforward for ease of completion.

Silent Solution: how to alert police to an emergency when you can’t speak

 

 

If you’re in an emergency situation and need police help but can’t speak, “Make Yourself Heard” and let the 999 operator know your call is genuine. 999 calls are directed to call centres and answered by BT operators. They ask which service you need. If no service is requested but anything suspicious is heard throughout the process, BT will connect you to a police call handler.

IF YOU CALL 999 FROM A MOBILE – Speak to the operator if you can, even by whispering. You may also be asked to cough or tap keys on your phone in response to questions. If making a sound would put you or someone else in danger, and the BT operator cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed, your call will be transferred to the Silent Solution system. This is a police system used to filter out accidental or hoax 999 calls. It also exists to help people who are unable to speak but who genuinely need police assistance. You will hear an automated police message which lasts for 20 seconds and begins with ‘you are through to the police’. It will ask you to press 55 to be put through to police call management. The BT operator will remain on the line. If you press 55, they will be notified and transfer the call to the police. If you don’t press 55, the call will be terminated. Pressing 55 does not allow police to track your location on a mobile.

When transferred to your local police, the call handler will attempt to communicate with you by asking simple yes or no questions. If you are not able to speak, listen carefully to the questions and instructions from the call handler so they can assess your call and arrange help if needed.

IF YOU CALL 999 FROM A LANDLINE – Because it’s less likely 999 calls are made by accident from landlines, the Silent Solution system is not used. If, when an emergency call on a landline is received there is no request for an emergency, the caller does not answer questions or only background noise can be heard (and BT operators cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed), you will be connected to a police call handler as doubt exists.

If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick it up again. If you pick up again during this 45 seconds and the BT operator is concerned for your safety, the call will be connected to the police. When 999 calls are made from landlines, information about where you’re calling from should be automatically available to call handlers to help provide a response.

Latest updates from Safer Neighbourhood Panel for the Copers Cope Area

Burglaries

The efforts of our local police have been successful in stopping the recent worrying rise in the number of burglaries in the Copers Cope Area. For blocks of flats the police initiative using a combination of striking ‘Home Watch’ posters for front doors and windows and personal advice to residents and management has resulted in a significant reduction.

But break-ins are still happening, so the police are keen for residents of blocks to be aware that their households are more vulnerable where there is a trades’ button. Trades people know of the hours of access – and so do the criminals. New designs of entry systems do not have trades’ buttons, and they record which flat gave entry to every caller. Think about de-activating your trades’ button and reminding all residents not to blindly open the communal door to anyone who buzzes saying they have a parcel to deliver to another flat. They may do – but equally they may be gaining entry to steal your neighbour’s possessions. Prevention is the best safeguard against criminal activity.

Motor vehicle crime

As theft of vehicles from the Copers Cope area is on the rise, the police are offering prevention advice for keeping cars safe when parked at home, on the drive or in the roadway:

  • Keep car keys far enough from the car to prevent them being linked to electronic devices (tablets for instance) held on the street (or put the keys in a Faraday box -or simply wrap them in tinfoil – or in the fridge to stop the electronic link being made.
  • The easiest recommended method is to use a simple steering lock!
  • There is also a high volume of theft of tools from vans. Do warn any builders and gardeners you contract to keep their vehicles locked at all times.

Copers Cope police priorities and promises

Centrally set priorities are Safe Guarding, Violent Crime, Burglary & ASB. The promises set by the Copers Cope Ward Panel for the next period is to target speeding traffic. The team will set up speed gun operations in key areas and increase Road Watch activity over the next few months.

Coordinated police activity at Beckenham Junction and neighbourhood

Last week saw coordinated police activity by a Met Roads and Transport Unit and railway revenue officers in the roads round Beckenham Junction Station and at the station itself, with road checks for mobile phone use, insurance and/or MOT, and seat belts. At the same time the large group of officers kept a check on the incoming trams, and with colleagues from Transport Revenue stopped fare dodgers coming off both trains and trams.
The combined operation at Beckenham Junction Station produced excellent results according to the Sergeant in charge: “We made one arrest for possession of a lock knife and conducted several stop searches on some known criminals.  Beckenham Junction is a safe community and we are working hard to increase our visibility and presence. This week we deployed with the railway revenue officers; they were kept busy checking tickets and issued about 30 penalty fares (£80).”

Burglary prevention tips from local police

Burglary Prevention

During the winter months, we see a rise in burglary as it gets darker earlier. Below are some general security and safety measures recommended by our local police for everyone to take in order to protect themselves and make their home less of a target and less accessible to burglars.

  •  If you are going to be out of the house while it’s dark, consider a timer switch for lights. Set them to come on from 4pm onwards in bedrooms and/or living rooms to give the appearance that someone is home.
  • Keep any access to the side and rear of your property locked at all times. The majority of our burglaries occur by the suspect gaining access to the rear of the property via a side gate or low fencing. If you do nothing else on this list, please keep these secure.
  • Test your security lights, check that the bulbs are working. If you don’t have security lights, invest in some.
  • Lock away all garden accessories in garages, sheds. Do not leave them on display for people to steal. Many garden accessories are used by burglars to smash into houses or climb onto flat roofs.
  • Remember to keep keys in a safe location, not in sight of windows or the front door.
  • Don’t advertise your goods, keep valuables out of sight from your windows.
  • Lock all windows and double lock doors when you go out, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
  • Remember to cancel deliveries if you are going away. Internet deliveries, milk bottles or newspapers piling up when you are on holiday are a clear sign to burglars that you are not at home.
  • Consider installing a burglar alarm, these are proven to deter thieves. They will also alert your neighbours who should naturally look out to see what’s going on. Some alarms call through directly to the police, increasing the chance of catching the burglars in the act.
  • Keep hedges at the front of the property low and have a good security light both front and rear, this prevents burglars having anywhere to hide. Gravel also works as a good deterrent as it takes away any chance of a silent approach.
  • Install trellises and spiky plants to stop burglars from climbing over fences. We hope this is helpful – stay secure this winter.

New Ward Police Officer and free tamper-proof car license nuts at Market On The Green 23 Sept 2017

Two pieces of good news from our Copers Cope police team. First, a big welcome to our new District Ward Officer, Jade Bowyer. Second, she will be joining DWO Stuart Inglis at the Market on the Green on 23 September to meet the community and distribute tamper-proof car licence plate nuts. Stuart and Jade will be around the Green from midday.

Tamper-proof car licence nuts are well worth fitting as they prevent the nuisance of theft of your licence plates and stop wider knock-on crimes like driving off of garage forecourts without paying for fuel. Pick up a set, free while stocks last, after midday from the police team on the Copers Cope Area Residents’ Association (CCARA) gazebo.

Crime Alert – Mobile Phone Thefts in Beckenham

Message from Copers Cope Police

There have been several mobile phone thefts in the Beckenham area. These offences have taken place in the bars and clubs in the High Street mainly over the weekend. If you know anyone who visits any bars in the area please make them aware.

Crime Alert

There have been several thefts of mobile phones in bars and pubs in Beckenham Please remain vigilant and keep your belongings with you.

In an emergency always dial 999.

Bromley Safer Neighbourhood Board – Beckenham Meeting 17 November 2016.

The Bromley Safer Neighbourhood Board will be holding their next meeting in the Beckenham area. They welcome as many residents, businesses and community groups to come along as possible.  The Police Borough Commander, local Police and Fire representatives will give up to date information on crime in the Beckenham area as well as answer questions. Full details are in the attached Flyer.

 

snb-beckenham-meeting

Scams and rogue traders on the rise in Bromley – Aug 2016

Copers Cope Police advise of an increase in door to door ( rogue traders ) and telephone scams ( courier fraud – debit / credit card )  in the Bromley borough.

Please pass this information on to relatives, friends, neighbours anybody you feel could be a potential victim.

 If you suspect anything please call police 999 and the trading standards rapid response 07903852090.

TS2TS1

 

Copers Cope Police Newsletter – August 2016

Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT

  • Telephone 0208 721 2772
  • Email: coperscope.snt@met.police.uk
  • http://www.met.police.uk/Team/Bromley/CopersCope
  • Please note these are not monitored 24/7. In an emergency please call 999 or if the matter is non urgent but requires a Police response please dial 101

Copers Cope PCs

  • Police Sergeant Rob Goodwin PS 16 PY
  • Police Constable Fabio Zema PC 318PY
  • Police Community Support Officer Julie Oldfield PCSO 7256PY

The borough priority is to reduce MOPAC 7 Crimes. The MOPAC 7 priority crimes are crimes which have a high impact on victims, they are: burglary, criminal damage, robbery, theft from a motor vehicle, theft from a person, theft of a motor vehicle and violence with injury.

Our Promises to you

We set our promises at our regular Ward Panel Meetings where we meet with representatives from the community to discuss the local priorities. If you would like to take an active role in helping to improve your local community then contact us about joining. We would love to hear from you.

1. Parking around the Citroen garage in Copers Cope Road, we have patrolled the area to check on any vehicles that are parked illegally. We are also in contact with the council parking wardens.

2. Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in West Gate Road, street drinkers & dog fouling around The Green & St. George’s Church. We patrol areas where this has taken place and use powers available to us to combat these problems.

3. Pubs & Clubs on the weekend, there are on going operations to tackle problems involving rowdy anti social behaviour. We are also in contact with the different bars and cctv so we know where the problems are coming from.

Team News

What has the team been up to?

On Thursday 7th the Copers Cope SNT worked along side the British Transport Police and British Railway enforcement officers at the Beckenham Jnt Station.

Our aim was to assist the enforcement officers with any passengers who may have been travelling without payment and also to spot any known suspects who travel into our area using the railway network, known shop lifters, gang members and others who intend to commit crime in Beckenham.

The team has made several arrests during the month notably for shop lifting offences. The team has also recovered a stolen moped this has now been restored to the rightful owner.

We have been in contact with the Citroen Garage in Copers Cope Road and there is definitely an improvement outside the premises regarding parked vehicles.

Please contact us if you have any issues or concerns in the area.

For more news and if you are use Twitter please follow PC Zema on @MPSBeckenham

Upcoming Events

  • Tues 23rd August: Public Surgery at Waitrose Southend Road 12.00 – 1.00
  • Wed 28th September: Public Surgery at Waitrose Southend Road 1.00 – 2.00

As well as having drop-in surgeries in Waitrose we will also be arranging dates once a month in Star Bucks. If you fancy a coffee and a chat please come and join us. We will put out dates in future letters.

Bromley Safer Transport team also hold regular cycle marking events across the bromley borough details of future events can be found on:

http://www.met.police.uk/teams/transportse/bromley/index.php

General Crime Overview

We are always looking for residents to join our Neighbourhood Watch and also for people to act as co-ordinators in their local area. If you are interested in helping to make Beckenham a safer place then please contact us on the details above. You can make a real difference in making Beckenham a safer place.

Shoplifting offences appear to be improving in the High Street in the last month. We will continue with regular patrols and liase with shops and encourage the use of the shop safe radio. The business watch scheme seems to be working and we have had a few calls from shops where suspects have been recognized.

Burglary continues to be a main issue, particulary garage and shed burglaries. These offences have been taken place recently in areas close to Copers Cope Road and The Avenue. The most vulnerable and where offences have been taken place are those who have garages that are en-bloc to flats.

Vehicle crime, theft from motor vehicles, in particular vans where tools have been taken. If you are having any work done at your address please warn the owner to lock their vehicles and to have any valuables hidden from view.

Phone thefts have occurred recently in areas such as parks in the Bromley borough. Some of these offences have come about due to the new ‘Pokemon Go’ craze that has started where suspects are robbing victims whilst using the their phones using the new app. If you or anyone you know plays this game please be aware.

Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team Newsletter – July 2016

Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT

  • Telephone 0208 721 2772
  • Email: coperscope.snt@met.police.uk
  • http://www.met.police.uk/Team/Bromley/CopersCope
  • Please note these are not monitored 24/7. In an emergency please call 999 or if the matter is non urgent but requires a Police response please dial 101

Copers Cope PCs

  • Police Sergeant Rob Goodwin PS 16 PY
  • Police Constable Fabio Zema PC 318PY
  • Police Community Support Officer Julie Oldfield PCSO 7256PY

The borough priority is to reduce MOPAC 7 Crimes. The MOPAC 7 priority crimes are crimes which have a high impact on victims, they are: burglary, criminal damage, robbery, theft from a motor vehicle, theft from a person, theft of a motor vehicle and violence with injury.

For more information visit:

https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/mayors-office-policing-and-crime-mopac/data-and-research/crime

Our Promises to you

We set our promises at our regular Ward Panel Meetings where we meet with representatives from the community to discuss the local priorities. If you would like to take an active role in helping to improve your local community then contact us about joining. We would love to hear from you.

1. Parking around the Citroen garage in Copers Cope Road, we have patrolled the area to check on any vehicles that are parked illegally. We are also in contact with the council parking wardens.

2. Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in West Gate Road, street drinkers & dog fouling around The Green & St. George’s Church. We patrol areas where this has taken place and use powers available to us to combat these problems.

3. Pubs & Clubs on the weekend, there are on going operations to tackle problems involving rowdy anti social behaviour. We are also in contact with the different bars and cctv so we know where the problems are coming from.

Team News

What has the team been up to?

The team arranged a speeding operation in Copers Cope Road on the 4th June with the Safer Transport Team. Two vehicles were given tickets for speeding. We were also approached by several residents who thanked us for our efforts. If there are any roads you believe we should be checking please contact the team.

We are continuing with our Business Watch scheme to aid local shops in identifying local shoplifting suspects. We will be giving shops pictures of suspects (no names) who are known to frequent the High Street. This will be an ongoing project and hopefully see a reduction in shop lifting offences.

We have finally managed to get a new Copers Cope Ward Panel together and held our first meeting on the 13th June. These meetings are a chance for you to share any issues you have and these refect in our ward promises and priorities. If you wish to join our ward panel please contact the team.

The ward panel has agreed the following promises:

  • Parking problems around the Citroen garage in Copers Cope Road
  • Anti Social Behaviour
  • Problems around pubs and clubs at the weekend
  • The ward priorities are:
  • Burglary
  • Vehicle crime – theft from / theft off vehicles
  • Shop lifting

Upcoming Events

  • Sat 30th July: Public Surgery at Waitrose Southend Road 4.00 – 5.00
  • Tues 23rd August: Public Surgery at Waitrose Southend Road 12.00 – 1.00
  • Wed 28th September: Public Surgery at Waitrose Southend Road 1.00 – 2.00

As well as having drop-in surgeries in Waitrose we will also be arranging dates once a month in Star Bucks. If you fancy a coffee and a chat please come and join us. We will put out dates in future letters.

Bromley Safer Transport team also hold regular cycle marking events across the bromley borough details of future events can be found on: www.metpolice.uk/teams/transportse/bromley/

General Crime Overview

We are always looking for residents to join our Neighbourhood Watch and also for people to act as co-ordinators in their local area. If you are interested in helping to make Beckenham a safer place then please contact us on the details above. You can make a real difference in making Beckenham a safer place.

Our main problem at the moment is shoplifting in the High Street. We are hoping to combat this by means of regular patrols we have also started a business watch scheme where we share images of known suspects with shops and encouraging the use of the shop safe radio that several shops use to contact local Police and Bromley cctv.

Burglary also continues to be a main issue, particularly garage and shed burglaries. These offences have been taken place recently in areas close to The Drive and Rectory Road.

Vehicle crime, theft from motor vehicles, in particular vans where tools have been taken. If you are having any work done at your address please warn the owner to lock their vehicles and to have any valuables hidden from view.

Our locally complied crime statistics can be sent separately if you wish to receive these please contact us on the details above. Please note these are compiled by the local team and may vary slightly from those supplied by others.

Copers Cope Police Newsletter June 2016

Copers Cope Safer Neighbourhood Team

Telephone 0208 721 2772
Email: coperscope.snt@met.police.uk
http://www.met.police.uk/Team/Bromley/CopersCope
Please note these are not monitored 24/7. In an emergency please call 999 or if the matter is non urgent but requires a Police response please dial 101

The borough priority is to reduce MOPAC 7 Crimes. The MOPAC 7 priority crimes are crimes which have a high impact on victims, they are: burglary, criminal damage, robbery, theft from a motor vehicle, theft from a person, theft of a motor vehicle and violence with injury.

For more information visit: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/mayors-office-policing-and-crime-mopac/data-and-research/crime

Our Promises to you

We set our promises at our regular Ward Panel Meetings where we meet with representatives from the community to discuss the local priorities. If you would like to take an active role in helping to improve your local community then contact us about joining. We would love to hear from you.

1. Traffic, We have conducted speed check operations in the Beckenham area.
2. Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) street drinkers. We patrol areas where this has taken place and use powers available to us to combat this problem.

3. Tackle Shoplifting, we are developing a business watch scheme with local shops and conduct regular High Street patrols.

Team News

What has the team been up to?

The team has contacted Bromley council to trim and tidy up the shrubs and overgrown areas between St. Georges Church and Beckenham Green. This area has been used by some of our street drinkers hiding their alcohol. This area and the High Street is an alcohol exclusion zone and anyone caught drinking alcohol can expect to have their drink taken away and disposed off.

We have begun a Business Watch scheme to aid local shops in identifying local shoplifting suspects. We will be giving shops pictures of suspects (no names) who are known to frequent the High Street. This will be an ongoing project and hopefully see a reduction in shop lifting offences.

We have finally managed to get a new Copers Cope Ward Panel together and will be holding a meeting in the near future. If you wish to join our ward panel please contact the team.

Upcoming Events

  •   Wed 29th June: Public Surgery at Waitrose Southend Road 12.00 – 1.00
  •   Sat 30th July: Public Surgery at Waitrose Southend Road 4.00 – 5.00
  •   Tues 23rd August: Public Surgery at Waitrose Southend Road 12.00 – 1.00
  •   Wed 28th September: Public Surgery at Waitrose Southend Road 1.00 – 2.00

Bromley Safer Transport team also hold regular cycle marking events across the bromley borough details of future events can be found on: http://www.metpolice.uk/teams/transportse/bromley/

Staff / Policing Changes

PC Steve Allen has now retired after 30 years. Steve had spent the last 20 years of his service working on the Bromley borough with the majority of that time serving Beckenham residents. I like to wish him good luck with what he decides to to in the future.

All of Bromley’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT’s) now consist of a Dedicated Ward Police Officer, a Dedicated Ward PCSO. They are supported by 5 separate Neighbourhood Tasking Teams that will work alongside the SNT’s across the borough as well as a myriad of other police resources that are able to support us tackle local issues.

Bromley Safer Neighbourhood’s Teams will be managed by Inspector Gary Byfield, with the Copers Cope team and other North West cluster of teams being supervised by Sergeant Rob Goodwin. Inspector Byfield’s profile can be seen below.

Inspector Gary Byfield, Safer Neighbourhoods, Bromley Operational Command Unit

Born in London, a family man and a resident of Bromley. I first started serving Bromley community as a Metropolitan Police Special in 1984 before joining full time in 1987.

I began on Greenwich Borough serving as a front line officer for 12 years. I moved on to the Dog Support Unit as a Dog Handler and instructor for 7 years before transferring on promotion as Sergeant in 2005 to Bromley Borough. I gained experience on Response Team, Custody and Safer Neighbourhoods and In 2009 I joined the Specialist

Firearms Command SC&O19. I served on pan London firearms operations and on the Community & Partnership Unit to improve public confidence and reassurance in armed policing to Lords, MPs and local communities until being promoted to Inspector in January 2015 to Bexley Borough on Response Team. I requested to transfer to Bromley Borough and on 5th February 2016 took on the role of Safer Neighbourhood Inspector.

I am excited about my new role and the challenges it brings. My aim is to provide a visible dedicated professional team of officers engaging with local communities and partners concentrating on reducing crime and increase confidence by dealing with local problems. I look forward to meeting with you all over the coming months.

General Crime Overview

We are always looking for residents to join our Neighbourhood Watch and also for people to act as co-ordinators in their local area. If you are interested in helping to make Beckenham a safer place then please contact us on the details above. You can make a real difference in making Beckenham a safer place.

Our main problem at the moment is shoplifting in the High Street. We are hoping to combat this by means of regular patrols we have also started a business watch scheme where we share images of known suspects with shops and encouraging the use of the shop safe radio that several shops use to contact local Police and Bromley cctv.

Burglary also continues to be a main issue, particulary garage and shed burglaries. These offences have been taken place recently in areas close to The Drive and Rectory Road.

Vehicle crime, theft from motor vehicles, in particular vans where tools have been taken. If you are having any work done at your address please warn the owner to lock their vehicles and to have any valuables hidden from view.

Our locally complied crime statistics can be sent separately if you wish to receive these please contact us on the details above. Please note these are compliled by the local team and may vary slightly from those supplied by others.