Across London there has been a growing trend of stealing cycles from garages and sheds. Cycle owners should be vigilant to this type of crime and be aware of the benefits of two good quality locks placed on cycles (as thieves generally carry only one type of tool) and securing them to an immovable object. Audible sheds alarms are also a great deterrent and please lock away tools.

To successfully deal with this type of crime the police need information as to where these stolen cycles are being taken to and sold from. Residents should contact the police if they become aware of any premises (residential or other) where different cycles are being regularly seen. A recent arrest found a male with 3 stolen cycles in the living room of his flat and he was busy filing off the serial numbers.

Many stolen cycles are being sold through the Internet. Cycle enthusiasts who regularly visit specialists sites can help the police combat this type of crime by reporting web activity and adverts which lead them to believe stolen cycles are being sold.

Anyone having information or concerns should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

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The good news from our local police at the latest Safer Neighbourhoods meeting is that crime generally is down. However, whilst burglary is down robbery from commercial premises and delivery/workmen’s vehicles is up.

It’s been said before – but some of this type of crime is preventable. Shoppers are asked to take care not to be distracted by a stranger stopping them to ask a question, or someone bumping into them – It’s classic distraction tactics, and chances are an unseen accomplice will be stealing something from a bag or pocket.

Delivery people and workmen are still leaving their vehicles unlocked. It may well be difficult and delaying to keep locking the vehicle, but it’s less disruptive than losing your tools and materials or even the vehicle itself!

Bromley Police are urging residents to be alert after receiving reports of six distraction burglary across the borough during the last two weeks.

The distraction burglaries occur when a youth in his early teens calls at an address with a man who he states is his uncle, claiming he has lost a football/toy over the fence in the victim’s garden. While the victim is assisting the youth looking for his ‘lost item’ the man steals cash/jewellery in the house.

The teenager is described as white, approximately 5’3” tall, fat with black, cropped hair. The man with him is described as white, approximately 5’9” tall, stout and bald.

Police are urging residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately, using 999 if the person is still in the vicinity or if they believe the suspects may be targeting vulnerable householders in the area. Alternatively call 101 if you have information you wish to pass to officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Furphy from Bromley Police said “Be cautious when dealing with any unexpected calls or visits. Be alert for stories which may be a trick to get you to leave your home, to get you to let the caller into your property or if someone appears to be attempting to distract you.

Don’t be pressured into letting someone into your home if you have suspicions about them. If you are not sure, don’t open the door. Genuine visitors will not mind you telling them to return when you have a relative, or friend with you.

Please also bear in mind that representatives from water, gas and electric companies are unlikely to call at your home without an appointment and police are likely to be present if there is a real emergency”.

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