Burglaries Between the Commons Post Reply

[Working Mom]

What is the best number to call if something like this happens?
Is it 999 or local police? If anyone knows useful numbers, please let me know. Thanks.

[dkeeley55]

Hi ,there,s a very good locksmith on Trusta Trader .com if that,s any help to you

[klw]

There were houses burgled on Wakehurst Rd ( our neighbours) last week during the day. The police knocked on our door to warn us to be vigilant. Please take extra care of your houses if you're going away this Christmas.

I am going to go contact the Northcote safer neighbourhood team to see if they have some advice which can be shared.

[Newmum2010]

A house on Bennerley was broken into during the day 3 weeks ago too.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team will come round to asses your security & offer advice based on local information if you contact them. I'd strongly recommend it, if only for peace of mind...

[zanzibar2]

As a mum at home with very young children It's really worrying to hear about burglars targeting houses during the day.

A friend was also recently targeted on Leathwaite and there is a trick the burglars used to check if anyone was at home - they moved something in front of the door and watched to see if it was moved. I think they used the dustbin for my friend's house, and next door they placed an ornament from the garden directly in front of the front door.

Something to watch out for - if you see something odd like this at your neighbour's house, move it back to where it belongs to deter them!

[gedg]

As an old chippie with a lifetime's experience I'd like to give a couple of practical tips.

Sash Windows - no matter how big or strong a lock has been fitted to your sashes, it is much less effective if the staff beads have not been screwed on, normally they are quite lightly nailed, which allows the sashes to be prised apart.

Doors, fitting extra locks will in fact weaken a door because of the mortice cut into it, it is important to strengthen the door and the frame with steel plates - a good locksmith or carpenter will recommend this as a matter of course.

And on a personal note - how silly to suggest that there are more burglaries because of prisoners being released - like a lot of petty crime it is related to the current dire situation.

[MGMidget]

The poster said the suggestion came from a police officer. Presumably they have their 'ear to the ground' so not an unreasonable suggestion in my view! Of course the economy is to blame too though!

[A Different Hat]

My brother was burgled the other side of Wandsworth Common. He confronted the burglars with a cricket bat. But, according to the Police, the best thing he did was stay on the stairs. This meant they ran back out through the front door. Apparently, you must NOT block off their exit. Most often, they will run off. Cornering them can be VERY dangerous.

[Sunnydoulahannah]

We were burgled at 1am last year on Bridgford St. Bizarrely they left my laptop, my bag untouched on couch and my wallet alone on table, they turned on all ligths, crept downstairs where flatmates, who lock from inside were; he woke up hearing the creaky stairs and thinking thats a bit odd for us (my husband and I) to do and came up stairs to ground floor, and then saw the man go upstairs to top floor and head for kids room right in front of him. flatmate yelled bloody murder and scared the dickens out of us but also scared the burglar who practically flew down stairs, crashed into pram, crashed out the door. Police dogs tracked him down Waldron, across Garrett lane, and the park and lost him at the river.

Was extremely violating and horrible. Now we deadlock without fail and put pram in front of door. and deadlock and bolt our back doors, but its still scary. They could just smash a front window.

Im glad I have heard on here about neighbour hood safety team and I think I might get some wooden shutters fitted on those bay windows!!

Just dont take it for granted, be cautious, be safe.