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Your Safer Neighbourhoods Team is a group of Met police officers dedicated to serving your community. The team is made up of officers based in your area (or 'ward'), supported by additional officers from the wider area.
We work closely with local authorities, community leaders and residents to decide our policing priorities for the area. This helps us to find useful, long-term solutions to local problems, while maintaining our wider focus on reducing crime across London.
You can stay informed by signing up to MetEngage, a free messaging service that keeps you connected to what’s happening in your area. Whether its crime updates, safety advice, or news from your local policing team, you’ll get the information that matters to you when it matters most.
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Drug related activity
Issued 04 March 2026
Hotspot mapping: Identify key locations for dealing, use, and associated ASB.
Community intel: Encourage reporting via Crimestoppers, ward panels, and online tools.
Nominal tracking: Monitor known offenders, especially those linked to county lines or organised crime.
Partner data: Share and receive intelligence from housing, schools, health, and probation.
Actioned 04 March 2026
Theft by Shoplifting
Issued 04 March 2026
1. Objective
Reduce incidents of shoplifting within Ham & Petersham through proactive policing, partnership engagement, and targeted enforcement.
2. Key Priorities
Prevention: Increase visible presence and deter offenders.
Enforcement: Respond swiftly to reported incidents and pursue repeat offenders.
Partnership: Work collaboratively with local businesses and retail security teams.
Intelligence: Gather and share information on offenders and hotspots.
3. Actions & Responsibilities
A. High-Visibility Patrols
Deploy officers to identified hotspot locations during peak hours.
Use foot patrols and cycle patrols for accessibility and deterrence.
B. Retailer Engagement
Conduct monthly visits to key stores (supermarkets, high-value retailers).
Share crime prevention advice (CCTV positioning, staff awareness).
Promote use of Shopwatch or similar schemes for real-time alerts.
C. Intelligence Gathering
Record all shoplifting reports accurately on crime systems.
Identify repeat offenders and link to other acquisitive crimes.
Share intelligence with borough teams and neighboring wards.
D. Enforcement Strategy
Prioritize arrest and charge for prolific offenders.
Consider community resolutions or diversion for low-level, first-time offenders.
Work with CPS for robust case files and evidence (CCTV, witness statements).
E. Communication
Update local businesses and community via newsletters or social media.
Publicise successful interventions to build confidence.
Actioned 04 March 2026
Garage/Shed Burglary
Issued 04 March 2026
1. Objective
Reduce garage and shed burglaries in South Richmond Ward by increasing security awareness, targeting offenders, and improving community confidence.
2. Key Priorities
Prevention: Encourage residents to secure outbuildings and property.
Enforcement: Identify and disrupt offenders linked to acquisitive crime.
Intelligence: Map hotspots and analyze patterns for targeted patrols.
Community Engagement: Build awareness and promote crime prevention measures.
3. Actions & Responsibilities
A. Hotspot Identification
Use crime data to pinpoint streets/areas with repeat incidents.
Share intelligence with neighboring wards for cross-border offenders.
B. Targeted Patrols
Schedule high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas during peak times (evenings/weekends).
Deploy plain-clothes officers for surveillance where appropriate.
C. Crime Prevention Campaign
Door-to-door engagement in affected streets.
Distribute leaflets with advice on locks, alarms, and lighting.
Promote property marking schemes (e.g., SmartWater).
D. Intelligence & Offender Management
Monitor known offenders with burglary history.
Liaise with CID for linked series and forensic opportunities.
Conduct stop/search where grounds exist in hotspot areas.
E. Community Communication
Use social media and local newsletters to share prevention tips.
Actioned 04 March 2026