Car crime continued to be a problem until April.   However, it became one of our Safer Neighbourhood Team's top priorities and a focus for their activity.   We know that certain individuals were targeted by the Police and we have had no recent reports of problems.  

•  At 5 am, one morning in early April, a car was broken into in Westwood Park and the hand brake was released.   The car rolled down the hill and crashed into a tree.   One can only imagine the possible damage, (property and human), if the car had rolled further.   The Police were informed.

•  In mid-April, on Westwood Park , at least 4 cars were broken into.   A battery was stolen from one, and the thieves then tried to steal petrol from another by cutting the fuel pipe - most of the petrol leaked onto the ground.   The Police, who were passing, spotted the open bonnet and informed the residents.

•  At around the same time in April, between 8pm and midnight, two Mercedes badges were stolen from cars in Ringmore Rise.   A car in Westwood Park was broken into and the Sat-Nav stolen.   Although the car was alarmed, it didn't go off.   A neighbour's car was scratched, and another car in Westwood Park was broken into and vandalised.

Burglaries and other incidents

•  In mid-June, a concerned resident heard a burglar alarm going off and phoned the Police as he thought that perhaps the house was being burgled.   He was informed that the Police would only visit if there was evidence of a break-in.   The resident rightly pointed out that he didn't want to investigate in case the burglars were still there and attacked him.   He then tried to contact our Community Support Officers but received no answer.   The Police did not visit, and the resident was extremely disappointed in their attitude.   A few hours later, the alarm stopped.   It is always worth ensuring that a neighbour holds a key to your house in the event of a similar incident.

•  Early in April, a resident reported vandalism in Horniman Rose Garden, Horniman School (the cladding had been removed and the walls had been daubed with graffiti), and to a car in Ringmore Rise.   The Police were informed.

•  In mid-April, a man was standing at the door, possibly considering a burglary, as the resident came home.   He asked if 'Robin James' lived there.   The resident recognised him as having done this before.   The Police were called.

•  At the end of May, an unusual and expensive tree was stolen from a garden in Canonbie Road.   It had only just been planted.   The Police were informed.

•  Early in June, 3 youths of about 17 were rude and threatening to a resident as they passed her on Tewkesbury Avenue.   Fortunately, they walked away and nothing further happened.

•  And finally, some Good News.   A resident of Canonbie Road accidentally left her handbag containing, money, keys and mobile on the garden wall.   On her return, 1½ hours later, the handbag was still there with nothing taken!   The Police were not called!   So not all is lost!

Please note the change in phone numbers:

Forest Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team                                                   020-8721 2723

Sydenham Police Station (Mon-Fri, 10:00 till 18.00)                               020-8284 5225

Lewisham Borough Police - Non-emergency calls                               020-8297 1212

Lewisham Crime Prevention Officers                                                   020-8284 5005

But in an emergency, always call                               999

After phoning the Police, call Dave Harris, the Crime Coordinator         020-8699 6096