Tewkesbury Lodge Residents Association

Tewkesbury Lodge Estate Residents' Association
Crime Cascade Message – October 2005

There have been a number of incidents on the estate over the last month. But please remember that Lewisham has one of the lowest crime rates in Central London, and our estate has one of the lowest in Lewisham. Let’s keep it that way - ensure your property is properly secured, be vigilant and report anything, however trivial it might seem, to the Police.
And remember, do not leave anything (coat, bag, parcels, etc.) visible in your car. Lock them in the boot out of sight.

Anti Social Behaviour

The youths hanging about the bench at the top of Netherby Road have been busy making a nuisance of themselves over the last few months. In the middle of October, they threw a stolen child’s bike over into a residents garden. Fortunately, the bike was reunited with its owner, although in a damaged condition. And even more fortunately, a vigilant resident spotted a youth riding on the bike just before the incident took place, and was able to give a positive identification to the Police.

In addition to this specific incident, there have been numerous reports of car damage caused by the ‘bench gang’. Please keep an eye, and if anyone sees anything suspicious, call the Police immediately.

A week before the mugging incidents on the estate reported in our last message, a resident saw two youths who fitted the descriptions of the muggers. They were riding bikes that seemed far too big for them. The resident informed the Police.

Towards the end of September, a Canonbie Road resident heard two thuds, and found that eggs had been thrown at his front window. This has happened a number of times over the last few years. The Police were called.

Stones were thrown and smashed a porch window in a house on Horniman Drive. I do not know if the Police were called.

Car Crime

At the end of August, a car front windscreen was smashed in Westwood Park. A description of those suspected to be involved was passed to the Police, but nothing came of it. In Ringmore Rise towards the end of October, a van was broken into and power tools stolen. A few days later, at the lower end of the road, one car parked on a driveway was broken into and a car phone and CDs stolen. Another car alongside it was stolen. Police were informed.

Attempted Burglary

There was an attempted break-in on Tewkesbury Avenue in the middle of October at about 9.00 pm. At the time, the house may have appeared unoccupied as the only light on was a low one in the front room, which was heavily curtained. The occupant heard a noise and a car reversing outside the house and disturbed three young men at her side gate. They made their getaway in a small, black car and there may have been a fourth person involved as a look-out. They were described as being in their twenties and two were black, and one of Mediterranean appearance. One had a jemmy. After a road representative was contacted, the Police attended. It was discovered in the morning that the bolts and lock on the side gate had been visibly damaged in an attempt to get in. Make sure your side gates are secure!