A Friendly Eastcote Reminder: Loose Lips & Ladder Chats 🪜😉

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

Dear Eastcote Neighbours,

This is just a friendly reminder about something we often do without thinking—chatting. We’re a welcoming bunch in Eastcote, which is one of our strengths, but it’s worth being a little mindful about how much personal information we share with people we don’t know well.

From time to time, one‑off tradespeople such as rubbish collectors, window cleaners or other casual callers may strike up a conversation. Most are perfectly genuine and just getting on with their work. However, it’s best to avoid sharing specific personal plans, especially things like:

✈️ When you’re going on holiday
🏠 How long your home will be empty
🔑 Who normally checks your property (or if no one does)

Think of it as keeping your diary off public display.

While we’re not suggesting tradespeople are bad or untrustworthy as a rule, it’s a known tactic that some criminals obtain information incidentally and may pass it on to others to exploit vacant properties. A quick chat today could unfortunately become someone else’s “opportunity” tomorrow.

A few easy tips:

- Stick to general small talk rather than personal plans
- Be cautious with people who have no clear business details or online presence
- If in doubt, it’s absolutely okay to keep conversations brief and polite

There’s no need to be awkward or unfriendly — just Eastcote‑savvy. 😄

Thanks for helping keep our community safe, smart, and one step ahead. If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours, it may be worth sharing this reminder with them too.

While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you:  

• Double lock your door every time you leave the house  

• If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access.  

• Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows.  

• Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through.  

• If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house.  

• Make sure all valuables are out of sight. 

• Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps.  

• In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on.  

• Set your burglar alarm 

• Lock your  shed or garage 

• Mark, register or record your valuables. 

Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Get Involved

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