Dear Resident,

Welcome to the July 2026 edition of the Sutton Neighbourhood Watch (SNHW) Newsletter. We hope you and your family are enjoying, or coping, in the current hot weather and are managing to keep cool. Firstly, a couple of reminders – the Stonecot Community meeting is being held on Thursday 2 July in St Bede’s Room, St Rachael’s Hospice from 7.30 p.m. and a few tickets are still left for the Met Police Choir free concert in Sutton on Saturday 18 July - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/met-police-charity-concert-tickets-1988414781137?aff=erelexpmlt

This newsletter contains details of our AGM; an opportunity to attend free harassment training; warm weather advice as well as other updates.

Save the Date – SNHW Annual General Meeting

A date for your diaries: our Annual General Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday 16 September 2026 in Room G1, Civic Offices, Sutton - refreshments available from 6.30 p.m. You will shortly be receiving our Notification with further details. In addition to our usual AGM business, we have an interesting agenda: an update on borough policing by Superintendent Rich Lloyd-Ablitt and a presentation on “cuckooing” (where a criminal uses a vulnerable person’s home for nefarious purposes) by an Inspector and police constable. Please come along, especially if you haven’t attended an AGM before, and we look forward to welcoming you.

Stand Up Against Park Harassment – Free Online Training

Have you ever felt threatened or uncomfortable when enjoying one of the many parks we have in Sutton, or experienced harassment of another person? Sutton Women's Centre is offering a free one-hour bystander training session to help residents intervene safely when they witness harassment in parks and public spaces. The session takes place online on Wednesday 15 July, 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., and will teach participants ways of safe intervention. Your own safety is paramount, and undertaking this training may help you to feel confident and safe to act. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DJocXmMYR1qvn79pk8Sn-w

Warm Weather Advice

Water Safety: Whether at the coast, rivers or reservoirs, please take extra care. Cold water shock, strong currents and hidden hazards can put even strong swimmers at risk. Follow RNLI advice. https://rnli.org/safety
 

BBQs and campfires: The London Borough of Sutton strictly prohibits barbecues, fires, and disposable BBQs in all its parks and open spaces. This rule is in place to protect the local wildlife, preserve the grass and grounds, and prevent the risk of wildfires.
 

Look out for the vulnerable: Check in on elderly neighbours, people living alone and anyone who may struggle in the heat. Advise them to keep hydrated.
 

Heat Safety: Stay hydrated, use shade, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. This includes being mindful around walking dogs. This week, the kindest walk is no walk at all. With temperatures reaching up to 38°C in some places, pavements can become hot enough to burn paws in seconds.
 

Dogs in cars: Never leave a dog in a vehicle during warm weather. Even a short time can be life threatening. Call 999 if a dog is in distress.

Sutton Neighbourhood Police Team – June Update

Despite the heat and humidity, your police team in Sutton are still working hard to address the issues that matter to us most, so below is a snapshot of activity during June:

• E-bikes and vehicle crime: Many of us have complained about e-bikes or scooters so it is good to know that a dedicated police operation (Operation Lexand) has targeted powered two-wheeled vehicle offences alongside other specialist units. As a result, several vehicles were stopped and checked; two stolen vehicles were recovered; and three individuals were arrested.  A great result which may hopefully act as a deterrent to others.
• Speeding: Speeding continues to be a matter of concern for many of us, so it is good to learn that officers in the north of our borough recently conducted a speed enforcement operation targeting drivers who were likely to put others at risk, moving locations regularly to maximise impact.
• Retail crime: Nationally shoplifting is a big issue, so a borough-wide operation supporting the venues most affected by retail crime has been welcomed, especially as it resulted in increased police visibility, one arrest, a significant amount of suspected stolen property being recovered and several individuals arrested.
• Robbery and community safety: Targeted robbery patrols using data to focus on key areas have contributed to a significant reduction in robbery over a four-week period. Park patrols and early-morning presence have also been increased to provide reassurance for those travelling to work and school.
• ASB at transport hubs: Anti-social behaviour is something which can affect any of us, so we are pleased to hear that officers have been conducting focused patrols at bus stops and transport hubs to address anti-social behaviour concerns raised by the community.

It is important that we all continue to engage with officers, so thank you to anyone who speaks to local officers, reports concerns and works with us to make Sutton a safer place.

Local Priorities: Cycle Theft Update

There have been recent reports of cycle thefts beginning with a seemingly friendly encounter before the thief asks to 'try' the bike. With more families visiting parks this summer, we are reminding parents and carers to help children keep their bikes safe. Bikes left unattended can be an easy target for thieves.

Please encourage children to always lock bikes securely, keep them within sight, use designated bike stands or busy public areas, and never leave bikes unattended on grass or outside playgrounds. Know your bike's make, model and serial number. Double lock your bike, register the frame number, and report any theft promptly — delays can make it harder to investigate and recover stolen property. Report online at https://www.met.police.uk/ via web chat or call 101.

More information: https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/how-safe-is-your-bike/

New High Street Organised Crime Unit Launched

A new £30 million government crackdown will target organised crime on Britain’s high streets through raids, shop closures and cash seizures. The three-year initiative focuses on rogue barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops linked to money laundering, tax evasion and illegal working. The new High Street Organised Crime Unit will unite government departments, police and Trading Standards. It will recruit 75 officers across the National Crime Agency, Greater Manchester Police, West Midlands Police and a joint Kent and Essex Police unit, with Trading Standards receiving £6 million to tackle sham businesses. More information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-high-street-unit-set-up-in-nationwide-blitz-on-dodgy-shops

And finally, a reminder to keep safe and hydrated in this hot weather, look out for elderly neighbours, and keep your home safe by shutting windows and doors when you go out.

Anna

on behalf of your committee

Sutton Neighbourhood Watch

www.SuttonNeighbourhoodWatch.co.uk