Local Priorities Burglary Message

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.

Abbey Road Officers continue to conduct burglary prevention patrols across the ward in uniform and plain clothes. We would like advise to Lock all window frames completely, even when leaving the house for just a few minutes. Keep first-floor windows shut tightly as thieves routinely scale flat roofs or drainpipes to gain entry. Put internal lights on random switch timers or smart bulbs rather than leaving a single lamp on permanently. Static lighting patterns signal an empty home to experienced intruders. Double-lock or deadlock your external entryways. If you have a uPVC door, remember to lift the handle all the way up before turning the key to engage the multi-point locking system. Install motion-activated sensor lights near dark pathways and keep your side gates securely padlocked. Trim tall perimeter hedges down to a maximum height of 1 metre so neighbours can easily spot suspicious activity from the street.

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

Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on.  Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 

Please click here to complete the survey

We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.