Below are summarised minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 11 December 2025 at 7.00 pm

Contact details for local police team and Met

Email:                     eastsheen@met.police.uk

Telephone                0207 175 9382 (not for emergencies/not covered 24 hrs)

To report a crime     Dial 101 or report on line:  www.met.police.uk

Emergencies           Dial 999

Met Engage             https://www.metengage.co.uk/

 Model Cottages pathway: enquiry into measures to restrict scooters and speeding bicycles. CCTV has been considered and ruled out. New signs have been put up which are not proving to be very effective. However, residents have had the opportunity to air their concerns which have been addressed as far as possible.

 Routine reports

a)     Police

A quarterly report was presented, including the latest crime stats and tips on keeping your vehicle and home safe. (See below)

Residents noted that the category in the crime report ‘All other’ is by far the largest number and it would be more meaningful if it were broken down. After some discussion the chair agreed to consult with the police on alternatives.

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Concern was expressed about cyclists who go through red lights in many parts of East Sheen. The police responded by saying they stopped cyclists if they were in the vicinity but generally it was difficult to catch them.

b) Neighbourhood Watch – Andy Lindesay

Andy Lindesay, a street co-ordinator, gave an overview of how Neighbourhood Watch operates in his area. It is intended to prevent crime and promote community using WhatsApp and maildrops to keep in touch.

Specific advice included, firstly, in relation to smart doorbells:

• they should be hard wired and not wifi
• video was best stored locally rather than cloud storage
• mount CCTV high up to avoid tampering 

Secondly, re parcel theft:

• opt out of click and collect
• ensure deliveries are arranged for when you will be at home
• keep a close check on notifications as couriers usually send a ‘delivered’ message – if you are unable to take in your parcel ask a neighbour
• if you see a parcel left on a doorstep consider posting a message on the NHW WhatsApp to alert your neighbour
• give an alternative drop off if possible

In the last quarter volunteers concentrated on signing up new members. In the next quarter the focus will be on visiting elderly and vulnerable residents and explaining the benefits of NHW.

The presentation gave rise to several questions from residents:

i) The police confirmed that parcel theft should be reported as it helps them build up a picture of which streets to focus on.

ii) A resident questioned how long it takes for matters raised with the Met online to be referred back to East Sheen officers. It was explained that an issue would be redirected immediately but a crime report may take longer. Residents could use local police emails to report, for example, intelligence on an event that has already happened.

The police advise that Met Engage is a valuable source of information and recommend that residents sign up. https://www.metengage.co.uk 

Faraday bags are useful as they block the signal sent to keyless cars. They are available free at meetings.

Richmond Park Policing

The dedicated police unit has been disbanded and the SNTs from South Richmond, and Ham, Petersham & Richmond Riverside wards have moved their base to Holly Lodge – 10 officers in total.

There would be no routine patrolling in the park. A local response vehicle would attend in the event of a 999 call (as they do in East Sheen).

The content below gives useful information on the type of crime locally and what can be done to tackle it.

Motor Vehicle Crime

Interference:

3 x Attempt – Keyless unlocking device used but unsuccessful

Vehicle lock and ignition barrel broken – Immobiliser and alarm set off

Lexus – small hole drilled in the back of the vehicle

Toyota – Front bumper damaged – possibly to access vehicle electronics

Ford Transit – Side wall of tyre has been cut

Theft from Motor Vehicle – 14

Audi A5 – Window smashed & handbag stolen

BMW – Rear passenger window smashed & Laptop stolen

Fiat – Side window smashed & Sunglasses stolen

Ford Van – Broken into to steal tools

Honda HRV – Rear window smashed – Credit cards, cash and DL stolen

Mercedes – Not locked & Parking permit stolen

Mercedes – Bag stolen from vehicle

Nissan Vivaro – Spare wheel stolen

Renault Traffic – Spare tyre stolen

Toyota Pickup – Rear drop down accessed with screwdriver & tools stolen

VW Sharan – Rear window smashed & Brompton stolen

VW Golf – VW front badge stolen (sensor)

VW Golf – VW front badge stolen (sensor)

VW Golf – Passenger window smashed & Work ID stolen

Theft of Motor Vehicle – 11

BMW – Keyless

Hyundai Ioniq – Keyless

Honda ADV Keyless

Kia Nero – Keyless

Lexus NX – Keyless (Recovered)

Lexus RX – Keyless (Recovered)

Porsche Cayenne – Recovered (Steering lock cut)

Suzuki motorcycle stolen (Recovered)

Vespa motorcycle – Disc lock broken

Vespa motorcycle – From front of property

Keeping your vehicle safe

• Check all windows and locks to ensure they are secure.
• Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
• Install automatic motion-sensor lights around your property.
• Use CCTV and smart doorbell systems for external monitoring.
• Avoid leaving valuables on display inside vehicles (we’ve had to remind locals to hide bags).
• Keep key fobs away from entry points, such as the front door.
• Use a signal-blocking box or pouch for keys, including spare sets.
• Consider tracking devices like Apple AirTags, hidden securely (not just in the glovebox).
• Install a dashcam with motion-alert features to detect activity near your vehicle.
• Fit a Ghost Immobiliser, which prevents the car from starting without a unique code sequence.
• Use traditional steering wheel locks—an excellent deterrent for any vehicle, giving police extra time to respond if a theft is in progress.
• For motorbikes/mopeds, use gold-rated locks as a minimum standard.
• Anchor bikes or mopeds to a fixed object to prevent them from being lifted away.

Burglary Residential

2 x Resi Unconnected building – bike stolen from communal area

Resi Unconnected building – items taken from garages behind block of flats

The front door lock has been drilled to release the door lock

Crowbar/Screwdriver style tool used to open rear door of property

Business Burglary

Suspect entering store to steal cash from location  

Burglary:

Entry methods:

• Using implements to force open garages and doors
• Bike locks broken outside bike storage
• Drilling through key holes at the main door

Security Tips:

• Keep bins away from entry points to prevent easy access or concealment.
• Install dusk-to-dawn security lights indoors for continuous illumination during nighttime.
• Use motion-sensor lights in outdoor areas to deter intruders.
• Ensure alarms are active and functioning properly at all times.
• Double-check all glass openings, especially during summer when windows are often left open.
• Secure ladders and garden equipment with a strong chain and padlock to prevent their use in break-ins.
• Install CCTV and smart doorbell cameras for enhanced monitoring.
• Remove all cash from business premises overnight, and leave the till visibly open to show it’s empty.

Good News (August – October):

• East Sheen officers have investigated a property linked to drug activity, anti-social behaviour, and frequent visitors at all hours. After gathering substantial evidence, they secured a full closure order. The male occupant has been removed, and the address is now locked down to prevent further access.

• A prolific shoplifter, previously charged for multiple offences, was arrested after failing to appear in court and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order. He is now being processed.
  In another incident, officers responded to a call on Upper Richmond Road where two males were attempting to break into a business premises. Their presence deterred the suspects and prevented the burglary.

• Officers spotted a vehicle running a red light on Upper Richmond Road. After a short search, it was found parked on Stonehill Road, with two males walking away. Both were detained and searched, along with the area, assisted by a dog unit. Several snap bags containing cannabis were recovered, and both suspects were arrested for possession with intent to supply.

• In the early hours, officers responded to reports of three males trying to force entry into a block of flats. All suspects were quickly located nearby and detained. A search revealed items linked to burglary, and all three were arrested and later charged. This success was thanks to vigilant residents who promptly reported the suspicious activity, enabling officers to act swiftly.