Further details have emerged about events at Sheen Gate on Sunday 23 August. It is now clear that this was a serious robbery perpetrated on a 12 year old boy by a gang on e-motor bikes.

The gang were at Sheen Gate, pursued the boy into Richmond Park and attacked him before he reached the mini roundabout.

Significantly this is not the first such incident. Earlier in the year there was s similar robbery of another boy cycling near Ham Gate.

This type of incident is exactly what local residents were concerned about when there were discussions last year about the removal of the Park Police. The Police continue to assert that it would have made no difference. And of course incidents like this should lead to a 999 call. But the police seem to have no recognition of the concept of deterrence.

Furthermore it is confusing for residents to know who is now responsible for policing in the Park. There is a team stationed at Holly Lodge but the Park is actually divided into three areas. In any event at the East Sheen Police Panel meeting on Wednesday evening it was admitted that the local Safer Neighbourhood Team did not have the resources to get vehicles into the Park. And criminals know this. Local police are putting together a plan to improve access but they do not seem to be optimistic about getting a positive response.

Because we are a ‘low crime area’ responnse to crime is not a priority. ‘It’s ten times worse in Southwark.’ This leads to a complacency about local issues which should be police responsibilities. Comparisons with Inner London Boroughs and pleas of lack of resources simply invite discussion about vigilantism.

Obviously cycling on the pavement is a less serious matter than robbery but both are crimes and should be police responsibilities.

We are told not to challenge people cycling on pavements for fear of confrontation. But if the police don’t or can’t or won’t do anything about it…….?

A few signs pointing out the illegality on both sides of the Upper Richmond Road on existing posts between Waitrose and the Sheen Lane junction would be a simple start.

On the plus side the police apprehended several offenders who in the early hours of 17 July crashed a car into the wall by the dentist at the junction of the Upper Richmond Road and Paynesfield Avenue. They have been bailed and await charging.