October's Newsletter from Brentford's Lead Neighbourhood Watch

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Schoolgirl Fight; Hallowe'en; PIN Thefts

Teenage Schoolgirl Fight
During the afternoon of Monday 26th September, a group of teenage schoolgirls returning home from school started fighting in the Windmill Road and Sidney Gardens area of Brentford.  One local resident returning home from a shopping trip to Brentford stopped the fighting, but the verbal intimidation amongst the schoolgirls, who were joined by teenage boys on bicycles and on foot, continued along Hamilton Road until they reached the crossroads of Hamilton Road, Brook Lane North, Brook Road South and New Road.  There then appeared to be a stand off amongst the group, but fortunately there was no further fighting.  The group finally dispersed with no further trouble 

Neighbourhood Watch wish to thank Hamilton Road and New Road residents, Brentford Stores and The Royal Oak, who kept a close watch on what was happening and who were prepared to telephone the police had there been a further escalation of the fighting.  Their actions possibly avoided any physical harm happening to any of the teenagers. 

Hallowe'en
Monday 31st October is Halloween night.  No one wants to spoil the fun of young children dressed as wizards and witches accompanied by their parents, visiting our homes trick or treating, but please do not be distracted by other less welcome callers who may use Halloween as an excuse to gain entry into homes to steal.

Thefts in London
In one year alone in the Westminster area of London, there are approximately 20,000 thefts of personal items stolen from busy public places such as pubs, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, shops, hotels and museums.  Items such as hand bags, wallets, lap tops and mobile phones, left on a table, placed on the ground, or simply hung on the back of a chair, are the favourite target of thieves either working alone or with an accomplice(s).  

One thief watched their victim so closely, that they were able to obtain the victims pin details simply by looking over the victims shoulder when the victim purchased drinks at a bar.  When the victim returned the card to the wallet and wallet to their handbag, the thief waited for the opportunity to steal the handbag.  Before the victim realized, the thief has taken £2,000 from the victim’s bank account, had used the stolen card at a betting shop and then used the card to purchase jewelry at a jewelry shop.

This type of theft could happen anywhere.  Whenever visiting public places, please be vigilant at all times.  Never let personal items out of your sight even for a moment.  Keep handbags zipped so no hands can slip inside, and be instantly suspicious if you are distracted by strangers.  Should you become a victim of this type of crime; the loss can be financially devastating.

October 11, 2011