Eight machines stolen in one night alone
Police have arrested gang members who have been stealing the boroughs pay and display machines to break them open for the cash inside.
There has been a spate of thefts from Hammersmith and Fulham's pay and display machines, stopped in its tracks thanks to joint action by Police and council officers.
Detectives blame Eastern European gangs who initially stole entire machines to examine the best way to break them open. Once they had worked out how to force entry into the roadside meters
Hammersmith and Fulham had an average of about 40 break-ins a year. But worryingly there was a huge escalation last September to more than 15 a week. Eight were broken into on one evening alone.
Now a new early warning system linked to a 24/7 council control room and speedy police response times means the authorities are winning the battle against the gangs. Arrests have been made and vehicles and vital evidence seized.
Cllr Greg Smith, Hammersmith and Fulham Council Cabinet Member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, said: "Our 24/7 control room and excellent relationship with the local police mean we are now winning the war against these gangs. When they steal from the parking meters they are stealing taxpayers' cash and ultimately we all pay the price if we don't beat them."
Some councils spend up to £400 on re-enforcing their machines, but Hammersmith and Fulham Council decided it was not value for money, as there are more than 1100 machines in the borough.
Emma Midgley
December 14, 2007