*South Richmond burglaries* We are aware of the current concerns around a number of highly impactful burglaries across the ward since the end of October 2024. The victims of these offences took all possible precautions with the use of alarms, lighting, security CCTV and their properties were left locked and secured. The common method used by suspects is using force to gain entry through the rear of premises (either smashing windows or forcing doors open) and then searching for valuables. These offences have been compounded by suspects believed use of equipment to jam WiFi signals used by modern alarms, either to stop base units sending alerts via the internet or preventing wireless sensors communicating with alarm base stations. This is turn delays any response by alarm companies or police until suspects have left. Without specialist equipment, in the majority of offences alarms will continue to operate without any issue - we have sought specialist advice as jamming is an emerging issue, and the advice received is wherever possible to physically hard wire alarm units - use an Ethernet cable to connect the alarm base station to your internet router, and wherever possible, any sensors on access points be a wired connection to the alarm base station. A meeting was held on Thursday this week with all those directly impacted by these crimes to provide an opportunity to speak directly with officers from SNt, SW burglary squad, crime prevention officers, local councillors and council officials. A further series of street briefings are being arranged in the affected areas to provide the same opportunity to other concerned residents. All offences continue to be investigated by SW burglary squad officers, with assistance from the MPS specialist crime directorate. The following police actions are also in place; - SNt officers conducting plain clothes patrols - ⁠Unmarked patrol vehicles tasked to the ward area daily - ⁠Increased uniform patrols - ⁠An additional PCSO joining the ward next week - Review of the provision of offence information through existing communications channels and the NHW coordinator network Burglary is one of the most impactful crimes on victims and the community, and we are committed to reducing the number of offences through both prevention and detection. Should you have any concerns or wish to speak to a member of the team, please email [email protected]