Swiss Cottage Police

Finally, Swiss Cottage SNT are on Nextdoor?!
Introducing, Toby, Paul and Matt who are responsible for dealing with day-to-day issues on the ward of Swiss Cottage. So just a quick update regarding the last week or so....
The team made four arrests for variety of offences, including drugs and assault. A poor chap was sent back to prison for breaching his licence and some youths were found in possession with nitrous oxide, which has resulted in various agencies getting involved....
Following a drugs warrant in December, a 20 year male pleaded guilty to drugs offences at court.
Immobilise is continuing to be used at various businesses across FInchley Road. We are trying to register the mobiles of those who live and work in Swiss Cottage, with the aim of making it less attractive to steal and easier to trace, you the owner!
Future dates will be posted via Twitter: @MPSSwissCottage or via our newsletter. If you are interested in receiving updates regarding incidents of note, arrests, crime stats or crime prevention advice, then please send an email to SwissCottage.SNT@met.police.uk
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This morning between 10am and 11am, the team were down on Finchley Road, looking to sign up people to Immobilise. Several people have now registered their mobiles, which will allow us to trace them far quicker should it be discovered on someone or in the street. It is worth remembering that moped enabled crime does taken place in Camden and thieves will be targetting your mobile. Future events are planned and will be post here, on Twitter Swiss Cottage Police and via our team newsletter.

Following a series of complaints from residents at Cecil Grove about rough-sleepers, who were defecating in the blocks and generally being anti-social behaviour, the team have finally managed to locate the culprit. He was issued with a Community Protection Notice which orders him to cease all such behaviour or he could be liable for arrest and put before the courts. Regardless, he still has an appearance at court next week where the topic of discussion will be an injunction.

An opportunity for any member of the public to express concerns about crime and disorder in the neighbourhood.

An opportunity for any member of the public to express concerns about crime and disorder in the neighbourhood.

An opportunity to have a Cuppa with your local Cops. The team will also be registering electronic equipment such mobiles, laptops and tablets with Immobilise.

An opportunity for any member of the public to express concerns about crime and disorder in the neighbourhood.

At the end of 2017, the team executed drugs warrants at two addresses. With the aid of Police Dog, Radar, we recovered a quantity of Class A drugs. The investigation continues with this and further analysis and forensics. Back on duty in the New Year and some people weren't keeping to their New Year resolutions, so we helped them out!!

Continuing the battle with anti-social behaviour on the ward, the team had cause to stop a group of youths loitering in Fairfax Place. A subsequent search reveal a driving licence in the name of someone else and quantity of tablets now known to be MDMA aka Ecstacy. Subsequently arrested, the investigation continues.

Recently, complaints were received from businesses on Finchley Road about a 50 year old male, who was constantly drunk and aggressive towards staff and patrons. This was subsequently identifed by the team and issued with a Community Protection Notice, which orders him to cease all offending behaviour. On a non-enforcement level, the team are continuing to address the males housing issues working with our partner agencies.
To date there have been no further complaints about the male and his unruely behaviour.

Helping to increase awareness of scams used on the street and in your home.

Increasing peoples knowledge of commonly used tricks and scams used by criminals.

Raising awareness of common used tricks and scams used by criminal on the street and in your home.

Patrols in and around the ward recently have found evidence of bedding down by unknown individuals. We will continue to pay attention and hopefully find individual, so that we can help get them off the street and under a roof. We work with Camden Safer Streets Team, who are an outreach team. Should you see anyone, then please let us know or contact the Safer Streets Team.
We have had success stories in getting people off the streets through working together.

Over the last two days, an elderly resident was scammed out of several thousands pounds by males claiming they were attending to repair a water leak.
Simple steps to reduce your chances -
What is Artifice Burglary
... Artifice Burglary is when a falsehood, trick or distraction is used on an occupant of a dwelling to gain, or try to gain, access to the premises in order to commit burglary. Victims often tend to be elderly or living alone and find that they have had money and/or valuables stolen as a result of letting these individuals into their home.
Although the vast majority of people who call at your door will be legitimate, there have been incidents where bogus callers have successfully entered people’s homes under false pretences and stolen from them. These criminals are often highly organised, work alone or in pairs, and operate under an array of guises. The most popular include:Gas board, Water board, Council staff, Police Officers and Door-to-door sales people
Crime Prevention advice:
In most cases legitimate callers will carry official ID and relevant paperwork. Most will wait patiently and be willing to answer any questions about their visit. It is also good practice amongst many organisations to ring and make an appointment beforehand rather than turn up at your doorstep unannounced. When someone knocks at the door, STOP and THINK… Are you expecting anyone?
If someone is claiming to be from a company remember to ask what it is they are there for.
Always ask for an ID or any associated paperwork – get them to pass these through the letterbox as at this point you should still have your door closed.
If you have any doubt, ring the company they say they are from independently. Never ring the number given by the caller but instead locate it from another source, e.g. phonebook or directory enquiries.
Extra measures:
Ensure that your back door is always closed when answering the front door. Callers intent on gaining access to your property may be working in pairs – whilst one distracts you at your front door the other may be trying to enter your property via the back.
Never keep large sums of money in the house – use a bank or building society if possible.
Keep valuables and items of sentimental value where they are not easily accessible – the use of a small safe might be appropriate.
Keep documents containing personal details out of sight, e.g. passport, utility bills, bank statements etc.
Keep your keys in a safe place and not on display. If you have suspicions about the caller, do NOT let them in and call police immediately.
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Matt spreading the word to the elderly residents of Mora Burnet House with regards to fraud and scams.
Simple steps to reduce your chances
Stop and think, "It's too good to be true?!" Chances are, it is a scam!!
... Do not agree to offers or deals immediately. Do not hand over money or sign anything until the veracity of the company/individual have been checked out.
Never send money or give bank or personal details to anyone you do not know or trust (whether in the UK or abroad) or use methods of payment that you are not comfortable with.
Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links provided in an email.
Always get independent / legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment i.e. Citizens Advice Bureau
If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help. Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk. Contact the police if the suspect is known or still in the area.
Do not be embarrassed to report a scam. Scammers are cunning and clever there is no shame in being deceived. By reporting, you will make it more difficult for them to deceive others.
If you receive a suspicious phone call end it immediately. Hang up the phone. In order to clear your line from the scammer, wait at least five minutes before making any calls. DO NOT hand over any money or items purchased as a result of this type of phone call.
Please be aware of the following:
Your bank will never attend your home
Your bank and the police will never collect your bank card
Your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN
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On the morning of Sunday 27th August, a 26 year old male was arrested on suspicion of robbery on St Edmunds Terrace.
You can reduce you chances of falling victim by
Prepare – consider your travel arrangements carefully and tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.
... Look assertive, walk with confidence and be aware of your surroundings.
Avoid short cuts and dark isolated areas, vary your routine and keep valuables out of sight.
Never take your safety for granted.
Always ensure that you can hear someone coming up from behind you.
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