Increase in offences between Chiswick Lane and Duke Road

Local police have warned the public to be on the alert to what they have reported as a 'spike' in offences in one part of Chiswick.

Two men attempted to break into a house in the Chiswick Lane area by forcing a front window at lunchtime ( 1.15 pm) yesterday. Police have warned local people to be on the alert, particularly with regard to open windows, following a spike of crimes reported in the area between Chiswick Lane and Duke Road.

The police said the only description of possible suspects from the attempted burglary yesterday was of two young black men, one with light skin, aged between 18-20 years, who were were seen to run off.

A police spokesman said; "There has been an unusual spike of offences in a fairly small area in Chiswick. Between Chiswick Lane to the east and Duke Road to the west, there have been seven burglaries or attempted burglaries and a theft from a motor vehicle in the last four weeks (25th June to the 22nd July). The number of reported crimes throughout Chiswick remains low which makes this group of offences even more extraordinary.

"For the burglaries, the means of access are both from the front and the back. The culprits have forced windows and doors to get in. On one occasion they were helped by a window left open on the 1st floor when the house was empty. The variety of times and points of entry, and even offences with a theft from a van included, show the suspects may be opportunist and in the area to look for a suitable target."

The police advise that to prevent becoming a victim, windows should be kept closed whilst away from the premises and windows and doors locked and secure.

"For vehicles, suspects will walk up a street and peer in to parked cars with an eye to grabbing something that is left on view. Items should ideally be removed from the vehicles, and the vehicles should always be locked."

Homefields Ward Crime Figures - 30 June - 13th July 2014

There have been 36 crimes recorded in the fortnight, a 5% increase on the 34 crimes in the last reporting period.

There have been 7 burglaries reported. 6 residential and 1 non residential reported. If you have the ability to double lock your door with a chubb lock please do this as many burglaries are being committed by suspects prising open the top Yale locks.

Theft from motor vehicles - There have been 10 thefts from motor vehicle offences reported, a slight increase on the last reporting period. Please don’t become complacent and continue to remove your possessions from display.

Top Tip
If you are going away on holiday this summer make your home look like someone is living in it. Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark. Cancel newspaper or milk deliveries. Consider the use of the Royal Mail's 'keepsafe' service where they keep your mail for up to 2 months while you're away. Mail sitting on your doorstep is a sign that you are away. Trusted neighbours could help by simply closing your curtains and they could park their car on your driveway Avoid discussing holiday plans on public social networking sites - burglars can use any information you post on there to their advantage

July 22, 2014