One of the two dedicated ward officers for Coulsdon has provided the response below as a result or the dreadful recent burglaries in Coulsdon Town Centre. This I can share with you and residents associations......
I am well aware of the current situation regards to Burglaries in and around the area of Coulsdon and the surrounding areas of the southern part of Croydon. It is no secret that there has been an increase in the last couple of months. Whilst we do our very best when available to provide high visibility deterrents by conducting regular patrols when available, we frustratingly know that we are simply not able to prevent this type of crime at all hours of the day.
We do however have some good news stories which I would like to share with you. We have been working with Surrey Police where-by I can confirm that 6 people have been arrested in relation to Burglaries in the area involving high end vehicle thefts. At the weekend, response team intercepted and arrested 2x Burglars in the Shirley area after making off from a break in, with the use of helicopter and dog, we were able to track them and make arrests. A handful of stolen property was recovered and both are now serving custodial sentences. There was also an arrest in Kenley over the weekend after a male was seen trying door handles of houses.
I am aware that we have also had a spate of break-ins, in the high street, similar MO where-by front door window smashed and cash inside premises has been taken. In the build up to Christmas, members of the southern safer neighbourhood wards have sacrificed their nights and have put together a plain clothes squad to attempt to tackle the remaining issues that we have and hopefully be able to provide further good news stories.
Ultimately, we will never be able to completely halt this type of crime completely. We know that Coulsdon, Purley, Kenley is the more affluent area of Croydon thus is always going to attract opportunistic thieves. There will never be a better prevention tactic than good home security. Whilst cameras are good. Unfortunately, do not help if suspects are masked up. Since Covid19, it now seems to be socially acceptable to wear face coverings and balaclavas thus making detection a lot harder for us. Old fashioned security advice will always still stand. Good strong front doors, Double glazed windows, Vehicle crook locks and often the best prevention tactics.
We also offer residents a free home security survey, if people are worried, we’re more than happy to spend time with people discussing how they could better secure their homes and possessions.
