Forum Topic

spate of burglaries in Goldsmith Avenue

Three attempts in the last week or so - at least one successfull.The method is to reach through the letterbox and unlatch the front door ...then a quick swoop on things in the hall. It's a woman's hand apparently.I suppose double-locking at night or setting the burglar alarm.Bring back the MI5 camera - that seemed quite a protection.

Sara Nathan ● 5803d17 Comments

Probably the same little toerags that are hitting West Acton too. My neighbours 4 doors down had this happen to them 2 weeks ago. Same method of entry and they stole 2 mobile phones, car keys,a laptop and a handbag.All whilst the occupents were sleeping !!Hubby told me of a similar incident this week.....Can't remember where it was....local though.......

Ellie Rose ● 5803d

Just remembered......Chaucer Road.

Ellie Rose ● 5803d

Our car was vandalised twice in Maldon Road this week.Saturday night the drivers window was broken - guess they were after the satnav but it was in the house.Repaired it, then same thing on Monday night.This time they took the satnav sucker.  Guess I was the sucker for leaving it there even with no satnav on it.

Allan Kelly ● 5803d

we have a lawnmover fetish thief - our new mower was stolen from our garage a few weeks ago -the same thing happened to it's predecessor! The annoying thing is that I don't notice it's gone (despite putting the car away) until it's time to mow the lawn and it's then a shock. I always lock the garage as well but the one night I didn't ...

Claire Rutland ● 5803d

Often these rashes are attributed to half term but the letterbox people are grown ups from all reports - specialise in trying at around 4am apparently

Sara Nathan ● 5803d

Got Him! ... man + stick + hook + car was nicked in the early hours in churchfield road over the weekend.The boys and girls in blue are on a winning streak ... good for them

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 5800d

Hurrah - but I thought there was a woman as well...you have very good police sources Jeremy - or has it all been announced?

Sara Nathan ● 5800d

David told me about the hooky man, the other was an email from the safer neighbourhood team

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 5800d

All residents should purchase from Banhams (they have a shop in Kensington High Street) an interior letter box sheild (available in brass or silver) which prevents anyone putting anything other than letters through your post box.All you need to fix it on your door is a (electric) screwdriver.Cheap for such a simple deterrent

Dee Cook ● 5799d

The police came round today - I was out - because apparently they think we were burgled. I wonder who it is who hasn't had a visit but needs it.

Sara Nathan ● 5798d

It's not enough to have a Yale-type lock, not in London. Mortice lock AND a chain or expect the scum of the earth in your hallway.

Susan Kelly ● 5798d

Yale locks can be opened by sliding a credit card in the gap between door and door frame - so I'm told.  So a deadlock at the top and bottom of the door frame is what is required.  And don't leave your keys on anywhere near the front door.  Take a visit to BANHAMS in Kensington High Street - they will help you decide what is the best lock for your door.  (and no, I don't have any personal interest in you purchasing anything from them).

Dee Cook ● 5797d

I think the credit card trick relies on the door edge being exposed with the catch visible, so that the card can be pushed directly toward the catch, rather than having to navigate a right angle.Can someone with experience (!) advise?

Ian M Green ● 5797d

If the door is made of wood a simple 'attach' with a screwdriver will expose enough space to do the credit card thing on a Yale lock.Nothing wrong with Banhams - although a bit pricey -but why not use our local locksmith, Acton Locksmiths on the A40 just up from Dreams. They have full range of mortice locks and will come out and fit them if you want. I have used them and found them to be good.

Charles Gallichan ● 5796d

A deadlocking Yale type night latch will prevent the credit card/piece of a coke bottle trick. I used to be quite good at the latter (for legitimate reasons!) For good front door security you also need a good quality mortice, two thirds down, hinge bolts and a 'London Bar' (piece of steel shaped to fit over the frame side of the latch and screwed into the full length of the frame)

Iain Muir ● 5796d

Dear all; Apologies for my lateness in getting in on this thread (I have just registered!). I am the new Sergeant on Acton Central ward. My team is happy to provide any resident on the ward crime prevention advice and we can supply you with letterbox covers free of charge (subject to availability from Ealing Council). Please feel free to email us: ActonCentral.snt@met.police.uk. Regards Mark Pullen.

PS 101XB Mark Pullen ● 5790d

Hi Mark - looking forward to seeing you at the community association meeting on November 24th

Sara Nathan ● 5790d