Crime update May 2019

Crimes Against Older People summary of reported crimes in May 2019

Parking Meter Scam/Theft

Last month there were several incidents of distraction and bank card theft from users of parking meters in Wandsworth.  Victims were approached by a person offering to help with the card payment, which resulted in the victim being distracted, their card and or PIN being stolen and subsequent suspicious transactions being made.

Tips to stay safe

• Be aware of your surroundings. Do not get distracted. Be particularly cautious if “well-meaning” strangers try to distract you or offer to help you.
• Never share your PIN number with anyone.
• If there is anything unusual with the parking meter payment machine, or there are signs of tampering, do not use it.
• Ensure that you do not keep your PIN number written down and kept in the same place as your bank cards.
• If you have a smartphone, you can use the “Parkmobile” App to pay for your parking in Wandsworth. 
• If you have a phone, you can call the Parkmobile number on 020 3003 2523 to pay once you arrive at a parking space.

2. Burglary

There was a rise in recorded incidents of burglary in May. Please note that the hot weather continues to provide criminals with the opportunity to take advantage of unattended open doors and windows.

Tips to stay safe

Ensure that ground floor windows and back/front doors are kept closed and locked when a room or area in your home is unattended.

For information on increasing the security of your home (window locks and restrictors) contact the Wandsworth Council Community Safety team on 020 8871 6567 / email communitysafety@wandsworth.gov.uk