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Dear resident, We hope you are well. Firstly, it is important to update any residents or ward contacts on the recent changes to your local ward emails. In order to contact Twickenham Riverside and/or St Margarets & North Twickenham please use the following emails: twickenhamriverside.365group@met.police.uk and stmargarets&northtwickenham.365group@met.police.uk If there are any issues using this revised group email please defer to the previous one as it might still be operational. Apologies for any inconvenience this has caused. The local safer neighbourhood teams have recently been aware of suspicious activity related to potential burglars targeting properties in the area. Burglars sometimes use seemingly innocent stickers or markings on letterboxes, doors, or gates as “casing signals” as a way to mark homes as potential targets (e.g. if the house appears unoccupied or vulnerable). This method is often referred to as part of a tactic called ‘doorstep reconnaissance’ or “urban code marking”. Here's how to protect yourself and your property: 1. Regularly Check and Remove Stickers Be alert to unfamiliar stickers, chalk marks, or symbols on or near your letterbox, gate, or door.If you spot something unusual, remove it immediately.Take a photo before removing, in case it needs to be reported.2. Report Suspicious Activity If you notice repeated markings or suspicious behaviour (e.g., strangers loitering, taking photos of homes), report it to:- Your local police (especially if you believe it's a scouting attempt).
- Your neighbourhood watch group, if one exists.
3. Install Visible Security Measures Use CCTV or a video doorbell (like Ring or Nest) that alerts you when someone approaches.Display visible signs like:- “CCTV in operation”
- “Neighbourhood Watch Area”
4. Strengthen Door and Mailbox Security Install a secure letterbox cage or restrictor to prevent access to locks or stealing mail.Consider a motion-activated light near your entrance to deter prowlers.5. Maintain a "Lived-In" Look Burglars often target homes that appear unoccupied:- Use light timers when away.
- Ask neighbours to collect mail or flyers if you're on holiday.
- Keep gardens and driveways tidy—overgrown lawns or uncollected mail are red flags.
6. Work with Your Neighbours Create or join a local community safety group.Share info about any suspicious markings or activity.A connected neighbourhood is a safer one.7. Educate Vulnerable Residents Warn elderly or isolated neighbours about this tactic.Encourage them to avoid removing stickers without documenting them or reporting them first. What to Do if You Suspect a Burglary is Being Planned Don’t engage with suspicious individuals.Document and report:- Take pictures of markings or stickers.
- Report to the police non-emergency number or local crime reporting platform (e.g., 101 in the UK).
If you feel at immediate risk, dial emergency services (999/911 depending on your country). Kind regards PCSO Kourosh Far | 
