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I wanted to provide an update regarding Vandalism/ graffiti, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. On Friday 3rd October I went round to speak to a resident on Eden Road, they explained that on three separate occasions they have had their cars rear window wiper snapped off. After talking to the resident, I patrolled with PCSO Trattell around the neighbouring roads, especially Mulgrave and Woodstock. We counted 28 cars that visibly had their rear wipers broken.
On further investigation it turns out that South Croydon SNT were experiencing the same problem and there was over 60 cars that had been vandalised. However, there was only one CCTV recording of a vehicle being damaged.
Fairfield SNT and South Croydon SNT both changed shift times so they could patrol late into the night and hopefully catch the individual committing these crimes.
South Croydon last week identified the suspect as more doorbell footage was brought forward by a local resident and officers were able to identify them. The suspect was then arrested and has been bailed whilst the work on his case for court is being prepared.
I just wanted to send a quick message to let everyone know that the suspect has been arrested and identified.
 We want to ensure everyone is able to keep their property safe from vandalism or defacement in your local area. As such, through conversations with homeowners, members of the public, police officers and staff we’ve collated our 5 Top Tips for safeguarding a property. Please see the advice listed below: - Stay visible: Having a property that can’t be seen from the street may make it more susceptible to being a target of vandalism. Make sure you are limiting places around your property where vandals can hide.
- Create a fence/boundary: By doing this, you’re creating a visible barrier that works as a reminder that if someone crosses uninvited, they would be trespassing.
- Keep it secure: Evaluate your property and be sure to safeguard vulnerable points such as ground floor windows with one-metre high sharp, prickly bushes.
- Extra security: If you have a surface which anyone can sit on – like a ledge or a low wall – some carefully placed plants can work as a good deterrent. Also, you can secure the side and rear boundary of your property with a two-metre-high fence topped with a trellis.
- Keep it tidy: If the property looks untidy, some people won’t think twice about adding to it or simply hanging around in the area. We would advise you not to leave rubbish, ladders, wheelie bins or anything else that could be used for burglary or vandalism in the property's vicinity.
For more advice and up-to-the-minute information about the latest crime prevention products, visit Secured by Design – an official police security initiative. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
