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Safer Islington
Police briefing
Islington’s borough commander,
Gerry Campbell and the Metropolitan
Police would like to ensure the safety
of residents and visitors over the
festive season. Gerry provides some tips on
how to prevent crime this Christmas…
Keeping safe
on the roads
When driving in icy or hazardous conditions please note the following
tips from the council's road safety team:
Slow down, steer gently and avoid harsh turns, braking or
acceleration
Keep a safe driving distance between you and other vehicles
Look well ahead to anticipate problems
When pulling away, use 2nd gear if possible to avoid wheel spin
When braking, get into a low gear earlier than normal
Reduce your speed well before bends and corners by easing off
the accelerator
Reduce your speed if you encounter black ice
Check your batteries at the start of winter and ensure your tires
have been checked for the correct pressure and tread depth
Check your wiper blades are in good condition.
Nuisance neighbour behind bars
A man who breached his antisocial
behaviour injunction on an
Islington estate has been jailed
for 16 weeks and could lose his
council home.
The 40 year old man from
Blair Close, N1, breached an
anti-social behaviour injunction
in June 2012, by playing loud
music, making obscene gestures
and verbally abusing neighbours.
In September 2012 another
order and an injunction were
agreed, which included telling
him he must not use - or
threaten to use - violence
towards any of his neighbours.
But he breached this order
in November and was
arrested by Mildmay’s Safer
Neighbourhoods Team. The
Clerkenwell and Shoreditch
County Court sentenced him
to 16 weeks imprisonment for
harassment of neighbours.
Cllr Paul Convery, the
council’s executive member for
community safety, said:
“We’re on the side of
residents, who want less crime
and anti-social behaviour in
Islington. This man’s behaviour
badly affected residents’ right
to enjoy their lives and homes.
But our decisive action has put
him behind bars and he could
yet lose his home.
“Our message on anti-social
behaviour is clear: play by the
rules or face the consequences.”
“London attracts tourists from around the world
who come to see the sights and do their Christmas
shopping in its bustling city centres. Unfortunately,
the capital’s bright lights are also a magnet for
unwelcome, opportunistic criminals keen to take
advantage of the busy winter period in rather
different ways.
“We ask the public to be extra vigilant and to
take note of the following crime prevention tips:
When out and about…
Keep your purse inside a zipped-up handbag at
all times
Be extra cautious when using cash points - make
sure you cover your pin number. Do not leave
until your cash has been put away
Be aware of your surroundings when using your
mobile phone. Try not to use it at locations such
as coming out of the underground or on public
transport – this is where it is most likely to be
snatched
Protecting your goods…
Record the serial numbers of gifts such as
laptops, smart phones and electrical goods.
Property mark your valuables - the MPS
regularly carry out Smartwater schemes in the
Islington area
At home…
Do not open your door to unexpected callers -
burglars will often take advantage of seasonal
traffic and pose as Christmas carollers or charity
workers
If you are away for Christmas, ask a neighbour
to keep an eye on your property
Late at night…
Drink responsibly and never leave your drink
unattended
Stick to well-lit roads and don’t take short cuts.
Try not to go home alone.
Plan, in advance, how you will get home from
a night out. Do not accept lifts from illegal taxi
touts.
“Winter is a time for festivities and celebrations -
keep yourself and your belongings safe.”
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