Wandsworth Common residents are joining up with their local police team and elected representatives to tackle crime in the area.

On Tuesday Westover Road (SW18) residents, met with Sadiq Khan MP, GLA member Richard Tracey and Sergeant Jerry Ostrowski of the Wandsworth Common police Safer Neighbourhood Team, to discuss a string of vehicle crimes on the road.

In total 10 households were represented at the meeting, all of whom had been victims of car crimes – these included theft of vehicles, vandalism and theft of possessions from cars on the road.

Most recently a woman was approached and threatened by a man who demanded she give him the keys to her car – all in broad daylight.  

Due to the seriousness of the incidents Sadiq felt it was vital to organise a face to face with residents and the local police officers to address their concerns, reassure residents and find new ways to tackle the problem. 

Sadiq Khan MP said, “I have been extremely concerned with the nature and frequency of these crimes, and felt it was important I help bring police and residents together to discuss these issues head-on.

“This is normally a safe area, and residents should not have to suffer the fear that crimes such as these can foster.

“The meeting was extremely productive, and everyone in attendance was in agreement that steps should quickly be taken to combat this sudden rise in car-crime.

“A vigilant community and active police force can stop these crimes from taking place.”

Sergeant Jerry Ostrowski of the Wandsworth Common police Safer Neighbourhood Team has been working with Sadiq Khan MP and local residents to combat the problem. He said, “By working together with the local police, local problems can and have been solved.

“This working partnership with Westover Road began with the meeting on Tuesday.

“The team are in the process of helping residents set up a residents association, and expanding neighbourhood watch, already in place, in the area.

“These schemes greatly increase communication between local police and the community.

“We also urge that neighbours and residents adopt a strong community spirit, and keep an eye out for each other.

“Neighbourhoods belong to those who choose to live in an area, and not the criminals who choose to commit crime in the area.

“We will actively patrol, whether in uniform or plain clothes, and robustly deal with offenders causing problems.”