Thieves targeted two vehicles on Upper Richmond Road overnight, smashing windows in random opportunist attacks – just weeks after East Putney officers admitted they are powerless to prevent such crimes.
The break-ins occurred on Tuesday night on Upper Richmond Road, one on a driveway on Upper Richmond Road and a second closest to the main road on Carmalt Gardens. Both vehicles sustained significant damage: photographs show completely smashed rear and side windows on the targeted cars.
The incidents come barely two weeks after police at East Putney’s safer neighbourhoods team told residents they were “overstretched” and unable to prevent thefts in the area. In an October 10 meeting, officers admitted they lacked the resources to tackle the ongoing wave of property crime.
The Metropolitan Police have warned residents that such incidents are often random and opportunist in nature, making them difficult to predict or prosecute.
A survey of the street following the overnight attacks found no other vehicles had been targeted. The two affected cars appeared to be among the few properties on Upper Richmond Road without front gates, suggesting the thieves may have selected more accessible targets.
Motor vehicle crime is one of West Putney’s current three priorities, the others being violence and anti-social behaviour (ASB), most of it focused on the the Ashburton Estate. Previously the theft of cars, with a hot spot on Granard Avenue, has been reported as a particular concern.
When it comes specifically to motor vehicle crime in West Putney, the Met noted last month that “vehicle theft remains a long term priority across the ward,” adding, “we have used data analysis and predictive crime mapping to identify potentially vulnerable roads. Using this analysis, we have been able to identify the most likely style of vehicle and their respective features to be targeted. We will proactively identify and engage with vehicle owners and provide practical crime prevention advice to reduce the potential of falling victim to vehicle crime.”
The break-ins highlight the continuing vulnerability of residents to this type of crime. At the recent East Putney meeting, officers acknowledged they could not promise any improvement in the situation, leaving residents to take their own security precautions.
Police advice on preventing vehicle break-ins includes:
- Remove all valuables from cars, even those in the boot
- Park in well-lit areas where possible
- Use visible steering locks or other deterrents
- Report any suspicious activity immediately
- Install security cameras or motion-sensor lighting
Residents who witnessed any suspicious activity on Upper Richmond Road on Tuesday night or who have information about the break-ins should contact the police on 101.
The incidents add to a growing pattern of vehicle-related crime across Putney, with residents increasingly frustrated by what they see as inadequate police response to property crime.
