I would like to bring to you attention that Forest Hill has recently been subject to an increase in the number of reported burglaries affecting various areas within the ward. Now autumn and the winter months are drawing in, could I ask that you pay particular attention to your home security when going out. When leaving your home, ensure all locks are set and windows are closed and if you have an alarm, please set it. Do not leave valuables on view especially lap top computers or I-Pads.

We have also received some complaints from residents of individuals purporting to be from the Gas Board in efforts to access their homes.

Another complaint was of young people attending residential homes selling household goods at inflated prices as part of a youth offender’s rehabilitation program and needed to do this to obtain references for upcoming jobs. These people have produced laminated identity cards. I ask, should you have someone attend your home under similar circumstances, do not open the door unless you can verify their identity and make use of security chains if you have them fitted. Genuine people will happily wait for you to check their identities. Remember you can always call the police if someone attends your home unannounced in similar circumstances and we will attend and speak to these individuals.