(27 January 2003)




Wimbledon Town Centre scams. The first scam is occurring in the
coffee shops in the town centre. Two young males age 10-25 years
enter and distract the victims at the table by asking for directions.
They then cover the table and mobile phone or other property with a
map or begging letter.




Bosnian dippers (pick-pockets ) are targeting the gents' toilets in
Centre court. Two males enter the toilets and wait together in a
cubicle. When the victims leave their goods whilst they use the
facilities, the youths steal their property. 3 female Bosnians who
wait outside the toilets usually accompany the males.




Wimbledon Village burglaries. A burglar is still targeting this area.
(Welford Place and Bathgate in particular).





There has also been an increase in burglaries in this area whereby the
suspect enters via the rear and breaks a window to enter the property.





Forged £50 notes. Forged £50 notes are in circulation in the Borough
(a number seized in Centre Court.) Please check if you receive any of
these notes. Genuine notes will leak ink when rubbed on a sheet of
white paper. Forged notes have a poor watermark and the metal strip
is missing although it may appear to have one.





Increase in shed/garage burglaries, St Helier, Morden.There has been
an increase in this crime and the padlock has been cut. Please check
the security of these buildings.




If you have any information regarding any of these crimes please ring
Wimbledon Police Station on 0208 947 1212 (non-urgent) or 999 in an
emergency.




Annette Anderson (sergeant)


Neighbourhood Watch Manager


Merton Police


Contact 0208 6494021 or e-mail Annette.Anderson@...