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Violent crime down but robbery on the increase New crime statistics for the area present broadly positive picture with the number of offences down again. Chiswick already has a very low rate of incidence of violent crimes against the person and this is continuing to fall, a trend that was seen across the borough. Elsewhere in London this kind of crime is on the increase with police in other boroughs blaming new reporting methods. The figures do show a big increase in robbery in the local area particularly in north Chiswick. This was up by over 50% in Southfield ward and 42.4% in Chiswick Homefields. Part of the reason could be intensive operations against robbery in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham which is resulting in criminals from that area moving west. Theft and handling remains a big problem particularly in Turnham Green ward where bike theft and handbag snatches account for the high incidence of this kind of crime. Turnham Green ward, which includes Chiswick High Road has the highest incidence of bike theft in the borough. Police are encouraging people to use the 'Immobilise' system to make it easier for them to trace stolen property. Free immobilise stickers (normally £3.99) are currently available from Chiswick police station. Inspector David Osborne, who is responsible for Chiswick Police station said, "At this time of year, with new cycles on many Christmas lists a lot of you will be shopping for new bicycles. We would urge you to invest in a good quality lock and chain. Most cycles stolen in Chiswick are locked, but with poor quality chains, which can be cut off by a persistent thief. Purchasing a quality lock and chain may prevent theft of a new bike. " The ‘Sold Secure’ website provides an independent rating of various types of security equipment including cycle locks (www.soldsecure.com). " Thefts of, and from unattended bags and other ‘dippings’ are another problem in and around busy shops and cafes; Chiswick is certainly no exception with 24 offences reported in just over three weeks recently. Inspector Osborne is planning to contact local bars and cafes to advsie them of crime prevention measures they can take to protect their customers.Many local bars and cafes provide handbag clasps to help secure your valuables whilst you are out on the High Road. Last month the ward by ward data was published for the first time and it showed a big increase in burglary in the Chiswick area. Inspector Osborne believes that this was down to a statistical glitch with the new system. An analysis of the figures seems to bear him out, for instance in Turnham Green ward last month the increase in burglary was over 50% but this month it is largely static. Changes of this nature are unlikely given that the numbers are presented on a 12 month rolling basis so wide swings in a single month are unlikely. Burglary in the ward does remain very high and in Chiswick in general this month's numbers do suggest it is on the increase. Hounslow Borough is currently the third best performing in the Met in relation to Burglary, with a clear up rate of 27% and a reduction of 4% on last year.
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