A Richmond police inspector has outlined how the Met Police plans to tackle recent "highly organised" burglaries in the area.

In a message to the MPS South Richmond Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNt) WhatsApp channel, Met Police Inspector Chris Jackson reassured residents that, while residential burglaries have decreased by 23.4% over the past 12 months, there have still been 12 home burglaries since the end of October 2024.

Inspector Jackson stated: "These offences have understandably caused a great deal of fear and concern within the local community, and I want to update you regarding the actions that have been taken so far, and those planned for the future.

"I can assure you that resolving these issues has my utmost attention.

"Burglary is a horrific offence, with victims homes invaded and many suffer long term effects in the aftermath.

"It is not a property based crime as many think, all officers appreciate that it is an intrusion and violation of personal space and belongings; this means it is challenging to recover to the same sense of security afterwards."

One of the key measures suggested was the introduction of 'street briefings', where residents receive crime prevention information.

The first briefings were held at Richmond Green and Denbeigh Gardens, with more planned across the ward.

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Detective Sergeant Howell, from the South West BCU Burglary/Robbery Investigation team (BRIt), has been appointed as a point of contact for burglary victims, alongside the officers directly handling investigations.

To combat the recent crime wave, South Richmond SNt has increased:

• Uniformed patrols in residential areas
• Plainclothes patrols to monitor suspicious activity
• Unmarked police vehicle patrols between 00:00 and 05:00 daily, manned by officers from the Emergency Response Team

A review of South Richmond SNt's response to burglary victims has also been conducted to make improvements.

A review of the police response to burglary victims found inconsistencies, prompting new protocols.

Now, every burglary report will be reviewed by the SNt Inspector, with an action plan including:

• A personal visit to victims at the earliest opportunity
• CCTV enquiries in the local area
• 'Cocooning' activities, distributing information leaflets to nearby addresses

Moving forward, Sergeant Richard Wright will be the primary point of contact for burglary victims in South Richmond, with a deputy in place during absences.

Additionally, an extra officer has already been added to the SNt, with a third police constable set to join soon.

Inspector Jackson continued: "We remain acutely aware of the impact that these offences are having on our local community, and that trust and confidence in policing is suffering as a result.

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"Your local officers are determined to reduce offending in South Richmond ward by proactively patrolling, whilst supporting victims and working alongside investigative units and partner agencies to identify and prosecute offenders."

A review of these new measures will take place on 23 April with the Chair of the South Richmond Police Liaison Group.

For any concerns or questions contact the team [email protected].

To get in touch with Inspector Chris Jackson email [email protected] and to get in touch with Sergeant Richard Wright email [email protected].