Priority crimes
The crimes which are a priority in Hammersmith and Fulham
We work with our partners to carry out prevention work across the borough in areas where crime is prevalent. Below are some tips on keeping safe and helping to minimise crime.
Burglaries
- Don’t leave easily accessible doors and windows open, even in the warm weather. They are an open invitation for an opportunist thief
- Make sure side gates and rear entrances to your property are shut
- Put away ladders or gardening tools that could be used to force entry to your home.
- If you live in a flat, make sure the communal door is kept closed
- Beware of bogus callers trying to trick their way into your home. Leave your door chain on when talking to strange callers and check their I.D cards. If in doubt, refuse them entry
- If you are going on holiday, ask a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property and clear your mail. Invest in a timer for your lights to make your home look occupied in your absence
By taking these simple steps, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of burglary.
Motor vehicle crime
- Much motor vehicle crime is preventable. There are some simple steps you can take to help prevent you becoming a victim of this crime:
- Keep it locked
- Keep possessions and valuables out of sight (preferably remove from the vehicle entirely)
- Never leave your keys in the ignition
- Park in a well lit or overlooked area whenever possible
- Never leave your car keys in your hallway, where they might be taken through your letterbox.
Visit: http://www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk/ for more information on making your car safe.
If you travel by bicycle please read our leaflet about keeing your bicycle secure: Bicycle security leaflet
Personal Safety
On an evening out:
- Know where you are going and plan your route home afterwards
- Never leave your food or drink unattended
- Keep your personal belongings with you and safe at all times
- Travel in a group wherever possible
On public transport:
- Plan your route home in advance
- Make sure you have your travel pass or tube ticket close to hand
- Stay in well lit areas when waiting for transport
- Avoid empty carriages at night, and know where the emergency alarms are
- On a bus late at night, try to sit near the driver.
Taxis and minicabs
Licensed taxis are the only cabs that are legally allowed to ply for hire or be flagged down in the street. Licensed minicabs can only be hired by telephoning or visiting a registered office. Licensed drivers and firms have been through security checks as a safety precaution for managers and must display their licence prominently. Unlicensed minicabs have not gone through this process. Before getting into an unlicensed minicab, remember that it is nothing more than a stranger with a car and don't put yourself at risk.
Some safety tips for travelling in a taxi or unlicensed minicab:
- Carry the number of a local reputable firm
- Share a taxi with a friend where possible. If you are alone, consider sitting in the back
- When booking a minicab, ask for the name of the driver and the make of car if possible
- If you are booking a vehicle from a public place, try not to let anyone overhear you giving your personal details
- Check the name of the driver and the firm before you get in - make sure it's the cab you booked
Suzy Lamplugh trust website gives information about keeping safe: http://www.suzylamplugh.org/home/index.shtml
