Dear Residents,
Further to the reports that have been posted on the unofficial ‘Security WhatsApp group’ about an apparent attempted break-in to a property on the estate over the weekend, I thought it would be helpful and reassuring to share an update from the Police after my engagement with the Police Borough Commander.
By way of context, on Saturday morning at approximately 11am, the owner of a property contacted the estate’s duty security team to say that a pane of glass within the window of their property was cracked and the property owner thought there had been an attempted break-in. The duty security officer attended and, with the property owner, identified that it was actually an internal inside pane of glass (within a double-glazed unit) that was cracked, rather than the external outside-facing pane – and, as a result, it was determined that no one had attempted to break-in.
However, the property owner remained concerned, and I therefore sought the view of the Police Borough Commander. His view is that it is highly unlikely that, given the circumstances, this was actually an attempted break-in, and it is more likely that the internal window cracked owing to thermal stresses caused by temperature fluctuating. In addition, to address the specific concern that a heat gun was used (similar to those used to melt tar) to crack the glass, he thinks this is unlikely to have been used as a method to break-in because:
- A battery powered heat gun would be required and this is awkward to carry around rather than a screwdriver or other hand tool that can be easily concealed and is often used.
- A heat gun would produce more noise than a screwdriver being used to force a window.
- The external pane had not cracked, and the heat would have had to pass through that first glass pane to get to the second glass pane.
- It would take a long time to crack the glass as the heat and stress would need to build up.
Although the Police Commander concedes he is not a technical expert, he is an experienced Police officer and, “All in all I think the chance of using a heat gun is pretty low and a rather odd tactic to enter a premises”.
I trust this is reassuring and will calm some of the concerns.
If residents have any questions or concerns in relation to any security issue, it is best to come to the duty staff or me first to establish the facts – even over a weekend. This then avoids any speculation which can be unsettling for others.
Fortunately, the level of crime on the estate remains low and there has not been a burglary on the estate since July 2023. I remain closely aligned with the Police Borough Commander and we will continue to update residents with the Police’s advice and guidance and any specific warnings as required through our official emails.
Although well understood by many, it is also prudent to reiterate that residents are responsible for their own security of their property. The RA is only, officially, responsible for access control to the estate and the flow of traffic over its roads; although we will inevitably assist with the security team leader and the mobile security patrol when required.
I hope this is helpful and please feel to ask any questions if any further clarification is required.
Best wishes,
Richard
