snowman

Unfortunately it doesn't appear to have stopped...bike drained again this morning :'( Reported it again to the police (I have now my personal direct number as a repeated victim of crime!) but as usual I expect to receive a notification within a couple of days that the case has been closed and nothing will be done about it... This is immensely frustrating.

Hi MissSophie sorry to hear about this, I have been a victim of this twice in the past few weeks. Please report it to the police (I did and it really doesn't take long), at least they will see a pattern emerging and might decide to do something about this. I totally understand your frustration...in theory you should be able to simply put back the petrol lead in and fix the retaining clip in place (they tend to pull it rather than cutting it in my experience). Having said that, the last time they did my bike they broke the connecting 'bit' between the lead and petrol tank and I was left with a nice and hefty bill for its replacement. I have asked the garage if there is an easy fix for this type of theft but apparently there isn't. The only solution is to find a secure parking space (I have started a thread in the 'wanted' section to rent a garage/similar but no luck so far - I am also stuck with parking on the street). It would also be interesting to know in which area this happened to see if it is in the vicinity of all the other thefts. Hopefully it will not come to this but if the thefts do not stop then I might have to sell the bike and find an alternative mean of transport which would be extremely annoying and frustrating.:'(

Main road unfortunately as I do not have a driveway :-S

That's not what I meant Horsebox - more something in line to TJ's suggestion. And I agree that my own vehicle is my responsibility, hence the suggestion to rent/share a garage (see...I am ready to pay to ensure the safety of my own vehicle, not expecting someone else to do it for me). But in terms of ensuring generally a 'crime-free' environment I do expect the council/police to take reasonable steps - and a couple of CCTV cameras strategically located around an area where problems have been reported - in my opinion - fall into that category.

TJ, unfortunately using a car would increase my commute from approx. 30 min to almost 2 hours (with regular traffic) and public transport to around 1h15min. Considering I would also incur in extra costs (far in excess of sharing a garage with other scooter owners), it doesn't make them very appealing solutions! In the meantime I have been called by Southwark Police and apart from all the usual suggestions they have pretty much admitted that there isn't much that can be done (I am not very happy about this - fine, there are more serious crimes, but when it keeps repeating like this it gets very annoying). As TJ suggests they also said they have not received many reports and therefore do not think there is a problem. Please, please please, if you have been a victim of this type of crime (or any other for what it matters!)report it. It is easy and takes only a few minutes.

Petrol gone again last night from my scooter!! Second time in 3 weeks, I am going out to buy a shotgun. Have reported to the Police and I suppose I will get the same result as last time - a quick phone call to check a few details and then an email/letter a couple of days later saying the case has been closed and won't be pursued! There must be something that can be done - ask the council to install some CCTV? I was also thinking if there is some garage space available for rent that could be used by say 3 or 4 scooter owners to lock their scooters at night? All the crimes appear to be around the same area, so if a suitable place could be found in one of the surrounding streets it might be easy enough for some of us to share the cost of renting such a place?

Hi Declan I have a bit of experience as I am in charge of recruitment for the company I work for and have to review several CVs on a weekly basis. Based on my experience/approach I would suggest: - Keep it short (max. 2 pages, 1 is better)! I tend to dismiss (at least mentally) almost immediately anything longer than that. - Read carefully the job advert, etc and respond/prepare the CV accordingly. Generally you end up getting an interview if you stand out and demonstrate a proper understanding, appreciation, etc of the type of job. Using a standard agency type format will only make you more susceptible to merge with the other 100 applicants. - Check it for spelling mistakes (not only CV but cover letter and any other additional material you need to submit). It shows you really care about the job! Obviously feel free to PM me a draft of your CV if you wish and I can give you a specific opinion.

That's great news James!

Reported as well. Police called me following submission of the report online to check a couple of details, they said they would cross check against other reports in the area to see if there is a pattern. I suggest you report it if you have been a victim - enough reports and at least we might get some increased surveillance?....

Hi BQC I have reported through the link (MET police) posted in the other thread. Any idea on how to stop this if it keeps happenning again? It is VERY annoying (my tank was fully drained and I had to push the scooter all the way to East Dulwich Rd to refill!)

When I tried to start my scooter in Crebor St earlier today it wouldn't...because some w****r had tampered with it and nicked the petrol (about ?1 worth - it was almost empty!....they have hardly hit the jackpot have they?)...:'( Anyway, I think this might offer an explanation on the petrol smell - I also noticed another tread about petrol theft, worth reporting to the police then?

Anyone with an update on the train situation early today? I need to leave the house in about 20min and it would be great to understand if any service is running. Cheers

London bar seems to be a really good option but...what if you have an outward opening door like our flat? Is it inherently safer because it cannot be kicked in? or should we be aware of other security devices that could fitted?

On Crebor street very low pressure as well...

Jim to follow up on your straw poll...yes, one morning a few years ago I realised I had left my wallet, bus pass, etc on my desk at the office (I was given a lift home from work by a friend the previous night). That same night my new neighbours had moved in the flat downstairs. Didn't know what to do to get to work so knocked on their door first thing in the morning, introduced myself and asked for ?10 so I could get into work. To their credit they didn't bat an eyelid and I was able to borrow the money. Obviously that same night I gave the ?10 back with a nice bottle of wine. The bottle was shared in our garden that same night and we have been friends ever since...

I have entourage at work but not at home so from memory it's an option under 'rules' from one of the pull down menus. Although if it can wait until tomorrow I might be more precise then!

I had been using that cashpoint earlier the same day to withdraw some cash, luckily I always cover the keypad with my hand while typing the code....I hope they weren't able to spot it!! Better keep an eye on my statements though in the next few weeks. Thx for pointing out this Cate. Does anyone know if the fraudsters need to retrieve their device (in which case I should be ok) or can they somehow control it remotely?

I haven't read the article you refer to but I know that Piloti is the pseudonym for Gavin Stamp, a well-known architectural historian and teacher. He has very strong views (although I don't always agree with them...my claim to fame is that I was named in his column on Private Eye last year - yes, I work in architecture - and although his were not exactly kind words, I was quite flattered to have somewhat stirred his attention...:)) Info on Gavin can be found here, I do not know if he lives locally or reads the forum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavin_Stamp

I agree with AcedOut we don't have a really good italian yet, and a Moroccan would be nice as well!

Mine was cloned last year, luckily the bank rejected any attempt at withdrawing money. And guess what... the only place where I had used it which wasn't part of my usual 'routine' was Texaco on Grove Vale! I was suspicious about them at the time and decided not to use Texaco again. Card has been safe ever since!

I noticed those 2 apartments as well. I don't think they come close to the architectural quality of the 'stealth house' but nevertheless it is refreshing to see developments 'with a difference' cropping up. Where on Grove Lane is the one bed house? Would love to drive by and take a peek!

I always loved that house, it shows very well that contemporary architecture can fit in with its surrounding (i.e. the black timber cladding is a clear reference to the balconies of the properties across the road) and would be very happy to see more interventions of that kind of quality around the area. In my opinion it adds character and individuality and I would praise the planners that have seen merits in such a design.

I seem to be the furthest away so far...Ravenscourt Park (West London) used to take me ages (1h15min +). Didn't want to leave the job which was great and didn't want to leave ED which was also great. Sold the car and bought a scooter - it now takes 30min door to door - wish I had done it sooner!