Spate of burglaries in East Dulwich

[MrBen]

And you're really boring for everyone else to read.

[drew]

I think we need to give James a break - enough James bashing!

Its terrible to be a victim of crime, and when everything is reported on this forum it seems ED is a haven for crime. However, I do appreciate that James is providing facts to show that progress is being made to reduce the crime rate.

While its good to keep people aware of crimes, so we all know what to look out for - it can also scare people unnecessarily if things are blown out of persepctive.

We live in a major city - crime is sadly part of life. However, I feel better knowing that police and local government are making an effort to reduce crime.

Its tiring reading those people bagging James on this forum. It is rare to find a Councillor so accessible and willing to respond to concerns on this forum. This is not part of his job, and I for one appreciate the time he takes to make his comments - whether you like them or not.

I agree facts and figures do not negate the impact to a victim of crime, but I also think we should give James credit for keeping us all informed and pointing us in the right direction for help when needed.

Hopefully we all learn what to look out for, and keep an eye out for each other. The police cant be everywhere at once!

[Sue]

drew Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I think we need to give James a break - enough

> James bashing!

>

> Its terrible to be a victim of crime, and when

> everything is reported on this forum it seems ED

> is a haven for crime. However, I do appreciate

> that James is providing facts to show that

> progress is being made to reduce the crime rate.

>

> While its good to keep people aware of crimes, so

> we all know what to look out for - it can also

> scare people unnecessarily if things are blown out

> of persepctive.

>

> We live in a major city - crime is sadly part of

> life. However, I feel better knowing that police

> and local government are making an effort to

> reduce crime.

>

> Its tiring reading those people bagging James on

> this forum. It is rare to find a Councillor so

> accessible and willing to respond to concerns on

> this forum. This is not part of his job, and I for

> one appreciate the time he takes to make his

> comments - whether you like them or not.

>

> I agree facts and figures do not negate the impact

> to a victim of crime, but I also think we should

> give James credit for keeping us all informed and

> pointing us in the right direction for help when

> needed.

>

> Hopefully we all learn what to look out for, and

> keep an eye out for each other. The police cant be

> everywhere at once!

xxxxxxxxx

I agree with all the above.

I think it's really useful to know what the local stats are, because obviously people don't usually start a thread or post on this forum saying that they've never been burgled, only if they have, which can give a very skewed picture.

And James is both proactive and also in my experience quick to respond to issues which he can do something about, so I don't know why some people seem to come on here constantly with apparently the sole aim of slagging him off.

[Jeremy]

buddug - we all know by now that you have a beef with James, I think this has gone far enough.

[buddug]

That's telling me, then!

[edcam]

Buddug - nobody's interested in your agenda, the vast majority of people here seem to appreciate much of what James B posts here.

[buddug]

Then you are all such sheep! You should have been at the ED community council last night and you'd have seen his true colours. But hey ho, keep believing!

[Google]

yeah james barber is cool and an understaning person we find, he must get quite a few emails and phone calls and takes time to sort priorty first, but the only thing missing in dulwich is high street cctv, they have it up town but not in towns such as dulwich.

[buntysammy]

I was broken into yesterday on Oakhurst Grove, they smashed my front door in. My lovely jewellery, camera, holiday photos included, cash - gone. My granddad's tie pin, all I had to remind me of him other than my memories.

Disgusted. Scum.

[showboat]

Buddug - it's not about believing him or not. The point being made is that you have a personal vendetta against the man and will spin anything he says to serve that end.

Absolutely we must hold politicians to account, whether a PM or a local councillor. But we have to do so in a reasonable manner. Just because people are saying you go too far doesn't mean we're sheep who automatically agree with him. That's insulting to us. But there's a point at which someone can cross the line from being an active participant in democracy to crazy stalker type that just wants to attack.

I repeat - shouldn't we be encouraging politicians who consistently engage with the public like James does? Isn't that the best way to be able to challenge them?

[showboat]

And I agree Bunty - they are scum. Really sorry to hear that.

[buddug]

Showboat wrote: "shouldn't we be encouraging politicians who consistently engage with the public like James does?"

What, encouraging politicians who consistently lie, to their constituents and fellow councillors as he did at the ED community council, and spin, and ignore the wishes of a clear majority, thereby rejecting the democratic process? And as to my own 'personal' gripe, it was simply to put another view among all the sycophancy that for all his 'can I help' stuff, when it comes to serious issues, he can't help. As he told me: 'I don't know the head of housing'. So that's how it works, does it.

However, what's more important on this thread now is Bunty's post. I really commiserate - when I was burgled last year, a watch my mum gave me before she died was taken, irreplaceable, so I know how you feel.

[kford]

@google: but the only thing missing in dulwich is high street cctv

There is high street CCTV, but it's used to catch motorists parked in loading zones and bus lanes. It wouldn't be on your side street, nor should it be.

And anyway, CCTV doesn't necessarily prevent crime, it just records it. Look at the summer riots and the 21/7 failed terror attacks (not 7/7, the cameras were 'broken')

The easiest way to prevent burglary is to make it as unappealing as possible to the burglar - lights on timers, stuff hidden out of sight, good locks, windows closed.

But even this isn;t enough sometimes.

[Google]

yeah your right there kford @ "isnt enough sometimes", as of the 7/7 they dont want to get away they die with everyone else, and there not usually known to police, and would probably cost a lot of money to install and service them aswell. cameras you can have them in the front door now and looks exactly like the spy hole you look through.

and yes windows especially, wooden kitchen windows, we were nearly a target of crime, they unscrewed the air outlet vent that is fitted in window to let steam out, but we think it was the eastern european builders in garden behind but no proof as they failed to get in and is the only way in.

[edcam]

buddug Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Then you are all such sheep! You should have been

> at the ED community council last night and you'd

> have seen his true colours. But hey ho, keep

> believing!

There you go again.. You're being tiresome now. Allow others to make their own minds up, at least James is engaging with people.

[buddug]

Edcam, let's focus on Bunty shall we, and not on me.

[edcam]

buddug Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Edcam, let's focus on Bunty shall we, and not on

> me.

That would be infinitely more useful, yes.

[Sue]

buddug Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Showboat wrote: "shouldn't we be encouraging

> politicians who consistently engage with the

> public like James does?"

>

> What, encouraging politicians who consistently

> lie,

xxxxxxx

Oh FFS.

What is your definition of "consistently lie"?

I know people who appear to be consistent (and compulsive) liars, and James isn't one of them in my experience.

[buddug]

Aarghh!!! James, call your dogs off!! :))

[StraferJack]

This is what mark twain did when he was burgled in 1908

Heh

Meanwhile buddug would do well to note that really, REALLY disliking her in no way reflects anyone's opinion of or allegiance to James barber, much as it might comfort her to think he has a band of followers he can call on

Her website could do with an update and all

[northlondoner]

Do tell . What is this website you speak of ?

[lize1968]

God knows how I managed to end up hosting the local neighbourhood watch meeting, but aside from older folk worrying about people stealing fruit from their gardens (!) the PC did say that there is increasing use of a plastic card (can't remember name) that is slipped between front door and frame and opens latches easily.

The answer - to ensure the door is locked, even when in. There is also a gang of kids stealing bikes from sheds. PC also reported that a few local known 'villains' had been released from prison pre-xmas, but had been caught again swiftly.

[Prunella_Gatsby]

I think alot of this activity is by people knowledgeable of the area.Its sad to see children get involved stealing bikes from peoples sheds.

What next? and what can one do more to ensure safety without turning your home into a fortress with barred windows and constantly worrying if my house will be next on the burglars hot list.

[lance_elot]

I know how you feel,my neighbours are constantly nervous and petrified of some of the anti-social people and behaviour and do not go out at night, like prisoners in their own homes! Its very sad - its the same all over London and i guess so all over the country.

[Masterblaster]

Just ordered dog stickers, dog lover's plaque (german shepherd) and dog bowl. Will also buy exterior lights...