Crime in Kenley
Kenley is a low crime area compared with most of Croydon. Figures for 2021/22 show out of Croydon’s twenty-eight wards, Kenley comes third lowest for overall crime, just above our near neighbours Purley Oaks and Riddlesdown, and Sanderstead.
Of course that’s not much consolation if you’ve been burgled or had your car stolen. Neither should members be complacent when it comes to their safety or when taking steps to prevent crime.
Statistics for the past decade, apart from anomalies during the Covid lockdown period, show a largely constant rate for most crimes with some showing a modest fall. The two exceptions are Car Crime and Violent Crime.
Car and Vehicle Crime has shown a progressive increase, up by almost a third in a decade. Theft of vehicles, or from vehicles, is often opportunistic. However the theft of luxury cars has become more sophisticated, many stolen to order by organised criminal gangs.
Violent Crime, which includes domestic violence, shows a worrying increase. It was widely reported that domestic violence surged during the Pandemic, especially in Lockdown. The Metropolitan Police’s publicity campaign has encouraged victims to report domestic violence and abuse, so this may be partly responsible for the higher figures.
Thankfully, crimes involving a weapon are rare in Kenley and not included in the table.
| Crime Year | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Social Behaviour | 133 | 184 | 243 | 80 | 81 | 83 | 99 | 121 | 118 | 168 | |
| Burglary | 48 | 37 | 36 | 71 | 52 | 52 | 38 | 83 | 61 | 68 | |
| Violent Crime* | 144 | 158 | 156 | 147 | 110 | 128 | 101 | 99 | 95 | 85 | |
| Vehicle Crime | 105 | 94 | 93 | 74 | 73 | 60 | 46 | 75 | 68 | 78 | |
| Drug Offences | 10 | 12 | 18 | 13 | 7 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 11 | N/A | |
| Criminal Damage / Arson | 28 | 28 | 46 | 41 | 44 | 55 | 45 | 47 | 45 | 39 | |
| Theft (other) | 44 | 33 | 16 | 27 | 30 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 33 | 34 | |
| Robbery | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 10 | |
| Bicycle Theft | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 | |
| Shoplifting | 18 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 12 | |
| Public Order Offences | 28 | 32 | 30 | 22 | 22 | 5 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 10 |
| (*) Includes domestic violence |
CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES
The best way to combat crime is to make life difficult for the perpetrators; take measures that disrupt their activities or remove temptation. Many criminals are opportunists.
CAR CRIME
Number Plate Theft : Stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one way clutch head screws and adhesive to secure your plates.
Catalytic Converter theft: Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum. They can be stolen in less than a minute by practised thieves. Marking your converter makes it traceable so may be a deterrent. The police hold free catalytic converter marking sessions. (Members will be informed via our weekly eNewsletter when the next session is to be held).
Shield Electronic Keys: Electronic keys can scanned to locate their signal. This can be prevented by using a security pouch (aka Faraday Box) which shields keys when not in use. Don’t forget spare keys too.
Secure Car Keys: Secure keys and ignition fobs: don’t leave keys in your vehicle, ever. When at home keep them in a safe place (not in an obvious place such as the hallway or kitchen). If burglars find keys they will steal your car too.
Remove Keys From The Vehicle: It’s easy to forget to remove keys from your car. Cars are frequently stolen when left, engine running, on the drive – the owner pops into the house for a forgotten item.
Secure Your Vehicle: Close widows and lock up. When left unattended on the drive, at the petrol station or when parked, wind up windows and lock your vehicle.
Automatic folding wing mirrors: convenient when parked but certain vehicles have wing mirrors which fold automatically when locked. Criminals know the vehicle is unlocked if the mirrors are open. Make sure you lock your vehicle properly at all times. Make it a habit.
Secure Your Driveway: Fit a strong, lockable driveway security post to prevent car theft from your
driveway.
Locking wheel nuts: A simple and inexpensive way to make it difficult to steal expensive alloy wheels. Remember that you will need the un-locking nut to remove wheels for repair, breakdown or servicing, so keep it safe.
Hide / Remove Valuables: Leaving items on show is a temptation – power leads, SatNavs, mobile phones, stereo front panels, money, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or placed out of sight. Car thieves will break into your car for a handful of change.
Alarms and Immobiliser: Fit an alarm or immobiliser if your vehicle does not have one. Turn the wheel to lock steering if fitted. A bar type steering lock and a gear stick lock maybe worth considering.
Car Parks: try to park your vehicle in a Park Mark approved car park which has an approved security
standard, or if not, park in an area that is overlooked and well lit.
Make theft difficult. Keep vigilant. Report anything suspicious. Thanks to our Met. Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT)