Street crime is surging in Wandsworth and neighbouring Merton as criminals target outer areas as anti-terrorist security is increased in central London.

Wandsworth's street crime, including street robbery and muggings, almost doubled compared to the same month last year and the borough ranks seventh for street crime out of the 32 London boroughs.

Merton's street crime increased by 19 per cent during October.

Wandsworth borough commander, Chief Superintendent Martin Jauch, described the rise as 'extraordinary'.

"The overall trend over the year is up more than 50 per cent and the London trend in general is 35 per cent. Of the amount of street crime something like a third is youngsters snatching each other's mobiles or pocket money," he said.

The police chief added he did not have enough officers but was encouraged by the amount of people being apprehended.

"The good news is that the officers are arresting and charging more people. Our judicial disposal rate last month was 18 per cent, the fourth best in the Met. We have got a dedicated team dealing with robbery."

Chief Supt Jauch said the public can help in a number of ways.

"They can make sure that they have their mobile's INEI number recorded. It's not a good idea to be walking on your own, people should give more thought to their actions and surroundings. The mobile phone for all its benefits has been the worst thing to hit the crime figures for many a long year."

Supt Stephen Grainger, of Wimbledon Police, said Merton remained one of the safest boroughs, despite the sharp hike.

"In terms of this time last year robbery and theft from the person is about an 80 per cent increase from last year, sadly.

We did peak around May and June but our general trend is down. We are the victims of our own success, we were very successful in reducing crime last year."

Conservative GLA member for Merton and Wandsworth Elizabeth Howlett, who belongs to the Metropolitan Police Authority, said the service is being stretched to breaking point.

"These figures only go to show that the resources to deal with an emergency and carry out regular policing duty in the boroughs are not there.

"I have pressed the MPA to ask the Government for the resources which will give police the confidence to carry out their responsibilities during this time of heightened security, but as yet, they have failed to underwrite a single penny for the additional policing costs, currently running at more than £1 million a week."

November 23, 2001 10:30