Thank you for raising the issue armed robberies using knives including a recent one at Boots and teenage girls being harassed in the Southgate area.
Following your enquiry, I raised the issues with the Head of Community Safety and they have advised that in light of the seriousness of this account, they have flagging with the police to determine what happened and any measures that they have in place to reduce the opportunity for further offences. They have also advised that we may be able to assist in terms of CCTV, or other provisions.
The police have advised that they have not received any reports of armed robberies taking place in the area. They are aware of shoplifting and have been engaging with Boots and other businesses in the area provide security advice. They have assured us the local police team will visit Boots to discuss this incident and gather further information as well as daily patrols in the area when they are on shift.
I can confirm Southgate have a business watch. This was set up by businesses to discuss any concerns they have. Myself and the Local Neighbourhood Police Team are members of this group and can see what concerns are being raised in the area.
We would ask that incidents of crime or ASB are reported to the Police at the time the behaviour is witnessed either by reporting online via https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/ or by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
You may be aware that the Police have launched a Street Safe Tool which allows people to report anonymously about public places where they have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, e.g. street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours – this will help Police and other agencies identify where there may be a need to improve streets to make them safer for everyone. Please note that ‘StreetSafe’ is not for reporting crime or incidents. The site can be found on the following link StreetSafe | Police.uk (www.police.uk).
We would also encourage residents to sign up to OWL – Online Watch Link at www.OWL.co.uk or download the app on their smart device to receive regular ward updates about what is happening in their area and the Police i.e. crime prevention messages and other helpful information.
I hope this has answered your enquiry
Kind Regards