POLICE are launching a clean-up campaign this summer to tackle crime in two of the borough s most troubled areas. Operation Puma will target burglaries as the number of break-ins has increased by more than 70 per cent in the past six months. Officers will

POLICE are launching a clean-up campaign this summer to tackle crime in two of the borough's most troubled areas.

Operation Puma will target burglaries as the number of break-ins has increased by more than 70 per cent in the past six months.

Officers will also crack down on more petty crimes, such as littering, to make the two chosen wards - to be announced later - more pleasant places to live.

The operation will be headed by DCI Ellie O'Connor.

She said: "I cannot stress enough the importance of making sure your home and your car is secure.

"Residents must double- lock their doors and windows, remove the keys and put them somewhere out of sight.

"And make sure that you put your car keys out of sight, too. Don't leave them by the door.

"Homes that take these precautions are far less likely to be burgled."

On July 14 there were six break-ins overnight and many were due to the fact that families did not secure their homes properly.

One woman put a key underneath a pot beside her door for her children to use.

DCI O'Connor said: "Burglars will look for any opportunity. Don't give them one.

"Don't leave windows open because of the warm weather and make sure you lock up your shed.

"We have had instances where burglars have stolen tools from sheds in order to break into houses."

It will be a similar clean-up campaign to the one on the Gascoigne Estate last year, where new locks were fitted on flats, graffiti was scrubbed off walls, rubbish and abandoned cars removed and Safer Neighbourhood Team patrols were increased.

For more information on how to keep your home safe from burglars call your nearest SNT or visit www.met.police.uk/saferneigbourhoods

To report a non-emergency crime call 0300 123 1212 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.