BC Senior assuages his early-retirement-baby-boomer guilt by doing voluntary work for various good causes, the latest of which is a charity called Witness Confident, which aims to make reporting crime easier.
This week, the charity launched an app called Self Evident (full disclosure: BC provided a very small amount of help with the launch), which allows people to report crime quickly and reliably via their smartphone - including tagging the report with the date, time, location and even photos of the incident.
Similar in principle to the Love Lewisham app (developed by Lewisham Council to make reporting graffiti and flytipping easier and improve clean-up response rates) it's an initiative which should address two big problems:
Firstly, 1,000 crimes go unreported every day because the public think the process of reporting crime is too much hassle.
Secondly, it delivers the report to the police in a format that’s quick and easy for the police to deal with: the police are overwhelmed with the volume of reported crime with 500,000 calls to the police on the 101 service going unanswered each year.
It's a simple, free, smart way to reduce crime and police paperwork - hopefully everyone will support it.
You can download the app for IOS and Android here.
Armed robbery on St Asaph Road
Police are calling for witnesses after a four-year-old girl was held at gunpoint by a gang of armed robbers who threatened to pull the trigger in front of her grandmother at a house in St Asaph Road. The Standard reports:
Rosemary Campbell, 47, was looking after her granddaughter at her Lewisham home when up to five balaclava-clad men stormed in with guns and knives in a “terrifying” broad daylight break-in. The raid, in which the home was ransacked while the gang searched the first-floor flat and demanded cash, happened just after 3pm on Monday.
Detective Inspector Ian Cameron described the raid as a “terrifying attack”, adding: “I’m convinced that someone in the local area has seen or heard something that could assist us with our investigation.”
Witnesses should call the incident room on 020 8284 8337 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Rosemary Campbell, 47, was looking after her granddaughter at her Lewisham home when up to five balaclava-clad men stormed in with guns and knives in a “terrifying” broad daylight break-in. The raid, in which the home was ransacked while the gang searched the first-floor flat and demanded cash, happened just after 3pm on Monday.
Detective Inspector Ian Cameron described the raid as a “terrifying attack”, adding: “I’m convinced that someone in the local area has seen or heard something that could assist us with our investigation.”
Witnesses should call the incident room on 020 8284 8337 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Brockley police station stripped
Brockley has relatively few buildings capable of doing something other than putting a roof over people's heads and a multi-use building incorporating homes, but also offices, a restaurant, or something else entirely could work at this location.
Thanks to Jon for the picture, who also suggested it would make a great base for the Brockley Brewing Company.
Lewisham Way witness sought
Police at Lewisham are appealing for witnesses to a robbery that occurred on 18 June 2013 at approximately 22:00 hours outside the Albertines Public House in Lewisham Way, SE4.
A woman in her 40s was assaulted by two women who took a number of items from her including cash before making off. Two women both 21 years have been arrested in connection with the incident and have been bailed pending further enquiries
Officers are particularly keen to speak with a customer who was inside the pub at the time and is believed to have witnessed the assault but is yet to make contact with police.
If you have any information on this incident please contact Brockley Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 0208 284 8558 or if you want to provide information anonymously you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A woman in her 40s was assaulted by two women who took a number of items from her including cash before making off. Two women both 21 years have been arrested in connection with the incident and have been bailed pending further enquiries
Officers are particularly keen to speak with a customer who was inside the pub at the time and is believed to have witnessed the assault but is yet to make contact with police.
If you have any information on this incident please contact Brockley Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 0208 284 8558 or if you want to provide information anonymously you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Stabbing incident under investigation
BC had reports that a man was stabbed near the Brockley Barge on Friday night. Lewisham police confirm:
We can confirm police were called to Brockley Road on 1 June 2013 by the LAS at approximately 00:47 hours following a report that a man had been assaulted at that location.
The man was taken to a South London hospital and his injuries were not life threatening. He was later discharged from hospital. Lewisham CID are investigating.
We can confirm police were called to Brockley Road on 1 June 2013 by the LAS at approximately 00:47 hours following a report that a man had been assaulted at that location.
The man was taken to a South London hospital and his injuries were not life threatening. He was later discharged from hospital. Lewisham CID are investigating.
Police place conditions on planned BNP march to Lewisham
A statement issued by the police today reads:
The MPS yesterday (30 May) imposed conditions upon a march and rally being planned by the BNP for Saturday 1 June.
Conditions have been imposed under Section 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act, 1986, that the BNP march and rally must take place between 1300 and 1600, between Old Palace Yard and the Cenotaph in Whitehall on 1 June.
The BNP applied to hold a march and rally on 1 June from Woolwich Barracks to the Lewisham Islamic Centre. The BNP's intention to hold this march and rally resulted in a number of groups indicating they wished to attend to hold counter protests.
The information and intelligence available to the MPS meant that it was necessary to impose the conditions to prevent the demonstration from resulting in serious disorder, serious damage to property, and/or serious disruption to the life of the community.
Commander Simon Letchford, MPS, said:
"The murder of Lee Rigby in Woolwich last week shocked our city. The right to protest is a fundamental part of our society, however, such an evocative mix of views being expressed in communities still hurting from Lee's murder could have resulted in ugly scenes on our streets.
"Those communities have made it clear to us the impact that groups expressing extreme views has upon them. We have listened to those concerns following Lee Rigby's murder, and we will keep working with all our communities.
"We know that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder. What we have had to carefully consider is how to balance the right to protest with the negative impact on our communities and potential violence and disorder that may have resulted from these protests going ahead as they were suggested.
"If you want to protest on Saturday we ask that you do so peacefully, no matter what your view. We will work with you to enable that protest to go ahead. What we will also do is fulfill our duty to prevent crime and keep peace on our streets.
"The support we have received so far from Londoners has been outstanding, I would urge people to continue to show restraint and calm. We must continue to be a city that stands together."
The decision to apply Section 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act was taken based on current community tensions, the current intelligence picture about Saturday and recent marches and protests held by similar groups. As part of the MPS assessment of current community tensions the views of a range of local representatives have been sought. Taking all these factors into consideration the MPS has made an operational policing decision to take this approach, and believe it to be proportionate in these specific circumstances.
Attempts by the MPS to change the location of the protest via negotiation were unsuccessful.
Breach of the conditions is a criminal offence, and anyone breaching them may find themselves open to arrest.
The MPS Counter Terrorism Command is undertaking a complex and fast moving investigation into Lee Rigby's murder. Since the 22 May the MPS has been running an operation to provide extra reassurance patrols, and provide a response to any protests.
The MPS yesterday (30 May) imposed conditions upon a march and rally being planned by the BNP for Saturday 1 June.
Conditions have been imposed under Section 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act, 1986, that the BNP march and rally must take place between 1300 and 1600, between Old Palace Yard and the Cenotaph in Whitehall on 1 June.
The BNP applied to hold a march and rally on 1 June from Woolwich Barracks to the Lewisham Islamic Centre. The BNP's intention to hold this march and rally resulted in a number of groups indicating they wished to attend to hold counter protests.
The information and intelligence available to the MPS meant that it was necessary to impose the conditions to prevent the demonstration from resulting in serious disorder, serious damage to property, and/or serious disruption to the life of the community.
Commander Simon Letchford, MPS, said:
"The murder of Lee Rigby in Woolwich last week shocked our city. The right to protest is a fundamental part of our society, however, such an evocative mix of views being expressed in communities still hurting from Lee's murder could have resulted in ugly scenes on our streets.
"Those communities have made it clear to us the impact that groups expressing extreme views has upon them. We have listened to those concerns following Lee Rigby's murder, and we will keep working with all our communities.
"We know that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder. What we have had to carefully consider is how to balance the right to protest with the negative impact on our communities and potential violence and disorder that may have resulted from these protests going ahead as they were suggested.
"If you want to protest on Saturday we ask that you do so peacefully, no matter what your view. We will work with you to enable that protest to go ahead. What we will also do is fulfill our duty to prevent crime and keep peace on our streets.
"The support we have received so far from Londoners has been outstanding, I would urge people to continue to show restraint and calm. We must continue to be a city that stands together."
The decision to apply Section 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act was taken based on current community tensions, the current intelligence picture about Saturday and recent marches and protests held by similar groups. As part of the MPS assessment of current community tensions the views of a range of local representatives have been sought. Taking all these factors into consideration the MPS has made an operational policing decision to take this approach, and believe it to be proportionate in these specific circumstances.
Attempts by the MPS to change the location of the protest via negotiation were unsuccessful.
Breach of the conditions is a criminal offence, and anyone breaching them may find themselves open to arrest.
The MPS Counter Terrorism Command is undertaking a complex and fast moving investigation into Lee Rigby's murder. Since the 22 May the MPS has been running an operation to provide extra reassurance patrols, and provide a response to any protests.
Brockley journalist charged in corrupt payments investigation
This is Local London reports:
A Brockley journalist for The Sun has been charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office over alleged inappropriate payments.
The tabloid's Whitehall editor Clodagh Hartley, aged 38, and Jonathan Hall, from HMRC, are both facing charges, along with Mr Hall's partner Marta Bukarewicz, who is not a public official.
It is alleged that between March 30 2008 and July 15 2011 The Sun newspaper paid £17,475 to Hall, mostly via Bukarewicz, in exchange for the unauthorised disclosure of information.
The information that was allegedly provided included details relating to the 2010 Budget and the coalition's deficit reduction plans. They are facing charges brought as part of Operation Elveden, Scotland Yard's investigation into alleged corrupt payments to public officials by journalists.
A Brockley journalist for The Sun has been charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office over alleged inappropriate payments.
The tabloid's Whitehall editor Clodagh Hartley, aged 38, and Jonathan Hall, from HMRC, are both facing charges, along with Mr Hall's partner Marta Bukarewicz, who is not a public official.
It is alleged that between March 30 2008 and July 15 2011 The Sun newspaper paid £17,475 to Hall, mostly via Bukarewicz, in exchange for the unauthorised disclosure of information.
The information that was allegedly provided included details relating to the 2010 Budget and the coalition's deficit reduction plans. They are facing charges brought as part of Operation Elveden, Scotland Yard's investigation into alleged corrupt payments to public officials by journalists.
Unmarked police car smash on Wickham Road
Last night, a car travelling along Wickham Road crashed in to another car turning from Geoffrey Road, causing two people to be taken to hospital and the road to be temporarily closed last night. Wickham Road suffers from boy racers, who make that mini-roundabout particularly hairy. On this occasion, one of the cars was being driven by the police.
ThisislocalLondon reports:
Two ambulances and a single responder were called out to the crash at 7.49am last night (May 8) at the junction with Wickham Road and Geoffrey Road.
A 25-year-old female member of the public who was driving the car needed to be cut out of her vehicle by the Fire Brigade and was treated for hip and back pain by paramedics. The police officer, believed to be aged 47, was treated for neck and back pain.
Lewisham police said their vehicle had been on routine patrol at the time of the accident.
ThisislocalLondon reports:
Two ambulances and a single responder were called out to the crash at 7.49am last night (May 8) at the junction with Wickham Road and Geoffrey Road.
A 25-year-old female member of the public who was driving the car needed to be cut out of her vehicle by the Fire Brigade and was treated for hip and back pain by paramedics. The police officer, believed to be aged 47, was treated for neck and back pain.
Lewisham police said their vehicle had been on routine patrol at the time of the accident.
Police the peace
Lewisham Police have responded to the findings of a report published this morning, which suggests the borough has been the least peaceful area of the country over the last decade.
Chief Superintendent Russell Nyman, Lewisham Borough Commander said:
The peace index shows that the UK has become a more peaceful place and the end of financial year crime figures covering 2012/13 for London which were released yesterday shows that there were over 45,000 fewer crimes recorded compared to last year.
Overall crime in Lewisham has fallen by 9.3% over the last year - that's 2,537 fewer crimes in the borough and we have seen decreases in offences in some key areas such as knife crime, robbery and violence against person compared to last year.
Knife enabled crime has fallen by 27.9%, robbery has fallen by 13.9% and violent crime has fallen by 8.0% in the last 12 months
Whilst we have seen crime fall in these key areas we are not complacent. We acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to do, especially knife crime and violence, which remains a priority for us over the forthcoming year. Serious youth violence and supporting the younger generation who may be, or are affiliated to a ‘gang culture’ way of life will wherever possible be supported through Trilogy Plus, a joint enterprise between Lewisham Police and the Lewisham Council.
As we go forward in this new financial year substantial organisational changes will be taking place but it is through working together as a team, working with our partners and continuing to deliver the very best services to the people of Lewisham that we will be able to continue to drive down crime. Our priorities for the new financial year are to reduce crime, detect crime and to provide a first class service to the public.
Chief Superintendent Russell Nyman, Lewisham Borough Commander said:
The peace index shows that the UK has become a more peaceful place and the end of financial year crime figures covering 2012/13 for London which were released yesterday shows that there were over 45,000 fewer crimes recorded compared to last year.
Overall crime in Lewisham has fallen by 9.3% over the last year - that's 2,537 fewer crimes in the borough and we have seen decreases in offences in some key areas such as knife crime, robbery and violence against person compared to last year.
Knife enabled crime has fallen by 27.9%, robbery has fallen by 13.9% and violent crime has fallen by 8.0% in the last 12 months
Whilst we have seen crime fall in these key areas we are not complacent. We acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to do, especially knife crime and violence, which remains a priority for us over the forthcoming year. Serious youth violence and supporting the younger generation who may be, or are affiliated to a ‘gang culture’ way of life will wherever possible be supported through Trilogy Plus, a joint enterprise between Lewisham Police and the Lewisham Council.
As we go forward in this new financial year substantial organisational changes will be taking place but it is through working together as a team, working with our partners and continuing to deliver the very best services to the people of Lewisham that we will be able to continue to drive down crime. Our priorities for the new financial year are to reduce crime, detect crime and to provide a first class service to the public.
Lewisham: 'Least peaceful local authority'
Global think tank, the Institute for Economics and Peace, has released a report today, which finds that Lewisham is the 'least peaceful' part of the country.
The study defines peace as "the absence of violence or the absence of fear of violence" and is based on Home Office crime data (murders, violent crime, weapons crime and violent disorder) and police numbers from the last 10 years. Lewisham Central ward in particular was identified as an historic crime hotspot, which helped to secure the borough last place in the rankings (the bottom five are all London boroughs).
Overall, the fall in violent crime in the UK has led to the UK becoming a more peaceful place, according to the report.
Here's what the report says about our home:
In Lewisham the conception rate amongst under-18 year olds is 70.6, which is 1.8 times the national average of 39 births per 1,000.
Over 60% of households are deprived in housing, education, health and / or employment. Lewisham’s homicide rate is more than twice the national average at 2.5, with the 2011 period being the worst year for homicides over the last decade with 11 homicides recorded.
The homicide rate in Lewisham has fluctuated from year to year averaging seven homicides per year while the national trend has seen a sustained decline in both the number and rate of homicides. Weapons crime saw a large increase from 2003 to 2005 and has since declined although it still remains above the national average of 39 weapons crimes per 100,000 in 2012. It is important to note that the average over the last decade was more than double that of the national average.
Similarly, the violent crime rate has also followed the same pattern as weapons crime: a large increase from 2002 to 2005 and then a steady decline. Despite decreases in both weapons crime and violent crime over the recent years, the number of incidents still remains well above the national trends meaning that Lewisham receives the worst possible score of 5 for these indicators in the UKPI.
The public disorder rate rose to a staggering 1,126 incidents per 100,000 people peaking in 2009, which was more than three times the 10 year national average, before sharply declining through to 2012. Most of the crime in Lewisham occurred in the ward of Lewisham Central.
Full disclosure: BC's employers, Edelman, helped to launch the first Global Peace Index, produced by this organisation. And this is how they repay us!
With thanks to Richard and Nigel who drew it to our attention.
The study defines peace as "the absence of violence or the absence of fear of violence" and is based on Home Office crime data (murders, violent crime, weapons crime and violent disorder) and police numbers from the last 10 years. Lewisham Central ward in particular was identified as an historic crime hotspot, which helped to secure the borough last place in the rankings (the bottom five are all London boroughs).
Overall, the fall in violent crime in the UK has led to the UK becoming a more peaceful place, according to the report.
Here's what the report says about our home:
In Lewisham the conception rate amongst under-18 year olds is 70.6, which is 1.8 times the national average of 39 births per 1,000.
Over 60% of households are deprived in housing, education, health and / or employment. Lewisham’s homicide rate is more than twice the national average at 2.5, with the 2011 period being the worst year for homicides over the last decade with 11 homicides recorded.
The homicide rate in Lewisham has fluctuated from year to year averaging seven homicides per year while the national trend has seen a sustained decline in both the number and rate of homicides. Weapons crime saw a large increase from 2003 to 2005 and has since declined although it still remains above the national average of 39 weapons crimes per 100,000 in 2012. It is important to note that the average over the last decade was more than double that of the national average.
Similarly, the violent crime rate has also followed the same pattern as weapons crime: a large increase from 2002 to 2005 and then a steady decline. Despite decreases in both weapons crime and violent crime over the recent years, the number of incidents still remains well above the national trends meaning that Lewisham receives the worst possible score of 5 for these indicators in the UKPI.
The public disorder rate rose to a staggering 1,126 incidents per 100,000 people peaking in 2009, which was more than three times the 10 year national average, before sharply declining through to 2012. Most of the crime in Lewisham occurred in the ward of Lewisham Central.
Full disclosure: BC's employers, Edelman, helped to launch the first Global Peace Index, produced by this organisation. And this is how they repay us!
With thanks to Richard and Nigel who drew it to our attention.
Police appeal for help with stabbing case
Lewisham Police say:
Officers from Lewisham CID are appealing for witnesses and information following a stabbing in Coulgate Street, SE4.
Police were called by staff at Brockley Railway Station at approx. 18:10hrs on Tuesday 2 April to reports of a man stabbed following a disturbance outside the station in Coulgate Street, SE4. Local officers, British Transport Police and the London Ambulance Service attended.
It is believed an altercation took place between the victim and a group of males that resulted in him receiving a stab wound to his chest. The suspects are believed to have then made off along Coulgate Street towards Brockley Road.
The victim, a 23-year-old man was taken by ambulance to a south London hospital where he remains in a stable condition. There have been no arrests and enquires continue.
Anyone with information is asked to call Lewisham CID on 020 8284 8339 or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Officers from Lewisham CID are appealing for witnesses and information following a stabbing in Coulgate Street, SE4.
Police were called by staff at Brockley Railway Station at approx. 18:10hrs on Tuesday 2 April to reports of a man stabbed following a disturbance outside the station in Coulgate Street, SE4. Local officers, British Transport Police and the London Ambulance Service attended.
It is believed an altercation took place between the victim and a group of males that resulted in him receiving a stab wound to his chest. The suspects are believed to have then made off along Coulgate Street towards Brockley Road.
The victim, a 23-year-old man was taken by ambulance to a south London hospital where he remains in a stable condition. There have been no arrests and enquires continue.
Anyone with information is asked to call Lewisham CID on 020 8284 8339 or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Brockley police station to close, but Lewisham officer numbers up as Brockley faces police shake-up
The new London-wide Police and Crime Plan has confirmed that Brockley Police Station will shut as part of a closure programme for 60 police desks across the capital.
Meanwhile, police numbers in the borough will rise by 2015, although not by as much as originally indicated. The Mayor had originally claimed 54 new police positions would be created in Lewisham, but figures released today by the London Labour Party put the real number at 13.
Nonetheless, this represents a pretty good outcome for Lewisham. Money needs to be saved and closing a little-used and seldom-open station is one of the least painful ways of saving it. And while the increase in police numbers is smaller than originally promised, office numbers are nonetheless increasing. With Greenwich set to lose 16 officers by 2015 and 16 other London boroughs' numbers due to shrink, Lewisham has secured relatively good deal.
UPDATE: The Police and Crime Plan will also create Local Police Areas (LPA), which means Lewisham wards will lose their Safer Neighbourhood Teams, to be replaced by bigger area teams: North, Central and South. Brockley ward will be covered by the Local Police Area North. Cllr Johnson says on Twitter:
"I'm far more worried about dilution of Safer Neighbourhood Teams under these plans than the police station going... and having a dedicated Sergeant has meant we've been able to get a number of long-running problems dealt with."
Meanwhile, police numbers in the borough will rise by 2015, although not by as much as originally indicated. The Mayor had originally claimed 54 new police positions would be created in Lewisham, but figures released today by the London Labour Party put the real number at 13.
Nonetheless, this represents a pretty good outcome for Lewisham. Money needs to be saved and closing a little-used and seldom-open station is one of the least painful ways of saving it. And while the increase in police numbers is smaller than originally promised, office numbers are nonetheless increasing. With Greenwich set to lose 16 officers by 2015 and 16 other London boroughs' numbers due to shrink, Lewisham has secured relatively good deal.
UPDATE: The Police and Crime Plan will also create Local Police Areas (LPA), which means Lewisham wards will lose their Safer Neighbourhood Teams, to be replaced by bigger area teams: North, Central and South. Brockley ward will be covered by the Local Police Area North. Cllr Johnson says on Twitter:
"I'm far more worried about dilution of Safer Neighbourhood Teams under these plans than the police station going... and having a dedicated Sergeant has meant we've been able to get a number of long-running problems dealt with."
Help find missing man
ThisislocalLondon reports: Police in Lewisham are appealing for help in tracing a man missing from Brockley.Barry Clarke, aged 34, was last seen on march 21 at 9.15am hours at Spalding House, Turnham Road. He is white, 6ft 1ins tall, of stocky build with brown shaven balding hair and was last seen wearing a black woollen hat, blue jumper, black tracksuit bottoms and brown boots.
Anyone with information should contact Lewisham Police on 020 8284 8313, the police non-emergency line on 101 or Missing People on 116 000.
Help find missing girl
ITV News reports:
Police in Lewisham are appealing for help to find a teenage girl who has been missing since Tuesday. 18 year-old Tracey Ikeme was seen by staff at Haberdashers' Aske's School in Brockley but then failed to return to her home in Lewisham.
She has never gone missing before and her disappearance is regarded as out of character.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lewisham Missing Person's Unit on 0208 284 8455, the police non-emergency line on 101 or Missing People on 116 000.
With thanks to Claire for the link.
She has never gone missing before and her disappearance is regarded as out of character.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lewisham Missing Person's Unit on 0208 284 8455, the police non-emergency line on 101 or Missing People on 116 000.
With thanks to Claire for the link.
Sgt Jon Biddle: Twitter Cop
Brockley's Safer Neighbourhoods Sergeant is taking part in a pilot project to use Twitter to connect wilth local residents. The police say:
Called @MPSBrockleySgt, PS Jon Biddle will keep local residents informed of his whereabouts and that of his team, update the community with news, safety advice and preventative measures, promote police surgeries and events, re-Tweet any useful information from relevant and local sources and generally use the medium of Twitter to engage with his local residents in his ward.
PS Jon Biddle, said: "I am always looking at new ways of engaging with the community I serve and I think it is important that we explore different communication methods available to speak to the public . I have only been using Twitter for a couple of weeks but already I have been able to use it to send out crime statistics and prevention advice, it allows me to communicate with different members of the community my team serve."
The police have been using Twitter at a borough level for some time, but this service provides a fascinating extra layer of detail, even if it does occasionally lapse in to Dixon of Dock Green entreaties to lock all your doors and windows. It would be easy to become unhealthily obsessed with the number of burglaries and car thefts they deal with, but Biddle is also good at tweeting to tell us that no crimes have been committed.
For example, Biddle's latest tweet at the time of writing:
Just received the reported overnight Crime Stats for #brockley no burglaries, robberies or car crime. Triple excellent!!! #Together
Called @MPSBrockleySgt, PS Jon Biddle will keep local residents informed of his whereabouts and that of his team, update the community with news, safety advice and preventative measures, promote police surgeries and events, re-Tweet any useful information from relevant and local sources and generally use the medium of Twitter to engage with his local residents in his ward.
PS Jon Biddle, said: "I am always looking at new ways of engaging with the community I serve and I think it is important that we explore different communication methods available to speak to the public . I have only been using Twitter for a couple of weeks but already I have been able to use it to send out crime statistics and prevention advice, it allows me to communicate with different members of the community my team serve."
The police have been using Twitter at a borough level for some time, but this service provides a fascinating extra layer of detail, even if it does occasionally lapse in to Dixon of Dock Green entreaties to lock all your doors and windows. It would be easy to become unhealthily obsessed with the number of burglaries and car thefts they deal with, but Biddle is also good at tweeting to tell us that no crimes have been committed.
For example, Biddle's latest tweet at the time of writing:
Just received the reported overnight Crime Stats for #brockley no burglaries, robberies or car crime. Triple excellent!!! #Together
Assets of State and Local Pensions Recover to Pre-Recession Levels
The Census Bureau's report on the status of state and local government pensions shows that pension assets have recovered to levels seen in 2007. In 2011, the holdings and investments of these pensions totaled $2.5 trillion. These pension systems maintain large investments in financial markets; consequently, the funds' successes and failures are largely dependent on market performance. Thus, just as the stock market suffered a substantial setback from 2008 to 2009, state and local pension funds experienced a similar loss and bounceback. In 2011, earnings on investments were $410.6 billion, 2.3% higher than in 2007, and much improved on the $71.7 billion and $511.5 billion losses in 2008 and 2009 respectively. California's pension system is the largest of any state with over $433 billion in assets, over 8 times the holdings and investments of the average state's pension system.
