The end of my third week approaches and I continue to be impressed by all the hard work and dedication shown across the Borough by my officers and staff at Merton.

There were been some fantastic arrests last week, ranging from a special constable arresting someone after following their footprints in the snow to Burglars being arrested by a Team of officers and a Dog Handler.

I have had the opportunity to phone several victims of crime this week to talk about how they felt they had been dealt with by my officers and was delighted with what they told me.

Not only were my officers with them quickly but also they took real interest in the crime and kept the victim informed this is the professional policing that all of you should expect at all times.

The Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe came to the Borough on Wednesday and I was pleased to be able to tell him that crime in Merton is down 4.7 per cent this year.

Put simply this means that there have been 598 less victims of crime this year and this is also the third month in a row that we have reduced robbery.

The Commissioner visited the Civic Centre and was impressed by all the staff he met from across the partnership. I would like to express my sincerest thanks to our colleagues at Merton Council for arranging his visit at the civic centre and to the young people who attended and spoke to him with refreshing honesty.

He ended his visit at a public meeting held at Kingston University and I hope if you attended this that you enjoyed this event.

If any of you would like my team's assistance to talk to colleagues or community groups please do let me know.

This is a great borough where police and partners work collaboratively and effectively and I am very proud to lead the police as your new Borough Commander.

Thank you all.