Update on Recent Assaults in Harringay

Chief Inspector Jon Williams has just sent me the following update on the recent incidents involving women being attacked:

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The Met Police Specialist Crime Directorate continues to investigate two serious incidents that occurred against women in the area known as the Harringay Ladder towards the end of 2009.

There is currently no evidence to indicate that the incidents are linked, however detectives are keeping an open mind on this point. Three arrests have been made during the course of the investigations.

On Saturday 21 November 2009 between about 4.40am and 5.30am a woman in her 30s had got off a N29 bus and was walking along Pemberton Road, N4 when she was grabbed from behind by a man who then raped her.

Two 17 year-old males were arrested in connection with this offence. One has been released without charge, the other has been bailed to return to police in March 2010.

On Tuesday 15 December 2009 at about 7am a woman in her 20’s had got off a N29 bus and was walking along Mattison Road N4 when she was forced to the ground and raped.

A man in his 20’s was arrested in connection with this offence and has subsequently been eliminated in relation to this matter.

Enquiries are ongoing, officers are determined to apprehend whoever is responsible.

The following support is available:

• Extra visible police patrols and plain clothes officers are being made available in the area. The Core Response Team is also on alert
• Free personal safety alarms are available immediately from the Harringey Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 020 8721 2677
• Personal Safety classes will run every Tuesday in February at the Kurdish Community Centre, Portland Gardens, N4. Contact the St. Ann’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team for more information on: 07920 233 794 or stanns.snt@met.police.uk
• Involvement in local Neighbourhood Watch schemes is being promoted. Contact Pauline Syddell if you want further information on: 07766 163 561

Police offer the following personal safety advice:

• Be alert if travelling late at night or in the early morning. Book a cab to take you safely door to door. Cabwise offers a text service which provides local minicab numbers and one taxi (black cab) number by texting >CAB= to 60835. (Texts are charged at 35p per enquiry plus standard text message rate. Visit tfl.gov.uk/cabwise for more information)
• Try to avoid being out alone in quiet, unlit or deserted places.
• Keep your mind on your surroundings - remember if you are wearing a personal stereo or talking on your mobile phone you will not hear trouble approaching. Try to keep both hands free and don’t walk with your hands in your pockets.
• If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts and take action. As confidently as you can, cross the road or change direction, turning to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Make for a busy area and tell people what is happening.
• Beware of anyone who warns you of the danger of walking alone or tries to engage you in conversation as an excuse to accompany you. If you are concerned call the police on 999

If you have information that could help the police investigation, please call the Police Incident Room on 020 8358 0300.

If you would rather not talk to police, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous. Crimestoppers is an independent charity.#