THE top police officer in the borough has reiterated the battle against burglary remains a top priority going into the new year.

A New Year's message from borough commander, Chief Superintendent Neil Basu, states that officers are “dedicated” tackling the thieves who target homes and businesses in the area.

This financial year, up to the end of November, police have recorded a total of 2,806 burglaries across the borough, up 16 per cent on the same period in 2008.

In November alone, there were 419 cases reported to Barnet police officers, more than any other borough in London.

Chief Supt Basu said: “Our current challenge is burglary and I foresee that this challenge will follow us into 2010.

“Please be assured that burglary is my number one priority and we are all working hard to target the individuals who are committing crime.

“We are also dedicated to help the residents of Barnet make their homes more secure and I would ask you all to remain vigilant and report suspicious or criminal activity to the police immediately.”

He said the Metropolitan Police Service had seen “ tremendous changes” in 2009, including the introduction of the consumer standards guidelines set out in the policing pledge, and added he was “working hard to extend on the good work already achieved by my predecessors”, having taken over as borough commander earlier in the year.

He also praised the continuing work of the Safer Neighborhood Teams (SNT), who he says are “helping to drive down crime and provide community reassurance and advice”.

Chief Supt Basu said the community projects they were involved in were vital to engage people from all areas, and appealed for more residents to come forward to help focus police on issues that are of concern to them.

He said: “The SNTs are becoming an integral part of the community and they are helping us deliver the policing pledge.

“The SNTs are there for you and they are able to offer a wealth of advice and support.

“I would ask you all to attend the public meetings or street briefings in your area and get to know your local police officers; that way we will be more aware of community issues that are important to you and we will be in a better position to help deliver the quality of service that you expect and deserve.”