Thanks for responses, v. helpful. Looks like it might be a good idea to get home early anyway. Be safe everyone!

Please only post factual information here to prevent scare mongering. Thank you.

WHSmiths FH had a broken window when I passed it at around 11.30 am today. I wouldn't describe it as smashed up.

WH Smith had a smashed window at 7am when I went past:
http://twitpic.com/63ash7
This was the only damage I saw from last night, although Maplin was also looted last night.
There are no reports of damage today in Forest Hill, only rumours. But some businesses are closing early in Forest Hill, Sydenham, and across SE London.

Forest Hill, my partner just walked past it to go to shops. All shops shut except one off license, which looks shut

There are a lot of rumours flying around Twitter etc, but my impression is that some of you are 'on the ground' - I'd really appreciate it if you would post if anything does actually kick off, so I know what to believe.

Many thanks

Driving through Sydenham the majority of the shops were closed and shuttered (a shame as I actually had some errands to do).

Im a manager at a shop in Croydons Whitgift Centre and we've all been told to shut up shop and leave. All shops on london road in Croydon are being boarded up. Im hearing that this is the norm accross London.

hi all

we have closed up at around 2.30pm today - the Police advised us to from 5pm but we are not taking any chances .....and most shops are closed on the parade too... worrying times.. take care all

HS x

Thanks for letting us Know Hopscotch :-)

As of 2.30pm when I was there -

I was last one in Forest Hill Job Centre - security were rushing my advisor to get me out!! Only half a dozen shops left open in Forest Hill.

Forest Hill - Whsmiths windows is smashed and Maplins.

1 way system of Brockley Rise - Electric Shop and William Hill have had there windows smashed apparantly this happened around 1am.

Oh and also yes I saw the groups hanging about there also - by Barclays, Whsmiths and opposite Job Centre.

Just walked past the parade of shops near HOP station. Most of them are shut except for Jeryiani's and the pet shop. He says he'll stay open until the rioters come. Brave man!?! I hope Linda at the Pet shop goes home soon. I worry for the animals who will be terrified if something kicks off.

Can everyone please make sure that when they post information, that it is substantiated and chose your words carefully? There is a world of difference between 'smashed up' and a broken window. I don't doubt the good intentions of anyone here at all, I just think we need to keep calm and not fuel the rumour mill.

Yes please keep it factual, I'm kind of depending on all of you "on the ground" there as it were to keep me posted.

Sorry for using the word smashed up. I was quoting my partner, and when he said window, I assumed the front of the shop until I saw the picture and asked if that was what he saw.
However, it is a little more than just a broken window. If they made the side window look that bad, I don't want to contemplate what they may have instore for the front of the shop, or any pther shops along Dartmouth Road and the surrounding area.

I've just taken an afternoon stroll up onto London Road from the direction of Waldram Park Road and all seems quiet. The station was open when I walked by a little before 4pm. Buses (185, 197) are still passing through and picking up and dropping off as usual

No signs as yet of ne're do wells gathering to cause mischief.

is there any more news on FH and HOP? I'm getting worried now, thinking of heading home early to keep an eye on things

Left work early today and just walked past HOP. Shops closed, and a few shop keepers outside but very little going on. Furniture shop had cracked glass on the door, though this may have been present before..

Yes, all closed up in HOP, just quickly got a pint of milk from Jeryani, but I think he's also watching the goings on outside carefully. The Pizza delivery was also just closing up, everything else seemed shut, even Neroli.

Hope they don't go for HOP since we have neither clothes stores nor mobile phone shops. It would be such a shame if any of the local businesses, who are struggling as it is, got damaged. They already suffer due to loss of business yesterday and today.