Police Newsletter 2 - May 2009

Warnings

There have been several burglaries to houses and outbuildings in Ashtead in the last month. Some of these offences are occurring during daylight in the afternoon. We are appealing for the public to report any suspicious activity in their road. Please be alert for any strangers in your neighbourhood. Suspects will try to gain entry into a back garden so they can then take their time to force an entry at the rear of properties. Do not leave garden tools outside as they can be used to smash a window. It is best practice to lock your side gate so that it is difficult to gain entry to the back garden. Sheds and garages need to be secured using a good quality lock. When securing a wooden shed, make sure that coach bolts are used to fasten the latch as it is easy to undo screws!

Please look out for your Neighbours property and report any trespassers immediately on 0845 125 2222. If you see a crime in progress then please dial 999.

Information

Crime rose slightly in April with 36 crimes reported for Ashtead.

A 23 year old man from Leatherhead has been sentenced to 4 months imprisonment following 17 theft offences that occurred during the last week of April. These were all attempted thefts of motor vehicles, or theft from motor vehicles, with 4 of these offences occurring in Ashtead.

A 26 year old man from Ashtead has been found guilty at court, in relation to a theft at Tesco Express on 22nd April 2009. Several other people have been caught committing minor thefts in the last month and have been banned from the store.
The next Ashtead Focus Group meeting is at 7.00 pm on Monday 18th May 2009 at the Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall. This is an open meeting to raise Police issues relating to Ashtead and everyone is welcome. The meeting lasts one hour and our aim is to have as many representatives from each group of Ashtead as possible. Minutes of the meetings can be found on www.ashteadresidents.org.uk

Current Neighbourhood Issues

The current main issue of the Ashtead Safer Neighbourhood Team is the potential for youth disorder in the recreation ground on Barnett Wood Lane Ashtead. This issue was raised at the last Focus Meeting in March. We have continued with our regular patrols of the recreation ground and there have been several alcohol seizures made from under 18’s.

There have been reports of youths gathering in the car park areas in cars playing loud music. Two of these individuals have been spoken to. Furthermore we have been in discussion with the Football Club and Licensing Committee in relation to anti-social behaviour next to the Clubhouse. As a result of this, certain conditions have been placed on the Football Club and we are working with them to prevent anti-social behaviour in this area. There have also been reports of youths riding their scooters across the recreation ground with no crash helmets on. Again these individuals have been identified and spoken to by the Safer Neighbourhood Team. There have not been any crimes reported in the Recreation Ground since January and very few reports of anti-social behaviour.

For further information including details of the current Neighbourhood Issues that we are working on, please visit our website on www.surrey.police.uk/molevalley

Finally, PC Woods is raising money for the MS Society by taking part in a one day 108 mile stage of the Tour De France. The event is in July and so far PC Woods is halfway to his target of £2,500.00. PC Woods is very grateful for the overwhelming support from Ashtead Residents. If you would like to donate you can do so online at: www.justgiving.com/jasonwoods1

From your local Safer Neighbourhood Team,
PC 2175 Jason Woods and PCSO Pauline Daly