Latest Police Newsletter

Warnings

There have been incidents in Ashtead and Leatherhead where cash points have been tampered with. Suspects will place a device over the card slot and a tiny camera above the key pad to record the pin number being entered. These alterations are not obvious unless you are extremely observant and cautious. The device on the machine then traps the card and prevents the card from being released. Please be alert to people acting suspiciously at cash points. Always have a good feel around the card slot to make sure an alien piece of plastic is not just glued on. Examine above the machine as well to make sure there are no temporary parts attached. Always cover the key pad with your other hand to hide the pin. If your card is swallowed up for no apparent reason then remain with the machine do not walk away. Examine it and if you feel there is something not right then report it to police. There have been arrests made for this offence and we have been in contact with the local Banks and this issue is being addressed but we need the public to be vigilant.

Information

There were only 33 reported crimes in Ashtead during March which is a 25% reduction on reported crime for the same month last year.

Over 50 people attended the Ashtead Focus meeting at the Peace Memorial Hall on March 16th where several issues were discussed. Several new issues were raised by residents including parking problems in Grove Road and speeding in Dene Road. PC Woods was able to update the group with the plans for the vehicle activated warning signs for Ashtead where at least one will be placed in Dene Road. This is following consultation with Surrey County Council. PC Woods also agreed to look into parking issues in Grove Road.

Several residents expressed concern that the spring weather and the new skate park would result in anti-social behaviour in the Barnett Wood Lane recreation ground. Although there have been no reported incidents in the recreation ground for several months, this issue was voted as the priority by the group and the Safer Neighbourhood Team shall be concentrating on this during April and May. 

Current Neighbouthood Issues 

Since the issue of the skate park and the recreation ground was raised, there have been regular foot and cycle patrols at the location. There has only been one incident of note and this was a gathering of youths with alcohol in the skate park on a Friday night. This was dealt with by Officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team with a quantity of alcohol seized. We shall continue to patrol the recreation ground in the afternoon and evenings to ensure the safety of all that use it. The skate park in particular appears to be very popular indeed and with the exception of one incident, is being used appropriately.

We are appealing to the public to report any incidents of inappropriate behaviour in the recreation ground on 0845 125 2222 as it occurs. We are also appealing for the public to report incidents of adults purchasing alcohol for children when it happens on 0845 125 2222.

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

The next Ashtead Focus Group meeting is at 7.00 pm on Monday 18th May 2009 at the Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall. 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

We are now holding a regular surgery on the last Tuesday of every month at St George’s Christian Centre on Barnett Wood Lane. The next surgery is from 10am to 11am on 28th April and is a chance for you to meet us to discuss any Police issues you may have on your neighbourhood.

Surrey Police and Trading Standards are giving advice and presentations on how to deal with uninvited callers at your home and on your safety while out and about in the community. This informal gathering will be at St George’s Christian Centre on Tuesday 12th May 2009 at 1100am. Please come along we will make you very welcome.

Finally, PC Woods would like to thank everyone who has sponsored him in raising money for the MS Society at: www.justgiving.com/jasonwoods1

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