Always report crime and antisocial behaviour first to the police
Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.
You might also like to let us know if there are general lessons for neighbouring or local residents that could be applied immediately, via this website. Neighbourhood Watch may also like to know but generally act with more deliberation and in slower time.
Ash Path result: suspect arrested, bailed11 March 2010
You'll recall persistent reports of a male behaving suspiciously and aggressively in Ash Path and nearby wooded areas, at which our Neighbourhood Team stepped up patrols and investigation. They now inform us that having deployed officers in these areas at likely times they spotted a man on 10 March who was arrested and, after interview at Staines Police Station for interview, is now on Police Bail pending further enquiries.
Well done. This is another good example of the team's responsiveness to concerns in the neighbourhood. Notwithstanding this success they do, however, remind residents and their children always to be sensible and vigilant when walking through secluded and lonely areas around these villages.
Police arrest supected distraction burglars red-handed(subject to court proceedings)6 March 2010
On Friday 5th March between 3.30pm and 4pm burglars targeted St Helens Retirement Home on Weston Green Road in Thames Ditton, but we are delighted to say that it looks like they were arrested within minutes by our police.
Similar to the episode at City Wharf on 27 January, a distraction burglar pressed the buzzer to the victim's flat using the communal entrance intercom system and said: 'I've got a delivery for you, can you come down?' The man was allowed in, met the victim in the reception area and followed her into her flat whereupon he told her there was a second delivery man at reception who required a £4 delivery charge. The victim left her flat in order to attend to this second delivery man leaving the first man in her flat. He searched it quickly, took cash and jewellery, and fled the scene with the stolen items.
No vehicle was seen so it was unknown at this stage what method the offender(s) would be using to escape and indeed how many were involved. However, nearby police in the Giggs Hill Green area were doing Automated Number Plate Recognition System checks and as a result of an APNS trigger offence about 15 minutes after the burglary, they stopped a vehicle with three men and and a woman, all in their early twenties and from the Molesey area. Unexplained items of jewellery were found in the vehicle. All four were arrested on suspicion of burglary and are in custody at time of writing.
The outcome of the formal investigation is awaited but there are grounds for supposing at this early stage that the burglars have been thwarted. An excellent result all round.
Variant of credit card scam by telephone4 March 2010
Watch out for telephone calls purporting to be from credit card Fraud Control that ask you to confirm any card details: this one is about getting your three-digit security code.
The Safer Neighbourhoods team in Elmbridge advise that this will only affect you if your credit, debit or store cards have been compromised already and card details have been captured. You will not be aware that this has happened at this stage. The scam is pretty slick since they provide YOU with information, except the one piece they want. Importantly the caller will not ask for your card number; they already have it!
A person telephones and says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at (VISA). My badge number is (12460). Your card has been flagged following an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your (VISA) card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an (Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99) from a Marketing company based in London" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works: the caller then asks for the security numbers on the back of your card to verify you have possession. After you tell the caller the numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back", and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number.
Most people will not return call or check with the card provider but now your card details and security number have been captured. The real (VISA) will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's too late and more difficult to resolve.
Comment: for a while now I (webmaster) have been concerned that genuine credit card Fraud Departments call you on the phone without any real guarantee that it is the genuine article. Moreover they will not usually give you their phone number to check and call back. If you call the telephone number on your card, you are likely to wait in a call stack for half a day! The credit card companies need to change their practices to obviate this kind of spoof.
Pop-eyed aggressor: alert and request for info4 March 2010
Our Neighbourhood Police team advises:
Over recent months there have been several 'suspicious incidents' in Ash Path and the immediate surrounding area. There have been ten reported incidents in the last twelve months that have possibly been perpetrated by the same offender and have involved lone victims (predominantly female) being followed and in some cases confronted and questioned: 'What are you looking at?' 'Why are you looking at me like that' in an aggressive manner.
In two of the more sinister cases females were confronted and grabbed on the arm and bottom as they attempted to walk away from the offender.
The nature of these incidents gives justifiable cause for concern but it should be noted that there has been no attempt on the part of this offender to commit a more serious sexual offence, despite apparently having the opportunity to do so.
There is no common time of day or day of the week for these offences. However, the majority have occurred during early evening. They have all taken place in Ash path with the exception of two (which have taken place in Albany Reach and Ditton Common respectively). The descriptions given by the victims for the offender differ slightly but common features are as follows:
White man, aged mid twenties to early thirties, 5'10" -6' in height, slim build (some have described him as 'very slim'). Other features described by some victims suggest the offender has a very pale complexion, is tired looking and has distinctive protruding or swollen eyes.
The Safer Neighbourhood Team would like to reassure residents that we are carrying out daily patrols in the area and investigating the matter thoroughly. Any person who has information regarding these incidents or the offender should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting Reference EL/10/989.
Residents will have the opportunity to meet their local officers in Ash Path on Wednesday 24th March between 8-10am.
Aggressive hoodie approaches school pupil near Old Cranleighans1 March 2010
A young teenage student was aggressively approached on the afternoon of 1 March in the woods near the Old Cranleighans Club (cut through from Portsmouth Road to Weston Green) by a white male in his twenties wearing a white adidas hoodie with hood up, and jeans. Light blonde/red shaven hair, distinctive large protruding blue eyes. Police were informed, and if you have any information or can identify the man please call them on 0845 125 2222. Please remind your sons and daughters of the risks in taking these secluded paths and short cuts. Also that if there is a live problem that can be dealt with immediately they should not hesitate to call 999
Robber conman on Island, burglary Ennismore Gardens, 23 February 2010
Two reports of crimes committed on Friday 19 February:
- Residents report that a tall, white, dark-haired man approached a vulnerable resident of the island and stated that he needed to carry out gas repairs in his house, but required cash up front to buy the parts. The resident went to the bank to draw out £3000 in cash, handed it over, and the man disappeared.
- The Neighbourhood Police Team advise us that a burglary took place at Ennismore Gardens in Thames Ditton on Friday 19 February. The offenders gained access to the property via a front window between 09:00 and 12:30 hrs. Items taken include watches and a selection of ladies jewellery. If you noticed anything suspicious between these times near or around Ennismore Gardens please inform Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting EL/10/1294.
Note: Though advisory reports of crimes and requests for info are appearing slightly more often on this website, this is because things are getting a bit better organised and it does not mean that there is any upsurge in crimes overall, which remain fairly infrequent and, in the main, minor. Thames Ditton and Weston Green remain comparatively safe places to live and work. The crime rate could be even lower if residents become more vigilant as a result of these news items, lock cars, doors, windows, and report suspicious activity to the police.
Michael Connery - five year ASBO: just across the border in Esher12 February 2010
Michael Connery, 17, of Joseph Locke Way, Esher was given an ASBO at a North Surrey Magistrates Court hearing on Wednesday 27 January. It runs until 26 January 2015. Karina van Dijk, the Anti-Social Behaviour Manager for North Surrey, said: "Michael Connery, along with other individuals, plagued the lives of residents living in the Mill Road area of Esher over a period of around nine months. The residents were unable to lead normal daily lives because of the harassment they were receiving from Connery."
This is what he looks like (photo publicised on Surrey Police website). If you see him:
- Acting in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person in Surrey, or encouraging others to do so.
- Away from his home address between 8pm and 6am, from now until 27 May 2010
- In Mill Road at any time
Then he is in breach of some of his ASBO conditions and should be reported to police.
Comment: Our readers may be interested to know that three years ago, there were five ASBOs in Thames Ditton and Weston Green. Currently there are none (the above ASBO is in Esher). We gather that police are finding it more difficult lately to get the magistrates' courts to issue ASBOs to young miscreants with a track record of anti-social behaviour.
New residents greeted by break-in and burglary: information sought by police12 February 2010
The Neighbourhood Police team inform us that on 11th February 2010 between 08:00 and 18:30 a burglary took place at an address in Home Farm Close just off Weston Green Road Thames Ditton. Items stolen include a Laptop, Panasonic Lumix camera worth £500, 4 bottles of champagne and a radio. It is believed that the offenders used Ash Path to the rear of the house to gain entry and exit the property. The victims are new residents and this is a most unfortunate welcome to our village. If you noticed anything suspicious between these times in the Ash Path area or hear anything please let the Neighbourhood Police team know via 0845 125 2222
Ash Path is now a Dittons Neighbourhood Priority as voted by residents at the Police panel meeting of 9 February. If you notice anyone or anything suspicious in the area of Ash Path day or night please call the local police on 0845 125 2222 or 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in course of being committed.
Comment: There have been several separate incidents along Ash Path during the past three months, ranging from flashing to assault. The path connects with Longmead Road and via another path with the Station, both of which areas have been the focus of interest.
Don't be conned: itinerant burglary team nabbed thanks to alert resident10 February 2010
On the evening of Tuesday 9 February three men in their late teens were going door to door around the area of Weston Green asking for sponsorship, on this occasion for a football team. They had gone to the trouble of preparing a sponsorship form to thicken their cover. But they were using this pretext to spot burglary opportunities. Thanks to an alert resident who became suspicious and commendably called the police, the men were located and arrested on the job. These men were not local and police believe they were responsible for burglary or theft at a number of houses, traveling into the borough to commit these crimes and reconnoitring vulnerable houses using some pretext such as this.
The roads affected on this occasion were Ember Lane, The Woodlands, and Newlands Avenue. Now, we gather that a number of residents they called on had been suspicious but didn't call the police. Don't be shy! Have the courage to back your suspicions: on two other occasions in Thames Ditton very recently, residents who backed their suspicions and called the police with info were spot on the money. Better too much information, than too little or none at all.
Teenage knife gang - information sought10 February 2010
At the neighbourhood panel meeting on 9 February a resident brought to notice an incident that had occurred on the evening of 5 February, when a small group of teenagers returning to the village by train were pursued from the area of the station along Weston Green Road by a gang of eight or ten youths. One of those pursued was thrown to the ground and a knife held to his neck while personal electronic items were demanded.
Our neighbourhood police team are keen to nip this behaviour in the bud and have added as a local priority increased patrolling of the triangle between Ash Path (the scene of several incidents involving individuals during the past few months), Basingfield Road and the Station, and Weston Green Road to Longmead.
More information is needed on the identities of youths involved in the above incident and similar incidents. Our neighbourhood police team have now circulated the following and if you can help with information, however slight, please do so. Their contact details are on our contacts page. If you want to offer information anonymously, call crimestoppers (above)
"Anonymous information has been received that a group of about ten males aged between late school leaver age and college student age are using knives and violence on other school aged children at the location of Weston Green road, Thames Ditton.
This is believed to be from about 2300 hours onwards and occurs mainly at the weekends. Items targetted are wallets mobile phones and i-pods
One incident occurred on Friday 5th February whereby a student had a knife put to the rear of his head and items demanded from his person.
If anyone has any information on this subject or can shed further light on the matter please contact the Dittons Safer Neighbourhood team via email or 0845 125 2222"
Distraction burglary at Ditton Reach - alert9 February 2010
On Wednesday 27th January between the hours of 1850 and 1915 a burglar distracted a 78 year old woman at City Wharf House, Ditton Reach while he stole money and jewellery from her.
A white man with a youngish spotty face, in his early twenties, medium build, shaved head, wearing blue jeans and a dark bomber jacket and trainers gained entry to the block via an intercom system giving one of the residents a false story. He then knocked at the victim's door and coaxed her out of her room by claiming that there was a recorded letter for her to collect at the front entrance. While she was out of the way downstairs he entered her room and removed cash from a purse in a handbag in her living room, also taking jewellery from a bowl on a dressing table in the bedroom. By the time his elderly victim had returned, he was gone.
If you have any information on this incident please contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 and quote crime reference number EL/10/644.
Please be alert to potential distraction burglaries and if you can, ensure that any of the more elderly you may know are alive to the dangers. They are more frequently preyed upon by these scoundrels.
Smash-and-grab raid on Assimi jewellers5 February 2010
Just before 11.30 this morning, 5 February, a raider smashed the shop window of Assimi Jewellers before making off with his waiting colleague on motorcycles. Residents called the police as the two men were seen donning balaclavas by the garages behind Hype hairdressers in Thames Ditton High Street. One waited with motorcycle engine revving as the other smashed the shop window with a sledgehammer. Leaving the hammer, they made off. Witnesses took the number of the motorcycle and it was later found nearby abandoned near Ash path where we assume the thieves switched escape mode.
The smash and grab shows every sign of being planned. Indeed in incidents that may or may not be related, we hear that two white males were spotted apparently casing another gift shop and jewellers nearby in the High Street on Friday 29 January, immediately before an attempted break-in the following night through a conservatory at the rear. Police were informed at the time. Earlier this morning, the day of the raid on Assimi, two slim white males, one aged late teens in a hoodie, the other a bit older, aroused the suspicions of a resident in the High Street by their watchful behaviour.
Update 8 February: Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses who either saw the raid or the dumping of the motorbike and subsequent escape, or to anyone who might know the pair. One was described as male, white, 5ft 10in, aged approx.19, slim build, short light brown hair, wearing a grey hooded top with the hood up. The other man was in his mid-20s, 5ft 10in, slim, with dark brown hair. One man has been arrested and released on bail pending further inquiries. Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 1252222 and ask for Detective Constable Gamble or Detective Sergeant Seear. Alternatively witnesses can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Fed up with unsolicited phone, mail and email spam and scams? National initiative against4 February 2010
Surrey County Council's PR material states: "Surrey County Council's trading standards team is leading the fight against scam mail by making February Scamnesty month."
This is in fact at the behest of Consumer Direct, the government-funded telephone and online service offering information and advice on consumer issues, which is funded by the Office of Fair Trading. SCC is among local authorities that work with it. At the foot of SCC's press release, it is acknowledged that this is an annual initiative mounted by the OFT. Now to the facts, which are good:
Until 26 February there will be Scamnesty bins around the county for residents to dump their scam mail, giving trading standards the evidence they need to pursue the scammers. Your nearest bin is at the reception desk of the Civic Centre in Esher. There is a national Consumer Direct website here, with further information and advice on scams and a virtual map showing the bin locations. You can also report scam phone calls and forward scam emails.
Scams might include purported communications from banks, credit card companies or PayPal asking you to click on a link and verify your security details; fake lottery and prize draw wins, investment cons, requests for 'administrative help' in moving funds, and miracle health cures. Nearly half the adult UK population has been targeted by a scam, and more than three million adults – one in 15 people – fall victim to them, losing a total of £3.5 billion every year. Scammers often put people who reply to them on a 'suckers' hit list for other scammers, so they will be targeted again.
Short of outright scams, and only just on the lawful side of legality, many marketing concerns use cold calling, emailing or postal mail drops to dangle some bait in front of the weaker-minded who are then pursued ruthlessly until they buy the product, often paying a high market price for their inability to make a proper appraisal or to cope with sales pressures. The best, and only safe, policy is not to respond when unsolicited material is 'pushed' at you by any of these means. That is also the policy which, if only pursued by all, will eventually end the pestilence of unsolicited direct marketing spam whether or not it is also a plain dishonest scam.
- Telephone Preference Service - to stop unsolicited sales or marketing calls: Freephone 0845 0700707. Online: www.tpsonline.org.uk
Note: this will not stop cold calls presented as 'market research.' When answering these, the best policy is to ask for the name and telephone number of the caller before allowing any further conversation to proceed. If they won't leave their particulars for you to call back, they are unlikely to be genuine.- Mail preference service - to stop junk mail: 0845 7034599
This doesn't seem to work: we still get loads of unsolicited mail addressed to 'householder'- To check unexpected or unusual emails and scams: banksafeonline
Bin louts23 January 2010
Although there has been much less anti-social behaviour around Thames Ditton and Weston Green since the neighbourhood policing team got their teeth into the matter a couple of years ago, there are still occasional outbreaks. Just after midnight this morning, 23 January, residents report that louts in their late teens or early 20s were kicking parked cars and hurling rubbish bins at passing vehicles along Thames Ditton High Street near the Fountain Roundabout. Description: Two white youths - one with floppy blond hair and wearing a white T-shirt, dark jeans and trainers. Other wearing a hooded top. A third youth mixed race, the same age and also wearing a hooded top. If you have any clues as to their identity, please contact the police.
Authorities mount surge on drivers23 January 2010
And now for some positive news. As part of a county-wide campaign this year to crack down on what we might call 'antisocial driving,' police including PCSOs from the Safer Neighbourhood Team, the Automatic Number Plate Reader Intercept Team, Roads Policing Unit and Casualty Reduction Officers together with Surrey Trading Standards, Elmbridge Borough Council and the DVLA mounted a day-long operation in Molesey on Wednesday 20 January. The results:
- The DVLA Automatic Number Plate Reader identified and will process 26 vehicles / drivers for no tax.
- The Surrey Police Automatic Number Plate Reader Team's cameras scanned and checked the registration plates of nearly 9500 vehicles for irregularities, such as stolen markers / believed to be used in crime / users who commit crime / no insurance etc.
- A total of 63 vehicles were stopped.
- 11 Driver Alert educational interventions were issues as an alternative to prosecution. These were mainly for offences of exceeding the speed limit.
- 6 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for offences including driving while using a mobile phone, no seatbelt and exceeding the speed limit.
- 1 offender was reported for summons to court.
- Several verbal warnings were issued for minor matters.
- 2 Arrests were made. 1 male was arrested on suspicion of stealing a vehicle, which was recovered. A second male was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst disqualified.
- 3 vehicles were seized, as the drivers did not have valid insurance.
- 5 Intelligence reports were submitted.
- Colleagues from Surrey Trading Standards made 9 interventions with subjects stopped around legislation aimed to curb 'Rogue Traders'.
- Elmbridge Borough Council issued two £300 Fixed Penalty Notices for failing to furnish a valid Waster Carriers Licence.
We'd like to get one of these days mounted around Thames Ditton and Weston Green, e.g. along the Portsmouth Road near Angel Road.....
Another robbery at HSBC Winter's Bridge18 December 2009
Reports are coming in of a second robbery of a visiting security van at HSBC, Winter's Bridge about 15.30 today 18 December. Cash and securities apparently taken, and the thieves made off in a silver pickup. As we write, Police are still collecting evidence and if you have information that can help them please call 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers - numbers above.
Incident on Ash Path - aggression against teenage girl18 December 2009
A schoolgirl of approximately 13 years was approached by an aggressive man at about 08.15 on Ash Path, Thames Ditton, on her way to Hinchley Wood School. Between the junior School and the exit to Mercer Close, he blocked her path and kept shouting at her. The man was white, tall, skinny with very short red/brown hair, with dark purple bags under his eyes and wearing a white puffer jacket. The girl eventually managed to run away and called her parents who contacted the police.
You may wish to make sure your children know that should they be in this situation the best and quickest thing to do is to call 999 straight away.
Card fraud at Shell filling station, Hinchley Wood, believed resolvedUpdate 4 February 2010
In November, Hinchley Wood Residents' Association wrote to Surrey's Chief Constable to express concern about the continuing instances of credit card fraud which have been linked to the Shell filling station in Hinchley Wood. They wrote: "These crimes have been going on for months, and we understand that several hundred of them have been reported to Surrey Police. New offences are coming to the attention of Hinchley Wood Residents Association all the time. Not only is this resulting in potential loss and inconvenience for residents and others who have fallen victim to this crime, but it is damaging to the reputation of our neighbourhood....."
Hinchley Wood Residents' Association have subsequently told us that the police replied after due consideration to the effect that although instances of fraud may have continued to be reported, they all seem to have dated from a few weeks in January last year. Since that time, staff and the compromised IT system had been changed. Shell and the police believe that the problem has been addressed and that there is now no more risk attached to card use there than at any other filling station. But it is still possible that people will experience fraudulent transactions if they used their cards at the Shell station during or before January 2009, so credit card statements should continue to be carefully checked and suspicious transactions reported to the card issuer and the police. If residents become aware of fraudulent transactions which cannot be explained by card use during or before January 2009, and which might indicate renewed fraudulent activity at the Shell station, they should likewise report the matter to the card issuer and the police. Anyone who has experienced any problems with illegal transactions on their credit or debit cards or who has information relating to the Shell filling station should contact Detective Constable Clive Muspratt at Staines CID on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference EL/09/2548.
Rottweilers removed to restore safety to High Street3 November 2009
At 13.35 on 3 November police arrived in Thames Ditton High Street to execute a warrant under Dangerous Dogs legislation and enter the flat above the former village bakery, which is said to be occupied by a tenant couple, and remove two adult Rottweilers. The adult Rottweilers had lately caused widespread concern among High Street residents, having reportedly attacked a lady walking her Boxer dog, biting her and her partner when they attempted to protect their dog. We understand that there had been a subsequent report of further aggression by the Rottweilers concerning another person in the immediate neighbourhood of the High Street. The police team noted that the four puppies also in the flat were very engaging creatures: they were left in place. The dogs would be well housed and fed while the matter was being sorted out. There being nobody at home when the entry was made, arrangements were made for the door to be boarded up and the flat secured pending the occupants' return. If you have any information that might be useful concerning this matter, please contact the safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 125 2222, Ext:37049 or email elmbridgesnt@surrey.pnn.police.uk
The premises were lately among those up for auction by the owner, following long-running problems over development applications and over compliance with planning conditions for the new buildings. We understand that they did not make their reserve prices in the bidding.
Correction: it was earlier assumed, incorrectly, that the four puppies had also been removed but they were not the subject of the warrant and remain in the owners' care
Flasher in the Dell30 October 2009
A lady resident has just reported to police a flasher in the Dell, TD, at 15.45 today 30 October. A white male age 25-27, height 5'6" approx, medium build, mousey hair average length, smartly dressed, navy blue overcoat was lurking in bushes in the Dell close to the slope that leads up to Ash Path. He emerged from the thicket to flash.
Crackdown on seasonal antisocial behaviour30 October 2009
Surrey Police are targeting anti-social behaviour over Halloween and Bonfire Night, along with the Fire Brigade. Traditionally, reports of anti-social behaviour, such as criminal damage or public nuisance, peak at this time of year. There will be increased patrols. You can download a poster to put in your window from the police website if you want to deter trick-or-treaters.
If you witness criminal or anti-social behaviour in progress, or in an emergency, call dial 999. If after the fact, call the usual number on 0845 125 2222.
Also: New powers have become available under the Traffic Management Act which allow councils to crack down on double parking and parking next to a dropped kerb under certain circumstances. Traffic wardens from Elmbridge Borough Council (who are contracted for parking enforcement to SCC) will exercise these powers following SCC's adoption of the legislation.
Double parking blocks roads, causes congestion and makes it difficult for larger vehicles (such as fire engines) to reach their destinations. Parking next to a dropped kerb at a crossing point makes it difficult for people to cross the road, particularly those using wheelchairs or pushing prams. Stopping people getting in or out of their driveways by parking in front of their drives will also make a driver liable to a penalty charge notice (parking fine). In the case of homes, enforcement will only take place after the resident has reported that a vehicle is blocking their drive and will be dependent on resources being available.
Your first call when there is obstructive parking that needs swift action should be the police.
Police advisory on door-to-door beggar21 October 2009
A man has been knocking on doors in East Molesy/Weston Green and asking residents for money - typically the sum of £11 - after recounting a tale of personal hardship. He's white, aged 18 to 19yrs strawberry blonde hair, slim build, hoop earring in right ear, wearing jeans and grey hoody, on a bicycle. The East Molesey and Weston Green Safer Neighbourhood Team believe these requests to be bogus and advise residents not to give money to this male if approached by him. If you receive a visit from the man, please report it to Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.
Don't let your electronics give itself away14 October 2009
Surrey Police are aware that criminals are tracking down bluetooth signals to identify electrical equipment to steal, particularly devices in the boot or glove compartment of vehicles. Laptops and mobiles often have bluetooth fitted and activated by default. If the equipment has been left on or even on standby the bluetooth technology will still be live and actively looking for other systems. To prevent your own equipment giving itself away you must turn it off.
There continue to be thefts from vehicles whose owners have left them unsecured. See briefing below: in the three months to end September, of 17 thefts from motors in TD & WG, eight of them had been left unlocked.... Surrey Police reiterate:
◊ Make sure unattended vehicles are left locked – even when on your driveway
◊ Ensure the vehicle security alarm is active
◊ Remove all items of value from public view when the vehicle is unattended
◊ Do not store valuable items in your vehicle - even in the boot
General advisory on stranger13 October 2009
A man attempted to get a school student into his car on Saturday 10 October around 18.10, at the Portsmouth Road end of St. Leonard's Road. He was reportedly friendly at first and then became aggressive. The man is said to be of Indian/Arabic appearance, late 40's, moustache and bad teeth. The car was described as an older square style maroon saloon with tinted windows. If you have any information contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.
More attempts at Boyle Farm13 October 2009
Residents will have marked a police presence at Boyle Farm (the Home of Compassion) on at least two occasions during the past ten days, on one of which (1710-1730 on 4 October) the helicopter was deployed. In both cases we gather that individuals had penetrated, or were detected apparently about to penetrate, the buildings. Since thefts of lead and york stone during the summer, the private security company responsible for safeguarding this grade II listed building, of great historical significance for the village, has stepped up countermeasures and the police have also taken a commendable interest in the mattter. We do not want to go into details of the defences: suffice it to say that the site is now very 'hot'; that residents should not seek to enter even the grounds unless they wish to come to immediate attention; that three persons have received warnings within the past fortnight; and that owners Caring Homes are of a mind to prosecute trespassers.
We gather that the security company lately met with police and fire service representatives and further refining of defences is on the cards, including the possible use of the grounds for police dog-training purposes. It is hoped that Caring Homes will be in a position to finance and commence the restoration and extension of Boyle Farm before many more months have elapsed..
Crime update1 October 2009
There is currently a series of vehicle thefts notably of Mercedes Sprinter Vans across the areas adjoining Surrey Police in the Metropolitan area and Staines. These vehicles have been recovered mainly in Claygate and Thames Ditton. Please could residents pay attention to any Mercedes Sprinter vans that appear abandoned in their residential locations and call these in to Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222. Thanks.
Salient points from the neighbourhood panel meeting on 29 September at the Vera Fletcher Hall:
◊ Last three months saw 124 crimes in Thames Ditton and 60 in Weston Green. Burglaries significantly up - 22 in TD, 15 in WG. Over half of these burglaries were during daylight hours of 0800 - 1600, mainly involving entry from the rear via a wall or fence, forcing open garden sheds or house windows. Lock your doors and windows- two were via windows left open by the occupants, one had the rear door unlocked. No pattern but 4 were in the area of Thorkill Road and 4 in Angel Road. Nothing yet to suggest the same individuals were involved: one seen was black, late 20s, 5'8", slim, denim jacket. Another burglary was by 2 Asian men, late twenties, Landrover-type vehicle; another by a white male in hoodie. A 40-year old white male was arrested in Notting Hill in connection with theft of keys and a car from Raphael Drive.
◊ The security company guarding the integrity of Boyle Farm (former Home of Compassion) has considerably beefed up security outside and inside but we won't give details here. The grass outside has been cut and the grounds maintained to give less cover for thieves and vandals.
◊ There were six assaults during the three months, nearly all 'domestic' incidents and some indicence of criminal damage. One mugging, two boat thefts, 5 drugs offences (1 of which cocaine). Lock your cars - of 17 thefts from motor vehicles, eight of the vehicles had been left unlocked.
◊ Increased patrolling in the High Street, singled out as an area of neighbourhood priority, seems to have had a beneficial effect: there were just 8 crimes recorded in that area during three months, mostly small thefts (e.g. the off-licence).
◊ For the upcoming 3 months the team would be paying particular attention to nipping antisocial behaviour in the bud: Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night being traditional peaks for that activity. The meeting also put on the agenda the need to prevent obstructive and dangerous parking at the junctions of Station Road / Watts Road TD, and Grove Way / Wood End / Lower Green Road in WG.
Phone scam, and related (non-hoax) email
An email about a telephone scam is doing the rounds. Often this type of email is a hoax, designed as either a harmless snowball or one that can carry a payload if the recipient clicks on something in it. However, there may be something to this particular scam ( a real BT engineer has looked into it locally ) and so, exceptionally we are listing it here.Basically, as the email warns, a person claiming to be a representative of the telephone company calls you with a story about unpaid charges on your line, typically a modest and credible amount like £31.05, and threatens to disconnect you if you do not pay it by credit card - of which the caller wants the details. If you express doubt about the caller's bona fides, they will 'demonstrate' that they can 'temporarily disconnect' your phone if you ring off.
The standard approach for such scams is for the individual making the call to use a mobile phone, ensuring their number is withheld and that the mobile is pay as you go with no audit trail. Because the caller rings you, when you put your phone down, they will mute their phone, but keep the call active. When you pick up the phone, you are actually re-connected to the individual that called you, but because they have muted their phone it appears that your line is dead. Once you put the phone down for the second time they will then end the first call and ring you back. Telephone calls are controlled by the person who makes the call, the call only disconnects when the person making the call presses their end call button on their phone.
Never give credit card or other sensitive details to anyone over the phone unless you have initiated a transaction and are sure of the recipient.
Boat now stolen from Molesey Lock
An olive green 10ft aluminium flat bottomed punt with the registered name of BARBUS on the front sides and rear in black vinyl lettering has been stolen from the vicinity of Molesey Lock. Inside at the stern are stickers including the Environment Agency 08 registration sticker (EA license 200910246 and ref f001289) . Other numerous distinguishing marks include 4 sets of holes and fixed 5cm long metal brackets on the rim of the boat to attach to roof rack and a black plastic mount for a Garmin fish finder drilled into the middle seat. If you spot a boat that answers this description (it may have been modified by the thieves) call 0845 125 2222 and also PCSO Justin Jones on 07967986161
Thefts from boats in full spate following axeing of police River Officer post11 August 2009
Over the past few weeks there has been a spate of thefts from boats moored at Thames Ditton Island and the adjacent mainland. Over the weekend, at about 22.30 a resident on Boyle Farm Island heard a noise on one of the boats moored up on their island, and he saw a chubby man with a boy of about 12 years old, on their own unnamed boat. The resident questioned him about the tank of petrol in his boat which belonged to the boat moored up on to the island. The man replied that he had broken down. The man was also tampering with the ‘moored’ boat’s engine. When the resident challenged the man further, he and the young boy sped off in their boat down towards Kingston. Another resident on Thames Ditton Island had a petrol tank stolen from a boat just outside their house and a third had an outboard stolen.
From our main news page on 15 June 2009: "We regret to report that Surrey Police have axed the post of River Officer. Jim Halstead, who policed the Thames around here and played a role in tightening up on unacceptable behaviour by fishermen camping along Albany Reach, has been withdrawn and will not be replaced. This is part of the continuing tussle with the Home Office for adequate funding for Surrey Police. Under the government funding system in place, the reward for keeping crime down is to have your budget reduced. Surrey is particularly attractive to out-of-county criminals and the funding does not reflect that. However, we would require some persuasion that small neighbourhood services are the right priority for cuts. Neighbourhood and other local policing has been a success over the past three years and is valued by residents who fund the police one way or the other.
Thieves steal entire gates to Woodlands house10 August 2009
At some time between 20.30 and 22.00 on Friday 7 August thieves boldly lifted off their hinges the entire wooden gate to the driveway and side pedestrian gate to a house in The Woodlands, Weston Green, while the owners were dining nearby.
In the area of Weston Green and Thames Ditton there have been several thefts of items and materials used in the building trade over the past two years, including pavement tiles from Weston Green (twice), the theft of a cooker left out for collection and lately the theft of lead and York stone from the Home of Compassion. On one occasion of the tile thefts, workmen were seen lifting the tiles from the pavement early in the morning and loading them into a white van parked there. The registration number of the van later proved to have no fixed abode. It is highly likely that the stolen materials will form part of offers of building jobs done locally outside the tax system.
Residents are urged to be vigilant, especially if they see what appears to be 'normal' removal of materials that takes place well outside normal working hours, and to note details and descriptions and call the police (first checking with the owners of the house concerned if that makes common sense).
Police bag moped after residents report dangerous joyriding21 July 2009
Every now and again many of us have been annoyed by youths who ride those small mopeds or mini-motorbikes around the paths and pavements for kicks. They can travel at quite dangerous speeds. It's good to report that when our local police were called to the footpath behind Home Farm Close Thames Ditton yesterday, where youths were reported by residents to be riding a moped dangerously in the area, they found a black Piaggio moped hidden in a ditch along the railway embankment. Its engine was still warm.....
The moped will be destroyed - a clear message to anti-social joyriders that police will act robustly to deal with this problem.
Heavy police presence in Weston Green, night of Monday 20 July21 July 2009
Residents noted the protracted presence of the police helicopter over the area of Weston Green Road from 21.09 - 21-40 on 20th July. There was also a heavy armed police presence in adjacent roads. We gather that this was in response to a report a few minutes earlier of a young man with a gun in Longmead Road who apparently left his house carrying a black handgun and shouting that he wasn't 'afraid of the armed police.'
The young man thought to be concerned has previous convictions. He was not found despite police searches at his home address and at the address of a nearby associate aged 15 years who was recently arrested and charged with several robberies in the area of Thames Ditton and is on bail awaiting sentence. Earlier in the day the two were reported in company.
No threat was made to any member of the public with the weapon, which - police note - has not been confirmed as an actual firearm. Investigations continue. A reminder, if needed, that residents should remain vigilant and report anything they believe to be a firearm - real or artificial - on 999.
Police presence in Weston Green, Sunday 31 May4 June 2009
Residents have been asking about a heavy police presence spotted in Weston Green in the middle of last Sunday (we think it was). Two large police vans, a chopper, and many cars and officers. We gather informally that this was almost certainly an operation believed to be in connection with an investigation into large-scale suppliers of drugs - we think, cannabis. It also seems that the operation was blessed with what our police engagingly term: a result. Good! Update: huge cannabis farm found in a house on Ember Farm Way.
Recent crime incidents 15 April 2009
The Fountain was vandalised on Good Friday
On Friday 13 March a middle-aged white couple engaged in a distraction robbery at Stitchery, making off with around £250 petty cash from the office to the rear. On a more recent Friday, at around 18.00 a mobile phone, cash and other items were stolen from a car left momentarily unattended outside the Secret Garden Florist in Thames Ditton High St. while the owner was inside the shop. On Monday 23 March at around 16.00 a youth stole a crate of beer from Threshers in the High St. and returned an hour later for another.
On the evening of Good Friday, 10 April, brainless vandals broke off the top lamp fitting from the Fountain on the Fountain roundabout at the junction of High Street and St Leonards Road. If you have information to help identify the perpetrators please contact the police, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with anonymous information.
Local schools and parents report the following (police are aware):28 November 2008
a. A suspicious car driver reported to have approached children recently in Surrey (County info). Silver Vauxhall Astra. White male, approx 30 yrs old.
b. A pupil was followed home down Ash Path on Tuesday 25 November after school. The incident occurred on the section where the path links with the garages at the back of the Longmead Housing Estate. Description is as follows: White male, quite tall, older with grey hair. He wore a cap and carried a green bag.
Helicopter deployment helps nab night marauders15 october 2008
Thames Ditton residents may have been awoken by the deployment of the police helicopter over the area of Station road / Speer Road shortly after 6 am this morning, 15 October. We await final confirmation but this was almost certainly in connection with the tracking and subsequent arrest of two males reported to have been stealing stuff from gardens along Summer Road. When police arrived promptly, the suspects fled on bicyles. One was arrested on Speer Road, the other nailed by a dog unit after attempting to decamp on foot, for suspicion of theft including milk and theft of pedal cycle.
This swift and comprehensive deployment seems to have been successful in nabbing suspects in the type of circumstances where they are notoriously difficult to catch in time. Well done.
Dramatic arrest on Portsmouth Road1 August 2008
A resident reports in:
"Many of you may have heard the helicopter hovering over Thames Ditton, late morning on Friday, August 1st. This ended with undercover police pulling over a black BMW on Portsmouth Rd at the corner to St Leonards Rd, smashing the windscreen and driver's window with truncheons and dragging two middle-aged men from the car and taking them into custody. At this early stage police were tight lipped about the motives behind the operation. It was certainly high drama involving around 15 officers in plain clothes who quickly donned high-viz baseball caps the moment the action began."
The helicopter was being used to control the operation - its log reads laconically:
01 Aug 08 || 11:07 || Thames Ditton || Command and control || Task completed
Do you know who these two are?28 July 2008
Transport Police would like to interview these two who were caught by CCTV cameras on the Hampton Court train to Waterloo, 14 July. A woman on the train was assaulted. If you know who they are, please call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.
More vandalism16 June 2008
The contents of a skip parked on the driveway of a house in The Woodlands were set alight at approximately 1am on the morning of 16 June.. Fortunately for all concerned the alarm was raised by a neighbour returning home and no-one was hurt. Apparently some estate agents' boards were also 'torched' in Ember Lane.
Thefts from, and damages to, cars continue: on 8 June a car window was smashed overnight on Queens Drive, ipod stolen; and on 19 June possessions were stolen from a car on a drive Basingfield Road. Vandals tore a wing-mirror off a car at the High Street end of Church Walk.
Meanwhile neighbourhood police have stepped up night patrols along Church Walk / Speer Road and around St Nicholas' Church - areas of frequent vandalism and antisocial behaviour especially at weekends.
Locals targeted for identity theft3 June 2008
A resident has reported that he was the target of what appeared to be an informed case of identity theft while away on holiday. He writes:
"On return (from holiday) I checked my post and noted that I had been sent a letter from the store chain Littlewoods thanking me for opening an account with them. The following day I received a statement to the value of just over £800 confirming the purchase on 20 May of two items - a mobile phone and phone cover. I phoned Littlewoods and spoke to their fraud department - luckily they had stopped delivery of the items because they had become suspicious about the identity of the purchaser. Their suspicion had been aroused because immediately after opening the account on line, the maximum credit limit had been expended.
What is obviously disturbing about this incident is that someone had knowledge of my name, address and date of birth (the only info required to open this account) and had arranged for delivery to my address at a time when I was on holiday. It suggests therefore that the culprit knew we were away and was prepared to intercept the item ....this incident suggests local knowledge and therefore worthy of bringing to other residents' attention. I had a subsequent call from Littlewoods and have now been told that the main reason the transaction was halted at their end was because of my address. Apparently they have had a number of similar attempted frauds in this area. "
Police have been informed.
Flasher on Ash Path23 May 2008
Yesterday (Thursday 22 May) at approximately 4pm a Year 7 pupil witnessed a man indecently exposing himself by the railway archway in Ash Path, the footway that runs from Watts road along the side of Thames Ditton Juniors to Longmead. He was white, approximately 35 years old with short dark hair, on a pushbike. The local police have been informed and would welcome information leading to his identification.
Carsmashing outbreak21 May 2008
You should be aware of the following information we have received from Surrey Police and been asked to disseminate. This is by no means the only episode in recent weeks of criminal damage to adjacent cars parked on the streets and in driveways (High St and Station Road TD have been targets where windscreens and rear windows were smashed a couple of weeks ago) but it is much the worst. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and to report further episodes, and of course to help identify the perpetrators:
Police message:
There has been an unusually high number of criminal damage attacks to motor vehicles in the Thames Ditton and Weston Green area overnight on Monday 19th May.
Approximately 30 cars were damaged in the following roads - Weston Green Road, Thistledene, Parkwood Road and Alma Road. It is possible that more cars were damaged and other roads affected, however the police have only been notified of approximately 30 incidents thus far. Private CCTV would appear to place at least some of the offences at circa 2300hrs, but this is unconfirmed at the time of writing.
The damage consisted of scratching to bodywork, wing mirrors pulled or kicked off and soft top roofs ripped. The police advise that as vehicles parked in driveways as well as on the road have been damaged, it is their view that the attacks, albeit motiveless, were calculated rather than alcohol-induced.
Please contact the local neighbourhood team with any information relating to these offences. Andy Grapsas (Local Officer for The Dittons and Hinchley Wood) 07967 988 177
The value of drain covers24 April 2008
Thieves are nicking gully covers from Surrey's road drains to sell on for scrap value. Their scrap value is minimal but the cost to you and me of replacing them is around £200 each. . Missing gully covers allow large globs of gunk to get into the drains and block them. They are also a serious danger to cyclists and motorcyclists especially if, as often happens around these parts, they are already blocked to that standing water disguises the missing cover.
These brigands have been targeting the Woking area of late. If vigilant Residents spot anyone removing or carrying about gully covers please alert the poice with a description of persons and vehicles involved.
Mind you, there's one missing along Weston Green Road that we think is just missing and not stolen - and it hasn't been replaced in months.
Property-owning Longmead man convicted of benefit fraud17 April 2008
On 14 April Muhammed Moslander Ali Chisthy of Longmead, Thames Ditton admitted lying on benefit forms to defraud the Council of £13,364.61 and was sentenced to six months' prison suspended for 18 months, and a curfew. The prosecutor said that Chisthy had denied owning any property but owned two properties in Claygate and jointly owned another in New Malden. In mitigation Mr. Chisthy's lawyer cited the language barrier (although Mr. Chisthy had apparently spent almost forty years in this country) and his mental problems that meant he struggled to recall even the smallest things.
Teen villain tagged, given ASBO9 April 2008
An antisocial nuisance who according to Paul Yearwood, Neighbourhood Inspector for Elmbridge, has "blighted the lives of residents in Esher and Weston Green for some time" was convicted on 2 April of assaulting another 17-year -old on a bus. He was arrested by police officers in Thames Ditton. Samir Gibbs, of no fixed address, was tagged, ordered to complete 20 hours of specified activities, put under a curfew from 11pm to 7am and given an Asbo until April 1, 2010. Failure to comply with these orders may be punished with up to five years' detention. Details...
Vandalism along Church Walk1 April 2008
Two nights of vandalism perpetrated by a small group of yobs along Church Walk. During the latest one, around 2215 on Friday 28 March, garden lights were smashed in one front garden and then the gang moved on to do damage in another front garden in Old School Square. If anyone has information about those responsible please call our PCSOs.
Armed robbery on Hampton Court Way13 March 2008
About 16.30 on 13 March police rushed to the scene of an armed robbery of Ladbrokes bookmakers on Hmapton Court Way at Weston Green. They arrived minutes too late to catch the villains. We gather that nobody was hurt in the incident. Although a handgun was brandished the branch manager succeeded in locking himself behind a door and the robbers failed to steal any money. Police are looking for two white males, around 5ft 10, medium build. One wore a hooded black anorak, balaclava, black gloves, black trousers and trainers; the other a grey hooded top. They are thought to have ben driving a blue Volvo estate car. Just over an hour later a similar robbery took place at a Ladbrokes bookmakers in Dorking. Staff were threatened with a handgun. If you have information please contact DC McCabe (0845 125 2222), quoting crime reference A/08/5894.
Fishy traders up your alley4 March 2008
Surrey County Councils Trading Standards Service is warning residents to be aware of unsolicited doorstep sellers and their fishy wares after receiving a number of complaints about door-to-door sellers who have turned up in unmarked vans offering trays of fish for sale. These sellers have targeted various areas in Surrey including Thames Ditton.
Some of the rip-off tactics used by salesmen include overcharging and pressuring customers into buying more than they can afford, and lying about the types of fish on offer. The sellers generally purchase the fish from quays in the North East of England and the fish are normally contained in polystyrene trays covered by cling film. The fish sellers typically pay around £1.50 to £2 per pack.
You can report such activities to Trading Standards. If anyone has concerns about any fish they have bought they should contact the Food Team at Surrey County Council on 01372 371799 or Environmental Health at their local council office. For further advice on doorstep sellers in general contact Consumer Direct, the national advice service on 08454 04 05 06.
Esher College arsonists on camera4 March 2008
Three youths who set fire to the college's car port and workshop area on Sunday January 20 between 01.00 and 03.45 were recorded on CCTV. They caused considerable damage. Surrey Police would like to identify a possible witness described as a young man with olive skin and of medium build, wearing a blue sweater. Telephone DC McCabe on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference A/08/1574 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have information
High Street Wine Rack robbed by hoodlums3 March 2008
A gang of hooded youths, some white and some of Asian appearance, robbed the off-licence in Thames Ditton High Street of drink and cigarettes at around 19.45 on the evening of Monday 25 February. Over a dozen youths were seen walking rowdily along the High Street, and four or five burst into the offie to help themselves. They then proceeded to Thames Ditton railway station where a group of about thirty of them was reported, some brandishing knives.
If you see a group of youths likely to engage in this sort of behaviour it is as well to notify the police early. Phone numbers for our local community police are on our links page.
Second attempt at armed robbery of Assimi jewellers, Christmas Eve29 December 2007
See below for the first attempt. At around 1530 on Christmas eve, a woman entered Assimi jewellers and as the proprietor tried to close the door behind her, three men ran at the door to try to gain access and waved a silver metal handgun through the gap as it was closing. Proprietor Bernard bravely resisted and managed to close the door, whereupon the men made off. The woman was asked to leave and also made off down Boyle Farm Road where an alert young member of the public observed the four getting into a silver Vauxhall Corsa that set off in the direction of Long Ditton, and called the police. The police helicopter, which many of you will have noted hovering over the area around 15.40, helped look for the car which was located in Manordene Close Thames Ditton, where three persons were arrested and are currently being investigated for the offence.
Petty thieves active during holiday period28 - 29 December 2007
In the early hours of Saturday 22 December two youths were spotted in Station Road - going in each drive, trying cars, doors etc. Police were notified. At this season of the year, with many away or distracted by festivities, such antisocial youths are often particularly active and residents are urged to remain vigilant with cars, houses, garages and sheds properly locked; and to report suspicious behaviour to the police with details of date, time and descriptions where possible.
On the afternoon of 29 December, a criminal or criminals broke a car windscreen in the car park at rear of Colets Health Club (which has rarely if ever seen this kind of theft attempt hitherto). We do not yet know what was stolen.
Failed robbery attempt at Assimi21 December 2007
At 16.30 on Wednesday 19 December a man described as short, white, weedy and in his twenties, dressed in tracksuit and trainers and with one black eye, apparently attempted to distract the proprietor of Assimi jewellers in Thames Ditton whereupon two men described as black, young, and big, with one of them carrying a carrier bag in front of his stomach (contents unknown) abruptly appeared from behind a pillar where they had been concealed and made for the open door. With great presence of mind the proprietor managed to close and lock the door before these men could gain access and called the police as they made off after barracking him.
Land-Rover burnt out9 October 2007
A resident writes: "Early morning dog-walkers are often first with the news! At Taggs boat yard , Summer Road, in the early hours of 9 October a G-Reg landrover (?) plus trailer burned out. A neighbouring fence was also partly burnt. Another resident called the fire brigade at 2 am. It is believed the owner of the vehicle lives on boat moored on or near the Island. At the time of writing it is not known whether this was arson or some accidental cause.
Neighbours opposite, on the other side of Summer Road, heard nothing...
... and the residents in Weston Green sleep just as soundly. Extensive works have been going on for the last four weeks to replace a gas main in Lower Green Road, Weston Green. In the early hours of Friday 5 October thieves stole the digger that was parked there overnight! A resident writes: "What I cannot understand is why nobody on this road heard a peep - the thieves must have put it on a low loader because the digger is
extremely noisy, as we know - we have been putting up with the noise
for the last month!"
Police are confident that the digger will be tracked down...
Flasher on Ditton Common14 September 2007
Our local police confirm that on 7th Sep at Ditton Common, near to the Portsmouth Road a 14 year old girl was walking through a wooded area when a man of about fifty exposed himself. This report may also have been the genesis of subsequent reporting at second hand of an incident on the Common near Marney's Pond on the afternoon of 13 September as children from Hinchley Wood School were walking home (police have no confirmation of this second report). In either case, with the start of the new term parents may wish to renew their security briefings to children who pass through quiet areas on their way to and from school.
Heartless thief steals disabled transport28 July 2007
On 27 July around 12:30pm, a despicable thief stole a metallic blue Hatchback Peugeot 106 Registration No. N563 PPG from the front of a house in The Woodlands, Weston Green. The car has a special passenger seat which swings out across the footpath thereby making it easier for her to access her wheelchair. The owner had taken his disabled wife by wheelchair into the house and upon returning to collect the shopping from the car found that it had been stolen.
If you have information pointing to this heartless thief please call the police. If you are the thief, the very least you can do is return the car immediately so that this disabled lady has some transport.
If you drink, don't fight20 July 2007
The annual British Crime Survey figures published on 19 July 2007 show that alcohol-related violence has risen, particularly in the small hours, following the relaxation of licensing laws a year ago. Alcohol -related Accident and Emergency cases have risen threefold, while incidents causing death by dangerous driving or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are at their highest level for three decades.
Meanwhile Surrey Police's monthly statistics show that the contribution of Thames Ditton and Weston Green to statistics on violent crime remains stable at 5 TD and 3 WG instances over the past four weeks, compared with 3 TD and 4 WG in the previous four weeks. Still an unacceptable figure. But less than in neighbouring Esher, which clocked up 11 violent crimes in the past month.
Thames Ditton flasher not jailed17 July 2007
A 34-year-old flasher living in Woodfield Road, Thames Ditton who was caught on two occasions masturbating in an alleyway next to Tiffin Girls' School has been sentenced to attend a sexual offenders' programme and to pay £70 costs instead of being sent to jail. His name was also put on the sexual offenders' register.
Full story naming the individual in the local Guardian here.
Unconnected, but also on the seamy side, some two weeks ago two girls were sexually assaulted on Hampton Court Way.
Bookies robbed17 July 2007
On 7 July a would-be robber at a Thames Ditton betting shop on Hampton Court Way sprayed a CS-like substance from a syringe into the face of an assistant . The assistant pressed the panic alarm and the man ran off. The same day, a similar attempt netted several hundred pounds from the bookie's on Portsmouth Road. Domino's Pizza on Hampton Court Way was also robbed. Police are linking the events. Update 27 July:On 16 July a bookmakers in West Molesey was also robbed. Police arrested Aaron Lickfold of Farm Road Esher, aged 27, and a 17 year old boy: they have been charged with the offence and are on bail pending appearance in court on 24 September.
Lexus torched30 May 2007
A Silver Lexus Convertible, 02 number plate was 'torched' on the night of Monday, 28 May in the car park alongside Marney's Village Inn. The owner had left it there overnight. If you have any information pointing to the culprits, please let the police know.
Six youths caught with drugs, cautioned19 May 2007
Residents who have been letting police know of narcotics activity around the car park and river bank by the Kingston Grammar School Sports Grounds will be pleased to know that six youths in cars were recently (three days ago) apprehended by our local police with large quantities of cannabis in their possession, and cautioned. Not all were from the immediate locality - two were from Walton. This area will continue to get some priority in policing. Residents are asked to remain observant and help to target police in on suspicious activity.
Girls - be alert21 January 2007
A teenage girl was accosted on foot at about 13.00 on Thursday 18th January along Weston Green Road, by a man who tried to make her go to Esher Station with him and to
tell him where she lived. The girl, very shaken, sought refuge in Esher College. The man's description: aged about 30, black, medium height, stocky build, foreign accent. The incident was reported to police.
In a separate incident, also believed to be 18 January but after dark, the 17 year-old daughter of a member of staff at Hinchley Wood School was approached in the Weston Green Area by a man thought to be of African origin. He was insistent that she get in his car and would not leave her alone when requested to do so. He fled after she was able to attract the attention of some passers by.
Current scams5 January 2007
Recent scams noted hereabouts:
◊ A note through your mailbox telling you you have a parcel, and asking you to ring a number to arrange delivery. This is a premium number beginning with 090 or 0900 and you will actually be calling somewhere like Belize at substantial cost - could be at least £15. Watchpoint: Don't call premium numbers unless you want to pay through the nose.
◊ The Trading Standards office is warning people to be on their guard against a letter through the post from a business called Paid Surveys. It encloses a cheque for £350 as payment for the recipient to pose as a potential customer at retailers and evaluate the service. They are asked to try out a money transfer agency as their first assignment, and wire a sum of money to a notional relative abroad. The cheque is, of course, dud and the money wired abroad is collected by the criminals. Watchpoint: As with any variant of the advanced-fee fraud, don't pay money up front (or send your banking details) to people you don't know for certain are genuine.
◊ Another questionable practice but perhaps just the right side of the letter of the law is a scratch card or other prize offer informing you that you have won e.g. a miniature digital camera: but you have to send a sum for P & P. You do receive the 'prize' offered, but it is clearly worth much less than the P & P!! Watchpoint: If something looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is...
Theft from garages30 December 2006
There has been a run of opportunistic minor thefts from domestic garages and outbuildings in Thames Ditton. The latest took place between 1800 and 2020 on the evening of 28 December from a garage behind Church Walk, probably by two youths. If anyone has a sighting and description of two youths either in a car or possibly on foot and carrying a large green plastic crate (containing bottles and cans) and a white translucent bucket full of tools at that time, around the exit by Colets and the Infants' School, please let us and PC Grapsas know. Thank you.
Keep your garages and sheds locked, and note descriptions of anyone acting suspiciously in their vicinity.
Distraction burglaries12 November 2006
Surrey Police report a sharp rise in distraction burglaries. Two new methods are currently being used by criminals:
◊ Posing as police officers◊ Posing as Neighbourhood Watch volunteers
Additionally, emerging trends in other areas of the country include posing as cable TV engineers or as Council Tax collectors. The more common methods such as claiming to be from the waterboard or other utility companies are also still prevalent.
every householder can substantially reduce the possibility of being targeted by following a few simple steps:
◊ Remember LOCK STOP CHAIN CHECK. Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole and look out of the window to see if you recognise the caller.
◊ Utility companies now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give you a prearranged password as additional proof of identity.
◊ Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have accomplices awaiting this distraction.
◊ If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and a arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.
◊ Remember a genuine caller won't mind waiting while you check their identity thoroughly.
Car crime hotspot19 October 2006
Surrey police have identified Thames Ditton as a growing hotspot for theft of items from motor vehicles. The majority of these crimes take place overnight, with entries made by forcing locks and removing property after a search of the vehicle (including golf clubs in a number of incidents).
Simple measures can be taken to reduce your risk. Do not leave property on display - This includes clothing, bags,satellite navigation holders (if you have a sat nav don't forget to clean the suction marks off the window, thieves have broken in to search the glove compartment where they expect owners to have placed it) as well as other electrical items , mobile telephones or cash. If you are leaving the vehicle and are unable to take items with you, try and place them out of sight in the boot before you park up. There have been instances where it's suspected that the thief has been watching the car parks to see just what you place in the boot as you leave whilst you go shopping or to the train. Set the Alarm - even when parking your car on your drive overnight. Fit locking wheel nuts
Elmbridge's Community Safety department is happy to receive communications from any resident where you want to bring crime to attention or ask what to do. They can help with advice. Email communitysafety@elmbridge.gov.uk or telephone 01932 205533. They are unable to offer a 24 hour response to incidents of antisocial behaviour but operate community safety surgeries every Monday and Friday from 10am - 12 noon, Wednesday from 2pm - 4pm and an evening surgery on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 5pm - 8pm at the Community Safety Centre in Walton Police Station, New Zealand Avenue, Walton on Thames, which the public may attend or at other times by appointment. They have also arranged a number of drop-in surgeries:Environmental issues - 2nd Tuesday of the month 9am - 11am
Fire Safety advice - 2nd Tuesday of the month 10am - 12noon
Crime Prevention advice - 2nd Tuesday of the month 11am - 1pm
Alcohol Licensing - 3rd Wednesday of the month 10am - 12 noon
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In addition the monthly evening surgery also provides the services of Citizen Advice, Elmbridge Housing Trust, Surrey Fire & Rescue, and Surrey Police as well as the Elmbridge Community Safety Officer
Rogue traders13 February 2007
The latest reported variant of doorstep scams (from Woking) is a man clad in an official-looking jacket with fluorescent yellow stripes who claims to be a pest controller, tells you three are rats in your garden and tries to take fifty quid off you to pay for traps.
Meanwhile Trading Standards officers trapped a street trader selling fake clothing and perfume in Surrey, who has been tried and convicted.
So we're bringing this problem to residents' attention again. Please pass the following to those such as the elderly who might not have an Internet connection and who might be particularly vulnerable to pressure from conmen - or conwomen. Doorstepping salesmen and rogue traders continue to pressure householders and often pick on the elderly or other vulnerable residents. Typical ploys of rogue tradesmen are to give an initial low estimate for work they have 'spotted' needs doing, from gardening to roofing, then to jack up the cost many times over after the householder has agreed, under pressure, to work which is often unnecessary. These rogues have even been known to pressure their victims to drive with them to the bank to get out cash to pay them. According to the law, if an uninvited trader tries to sell goods or services at your door for a value of more than £35, they must provide you with a written 7 day cancellation notice. If you don't receive that notice, you don't owe them a penny for the work that they do.
The Surrey CC Trading Standards Department formed a Rapid Action Team in 2003 to respond to complaints about doorstep rip-offs. Their interventions in conjunction with the police saved Surrey residents an estimated £50,000 during one week of August alone.
And this is just as well. Surrey CC employ over 100 staff to monitor and enforce trading standards, and they'll cost residents of Surrey a budgeted £3,340,600 in the current financial year. They enjoy considerable powers of enforcement, but wisely do not set themselves annual targets for numbers of prosecutions or successful convictions. They have not singled out any recent cases of rogue traders in Thames Ditton and Weston Green. But if you are the victim of such a scoundrel, get on the phone to Consumer Direct at 08454 040506 and use this resource!