We have been made aware that a number of Surrey residents have received calls from a company claiming to be a home security firm and offering advice on new and existing security systems. The company asks a number of questions about the resident’s existing security arrangements and offers a home visit from one of their experts.

Trading Standards strongly advise that members of the public do not use firms that cold call.

Residents should be aware that when someone asks you when you are in or whether you have an alarm fitted, you are also telling them when you are out and what security measures you already have in place.

Anyone who receives a call either on the phone or at the property should call Surrey Police immediately 08451252222 quoting reference P10119973 or Crime stoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

To find a trader you can trust simply log on to www.buywithconfidence.info the Surrey County Council Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ website

Please pass this message onto your family, friends and neighbours.

Kind regards,
Fran May
Neighbourhood Team coordinator for west Elmbridge.
Email: may8439@surrey.pnn.police.uk

A police neighbourhood panel meeting was held before the main LDRA meeting. PC Andy Grapsas, accompanied by PCSOs Richard Platt and Nigel Oates, reported on events over the last three months. This was followed by discussion of priorities for the next period and it was agreed that crime in the Woodstock Lane area should remain the main priority.

In a 12-month period, Elmbridge has seen an increase of over 60% in reported bicycle theft, rising from 279 incidents to 455.

To help combat the rise in bicycle theft, there are a number of steps that you can take. Property marking your bicycle with your house number and postcode will deter the burglar, and help to identify the bicycle should the police recover it. Keeping a record of the bicycle’s serial number at home also provides extra assurances. Always fit a good quality lock when leaving your bicycle in a public place, garage or shed.

These figures show a huge increase in bicycle thefts and do not include any thefts which may have taken place at our railway stations as these crimes are held by British Transport Police. We do know that a number of sheds and garages across the Borough are targeted, with very few of the bicycles being recovered. We need to find out who is stealing the bicycles, and where they are being sold on. Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or the Community Safety team in confidence on 01372 474 399, or email communitysafety@elmbridge.gov.uk “

People with information about criminal activity who do not want to go to the police can call Crimestoppers twenty four hours a day, seven days a week to pass on what they know anonymously on 0800 555 111.