News Item - News - Surrey Police

Rapid response to street offences results in four arrests

Submitted: 09/03/2010 15:34:39

Rapid response to street offences results in four arrests

Local Tandridge officers arrived on the scene in a matter of minutes and arrested four people on suspicion of robbery and theft in Caterham on Friday evening.

Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Martin Bassom and new face to the Safer Neighbourhood Team PC Wayne Stephens were patrolling the area when a report of a street robbery in Stafford Road was received.

Sometime between 9.40pm and 9.50pm, on 5 March, a 23-year-old man was in Stafford Road when he was approached by four suspects who demanded his mobile phone and money. The victim was punched once but managed to escape on his skateboard. Nothing was stolen.

A few moments later a pizza delivery man arrived at an address also in Stafford Road and was approached by a number of suspects who stole the pizzas.

Within minutes of Surrey Police being notified of these incidents local officers began searching for the suspects and, with additional support from response units, were able to locate and arrest four people matching the suspects’ description.

Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Wayne Stephens said: “This is an on-going response from the Safer Neighbourhood Team to tackle local residents concerns about street robberies and local officers being in the area targeting people who commit offences.”

Neighbourhood Sergeant Dave Coomber added: “This robust intervention by Neighbourhood Team officers continues to make a real difference to the people in our communities, which in turn helps promote trust and confidence in us their local police.”

Four males, all from Caterham, aged 12, 15, 20 and 27, have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Ends JD/88/10