St Michaels & Watchetts - My Neighbourhood - Surrey Police

You Said... We Did

You told us... of your concerns that, historically, a great deal of damage is caused to cars and other property in Gordon Road in the early hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
We responded... by ensuring that the beat officer patrols Gordon Road at relevant times when working late shifts - to deter and apprehend offenders. I have also tasked other neighbourhood and response officers to patrol the area at relevant times. In addition, we have installed a CCTV camera which should capture any offences. However, this can only be effective if residents report damage as the CCTV coverage is not viewed constantly; it records and requires downloading before it is recorded over.


You told us... that youths were congregating and taking drugs in the alleyway behind Eaton Road.
PC Paton responded... by attending the alleyway on the day of the report made by residents. It was clear from debris scattered on the ground that the area had indeed been used for drug taking. PC Paton continued to patrol the alley and on the third day, he found a group of youths there. A search of each resulted in one being found to have Class A drugs in his possession. He was duly arrested and charged for this offence. The local Council has also been contacted and asked to clear away the rubbish. Regular patrols have seen no further youths in the alley and residents tell us the issue appears to have been resolved.


You informed us... that a suspected brothel had appeared in the area.
We attended... the residential premises in question and established that a rented flat was indeed in use as a brothel. I then informed the letting agent of this and put pressure on them to evict the two occupants. The agents co-operated with police and served a month's notice on the tenants (which they had to do by law). I then patrolled the area more regularly than usual. This caused the tenants' business to suffer and they moved out within the week. The flat is currently vacant.

Written by FIN: 3525

Fresh Face
I would like to welcome another new face to the area. Rhian Roberts has now joined the Watchetts and St Michaels area as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO). Rhian will initially be working alongside PCSOs Sue Spencer and Emily Neal and will provide a visible presence in the community and offer reassurance to victims of crime.

Crime wave
Over recent weeks vehicles have been targeted on the area's industrial estates, namely York Town and the Wilton Road estate. Thieves have stolen catalytic converters and car batteries from vehicles that have been parked overnight.

Extra patrols have been assigned to the area to combat this crime. However, there are precautions vehicle owners can take;
1. Park your vehicle in a well lit area...and avoid parking in secluded areas.
2. Ensure that you lock your vehicle
3. Remove items of value from your vehicle

Half-term clean-up
On Wednesday, 2 June and Thursday, 3 June 2010, between 10.00am and 3.00pm over the school half-term holiday PCSOs Sue Spencer and Emily Neal will be running an initiative with local youths to clean up the skate park and remove graffiti. Several youngsters have already signed up to help. If you used this park and want to assist in making it better for all to use, please contact either Emily or Sue and put your name down.

Written by FIN: 3525