Crime

Residents are being warned to be vigilant not only over their own properties but for those of vulnerable neighbours too following a spike in distraction burglaries.

Since April there have been 24 cases reported across Surrey, where suspects have claimed to be from the council, or other manipulative stories, to gain access to properties.

Homeowners are advised to keep the door chained and not let strangers in, and always ask to see an identity card. If in doubt, or if concerned, call the police on 999.

A police surgery will take place at the Neighbourhood Police Office, Ashwood Road tomorrow (Friday, July 8) from 5.30pm until 6.30pm.

Concerned residents can meet their neighbourhood officers and raise any issues or concerns.

Neighbourhood Inspector Roger Nield says bike thefts in the borough have reduced.
A spate of bicycle thefts throughout Runnymede over the past six months, including bikes seemingly stolen to order, has subsided he told the Runnymede Policing Forum on Thursday July 1.

At a recent action day in Virginia Water, officers marked up 61 bikes against theft. A similar marking day took place at Halfords on the Causeway on Saturday July 3.

Surrey Police have a new officer in charge of promoting road safety in the borough.

Casualty reduction officer, PC Pat Bauer is the newest member of the Runnymede force and will be involved with actively promoting safer roads through community speedwatch programmes run with schools and other schemes to raise awareness of speeding and dangers on the roads.

The leader of Runnymede Council, John Furey, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving following a crash in Addlestone last month.

Police confirmed this week that Mr Furey, 65, was apprehended after an accident with another car in New Haw Road, around 5.30pm on Sunday, May 16.

He has been released on police bail until July 14 while the police investigation continues.

Police officers have issued 140 fixed penalty notices for anti-social parking near Royal Holloway, University of London.

Students have also been advised where best to park after complaints from residents about cars parked obstructing road and footpaths near the college.

College security staff have also been patrolling road surrounding the school to issue leaflets to offending vehicles.

One car was towed away and traffic wardens have issued 100 fixed penalty notices to vehicles for obstructing roads or footpaths close to Royal Holloway, University of London.

Police have been monitoring parking in specific roads close to the college following complaints of anti-social parking since the new term began.

The police have also liaised closely with the college to indentify vehicle owners and given advice to students on alternative parking places.

Surrey Police and Runnymede Borough Council are monitoring youth activity in St Jude's Cemetery following incidents of littering and anti-social behaviour.

Cigarette packets and beer cans have been cleared away by the Sater Neighbourhood policing team who have also been increasing their patrols of the area.

The team has also requested the borough council uses its CCTV cameras in St Judes Road to monitor the park.

Police in the village will be targeting cyclists riding at night with no lights as part of a new crack down.

The problem of anti-social cycling was raised by members of the public at a panel meeting with the village Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team earlier this month.

Any anti-social cycling issues, including riding without lights will now be tackled as a priority by police.

The simple answer is Yes! In a few days time we will not be able to remember many of the details of why a mother and daughter spent the last minutes of their tormented lives on earth, in a blazing inferno that was their family car. Letters to the media, articles written and broadcast, ask the same questions - Why? What went wrong? Who is responsible? Fingers are pointed. Blame is allocated. 'They' did not do their duty. We all wring our hands and nod in agreement. They are guilty. If only the Police, MP's, Local Council, Social Services, Schools, The Churches, The Government, et al, did their job properly, then 'this' would not happen. It is known as the Blame Game, perfected in the Houses of Parliament to a professional standard. Questions: So why do we (The Public) copy the cretins and play their stupid game and become as guilty as they are? Why have we allowed the drunks, the yobs, the feral youth,the muggers, the criminals, the bullies, the noisy neighbours, etc, to ruin our lives?