Photo: (Left to right) Julian Mills - Questions for Councillors, Cllr Mark Brunt - Leader of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Lisa Townsend - Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, Inspector Alex Maguire - Borough Commander
Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, Lisa Townsend, recently joined residents in Merstham for a community meeting about policing and crime in the area.
The meeting was held at the Merstham Community Hub and was also attended by Cllr Mark Brunt, Borough Commander Inspector Alex Maguire, and representatives from Questions for Councillors.
Topics of concern locally included general policing presence and patrols, particularly around anti-social behaviour (ASB). Inspector Maguire explained that an additional Police Constable returning to the area - dedicated to Merstham - will be working closely with the local PCSO to address these issues and increase reassurance for residents, which was welcomed by attendees.
Residents were also encouraged to report all instances of ASB and crime in order to help build pictures and patterns of behaviour so that Inspector Maguire can direct his team to the right places at the right times. This helps the police identify and target hotspot areas and understand where resources are needed.
Other concerns raised included that the CCTV cameras at the end of the high street - outside the Co-Op where there have been a number of ASB incidents - are not working. Responsibility of these cameras falls with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, and will be looked at by Cllr Brunt who also suggested that the council may be able to provide a more covert mobile camera.
Speaking after the meeting, Lisa said: “A big thank you to the residents of Merstham for giving up their evening to share concerns and ideas with me. It is incredibly helpful hearing from residents directly to properly understand where Surrey Police could make improvements.
“Anti-social behaviour is an issue that comes up in nearly every community across our county, and I understand how frustrating and harmful this can be. Whilst often referred to as a low-level crime, I know that the day-to-day nature and the fact it generally happens right on people’s doorsteps, makes it hugely impactful on individuals and communities.
“I am very pleased that the government is taking ASB seriously and is looking to introduce new measures to help police forces tackle this in local communities.
“I encourage any resident with concerns around ASB to complete the survey I am currently running with charity ASB Help.”
The Commissioner and ASB Help’s survey can be found here.
You can find out about upcoming community meetings here.
