Earlier this month, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend visited the Salfords & Sidlow parish in Horley to meet with councillors and residents to discuss local policing and community safety. Lisa was joined by local Borough Commander, Inspector Alex Maguire.
Those in attendance raised concerns about anti-social driving in the Picketts Lane area, which has recently seen issues including speeding and untaxed vehicles. The area is a hotspot for Inspector Maguire’s team on late night patrols and the Casualty Reduction Team are currently surveying the area to assess whether it meets the criteria for a management plan. The Surrey Police Roads Policing Unit have also been made aware of this area as a hotspot so that it can be included in their patrols.
Following recent action by Inspector Maguire’s team in response to two consecutive Thursdays of issues in the area, the police have not been made aware of any recurrences. Residents are urged to continue reporting any instances if they do arise so that the police can build an accurate picture of the issue.
Country lanes were identified by those in attendance as another hotspot for anti-social driving and fly tipping activities. The local policing team are utilising resources such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to monitor vehicles which may be involved in such behaviour. As almost every entry route into the area is covered by such cameras concerns around activity on country roads is being flagged to the teams by Inspector Maguire.
Residents were interested in understanding more about collaborative work with other forces, including British Transport Police (BTP) and cross border issues. Surrey Police has excellent relationships with both BTP and bordering forces and Lisa confirmed she was soon meeting with the Chief Constable of BTP to discuss their role in national policing, particularly around jobs involving mental health concerns and high risk missing persons.
Anti-social behaviour at addresses, alongside the exploitation of vulnerable people and the nuisance caused to nearby residents was raised. In these cases local policing teams will establish the best option to utilise, which may include closure orders, and work closely with partners including housing.
Other issues raised included burglary, which has recently seen a brilliant improvement in response by the local team, and pavement parking. Pavement parking, unless in very specific scenarios – such as the blocking of access for an emergency vehicle – is an issue for local councils following its decriminalisation nearly two decades ago. Councils have the powers to tackle both pavement parking and parking on double yellow lines.
Following the meeting Lisa said “I am grateful to the residents of Salfords & Sidlow who attended the meeting and raised their concerns and questions. It is helpful for me to understand how local communities feel about local policing and community safety in their area and I really value these community meetings.
“I am pleased that the response to burglary has improved so significantly in the area, and that the action taken around anti-social driving seems to have put a stop to the behaviour. I know that anti-social behaviour of all types can have a really detrimental impact on the community.
“If residents would like to raise any other concerns with me, or have any questions, I welcome them to get in touch.”
If you are interested in attending a future community meeting with Lisa, check the events page here to see upcoming dates and locations.
