Neighbourhood Watch
Police Surgery : at the Bletchingley Adult Education Centre, Stychens Lane on 1st Tuesday of each month between 10am and 12 noon and on the 3rd Wednesday of each month between 7pm and 8pm. During the Summer Holidays the venue for the surgery will change to the old Doctor's surgery in the Village Hall on the following dates: Monday 11th August 2008 between 7pm and 7.30pm and Monday 8th September 2008 between 7pm and 7.30pm
Police Panels : Held in the Bletchingley Village Hall in the Doctor's Surgery on the 2nd Monday of every other month. Next dates are 11th August, 13th October, 15th December between 7pm and 8pm.
Your Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team
PC Nick Shrapel, ID No: 1460 - contact number 01483 637 503
PCSO Dawn Sheppard, ID No: 11758
Surrey Police number for incidents or crimes - 0845 125 2222.
Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111 - You can leave details of the crime without giving your name and address.
Neighbourhood Watch Area Co-ordinators:
West - John Spedding - 01883 742 037
Central - Nigel Price - 01883 743 298
East - Di Turner - 01883 743 598
The latest Countryside Alert Newsletter from PC Nick Shrapel is posted at the bottom of this section.
Surrey has the lowest level of crime of any county in the country and the east of the county has the lowest level within the county. So we should count our blessings.
However, in Neighbourhood Watch, we know of such crime as there is. We know the victims and we know the trauma of each occasion. There is no cause for complacency.
We have a good relationship with the neighbourhood police and, as they patrol the village, they lend an air of reassurance. But in fact our problems do not merit a lot of police time and the clear-up rate of crime is very low.
So we in Neighbourhood Watch concentrate on the prevention of crime.
Like everywhere else in the country the changes in the social and economic fabric of society have left us with our share of disaffected youth. With the steady loss of general facilities for youth over the years this small segment has undue influence. And there is concern that younger children will be sucked in to this anti-social attitude in their turn. Can we do anything about it?
Disaffected youth now merit their own acronym - NEETs - not in education, employment or training. The county has set up an organisation called Connexions to advise teenagers on anything, including jobs. We are working with them to bring them out of their Redhill redoubt to the village and they are positive about this opportunity. Surrey Youth Development will lend one of their buses to provide a meeting place and Neighbourhood Watch will give the facility publicity.
When one considers younger children, the state and location of play areas comes into question. There is a lot of room for improvement. When they are located in remote areas they are not only rarely used but they are prone to vandalism. This is a vicious circle. We need to think about this.
The extended shape of the village, with its centre on a busy main road, and the population largely moving about in cars, reduces community interaction. Of course this sort of problem is affecting the whole country. Our teams on Clare Cottages and White Post have begun to discuss whether more could be done to bring about more cohesive communities there. They have space and they are off the main road, so there is an opportunity to act.
When it comes to older people, it is a sad fact that they are more often than others the victims if crime. We must work towards a situation where each vulnerable older villager has a neighbour who can keep reminding them about crime prevention measures and be available when (bogus) utility workers call.
Neighbourhood Watch remains an active organisation, with an excellent team of coordinators. We would welcome more. Please contact your area coordinators if you have any problems. Alternatively, please contact the Clerk for further details.
The Bletchingley and Nutfield Beat - Written by Pc 1460 Nick Shrapel - Surrey Police Tandridge Borough - 02/08/08
Recently reported crimes in the area (from 19/07/08 to 02/08/08 )
Enquiries are on going following a small fire at the rear of 20 Kenrick Square around 00.43hrs on Saturday 26th July,this is being investigated by the CID team (at Reigate) and the Arson Task Force.I understand that at this stage one person has been arrested.
Around 2300hrs on Friday 25th July a parked and unattended VW Polo was damage whilst parked along St Catherines Cross (near to the junction with Kenrick Square) appears someone climbed onto the bonnet and jumped onto the roof causing the damage and also stole the aerial. Forensic officers have attended and taken impressions of the trainer prints.
Bletchingley Bowls Club had several windows broken by mindless vandals overnight Friday 25th and Saturday 26th July.
Around 2000hrs on Friday 25th July an assault took place in the recreation ground in Mid Street,Nutfield,this followed an argument over dogs in the field.A person has been arrested and enquiries are on-going.
Areas of concern for local residents
Clarks Croft - youths-noise-litter
Churchyard - youths-noise-litter-alcohol
Stychens Lane (recreation ground woods) - youths - alcohol-drugs
Kenrick Square - youths-noise-anti social behaviour
Lane at rear of Coneybury - motorcycles issues
Moats Lane - Flytipping
Speeding - most areas
Above areas are checked as often as possible by Dawn and myself
Summer Holidays - Now that the schools are closed for holidays,can I ask residents to keep an eye on the various schools we have in our area,schools are normally targets during the holiday period for damage etc .... And more recently theft of lead ... anything you see which appears suspicious please ring in as soon as possible on 0845 125 2222 to report the incident
Telephone contact numbers for Surrey Police - If you wish to report an incident or report a crime then please dial 0845 125 2222 and tell the operator you wish to report an incident/crime. They will put you through to either the Call Handling Centre or the Crime Recording Bureau. If you wish to speak to me about a non urgent matter or leave a message then my new number is 01483 637503. In an emergency dial 999.
(Whats an emergency ? .. Crime being committed at the time and offenders nearby.... Injury road traffic collisions .... Someone in danger ..... I could go on,but basically an emergency is something that you need Police there NOW )
Countryside Alert e-mail Newsletter - Written by Pc 1460 Nick Shrapel - Surrey Police -Tandridge Borough - 09/08/08
Crime Reference: MV/08/1878 Overnight 23rd to 24th July 2008
Theft of a Cream and Black ingersol Rand Compressor Generator 7 31 serial number 317773 from the lay-by near Henhurst Cross Lane, Beare Green.
Crime Reference: MV/08/1888 Overnight 03rd to 4th July 2008
A Caravan was stolen from Holly Farm, Partridge Lane, Okewood Hill. It is a Cream Lunar 'Delt' Model.
Crime Reference: MV/08/1962 On 29th July 2008
Great Brockhamhurst Farm Betchworth, suspicious activity... someone entered the farm stole a set of keys and threw eggs around the place, hitting cars. There was a small white van seen that day with blacked out windows acting suspiciously around the area.
Crime Reference: MV/08/1900 Overnight 23rd to 24th July 2008
Theft of a Galvanised steel gate approx 8x4 from Barn Farm, Horsham Road, Forest Green
Police incident Ref: P08249751 On 29th July 2008 at 22:00hrs
Suspicious Vehicle a Blue Ford Fiesta registration M84CUS went to Heath Farm on Headly Common Road and parked up behind the stables, when challenged he stated he was looking for his dog. He is described as white, in his 40's with a thin face and was wearing a baseball cap.
Police incident Ref: P08250283
Suspicious Vehicle Registration YL02VTF Red Ford LWB Transit (Dropside) was seen in Dean Oak Lane, Leigh acting suspiciously and looking for scrap on 30th July 2008
Police incident Ref: P08251406
Shellwood Farm, Leigh reported seeing the same vehicle 'looking for scrap' at 10:05hrs on 31st July 2008. A Countrywatch Text Alert message was sent
Police incident Ref: P08251413
At 10:30 hours Cottage Farm in Betchworth saw this vehicle and called in! A police unit was able to spot the vehicle which is known to police and as a result was able to deal with offences found. This vehicle will I am sure be back, so keep an eye out for it!
On Thursday 24th July 2008 at Tower Hill farm in Gomshall a White ford transit registration EY53WRO attended the farm after they had just had a delivery of diesel at around 1220hrs. Please keep an eye out for this vehicle it is linked to the Red Ford Transit above!
After the very busy week last week, this week has been a little less hectic! With three incidents of note for you.
Crime Reference MV/08/2035 overnight 04th August into 05th August 2008
Theft of Lead roofing from National Trust Property in Holmbury St Mary, thieves utilised scaffolding in place for renovation works.
Police Reference P08260766 08th August 2008 at 1230hrs
Three males asking for scrap in a Green and White Ford Transit LWB registration M479TVX in Rudgwick Sussex, males became very abusive when told to leave. Reporting person is member of Sussex Farmwatch and boarders Surrey. Keep an eye out for this vehicle (registered keeper is from Billingshurst).
Issue Date: 1/8/2008
Title: CRIME ROUND UP
No good news unfortunately as the latter part of this week has seen an increase in rural crime:-
30th July farm premises at Fulfords Hill, Itchingfield reported a grinder being used on front gate to gain access to unoccupied premises and stole various tools and metals serial number 902 of 30/07/2008 refers. Also reported by farm premises at Old Holbrook Horsham was the theft of a 15 foot galvanised steel metal gate which was holding 24 cattle in a field serial number 2026 of 30/07/2008 refers.
Stolen from Cowfold overnight 31/07/08 were an Iveco horse transport and 5 horses, the vehicle was found later burnt out on the Surrey/Kent border without the horses. Police serial 339 of 31/07/08 refers - more info + photo can be found on
http://www.stallionsonline.co.uk/news_188
Also reported on 31st July were the following:-
A chain saw petrol, strimmer were stolen from an outbuilding at farm premises in Fulfords Road, Itchingfield by forcing a padlock to the premises serial 635 of 31/07/2008 refers.
Another gate stolen from a farmers field on the Horsham Road Rusper serial number 923 of 31/07/2008.
Pallinghurst Manor Farm at Wisborough Green have reported to Farmwatch that their CCTV caught a suspicious vehicle on site at 3.30am this morning (1st August 2008). It is believed that there have been a number of suspicious vehicle movements in the area at night this week.
Below from Sussex Police - anti fraud department - Check out Sussex Police site for more advice regarding scams etc
Please also spare a thought for our Senior Citizens. They are increasingly becoming targets particularly in respect of mail and telephone delivered scams. A recent case in Birmingham involved a family who found after the death of their elderly aunt that she had lost £21,000 in paying ‘processing fees' for prize draws and lotteries. She also owed a further £15,000. They had found 10,000 letters at her home. On one of the letters, opened a day before her death, she had scribbled, ‘I can't afford this anymore'. If you know of or care for someone who may be vulnerable then please take the time to warn them of the dangers involved in the scams described here. We are all aware of the need to remind them never to open their door without being certain who is there.
The fraudster though can come wrapped in an envelope and be delivered through their letter box or arrive as a plausible sounding telephone call. Whatever the method the aim will be the same and that is to entice them to part with their money.
Everyone can play their part in preventing these crimes. If you produce any form of media be it community, local or national then spare time to inform your audience of some of these scams. Nothing in this Bulletin is copyright! Always remember the motto: If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. If you have become a victim of fraud and you live in Sussex you should contact our Police Contact Centre on 0845 60 70 999.
Remember that the Edenbridge and Oxted Show will be on over the August Bank Holiday Period - Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August 2008 at the showground Ardunrun Lingfield
Keep em peeled
Pc 1460 Nick Shrapel
Bletchingley & Nutfield NSO and Rural Affairs, Surrey Police - Tandridge Borough
Tel 0845 125 2222
Selection of reported crimes in the Tandridge area - 05/08/08
Overnight Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd August a Nissan Micra parked and unattended in Rowley Court,Caterham had its fuel pipe cut and petrol drained out and stolen.
Overnight same period as above,offenders removed the copper cabling (about 180 metres in length) from temporary traffic lights located outside Mercedes Benz direct premises in Croydon Road, Caterham
Again over the same period a catalytic converter was stolen from a Ford Transit Van which was parked in the driveway to the primary school in Wolfs Wood,Hurst Green
Yet again over the same period ... quantity of diesal stolen from coaches parked outside Woodcock Service Station,Woodcock Hill,nr Felbridge damaged caused to fuel tanks
Between 30th July and 2nd August another catalytic converter stolen from Ford Transit van parked at the Orpheus Centre, North Park Lane, Godstone
Between 1630hrs on 31st July and 1610hrs on Friday 1st August another catalytic converter was stolen from a Ford Transit parked in Selbourne Square,Godstone
Overnight 4th to 5th August attempt to remove fuel from a vehicle parked in Copthorne Road,Felbridge
Rear nearside wheel was stolen off a Peugeot 206 colour silver X reg whilst parked in Easter Way,South Godstone overnight 3rd to 4th August
Over weekend period 1st to 4th August quantity of copper cabling stolen from new builds in Swissland Hill,Dormans Park,Dormansland
Burnt out stolen vehicle - A stolen Iveco Ford Horse box colour white index R799 WDB was found burnt out in fields off Dwelly Lane,Haxted around 2030hrs on Wednesday 30th July ... vehicle stolen from Sussex area ... and around five horses (no trace of horses) 1 black mare,1 strawberry,foals black and white .. Awaiting full details from Sussex .... Assume the horses have been placed in fields in the area ..please keep em peeled awaiting full details from Sussex Police
Attempt theft of caravan - Around 00.30 on (morning) of Tuesday 5th August ... caravan in driveway of property in Chichele Road,Oxted .. Attempt made to force trailer lock (unsucessfull) offenders had also damaged security light
Motorvehicle crime - Several vehicles broken into and property stolen such as laptops and sat-nav systems !
Below I have copied from Pc 920 John Lee (crime reduction officer) web site .. Concerning cycle theft
Preventing cycle theft:
Hopefully with warmer weather on the way many of you will be out on your cycles. It is a great form of transport, good exercise and fun. How ever much you use your bike or what ever the value of the bike, if it is stolen you will have to walk.
With further inconvenience of an insurance claim (if you are covered), then trawling around the shops to purchase a replacement!
Cycle theft is a growing problem for cyclists everywhere with around 150,000 reported stolen every year. By the way the Insurance industry tell me that they believe over half a million bikes are stolen with a value of more than £113 million throughout the UK.
It is not a minor problem but of real concern:
The following advice will help to prevent your pedal cycle from being stolen.
Do not leave the bike in an isolated area.
Always secure your bike to a cycle stand or robust item of street furniture.
Always lock cycles through the frame and wheels. Remove smaller detachable cycle parts and accessories that cannot be secured.
Security mark your cycle with your postcode and house or flat number.
Keep a record of the cycle frame number. It is a unique number to identify your cycle.
Register your cycle frame number on the National Data base, www.immobilise.com This is a free registration service.
Consider purchasing a tracker type device that will be able to locate the cycle if stolen.
Ensure your pedal cycle is covered by Insurance.
Purchase the best cycle lock you can afford. Check out the web site www.soldsecure.com for advice. Lock strength will vary enormously and remember you get what you pay for. A cycle lock will deter opportunist thieves. The majority of cycles stolen are not secured.
Over half were stolen from the owner's property so always ensure your shed or garage is secure with your pedal cycle locked within.
The majority of cycles stolen then later found or recovered by police are never returned to the owner as we can only identify property with a clear identification number or if property marked.
There is a range of marking systems available on the market such as using a UV pen, engraving, etching, die stamping or security asset labels. Choose a technique that suits you and your cycle.
Edenbridge & Oxted Show - August Bank Holiday
The 2008 Edenbridge & Oxted show is nearly upon us, at the Ardunrun Showground on Sunday 24th & Monday 25th August 2008
Check out the official web site for more details.
Farm Watch Issue Date: 14/8/2008
Title: SUSSEX FARMWATCH MESSAGE
A Farmwatch member from Rusper / Newdigate reports seeing a white Ford Transit flatbed registration number MA 02 BHN in suspicious circumstances during the evening of 13th August. If you see this vehicle please report sightings to Sussex Police quoting serial number 1538 of 13/08/2008 or Surrey Police quoting reference P08266708.
A member from Harwoods Lane East Grinstead reports that barbed wire on a farm gate had been cut and gate deliberately left open causing his cows to escape during the evening of 12th August. Police reference 399 of 13/08/2008.
Don't forget that this is the season for traveller movements and rural raves, please be alert to any suspicious activity and contact Sussex Police immediately on 0845 60 70 999.
Smartwater - With the upsurge in metal thefts, many Utility companies, Schools, local authorites, Church Organisations and insurers are now using "Smartwater" to protect their property from such thefts. This will include copper, copper cable, lead (flashings, roofs etc) and aluminium providing each property with a unique forensic fingerprint to link offenders to a specfic crime scene. SmartWater manufactures a range of products for both the domestic and commercial sectors. More details can be fround from their website http://www.smartwater.com/.
SCAMS - Remember this - In the real world you would normally have to buy a ticket to take part in a lottery or prize draw and the prizes are funded by the number of tickets sold. In the fraudulent schemes there is no large 'prize' waiting to be claimed. There never will be any large prize for you. The only winners will be the fraudsters. If you suspect you have received a fraudulent email please do not follow any links within the email, disclose any details or respond to it. Forward it to us at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk. The information will be used to help reduce online fraud. The most frequently reported fraud attempts reported to the HMRC at the present time are about tax rebates; rebate phone calls; tax payments on lottery winnings.