Always report crime and antisocial behaviour first to the police
Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.
You might also like to let us know if there are general lessons for neighbouring or local residents that could be applied immediately, via this website. Neighbourhood Watch may also like to know but generally act with more deliberation and in slower time.
More vandalism16 June 2008
The contents of a skip parked on the driveway of a house in The Woodlands were set alight at approximately 1am on the morning of 16 June.. Fortunately for all concerned the alarm was raised by a neighbour returning home and no-one was hurt. Apparently some estate agents' boards were also 'torched' in Ember Lane.
Thefts from, and damages to, cars continue: on 8 June a car window was smashed overnight on Queens Drive, ipod stolen; and on 19 June possessions were stolen from a car on a drive Basingfield Road. Vandals tore a wing-mirror off a car at the High Street end of Church Walk.
Meanwhile neighbourhood police have stepped up night patrols along Church Walk / Speer Road and around St Nicholas' Church - areas of frequent vandalism and antisocial behaviour especially at weekends.
Locals targeted for identity theft3 June 2008
A resident has reported that he was the target of what appeared to be an informed case of identity theft while away on holiday. He writes:
"On return (from holiday) I checked my post and noted that I had been sent a letter from the store chain Littlewoods thanking me for opening an account with them. The following day I received a statement to the value of just over £800 confirming the purchase on 20 May of two items - a mobile phone and phone cover. I phoned Littlewoods and spoke to their fraud department - luckily they had stopped delivery of the items because they had become suspicious about the identity of the purchaser. Their suspicion had been aroused because immediately after opening the account on line, the maximum credit limit had been expended.
What is obviously disturbing about this incident is that someone had knowledge of my name, address and date of birth (the only info required to open this account) and had arranged for delivery to my address at a time when I was on holiday. It suggests therefore that the culprit knew we were away and was prepared to intercept the item ....this incident suggests local knowledge and therefore worthy of bringing to other residents' attention. I had a subsequent call from Littlewoods and have now been told that the main reason the transaction was halted at their end was because of my address. Apparently they have had a number of similar attempted frauds in this area. "
Police have been informed.
Flasher on Ash Path23 May 2008
Yesterday (Thursday 22 May) at approximately 4pm a Year 7 pupil witnessed a man indecently exposing himself by the railway archway in Ash Path, the footway that runs from Watts road along the side of Thames Ditton Juniors to Longmead. He was white, approximately 35 years old with short dark hair, on a pushbike. The local police have been informed and would welcome information leading to his identification.
Carsmashing outbreak21 May 2008
You should be aware of the following information we have received from Surrey Police and been asked to disseminate. This is by no means the only episode in recent weeks of criminal damage to adjacent cars parked on the streets and in driveways (High St and Station Road TD have been targets where windscreens and rear windows were smashed a couple of weeks ago) but it is much the worst. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and to report further episodes, and of course to help identify the perpetrators:
Police message:
There has been an unusually high number of criminal damage attacks to motor vehicles in the Thames Ditton and Weston Green area overnight on Monday 19th May.
Approximately 30 cars were damaged in the following roads - Weston Green Road, Thistledene, Parkwood Road and Alma Road. It is possible that more cars were damaged and other roads affected, however the police have only been notified of approximately 30 incidents thus far. Private CCTV would appear to place at least some of the offences at circa 2300hrs, but this is unconfirmed at the time of writing.
The damage consisted of scratching to bodywork, wing mirrors pulled or kicked off and soft top roofs ripped. The police advise that as vehicles parked in driveways as well as on the road have been damaged, it is their view that the attacks, albeit motiveless, were calculated rather than alcohol-induced.
Please contact the local neighbourhood team with any information relating to these offences. Andy Grapsas (Local Officer for The Dittons and Hinchley Wood) 07967 988 177
The value of drain covers24 April 2008
Thieves are nicking gully covers from Surrey's road drains to sell on for scrap value. Their scrap value is minimal but the cost to you and me of replacing them is around £200 each. . Missing gully covers allow large globs of gunk to get into the drains and block them. They are also a serious danger to cyclists and motorcyclists especially if, as often happens around these parts, they are already blocked to that standing water disguises the missing cover.
These brigands have been targeting the Woking area of late. If vigilant Residents spot anyone removing or carrying about gully covers please alert the poice with a description of persons and vehicles involved.
Mind you, there's one missing along Weston Green Road that we think is just missing and not stolen - and it hasn't been replaced in months.
Property-owning Longmead man convicted of benefit fraud17 April 2008
On 14 April Muhammed Moslander Ali Chisthy of Longmead, Thames Ditton admitted lying on benefit forms to defraud the Council of £13,364.61 and was sentenced to six months' prison suspended for 18 months, and a curfew. The prosecutor said that Chisthy had denied owning any property but owned two properties in Claygate and jointly owned another in New Malden. In mitigation Mr. Chisthy's lawyer cited the language barrier (although Mr. Chisthy had apparently spent almost forty years in this country) and his mental problems that meant he struggled to recall even the smallest things.
Teen villain tagged, given ASBO9 April 2008
An antisocial nuisance who according to Paul Yearwood, Neighbourhood Inspector for Elmbridge, has "blighted the lives of residents in Esher and Weston Green for some time" was convicted on 2 April of assaulting another 17-year -old on a bus. He was arrested by police officers in Thames Ditton. Samir Gibbs, of no fixed address, was tagged, ordered to complete 20 hours of specified activities, put under a curfew from 11pm to 7am and given an Asbo until April 1, 2010. Failure to comply with these orders may be punished with up to five years' detention. Details...
Vandalism along Church Walk1 April 2008
Two nights of vandalism perpetrated by a small group of yobs along Church Walk. During the latest one, around 2215 on Friday 28 March, garden lights were smashed in one front garden and then the gang moved on to do damage in another front garden in Old School Square. If anyone has information about those responsible please call our PCSOs.
Armed robbery on Hampton Court Way13 March 2008
About 16.30 on 13 March police rushed to the scene of an armed robbery of Ladbrokes bookmakers on Hmapton Court Way at Weston Green. They arrived minutes too late to catch the villains. We gather that nobody was hurt in the incident. Although a handgun was brandished the branch manager succeeded in locking himself behind a door and the robbers failed to steal any money. Police are looking for two white males, around 5ft 10, medium build. One wore a hooded black anorak, balaclava, black gloves, black trousers and trainers; the other a grey hooded top. They are thought to have ben driving a blue Volvo estate car. Just over an hour later a similar robbery took place at a Ladbrokes bookmakers in Dorking. Staff were threatened with a handgun. If you have information please contact DC McCabe (0845 125 2222), quoting crime reference A/08/5894.
Fishy traders up your alley4 March 2008
Surrey County Councils Trading Standards Service is warning residents to be aware of unsolicited doorstep sellers and their fishy wares after receiving a number of complaints about door-to-door sellers who have turned up in unmarked vans offering trays of fish for sale. These sellers have targeted various areas in Surrey including Thames Ditton.
Some of the rip-off tactics used by salesmen include overcharging and pressuring customers into buying more than they can afford, and lying about the types of fish on offer. The sellers generally purchase the fish from quays in the North East of England and the fish are normally contained in polystyrene trays covered by cling film. The fish sellers typically pay around £1.50 to £2 per pack.
You can report such activities to Trading Standards. If anyone has concerns about any fish they have bought they should contact the Food Team at Surrey County Council on 01372 371799 or Environmental Health at their local council office. For further advice on doorstep sellers in general contact Consumer Direct, the national advice service on 08454 04 05 06.
Esher College arsonists on camera4 March 2008
Three youths who set fire to the college's car port and workshop area on Sunday January 20 between 01.00 and 03.45 were recorded on CCTV. They caused considerable damage. Surrey Police would like to identify a possible witness described as a young man with olive skin and of medium build, wearing a blue sweater. Telephone DC McCabe on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference A/08/1574 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have information
High Street Wine Rack robbed by hoodlums3 March 2008
A gang of hooded youths, some white and some of Asian appearance, robbed the off-licence in Thames Ditton High Street of drink and cigarettes at around 19.45 on the evening of Monday 25 February. Over a dozen youths were seen walking rowdily along the High Street, and four or five burst into the offie to help themselves. They then proceeded to Thames Ditton railway station where a group of about thirty of them was reported, some brandishing knives.
If you see a group of youths likely to engage in this sort of behaviour it is as well to notify the police early. Phone numbers for our local community police are on our links page.
Second attempt at armed robbery of Assimi jewellers, Christmas Eve29 December 2007
See below for the first attempt. At around 1530 on Christmas eve, a woman entered Assimi jewellers and as the proprietor tried to close the door behind her, three men ran at the door to try to gain access and waved a silver metal handgun through the gap as it was closing. Proprietor Bernard bravely resisted and managed to close the door, whereupon the men made off. The woman was asked to leave and also made off down Boyle Farm Road where an alert young member of the public observed the four getting into a silver Vauxhall Corsa that set off in the direction of Long Ditton, and called the police. The police helicopter, which many of you will have noted hovering over the area around 15.40, helped look for the car which was located in Manordene Close Thames Ditton, where three persons were arrested and are currently being investigated for the offence.
Petty thieves active during holiday period28 - 29 December 2007
In the early hours of Saturday 22 December two youths were spotted in Station Road - going in each drive, trying cars, doors etc. Police were notified. At this season of the year, with many away or distracted by festivities, such antisocial youths are often particularly active and residents are urged to remain vigilant with cars, houses, garages and sheds properly locked; and to report suspicious behaviour to the police with details of date, time and descriptions where possible.
On the afternoon of 29 December, a criminal or criminals broke a car windscreen in the car park at rear of Colets Health Club (which has rarely if ever seen this kind of theft attempt hitherto). We do not yet know what was stolen.
Failed robbery attempt at Assimi21 December 2007
At 16.30 on Wednesday 19 December a man described as short, white, weedy and in his twenties, dressed in tracksuit and trainers and with one black eye, apparently attempted to distract the proprietor of Assimi jewellers in Thames Ditton whereupon two men described as black, young, and big, with one of them carrying a carrier bag in front of his stomach (contents unknown) abruptly appeared from behind a pillar where they had been concealed and made for the open door. With great presence of mind the proprietor managed to close and lock the door before these men could gain access and called the police as they made off after barracking him.
Land-Rover burnt out9 October 2007
A resident writes: "Early morning dog-walkers are often first with the news! At Taggs boat yard , Summer Road, in the early hours of 9 October a G-Reg landrover (?) plus trailer burned out. A neighbouring fence was also partly burnt. Another resident called the fire brigade at 2 am. It is believed the owner of the vehicle lives on boat moored on or near the Island. At the time of writing it is not known whether this was arson or some accidental cause.
Neighbours opposite, on the other side of Summer Road, heard nothing...
... and the residents in Weston Green sleep just as soundly. Extensive works have been going on for the last four weeks to replace a gas main in Lower Green Road, Weston Green. In the early hours of Friday 5 October thieves stole the digger that was parked there overnight! A resident writes: "What I cannot understand is why nobody on this road heard a peep - the thieves must have put it on a low loader because the digger is
extremely noisy, as we know - we have been putting up with the noise
for the last month!"
Police are confident that the digger will be tracked down...
Flasher on Ditton Common14 September 2007
Our local police confirm that on 7th Sep at Ditton Common, near to the Portsmouth Road a 14 year old girl was walking through a wooded area when a man of about fifty exposed himself. This report may also have been the genesis of subsequent reporting at second hand of an incident on the Common near Marney's Pond on the afternoon of 13 September as children from Hinchley Wood School were walking home (police have no confirmation of this second report). In either case, with the start of the new term parents may wish to renew their security briefings to children who pass through quiet areas on their way to and from school.
Heartless thief steals disabled transport28 July 2007
On 27 July around 12:30pm, a despicable thief stole a metallic blue Hatchback Peugeot 106 Registration No. N563 PPG from the front of a house in The Woodlands, Weston Green. The car has a special passenger seat which swings out across the footpath thereby making it easier for her to access her wheelchair. The owner had taken his disabled wife by wheelchair into the house and upon returning to collect the shopping from the car found that it had been stolen.
If you have information pointing to this heartless thief please call the police. If you are the thief, the very least you can do is return the car immediately so that this disabled lady has some transport.
If you drink, don't fight20 July 2007
The annual British Crime Survey figures published on 19 July 2007 show that alcohol-related violence has risen, particularly in the small hours, following the relaxation of licensing laws a year ago. Alcohol -related Accident and Emergency cases have risen threefold, while incidents causing death by dangerous driving or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are at their highest level for three decades.
Meanwhile Surrey Police's monthly statistics show that the contribution of Thames Ditton and Weston Green to statistics on violent crime remains stable at 5 TD and 3 WG instances over the past four weeks, compared with 3 TD and 4 WG in the previous four weeks. Still an unacceptable figure. But less than in neighbouring Esher, which clocked up 11 violent crimes in the past month.
Thames Ditton flasher not jailed17 July 2007
A 34-year-old flasher living in Woodfield Road, Thames Ditton who was caught on two occasions masturbating in an alleyway next to Tiffin Girls' School has been sentenced to attend a sexual offenders' programme and to pay £70 costs instead of being sent to jail. His name was also put on the sexual offenders' register.
Full story naming the individual in the local Guardian here.
Unconnected, but also on the seamy side, some two weeks ago two girls were sexually assaulted on Hampton Court Way.
Bookies robbed17 July 2007
On 7 July a would-be robber at a Thames Ditton betting shop on Hampton Court Way sprayed a CS-like substance from a syringe into the face of an assistant . The assistant pressed the panic alarm and the man ran off. The same day, a similar attempt netted several hundred pounds from the bookie's on Portsmouth Road. Domino's Pizza on Hampton Court Way was also robbed. Police are linking the events. Update 27 July:On 16 July a bookmakers in West Molesey was also robbed. Police arrested Aaron Lickfold of Farm Road Esher, aged 27, and a 17 year old boy: they have been charged with the offence and are on bail pending appearance in court on 24 September.
Lexus torched30 May 2007
A Silver Lexus Convertible, 02 number plate was 'torched' on the night of Monday, 28 May in the car park alongside Marney's Village Inn. The owner had left it there overnight. If you have any information pointing to the culprits, please let the police know.
Six youths caught with drugs, cautioned19 May 2007
Residents who have been letting police know of narcotics activity around the car park and river bank by the Kingston Grammar School Sports Grounds will be pleased to know that six youths in cars were recently (three days ago) apprehended by our local police with large quantities of cannabis in their possession, and cautioned. Not all were from the immediate locality - two were from Walton. This area will continue to get some priority in policing. Residents are asked to remain observant and help to target police in on suspicious activity.
Girls - be alert21 January 2007
A teenage girl was accosted on foot at about 13.00 on Thursday 18th January along Weston Green Road, by a man who tried to make her go to Esher Station with him and to
tell him where she lived. The girl, very shaken, sought refuge in Esher College. The man's description: aged about 30, black, medium height, stocky build, foreign accent. The incident was reported to police.
In a separate incident, also believed to be 18 January but after dark, the 17 year-old daughter of a member of staff at Hinchley Wood School was approached in the Weston Green Area by a man thought to be of African origin. He was insistent that she get in his car and would not leave her alone when requested to do so. He fled after she was able to attract the attention of some passers by.
Current scams5 January 2007
Recent scams noted hereabouts:
◊ A note through your mailbox telling you you have a parcel, and asking you to ring a number to arrange delivery. This is a premium number beginning with 090 or 0900 and you will actually be calling somewhere like Belize at substantial cost - could be at least £15. Watchpoint: Don't call premium numbers unless you want to pay through the nose.
◊ The Trading Standards office is warning people to be on their guard against a letter through the post from a business called Paid Surveys. It encloses a cheque for £350 as payment for the recipient to pose as a potential customer at retailers and evaluate the service. They are asked to try out a money transfer agency as their first assignment, and wire a sum of money to a notional relative abroad. The cheque is, of course, dud and the money wired abroad is collected by the criminals. Watchpoint: As with any variant of the advanced-fee fraud, don't pay money up front (or send your banking details) to people you don't know for certain are genuine.
◊ Another questionable practice but perhaps just the right side of the letter of the law is a scratch card or other prize offer informing you that you have won e.g. a miniature digital camera: but you have to send a sum for P & P. You do receive the 'prize' offered, but it is clearly worth much less than the P & P!! Watchpoint: If something looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is...
Theft from garages30 December 2006
There has been a run of opportunistic minor thefts from domestic garages and outbuildings in Thames Ditton. The latest took place between 1800 and 2020 on the evening of 28 December from a garage behind Church Walk, probably by two youths. If anyone has a sighting and description of two youths either in a car or possibly on foot and carrying a large green plastic crate (containing bottles and cans) and a white translucent bucket full of tools at that time, around the exit by Colets and the Infants' School, please let us and PC Grapsas know. Thank you.
Keep your garages and sheds locked, and note descriptions of anyone acting suspiciously in their vicinity.
Distraction burglaries12 November 2006
Surrey Police report a sharp rise in distraction burglaries. Two new methods are currently being used by criminals:
◊ Posing as police officers◊ Posing as Neighbourhood Watch volunteers
Additionally, emerging trends in other areas of the country include posing as cable TV engineers or as Council Tax collectors. The more common methods such as claiming to be from the waterboard or other utility companies are also still prevalent.
every householder can substantially reduce the possibility of being targeted by following a few simple steps:
◊ Remember LOCK STOP CHAIN CHECK. Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole and look out of the window to see if you recognise the caller.
◊ Utility companies now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give you a prearranged password as additional proof of identity.
◊ Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have accomplices awaiting this distraction.
◊ If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and a arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.
◊ Remember a genuine caller won't mind waiting while you check their identity thoroughly.
Car crime hotspot19 October 2006
Surrey police have identified Thames Ditton as a growing hotspot for theft of items from motor vehicles. The majority of these crimes take place overnight, with entries made by forcing locks and removing property after a search of the vehicle (including golf clubs in a number of incidents).
Simple measures can be taken to reduce your risk. Do not leave property on display - This includes clothing, bags,satellite navigation holders (if you have a sat nav don't forget to clean the suction marks off the window, thieves have broken in to search the glove compartment where they expect owners to have placed it) as well as other electrical items , mobile telephones or cash. If you are leaving the vehicle and are unable to take items with you, try and place them out of sight in the boot before you park up. There have been instances where it's suspected that the thief has been watching the car parks to see just what you place in the boot as you leave whilst you go shopping or to the train. Set the Alarm - even when parking your car on your drive overnight. Fit locking wheel nuts
Elmbridge's Community Safety department is happy to receive communications from any resident where you want to bring crime to attention or ask what to do. They can help with advice. Email communitysafety@elmbridge.gov.uk or telephone 01932 205533. They are unable to offer a 24 hour response to incidents of antisocial behaviour but operate community safety surgeries every Monday and Friday from 10am - 12 noon, Wednesday from 2pm - 4pm and an evening surgery on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 5pm - 8pm at the Community Safety Centre in Walton Police Station, New Zealand Avenue, Walton on Thames, which the public may attend or at other times by appointment. They have also arranged a number of drop-in surgeries:Environmental issues - 2nd Tuesday of the month 9am - 11am
Fire Safety advice - 2nd Tuesday of the month 10am - 12noon
Crime Prevention advice - 2nd Tuesday of the month 11am - 1pm
Alcohol Licensing - 3rd Wednesday of the month 10am - 12 noon
Traffic and Road Safety advice - 2nd Monday of the month 10am - 12 noon
Youth Surgery - 2nd Wednesday of the month 10am - 12noon (advice for parents and information of activities for young people).
In addition the monthly evening surgery also provides the services of Citizen Advice, Elmbridge Housing Trust, Surrey Fire & Rescue, and Surrey Police as well as the Elmbridge Community Safety Officer
Rogue traders13 February 2007
The latest reported variant of doorstep scams (from Woking) is a man clad in an official-looking jacket with fluorescent yellow stripes who claims to be a pest controller, tells you three are rats in your garden and tries to take fifty quid off you to pay for traps.
Meanwhile Trading Standards officers trapped a street trader selling fake clothing and perfume in Surrey, who has been tried and convicted.
So we're bringing this problem to residents' attention again. Please pass the following to those such as the elderly who might not have an Internet connection and who might be particularly vulnerable to pressure from conmen - or conwomen. Doorstepping salesmen and rogue traders continue to pressure householders and often pick on the elderly or other vulnerable residents. Typical ploys of rogue tradesmen are to give an initial low estimate for work they have 'spotted' needs doing, from gardening to roofing, then to jack up the cost many times over after the householder has agreed, under pressure, to work which is often unnecessary. These rogues have even been known to pressure their victims to drive with them to the bank to get out cash to pay them. According to the law, if an uninvited trader tries to sell goods or services at your door for a value of more than £35, they must provide you with a written 7 day cancellation notice. If you don't receive that notice, you don't owe them a penny for the work that they do.
The Surrey CC Trading Standards Department formed a Rapid Action Team in 2003 to respond to complaints about doorstep rip-offs. Their interventions in conjunction with the police saved Surrey residents an estimated £50,000 during one week of August alone.
And this is just as well. Surrey CC employ over 100 staff to monitor and enforce trading standards, and they'll cost residents of Surrey a budgeted £3,340,600 in the current financial year. They enjoy considerable powers of enforcement, but wisely do not set themselves annual targets for numbers of prosecutions or successful convictions. They have not singled out any recent cases of rogue traders in Thames Ditton and Weston Green. But if you are the victim of such a scoundrel, get on the phone to Consumer Direct at 08454 040506 and use this resource!