By Inspector Maxine Cilia, Spelthorne Borough Commander
Summer is nearly here. We have had a few glimpses of the summer already with some per-fect sunny weekends. Hot sunny weekends in policing usually means that we will be very busy. Recently we have seen a rise in the num-ber of neighbourhood disputes being reported to police. Anti-social behaviour where you live can be a real problem. We take all anti-social behaviour really seriously. However in some instances there are steps that individuals can take to self-help before the necessity for police to get involved. The first step I would advise if in Housing Association accommodation is to report to the relevant Housing association, if privately rented, report to the land-lord. Also look at the Citizens advice website https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk. They have some great advice on boundary disputes and disputes over hedges and noise. Consider contacting Spelthorne Borough Council. Again they have a great website and information available at Neighbour disputes – Spelthorne Borough Council with documents on mediation as well. Environmental health can also help with noise complaints/pest control and nuisance Environmen-tal Health – Spelthorne Borough Council. As you can see the police are not always the first call for a dispute unless it involves a criminal matter including ongoing ASB where it may amount to harassment, so please think if we are the appropriate service to support your needs in the first instance. A more recent crime that has started coming to notice of police is fraud at car park pay meters. This has occurred all over the Borough but very recently in Sunbury Cross. There are various methods, but nearly all victims are having difficulty paying for parking at a machine which only accepts cards. A stranger has approached on each occasion in various guises. One dressed like a security guard who has taken the card and tried to assist which has resulted in the suspect being able to take not only the PIN number, but on some occasions steal the card too, using it within minutes online or in cash withdraw-al. Please be vigilant around these type of scammers. Never give out your PIN number to any one, and do not hand over your card. Keep hold of it yourself and if you are having problems paying, every machine has a ‘help’ button. The best way to pay for parking these days is with an app on the phone where you do not even need to approach the machine. As usual I will issue my reminder that if you are going out in your car to take a walk in some of the lovely areas that surround us please ensure that you do not leave your valuables in your car in plain sight. My advice is to leave no valuables but if you must at least lock them in the boot or glove compartment where they cannot easily be seen. All too often we still have handbags or laptops stolen from a car where it has been left on seat. Make sure that you lock your vehicles before you leave. Take a look at The Little Big Book of Scams which is a very good collection of scams and how to stay safe. The link is below if you would like to access online. If you would like a copy pop in to Staines Police Station and we can give you a copy. https://www.surrey.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/surrey/advice/watch-schemes-and-initiatives/operation-signature/surrey-book-of-scams-pdf-v6.pdf
I hope that many of you get to enjoy the extra holidays in June to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. Stay safe in your street parties and celebrations, as many of your local teams will be working to support you and keep you safe.
Finally, to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Spelthorne Policing Teams offer our congratula-tions on your Platinum Jubilee; may you enjoy good health and many more years to reign. Congratulations on your Platinum Jubilee.
Maxine Cilia
Borough Commander