A Policing Update There has been an extended holiday from school for many of our youths in the local Boroughs. Some of the key issues we are seeing involve age groups 13- 17 years. Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in anti-social behaviour, including noise, criminal damage, especially from the use of catapults, and the use of cannabis, alcohol, and Nitrous Oxide canisters. We ask that parents take an interest in what their children are doing throughout the day and evenings. Are they just hanging about in the local parks and shopping centres? Do they have catapults in their pockets? If they do, they are at risk of arrest as it is an offensive weapon to have in a public place, especially if found with ammunition. We will take action if anyone is found with a catapult. If your child is found behaving in an anti-social way, you will be contacted to collect them, and you may even get a letter from your housing provider or our anti-social behaviour team too! We have seen the theft of dogs suddenly increase in the area. This is most unusual, and currently, we have no lines of enquiry except to circulate the pictures of the dogs. However, please be mindful that if you leave your dog unattended in a publicly accessed area, they may be at risk if they are friendly and especially if they are small and easily carried away.
with domestic abuse and offer advice, please visit Surrey Police Website www.surrey.police.uk/advice/ advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/ support-helplines/ for more information.
Other crimes that continue during these lighter evenings include, theft from motor vehicles. Over the past months, we have seen an increase in low-level thefts from vehicles such as sunglasses, loose change, and other items generally left in a car console area.
What is a hate crime? A hate crime is when someone commits a crime against you because of your disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, or any other perceived difference.
Our advice is not to leave anything on display in the vehicle and make sure your vehicle is locked. If you have a remote locking key, please ensure that it is not left near the front door area, either put in a Faraday Bag to prevent anyone from enabling access to your vehicle. Other thefts are in the form of catalytic converters, and these are usually taken in broad daylight in a matter of seconds. It is difficult to prevent this type of crime; however, certain vehicles do have the catalytic converter more easily accessible and can benefit from having a protective cage fitted to make it more difficult. Domestic abuse is continuing to increase. Often a hidden crime and nobody knows once the front door is closed. If you are worried about someone your know that may be subject to any form of domestic abuse you can report on their behalf. There are many other organisations that can assist
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Alex ClarkStaines Town Centre PCSO
My final plea is around hate Crime. If you are a victim, please ensure that you report it to the police. We do take this crime very seriously.
It doesn’t always include physical violence. Someone using offensive language towards you or harassing you because of who you are, or who they think you are, is also a crime. The same goes for someone posting abusive or offensive messages about you online. If it happens to you, you may be tempted to shrug it off, but if you report the hate crime, we can investigate and stop it from getting worse – either for you or someone else. Surrey Police are very proud to say that we record crimes against people from alternative subcultures as hate crimes. Alternative subculture hate crimes are crimes committed against people for the way they dress or their lifestyle. Please report via 101, our online reporting system, https://www.surrey.police. uk/advice/advice-and-information/hco/hate-crime/ how-to-report-hate-crime/ or if you feel threatened and in danger of course call 999. Please stay safe during these extraordinary times.
The Local Magazine for Ashford, Laleham and Staines Upon Thames
