SURREY Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), David Munro, has reassured Farnham residents that the authorities are doing “all they can” to address the town’s spiralling anti-social behaviour and vandalism problems.
An upsurge in vandalism over the past 12 months reached a head over Christmas, when the festive decorations in Gostrey Meadow and Lion & Lamb Yard were trashed by groups of hooded youths - prompting Farnham Town Council to install a CCTV camera in the meadow at taxpayer’s expense.
The derelict Redgrave Theatre and Sainsbury’s South Street car park have also become a focus for anti-social behaviour in recent months, causing Waverley Borough Council to spend £5,000 on improved security.
And several town centre businesses suffered damage to their frontages and flower arrangements over Christmas and new year - leading to fresh criticism of Farnham’s perceived lack of police presence following the demolition of the town’s police station in 2013.
He told The Herald: “Making our town centres safe is one of the six priorities in my police and crime plan and I want to work with local councils, police, local businesses and residents to make our towns enjoyable environments for those living and working in them.
“I understand that the local neighbourhood policing team in Farnham based at Farnham fire station in Guildford Road is fully aware of the recent issues regarding vandalism and have been working hard to find long-term solutions to address them.
“This includes working with Waverley Borough Council to explore the available ASB legislation for a more permanent order to be issued for the town.”
Mr Munro’s comments come after The Herald published an open letter penned by Yolande Hesse, whose business Back to Front Architectural Design in West Street was one of those targeted over Christmas, last week.
“There is no policing in the town anymore, no beats, no presence on the streets,” wrote Mrs Hesse. “The acts of vandalism are on the increase. To leave our town without a local police presence is foolhardy.
“We have a few empty shops in town, why don’t the police rent one, and give us a local presence?”
Addressing Mrs Hesse’s letter directly, Mr Munro did not comment on the ‘empty shops’ suggestion but confirmed he raised the issue of visible policing presence with Surrey Police’s chief constable Nick Ephgrave at the force’s last performance meeting.
Mr Munro continued: “We both recognise that this is a crucial issue and there is work to do in engaging with the Surrey public to ensure we get the balance right between meeting the demands of modern policing and keeping that visible presence on the streets that I know people find reassuring.”
Sergeant Paul Edwards, of the Waverley Safer Neighbourhood Team, has also sought to reassure the Farnham public that the town’s anti-social behaviour problems are being dealt with seriously.
He said: “We are fully aware of the anti-social behaviour problems in Farnham town centre and would like to re-assure the public and local residents that we are doing all we can to address this.
“Following the incidents before Christmas where lights and decorations had been damaged, patrols were increased in the town centre over the festive period and a dispersal order was prepared to help direct troublesome individuals away from areas of the town if required.
“We continue to work closely with our colleagues at Waverley Borough Council to explore ASB legislation available for a more permanent and long term solution for the town.
“We strongly urge the public to report any anti-social behaviour and criminal damage to us as soon as they see it so that we can gather evidence and take the appropriate action.”
To report concerns about any crime taking place including anti-social behaviour and vandalism, call Surrey Police on 999 in an emergency, 101 in a non-emergency or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0845 555 111.
Comments
This article has no comments yet. Be the first to leave a comment.