In the know

We will be escorting an abnormal load (electricity transformer) through Surrey on Saturday 20 July and Monday 22 July. The unit will require a police escort as they are 58 metres long and 5 metres wide. The load will begin its journey from Luton on the Saturday (20 July) travelling via the M1 and A405 before joining the M25 at Junction 19. It will travel along the M25 before coming off at junction 11 (A320 St Peters Way) and travelling through Ottershaw and Sheerwater before eventually coming to a stop in Pinewood Grove, New Haw, Addlestone. A section of Pinewood Grove will be closed until Monday 22 July, when the load will make its final move to West Weybridge Substation, Parkside, New Haw, Addlestone. Whilst traffic disruption will be kept to a minimum, motorists are advised to be aware of this route and plan their journey accordingly.

A criminal investigation has been launched after a diesel spill which closed part of the A24 in Leatherhead earlier this week. A man in his 60s was interviewed by police on suspicion of a number of offences, including criminal damage reckless to endanger life, failing to stop at the scene of an collision, dangerous driving and careless driving. Chief Inspector Chris Tinney, from Surrey Police and Sussex Police's Roads Policing Unit said “It is clear the damage caused to the A24, M25 and Cobham services has had a serious impact on our community. The effect on residents’ and commuters’ everyday lives whether it be school runs, caring responsibilities or trying to get to work cannot be understated. Our specialist Commercial Vehicle Unit is leading on this investigation and colleagues are working hard to understand the cause of incident. “If you were involved in a road traffic collision on Tuesday (9 July) morning and believe this was as a result of this fuel spill, or have any information in relation to this incident, please get in contact with us at Contact us | Surrey Police  quoting PR/45240078112. We are particularly interested in any dashcam footage from the A24 that morning.

Two men have been charged following a series of burglaries in Surrey and Kent between December 2023 and March 2024. Drilon Merkohitoj, 34 (26/07/1989), of Avenue Gardens, Acton, was charged with conspiracy to commit a burglary with intention to steal, and failure to surrender to police/court bail. He appeared at Staines Remand Court on Wednesday, 3 July, and has been remanded until his next appearance at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday, 1 August. Ervis Vela, 29, (30/03/1995), of Old Kent Road, London, was charged with conspiracy to commit a burglary with intention to steal. He appeared at Staines Remand Court on Tuesday, 9 July, and has been remanded until his next appearance at Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday, 31 July.

Over the last week, we have received several reports in the New Haw area of e-bikes being driven erratically. Including mentions of riders stealing from vans and parcels. We have yet to have any formal reports of thefts in the area for these. We also know that this has been placed on several Neighbourhood Watch / Community Facebook groups with peoples addresses. We believe through our enquiries that there are two separate groups. To this extent, we have taken appropriate steps to deter the anti-social riding by one set around New Haw and trust that their riding manner will improve. Furthermore, we are still working hard to keep the other set, who prey on your livelihoods, out of the area and bring them to justice. We take any reports of ASB and criminality seriously and will take action appropriately when it is reported to us. Any information given is used in the strictest confidence and no names are ever shared or given. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

This week, as part of ASB week, we have been out in Hythe Park, Pooley Green with Runnymede Borough Council conducting a joint environmental visual audit. This is following reports of ASB and damage to the area. We have discussed amongst other things, lighting, and identified areas that require attention to help reduce the anti-social behaviour in the park. 

How to report ASB, in an emergency, always call 999. However, your issue may be best dealt with by one of our partner agencies - Who deals with anti-social behaviour | Healthy Surrey

Looking to entertain your children over the summer holidays? Together with Runnymede Borough Council, we have launched the Pooley Green Youth Project for summer 2024. There will be five weeks of free activity sessions for young people living in Runnymede (school years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11). Free food and refreshments will be provided. The sessions will run every Friday from 26 July until 30 August. Find out more information, see Pooley Green Youth Project – Runnymede Borough Council