In the know

Two people pleaded guilty at Staines Magistrates’ Court on 21 August to theft relating to incidents in Addlestone and Chertsey between 13 and 16 August. Stacey Gumble, 38 (DOB 02/09/1985) of Merton Road, London pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from a shop, and four counts of breaching a Community Protection Notice. Gumble was released on conditional bail, including a condition not to enter the Runnymede Borough, and will appear at Staines Magistrates’ Court on Friday 18 October for sentencing. Paul Jones, 49 (DOB 12/12/1974) of no fixed address pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from a shop, handling stolen goods, a public order offence and four counts of breaching a Community Protection Notice. Jones has been remanded in custody and will appear at Guildford Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 11 September for sentencing. Runnymede Borough Commander Inspector Ian Nash said, “While it may sometimes seem to be a large retail organisation that is targeted by a shoplifter, this crime has a big impact on those who work in our shops and stores, and these people are an important part of our local community. “Shoplifting also affects all of us who work hard to pay for our goods at a time when the cost of living is high. “This result demonstrates that we take such crimes very seriously and will pursue offenders. I am pleased to achieve this successful outcome for retailers but also for the wider public.”

Runnymede Borough Commander, Inspector Ian Nash and the Vanguard Team Sergeant were out and about on pedal cycles last week and stopped a driver at the end of their 21 mile shift. The male has been recalled to prison and our roads have one less driver willing to risk other people’s lives by being behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.

Tackling the use of nitrous oxide (NOS) and preventing the anti-social behaviour typically associated with it, is just one of the many things the local neighbourhood team in Spelthorne have been involved in. Last month, a crew from Sky News were out with the team in Staines to capture the work going on to crack down on the use of NOS, one of the most-abused substances by 16-25-year-olds which led to it being banned last year across the UK. During the two-day operation, the team were involved in multiple targeted patrols in areas where NOS had been found or where ASB had been reported. These resulted in five positive stop/searches for NOS which led to community resolutions being issued, over 12 large canisters being seized and, following another stop and search, an arrest for possession of an offensive weapon and class B drugs.

Our Dog School support police forces and other agencies across the world, training both dogs and handlers. For example, over the last 20 years we have provided over 200 dogs to The Hong Kong Customs Canine Force. Recently, one of our Police dogs completed her course on locating cash. She quickly applied her new skills, and successfully intercepted 11 million Hong Kong Dollars (over £1.1 million GBP) being illegally imported.

Zombie-style knives and machetes will soon be illegal. From 26 August, people can surrender these items to the police, no questions asked, as part of a one-month compensation scheme, ending on 23 September. These weapons will be illegal to possess, sell, manufacture and transport from 24 September. In most cases, current lawful owners can claim compensation. The knives and machetes can be handed in at Guildford, Caterham and Staines Police Stations. Find out more details, and how to package items, at National call to surrender all zombie-style knives and machetes | Surrey Police