In the know

Road crime under the spotlight in Epsom and Ewell operation

On 9 July, Surrey Police conducted one of its largest ever multi-agency, roads policing operations, aimed at targeting criminal activity on the roads of Epsom and Ewell.

The joint operation, combined Surrey Police’s Vanguard Road Safety Team, Roads Policing Unit and Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Surrey RoadSafe’s Casualty Reduction Officers, alongside officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Roads and Transport Policing Command.

In addition to the police units, the operation was supported by the Home Office National Document Fraud Unit, The Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) and Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Licensing Authority.

The activity was launched in direct response to growing concerns from residents about road crime and anti-social behaviour.
A recent survey carried out by local Neighbourhood Policing Teams found that four of the top six concerns in Epsom & Ewell related to road use and vehicle related crime.

Top Concerns Raised by Local Residents:
• Anti-social driving or speeding - 50%
• Nuisance motorcycles or quad bikes - 47%
• Anti-social or inconsiderate parking - 45%
• Vehicle crime - 45%

The operation, named Op Enchanted, focused on three ‘hot spots’: Epsom town centre, West Ewell and the Nonsuch Park area.

Acting Inspector, Dan Ayrton, who led the operation said “This is the largest operation of its kind that Surrey Police have carried out to tackle road crime and vehicle-related offending in Epsom and Ewell. It shows how seriously we take community concerns.”

One moped rider, who was stopped by the Vanguard Road Safety Team presented fraudulent insurance and licence, and following a roadside search was found to be in possession of a large quantity of class A drugs, believed to be Cocaine. The rider was arrested for Possession with Intent to Supply (Class A).

The day of action resulted in:
• 90 x Traffic Stops
• 12 x Arrests including three immigration and fraudulent document offences. Another arrest involved a suspect who was wanted for failing to appear in court on charges of theft of motor vehicle and shoplifting.
• 5 x Weapons/ Drug Seizures
• 15 x Section 165 seizures (no licence, no insurance). Each receiving six points on their licence.
• 32 x Fixed Penalty Notices/ Traffic Offence Reports issued
• 6 Reported for Summons
• 2 x PG9 Dangerous Condition (1 x Scooter, S5a Drug Drive, No Tread)

After the operation Dan Ayrton said "This operation shows Surrey Police's commitment to responding to and dealing with community concerns in the Epsom and Ewell area.

“We are focused and committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and crime that is facilitated through the use of vehicles in and around Surrey, as part of the Governments wider plan, Operation Topaz, to tackle anti-social behaviour. This operation seeks to be the first of many to deal with these issues, with other boroughs in Surrey being part of our targeted response in the coming months.”