Police: Operation Candlelight update

Leave a reply

This year’s anti-burglary initiative, Operation Candlelight, launched on Monday, 22 October and is well underway. Operational activities have targeted high risk neighbourhoods and known offenders; crime prevention postcards have been sent to ‘at risk’ properties to encourage residents to improve their home security while roadshows and bus back advertising have taken place across the county.

 

In the second phase of the operation, we are teaming up with Crimestoppers in a bid to urge residents to tell the charity what they know about possible burglars and the handling of stolen goods in return for cash rewards of up to £1,000.

 

Following the success of last years campaign which saw an increase in calls to the charity, Crimestoppers will use Facebook, advertising posters in buses across Surrey and a targeted ‘Know a burglar?’ leaflet drop to make as many people as possible aware of the rewards while pledging the anonymity that Crimestoppers offer.

 

Tim Prideaux JP, Chairman of Surrey Crimestoppers said: “We all want our homes and valuables to be as safe as possible so if you have any information about any burglary but don’t want to reveal your identity then please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

 

Detective Superintendent Ray Blythe said: “Surrey Police is pleased to be working alongside Crimestoppers once again in our bid to reduce burglary activity. We know that some people don’t want to talk to the police and don’t want to give their name but do have information about burglars in their area. I would encourage anyone who knows about those involved in this distressing crime to tell someone – whether that be the police or Crimestoppers – to make sure we can bring these individuals to justice.”

If you need to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us on

Email: 13207@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 101

 

Mark Saunders

Distributors wanted

Leave a reply

As some of you will know, we’ve had to use a delivery chap for the last year or more. While this has been an excellent service and we thank Richard for his efforts, two things have come to light – firstly, members that helped deliver the magazine before started to feel left out and wanted to re-start the deliveries. This is naturally a fantastic situation to have as we can now help them help us, so to speak. It also mitigates the second issue of cost of delivery which I have to admit was eating into the coffers somewhat.

Neville Hinks has been in touch with the old distribution network and I’m pleased to say that most roads in the village are covered by existing or recently found volunteers. We do however have some outstanding roads that we would appreciate a volunteer distributor for, they are (quantities in brackets) –

Cavell Way and Tringham Close (115)
Alexandra Gardens (200)
Lane End Drive (95)
Nursery Road, Halls Farm Close, and St Hildas Close (100)
Robin Hood Road, Anchor Hill, Waterers Rise, and Barnby Road (200)
Robin Hood Crescent (70)
Lansbury Estate (40)
Knaphill churches (50)

How it works

The magazines are delivered to the editor and sorted into piles by road. These will then be taken to the deliverer’s doorstep for distribution.

Anyone feeling ready, willing and able should get in touch with the editor ‘editor@knaphill.org‘

Sainsburys Redding Way (more!)

Leave a reply

Although Woking’s Planning Committee approved the latest application from Sainsbury’s to extend their store in December 2011 the legal paperwork was only completed in August this year. With any major planning agreement there are a number of planning conditions that the developer has to meet either before the developer starts to build or before the shop owner starts to trade in the extension.

As residents will know, the determination of this application has always raised concerns on a number of grounds. Even now, such concerns continue and there are a number of procedural matters that the KRA consider still need challenging, even the general legality of the Decision that has been taken. The KRA has therefore made a formal complaint to Woking Borough Council.

One of the principle benefits for local residents that was to have been secured by the grant of this planning permission was the “full” enclosure of the service yard to address noise impact concerns. Such work was imposed as a planning condition which needed to be discharged prior to other works.

The Planning Committee (presumably even at that time sceptical of Sainsbury’s intent to deliver their promises), insisted that the design of the conditioned enclosure has to be returned to the full Planning Committee for approval and that the enclosure of the service yard had to be given priority in carrying out any building work.

One of our colleagues and Cllr. Melanie Whitehand met with Sainsbury’s team last week to discuss their plans for the enclosure of the service yard. The first disappointment was that even before that meeting had had an opportunity to take place, Sainsbury’s had already submitted their plans for approval to Woking Borough Council. The second disappointment was that it was quite clear from those plans that the current enclosure design does not deliver the “promises” made to residents and the Planning Committee.

On a slightly more positive note, Sainsbury’s team have advised that they will “re-visit” their designs. The KRA will continue to challenge robustly any proposals that do not deliver what was promised to residents (and the Council) last year. We will update you, once Sainsbury’s had advised further.

We also now wait to see what action will be taken by Woking Borough Council in response to our complaint.

P.S. Just in case any residents are wondering why they are not actually aware that the Council’s decision has been issued – there is a very simple explanation. WBC have not yet sought fit to advise you! That is despite such formal notification being a requirement of their own Statement of Community involvement and Charter for Development Enabling.

 

Alpha Hospitals Rose Lodge

Leave a reply

A planning application to permit Alpha Hospital group to build a care home on the site of the old Rose Lodge that stood between Redding Way and Barton Close has been approved. Last week the management team from Alpha ran a number of briefing sessions to explain to local people the hospitals plans for this new building. The KRA was invited and attended but we understand that one of these briefings was for residents who live close to the site and we would welcome any feedback from anyone who attended any of those meetings.

One of our concerns is with the disruption that will cause to residents in Barton Close during the construction period which could last at least six months. We have asked WBC if the larger deliveries of building material could be offloaded from Redding Way rather having very long vehicles trying to manoeuvre down Barton Close. We will add a note to our web site if we get any feedback both from residents or WBC on deliveries.

Lawson’s Fields and The Mound

1 Reply

Following on from the hedgerows post here, we have more news.

In previous articles we have given details of the actions taken by the landowner or tenant to the boundaries of the fields and footpaths that surround The Priory Hospital. We are still monitoring developments in that part of Knaphill / Bisley. As reported elsewhere on our web Surrey County Council has placed a stop notice on anyone dumping or removing soil or hard core from the site and we wait to see what action SCC recommends with regards to the material that has already been dumped on one of the fields.

We have also raised questions on the protection given to ‘The Mound’. This is the wooded area between Chobham Road and The Priory, we must point out that this land is not owned by The Priory. We are given to understand that our questions on protection of ‘The Mound’ have been passed to the appropriate officers at County Hall; again we wait for a response. Finally we hope that one of our local Councillors can arrange a meeting with the new tenant so that we can report to him on the comments we have received from residents and give the tenant the opportunity to explain his long-term plans for the fields and ‘The Mound’.

Old library site SOLD!

2 Replies

Yes folks, the old library site in Knaphill High Street has been sold by SCC to WBC for… affordable housing!

According to Woking Borough Council this offers a new lease of life and an opportunity to meet targets for housing, and isn’t it fortunate that the planning has already been approved…

Yet again Knaphill is having a development forced upon them without due consideration of the residents; this isn’t to say that we don’t want it, merely that no consideration or communication was given. It appears that WBC are determined to place affordable housing absolutely anywhere they can as long as it’s not on the doorstep of Woking town centre itself and irrespective of any infrastructure deficiencies.

There is a good note however, in that there will be a memorial garden (although no free standing edifice) created as a part of the development, due to start in summer 2013 and be completed by 2014. WBC has also attempted to acquire the derelict land behind Co-Op, presumably for an access road or additional housing, but the sale has been refused by the owner. This means that any access will have to be off the High Street, almost opposite the development at the old Clifton’s building.

Both councillor Melanie Whitehand and councillor Saj Hussain have pledged to achieving the ‘best and most pleasing development’ on this site which is good news. We have requested that plans go on display in the library for comment but no promises can be made as to whether this will happen or not.

Although the early tone of this article is a tad frustrated, it should be noted that having a memorial garden in the village centre will be exceptionally pleasing to most if not all residents and a derelict site being developed can only be good for the High Street.

Full release by WBC is here.

Police: Operation Candlelight

Leave a reply

Today (Monday, 22 October) sees the launch of Operation Candlelight, an initiative focusing on reducing dwelling burglaries in Surrey.

‘Are you on a burglar’s to-do list?’ is the message from Surrey Police during the two-month initiative which aims to help householders get in the mind of a burglar and understand what they look out for prior to committing the crime.

We traditionally see a rise in burglary offences over the autumn and winter months with the longer, darker nights and increased spending over the Christmas period. By encouraging residents to see their property from a burglar’s point of view, we hope to influence a long-term behavioural change and reduce burglary offences. As part of the initiative, Surrey Police will also be carrying out additional operational activities targeting high risk areas and known offenders.

Detective Superintendent Ray Blythe said: “With the clocks going back this Sunday (28 October) there is no better time to start thinking about your own house and what you can do to ensure it is not on a burglar’s to-do list.

“Simple steps like taking a minute to put your car and house keys out of sight or putting stickers on your windows letting people know your property is marked could be all it takes to make an opportunist burglar decide it is not worth their while targeting your property.

“Being burgled can have a hugely detrimental effect on the victim and we will not tolerate this kind of offence in our communities. Working with the public to reduce offences is just one part of this campaign; we will also be targeting those who are known to offend in the county.”

You can dramatically reduce the chances of being burgled by taking just a few simple measures:

Never leave door or car keys, wallets or handbags within reach of a letterbox, door or window.
Make your house look occupied when nobody is home by using an automatic timer to switch interior lights on and off.
Set your burglar alarm whenever you leave your home. If you don’t have an alarm, we recommend you get one fitted.
Always close your windows when you are out, and ensure French windows and patio doors are secure.
Dispose of packaging carefully. Empty boxes left outside can advertise to thieves what they can find inside.
Going away? Cancel milk, newspaper and other regular deliveries and ask a friend or local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to keep an eye on your home.
Mark your valuables with a property marking product and place signs and stickers around your home, making it clear that your property is marked. Photograph your valuables and keep a description of them.
Always secure your shed and garage and don’t leave ladders or other tools outside which could help a burglar gain access to your house.

If you need to contact us in the meantime, you can reach us on

Email: 13180@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 101

15 High Street – TESCO

Leave a reply

Tesco KnaphillAfter we published in Knaphill News, the rumours have been doing the rounds and today we have had a confirmation that it will be Tesco, not Sainsbury’s taking over the old Clifton’s site in Knaphill High Street.

After all the palaver they’re having in Chobham with this company, I wonder just how well we’ll get along?

Fuller story here – http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2122456_tesco_makes_move_for_knaphill_high_street_site

Police update: NW update 28/9/12

Leave a reply

Friday 28th of September 2012 – Tuesday 9th of October 2012

 

In Your Area

 

I have to report that in the last week the following crime/crimes occurred in or near to your area.

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6060 – Between the hours of 20:00 and 22:50 on Saturday the 6th of October 2012 a property in WEST HILL CLOSE, BROOKWOOD was subject to a BURGLARY.

 

At the time of writing it is unclear how entry was gained to the property. Once in the offender/offenders then managed to steal cash.

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6061 – Between the hours of 15:30 and 23:00 on Saturday the 6th of October 2012 a property in LARCHWOOD ROAD, KNAPHILL was subject to a BURGLARY.

 

During this period the offender/offenders have gained entry to the unoccupied property by forcing open a rear window. Once in they then managed to steal jewellery and a bank book.

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6073 – Between the hours of 16:00 on Saturday the 6th of October and 11:00 on Sunday the 7th of October 2012 a property in CONNAUGHT ROAD, BROOKWOOD was subject to a BURGLARY.

 

During this period the offender/offenders have gained entry to the unoccupied property by smashing the glass in a rear door. At the time of writing it is unclear what was stolen.

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6087 – Between the hours of 12:00 on Friday the 5th of October and 08:30 on Monday the 8th of October 2012 a property in HERMITAGE ROAD, KNAPHILL was subject to a BURGLARY.

 

During this period the offender/offenders have gained entry to the unoccupied property by smashing the glass in a rear patio door. Once in they then managed to search the property but it would appear that nothing was stolen.

 

 

The majority of burglaries that are committed occur at the rear of properties. For this reason it is important to deter access into your back gardens. Gates should be closed and locked at all times when not in direct use. Deter the scaling of gates and fences by adding trellis to the tops of them.

Make sure all tools are placed out of sight in a secure place so that they cannot be used by an offender to break into your home.

Please make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked when not in direct use. Please don’t think that because you are only popping out for a moment that it won’t happen to you!

Consider the installation of an intruder alarm in your home. Any alarm installed should ideally conform to standard BS EN 50131 and should be fitted by a company that is NSI (National Security Inspectorate) or SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) approved. Details of such companies can be found at www.nsi.org.uk or www.ssaib.co.uk

 

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6074 – Between the hours of 12:30 and 12:35 on Sunday the 7th of October 2012 a vehicle parked in WOKING CREMATORIUM, KNAPHILL was broken into.

 

During this time the offender/offenders gained entry to the vehicle by smashing a window. Once in they managed to steal a handbag containing cash, bank cards and personal items.

 

Please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle and always lock it, even if you are only leaving it unattended for a few minutes. It only takes a few seconds for an offender to seize an opportunity.

 

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6100 – Between Monday the 1st of October and Monday the 8th of October 2012 a property in ALMA CLOSE, KNAPHILL was subject to an ATTEMPT NON DWELLING BURGLARY.

 

During this time the offender/offenders attempted to gain access to a garden shed. No entry was gained and nothing was stolen.

 

Crime Reference WK/12/6102 – Between Monday the 24th of September and Monday the 8th of October 2012 a property in ANCHOR HILL, KNAPHILL was subject to a NON DWELLING BURGLARY.

 

During this time the offender/offenders gained access to a garden shed and stole a mini motor and petrol powered model cars.

 

 

Outbuildings should be locked at all times. Large valuable items should be placed out of view and chained up to other items or a secure anchor point within the outbuilding. Items could also be property marked via engraving or painting your house number and postcode onto them. A record of their serial number should also be kept and registered onto a national property database, visit www.immobilise.com for further information.

 

Card cloning device prompts warning to cash point users


Crime Reference WK/12/5966 – Between the hours of 19:45 and 20:25 on Saturday the 29th of September 2012 a device placed on a cash machine at Barclays Bank in Old Woking Road, West Byfleet, was used to steal a bank card.

 

During this time the victim went to use the machine but due to the device their bank card was not returned. They later checked with their bank to find that several hundred pounds had subsequently been withdrawn from their account.

Last year, police in Woking warned of a cash point scam involving the “Lebanese Loop” a system involving a piece of magnetic tape inserted into the slot which retains the card when the victim tries to use it. Similar scams may involve attaching a sticker to the ATM providing “instructions” for the unsuspecting cardholder, advising them to re-enter their PIN number should their card get stuck. Alternatively, a suspect could be standing behind in the queue advising them to re-enter the PIN number – obtaining the victim’s details.

There are steps you can take to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of card cloning:

  • Check the machine to see if there is anything stuck to it or anything looks unusual about it. If there is, do not use the machine – report it to the police or bank immediately.
  • Do not let anyone see you input your PIN. Use your free hand to cover the PIN pad to prevent anyone seeing your PIN as you key it in.
  • If you are interrupted or distracted by anyone when using an ATM, cancel the transaction and try to recover the card.
  • If the machine does not return your card, report it immediately to your card issuer.
  • If you discover you have been the victim of card fraud, report it to your bank or building society straightaway.
  • A number of initiatives are in place to counter card fraud, including siting ATMs in well-lit locations and installing CCTV cameras to deter fraudulent activity. The banking industry is also liasing with ATM suppliers to enhance technical solutions available for ATM owners to prevent cash machine fraud.

 

 

If you feel that you have witnessed any incident that may relate to the above crime/crimes please call 101 quoting the relevant crime number.

 

Can you please circulate the details of the crimes to the members of your watch if you think it will be of value. Remember that if you have elderly or vulnerable residents in your road this information may frighten them so be careful how you deliver this message.

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Mark Saunders

Crime Prevention Design Advisor

Woking Borough

 

Email: 13180@surrey.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 101

Your opinion results 2012

1 Reply

Some of you will recall a survey on the front page asking for your opinion on the KRA and activities. The survey ran for two months and ended on August 31st. The results have been presented to the committee and are now here for you, with some commentary from us. I should note that although given the option of leaving names for follow up communication, all respondents remained anonymous so we have had to ‘interpret’ a few replies!

Results

Overall there were 7 respondents. We accept this is low but it was not unexpected and had anticipated that in the main it would be critics that felt the need to have their say which we welcomed and gave us the opportunity to learn grievances. The survey had these 9 questions:

1 Do you think the KRA act in the best interests of the village?
2 Is the KRA approachable?
3 Is the KRA easy to contact or get in touch with?
4 Does the KRA listen to your concerns when you get in contact?
5 Having looked through the website, knaphill.org, what would you like to see added, removed or improved? Please be as specific as possible
6 What are we NOT doing that you would like us to do? Please be as specific as possible
7 What is your opinion on this statement – ‘The KRA is politically minded’
8 What ARE we doing that you would prefer we didn’t? Please be as specific as possible
9 Are there any other comments you wish to make regarding the Knaphill Residents’ Association?

 

Below are the statistical replies (questions 1-4 and 7) followed by the written responses; not all respondents left written responses.

 

Q5. Having looked through the website, knaphill.org, what would you like to see added, removed or improved? Please be as specific as possible

Answer 1: more up to date
Answer 2: memory lane type posts, KRA must look forward
Answer 3: layout
Answer 4: It would be good to have a forum area

KRA response –

The look and feel of a website is very much a personal preference and the KRA website, we hope, strikes a good balance of being easily read and in being able to find information. There is little likelihood of a forum area due to maintenance in terms of time on the volunteers but we will constantly look at how to best present articles and the layout of the site.

With regard to Memory Lane and looking forward, we have found that these articles are especially well received and as we have so few submissions we will not be stopping them but would actively encourage people to read about the history of their area. History provides the basis of moving forward. With regard to moving forward we have created several projects which we hope will benefit the village once we have projects leads come forward.

Q6. What are we NOT doing that you would like us to do? Please be as specific as possible

Answer 1: We need visibility of the KRAs actions
Answer 2: Get the council to look after Knaphill, the roads are rubbish, the verges parks etc are either not cut or left with cut grass laying around. Pavements are shocking, the park has the most rubbish play area the woods have been vandalised It is really a travesty ! Our village should be pride of place
Answer 3: As a local paid up trade member I feel that a clique of businesses get first call on any business involvement.
Answer 4: Improving the appearance of the village
Answer 5: be inclusive

KRA response –

We’re always concerned to be doing as much as we can for the village. Whereas we are all volunteers, there are activities that we do and meetings that take place so we shall endeavour to place minutes of these meetings on the website in the near future.

We are unsure as to what the ‘be inclusive’ comment refers to. We are as inclusive as possible! We aren’t in the habit of press-ganging people into service but do always ask for people to become involved, be a part of the KRA and help the village.

Answer 3 above is of concern to some on the committee. We have no business clique that we’re aware of and will work with and promote any business in the village, for example through ‘Business Focus’ features in the magazine. Any business advertising is warmly received and allows the magazine to continue. We welcome the involvement of any and all businesses in the village and are more than happy to discuss this more if anyone wants to get in touch.

With regard to answers 2 & 4, we have absolutely no influence over the council, either local or county. Whereas we agree that the infrastructure is in need of attention and are aghast at how bad it gets sometimes, in terms of actual ‘power’ to do anything it is minimal. Sad but true. What we can do and what we do do is raise issues to the borough and county councillors, MP Jonathon Lord and any official bodies either by meetings, photographic evidence, relating issues to regulatory governance and by trying to hold the officials to account. Knaphill is a big area and it is incumbent on all residents to raise issues to relevant bodies such as the council, we’re happy if you want to do it through us but if we don’t know about it we can’t do anything at all; we realise this is not what some people may want to hear but we can’t strongarm the council to do anything, as much as we may want to.

Q8. What ARE we doing that you would prefer we didn’t? Please be as specific as possible

Answer 1: Charging
Answer 2: As my previous statement regarding local business pointed towards a clique businesses should not be included in a residents organisation as businesses by there nature will always look for a pay-off for any involvment they make. cynical but true these days.
Answer 3: Stop being political and start looking after our village

KRA response –

I’m sure many will have heard this before – we’re not a political body. We do have to ‘play the game’ at times however due to the nature of people and bodies involved, in short, politicians. If you deal with anything council related you must be able to engage in their terms. That is the extent of our politics but we will make no apologies for getting down and dirty with the politicians if it helps the village out and improves the infrastructure.

With regard to charging we have little option but to charge a small amount for membership. It is a voluntary act to join the KRA and we appreciate every single one of you. The money allows us to have a start point for the village show and free magazine magazine, the remainder (a large percentage) being made up via advertising or generous donations. Don’t forget you don’t have to be a member to help out. With regard to the business involvement, the businesses ‘pay-off’ is any result from their investment in advertising. We have no influence over this but do greatly appreciate any business that chooses to support us in our activities in the village. Again, we are very welcoming of any further opinions on this!

Q9. Are there any other comments you wish to make regarding the Knaphill Residents’ Association?

Answer 1: Stop patting yourselves on the back and do what you set yourselves up to do….

KRA response –

Ouch. One answer and it was a shot across the bows indeed! We aren’t entirely sure of the intent of the comment but have tried to interpret it as best we can. The residents’ association was set up for the village, to represent the village when we can and more information can be seen here. On that page are a few achievements that we have a right to be proud of; the list is not exhaustive and much more has been achieved than has been reported. We do what we can with exceptionally limited resource and often invite people to join in and help with what’s important to them. Again, we do what we can and do it voluntarily and unpaid in our own spare time for the village where we live. We do it because we care about getting involved and doing something for Knaphill.

————————————————————————————————————–

That’s the end of the results folks, why not let us know your thoughts? We shall be running the survey annually to get your ongoing views of the Knaphill Residents’ Association. Thank you for your time.