4/9/2003

Local News

Operation Lurcher returns

Neighbourhood Specialist Officers PC Nick Griggs (Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford) and PC Ted Chapman (Woodham and New Haw) ran Operation Lurcher on two consecutive weekends during August.
The operation was specifically designed to combat the anti-social behaviour of predominantly young people, which has in the past resulted in an intolerable level of vandalism, graffiti and litter pollution.
In West Byfleet the operation was run in conjunction with the newly implemented Alcohol Exclusion Zone introduced by Woking Borough Council.
In New Haw and Woodham the CCTV system was operated and monitored by Safer Runnymede.
Officers patrolled in plain clothes and marked police vehicles. The mobile CCTV van was also in use.
Over the two weekends 35 people were checked in the course of the operation.
Of those checked, 32 were under the age of 18 and 31 of them were either in possession of alcohol or had consumed alcohol.
In light of these findings 31 letters were sent to parents to inform them where, when and why their children had come to the attention of the police.
PC Griggs said: “Those persons who are responsible for criminal damage and other alcohol-induced anti-social behaviour need to be reminded that their behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Legislation gives our partners and the police the powers to combat these issues and we will use that legislation to its greatest effect.
“We are determined to keep the streets safe and hospitable for local residents.”
Woking Borough Inspector Paul Smith said: “This is an excellent example of a joint initiative which has made a positive contribution to the community.
“Incidents of crime and disorder have dramatically reduced and we will continue to ensure the area remains peaceful.

First printed in: Byfleet News and Mail