Councillor calls for more crime prevention work

Surrey Police said their recent crime prevention work had included increased foot patrols

A councillor has called for more crime prevention work in a Surrey town.

Green Surrey County Councillor, Jonathan Essex said "we need the police to be present," in Redhill following a spate of crime and anti-social behaviour.

There have been three arrests since a man was stabbed outside McDonalds in Station Road in Redhill on 5 March.

Surrey Police said their recent crime prevention work had included increased foot patrols and safeguarding vulnerable people.

Community concern

Mr Essex said: "I think it’s important that police prioritise the spaces where there are most people gathering," like the town centre.

Surrey Police said a survey last year highlighted "many members of our community are concerned about drug-related issues in our town centre".

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Surrey Police and Surrey’s police and crime commissioner successfully secured £265k of the government’s Safer Streets fund to help address crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.

Among the proposed measures are targeted police and council activity for specific areas and behaviours that are of concern to residents.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Cdr Insp Jon Vale said by addressing antisocial behaviours "we aim to prevent the escalation of these issues into more serious and organised crimes".