You are invited to a public meeting:

Congregational Church Hall in Viscount Road, Stanwell TW19 7RD

Tuesday 21st February at 7pm

        POLICE in Spelthorne are investigating a number of recent burglaries across the borough where high value Indian and Asian gold and jewellery has been targeted.

The current high price of precious metals has made Asian jewellery a target for burglars and Surrey Police has been working closely with the Asian community to take positive action and raise awareness of the offences.

Spelthorne neighbourhood officers are also keen and willing to speak personally to any concerned victims and their families about what is being done and what can and needs to be done to combat these burglaries and effectively prevent the offences from continuing.

Police also recognise that keeping Spelthorne safe and free of crime can only be achieved through good community relations and strong partnership working with residents and local organisations.  Surrey Police is prepared to do everything possible to ensure that this continues to happen.

Surrey Police is taking this series of offences very serious and everything possible is being done to track down those responsible.

Spelthorne Crime Reduction Advisor, Vic Smith, is encouraging households which are potential targets of these burglaries to be extra careful with their family heirlooms. Being of irreplaceable sentimental value it is important to get an up-to-date insurance valuation: write down a description and preferably take a photograph for identification purposes.

Around the home, ensure doors, windows and frames are strong and in good working order. This includes the locks on both doors and windows, which should be used at all times.

A visible burglar alarm will deter a potential intruder. Jewellery and cash should be kept safely in an appropriate safe which must be bolted securely to the fabric of the building.

If you’re going away speak to a trusted neighbour and ask them to look after your house. There are things they can do to make your house appear occupied.

Join Spelthorne Neighbourhood Watch locally or get involved and start a scheme in your road. For further details and to find out if your street is part of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, ring Linda Kempton on 01784 446420 or visit the website at www.spelthornenhw.info for more crime prevention tips.

Property marking products and personalised crime prevention information is available from the Spelthorne Crime Reduction Advisor, who can be contacted on the new Surrey Police non-emergency 101 number.

If you have any information on these or any other crimes, please call Surrey Police on 101 or anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thank you, Inspector Derrick Laing