Neighbourhood Watch Report to SSRA Committee 15 May 2025
Message from Andy Wagon - NHW Coordinator
I have taken on the NHW coordinator responsibility from Haydn Tanner.
I see my terms of reference as follows:
Be aware of local crime and anti social behaviour issues and identifying any that may impact on the SSRA area
Keeping residents informed and encouraging personal security and vigilance without creating an unnecessary fear of crime
Reacting to crime and anti social behaviour issues on the SSRA area
Current national and local position with NHW:
Neighbourhood Watch came about in the 1980s and was originally set up and driven by local police forces. Since then the police have largely withdrawn from the NHW Organisation (including Surrey Police) and it is run by volunteers with government funding.
The SSRA Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has been registered on the national NHW website here https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/scheme/180620/silvery-sands-residents-association
There is some useful information on the national NHW website and regular generic updates are sent out, many of which may not be directly relevant to local schemes like SSRA where burglary, vehicle crime and anti social behaviour are likely to be the chief concerns.
Information about local crime is available on the Surrey Police website in the form of crime maps. These are not very specific and unfortunately the information is six weeks out of date by the time it is published. Our police area is Staines South and the maps for this area indicate the following in respect of burglary:
- January - what appears to be a spate of 8 burglaries in streets around Staines Park. One burglary in Meadway.
- February - two burglaries; one in Guildford Street and one in the Cherry Orchard area.
- March - two burglaries in Homestead Road (off Commercial Road) two in the Knowle Green area.
This suggests a series that at present is not impacting the SSRA area. However, I would like to know more detail in case there is anything to bring to the attention of residents.
Prior to the next Committee meeting:
My intention is to see if I can establish a point of contact within Staines Police Station to obtain more up to date information.
I will also liaise with the coordinators of the nearby NHW schemes in Penton Road and Avondale Avenue.
Andy Wagon
If you would like to raise awareness of a crime in the SSRA area please contact the Coordinator by emailing neighbourhoodwatch@silverysands.org
Neighbourhood Watch is a national organisation with over four million members and helps reduce crime in the local community. For more information visit their website www.ourwatch.org.uk
For more information on how to prevent crime visit the Crime Reduction Page on the Surrey Neighbourhood Watch website or the Advice page on the Surrey Police website. https://surrey.police.uk/advice/protect-your-neighbourhood/
Reporting crime
Remember, all crime must initially be reported to the police.
For emergencies always dial 999. If you have hearing loss or a speech impairment and are unable to make a voice call, you can use the emergency SMS service found here https://www.ngts.org.uk/how-to-use-ngt/contact-999-using-ngt.html.
For non-emergency crime or anti-social behaviour call 101 or go to the Surrey Police website to Do it online or call in at a police station. For people who have hearing or speech problems use NGT TextRelay 18001 101
You can also contact Crimestoppers online or call 0800 555 111 if you wish to give information about a crime or a Most Wanted appeal anonymously.