Latest news with #SurreyPolice
BBC News
7 hours ago
- BBC News
Police carry out road crime crackdown in Epsom and Ewell
Surrey Police have carried out a crackdown on road crime across Epsom and earlier this month, the joint operation was launched in direct response to growing concerns from residents regarding problems such as anti-social driving, speeding, nuisance quad bikes and illegal parking, the force said. It resulted in 90 traffic stops, 12 arrests, five weapons/drugs seizures, the impounding of 15 vehicles for having no licence or insurance and 32 fixed penalty notices being issued, Surrey Police Inspector, Dan Ayrton called the multi-agency effort "the largest operation of its kind", adding that the move "shows how seriously Surrey Police takes community concerns". Focusing on "hot spots" such as Epsom town centre, West Ewell and the Nonsuch Park area, six people were also reported for summons and two vehicles deemed unfit for the road due to having serious defects."This is the largest operation of its kind that we have carried out to tackle road crime and vehicle-related offending in Epsom and Ewell," said Mr Ayrton, adding that it was part of the government's wider plan to tackle anti-social behaviour."It shows our commitment to responding to and dealing with community concerns and is the first of many to deal with these issues," he said. He said that other boroughs will be part of Surrey Police's targeted response in the coming months.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Surrey Police crackdown on harassment of female joggers
Police in Surrey have launched a crackdown on harassment of female campaign - named Jog On - will see non-uniformed female Surrey Police officers jogging in key of catcalling and sexually suggestive comments will be dealt with by support crackdown is being rolled out following the force's work identifying and intervening violence against women and girls in bars, clubs and town centres across the county. It follows a 2025 study which revealed that while 94% of over 450 female residents surveyed in Surrey had experience of a form of harassment, 49% never reported it, according to Surrey County campaign is designed to be "varied and unpredictable," taking place at any time of day, according to police. 'Taking it seriously' Insp Jon Vale said harassment of women was "not welcome in Surrey"."We have female officers and staff members who have been the subject to such behaviour when off duty," he said."Please reflect and ask yourself 'is this how you would treat or want your partner, mother or sister to be treated'?" Olivia Derrick, head of Wherever, Whenever Walks, a women's safety and empowerment group in Surrey, said police have joined their walks."I was assaulted at a young age, so women's safety is something that I'm very passionate about," Ms Derrick said."It's great to see that Surrey Police are taking it so seriously."Surrey Police say violence against women and girls can be reported through its website, online reporting tool or by calling 101.
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Under-reported crimes tackled in Surrey Police operation in Epsom
Work to prevent crimes against women and girls and discover under-reported offences is "really important", according to Surrey part of an operation in Epsom, police were out on patrol, talking to the public and liaising with bars and clubs, as well as sending plain clothes officers into Claudia Humphreys, from the Epsom and Ewell safer neighbourhood team, said as well as talking to the public, police had been giving out anti-spiking kits."A lot of these crimes go undetected and we don't know about them," she told BBC Radio Surrey. "If we are in the town giving advice, not victim blaming but making sure we can prevent these incidents, then that's really important."Police said a total of 49 searches were carried out and eight seizures made on the evening, including cannabis, cocaine and an illegal vape. Three arrests were made, the force said, one for cycle thefts and possession of tools used for theft, one for breach of bail conditions, and one for possession of an offensive weapon and Insp Dan Gutierrez said police presence in the town acted "as a deterrent to criminal opportunists" and made the area "hostile to those who might display predatory behaviour towards women and girls"."Local businesses also play a key role in supporting operations like this, and we've been listening to concerns from our community and taking action on issues they tell us about, including the safety around the night time economy, motorbike theft and general anti-social behaviours," he said. Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined officers for Operation Shield in Epsom on said reducing violence against women and girls "really matters" to the public, and that the force's work also extended to supporting victims through the criminal justice she added that some victims faced waiting until 2028 or 2029 before getting to court. Those out in Epsom generally said they did feel safe in the town on a night one man, who did not want to be named, said: "There's a lot of things happening, people stealing bikes, threatening people."He said he always "checked over his shoulder" in Epsom town centre. Insp Jon Vale said: "We know that although Epsom is a very safe place, there will be occasions where sexual assaults happen, drink spiking and other occasions where women and girls become a victim of crime."He also said there were issues with gang-related violence and county lines in Surrey.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Police tell anyone sunbathing in their garden to 'be careful'
As the UK is expected to face more heatwaves in the coming weeks, Brits are being reminded of these rules As temperatures rise and Britain gets a dose of sunshine, it's no surprise that millions of people head outdoors to make the most of it. Whether it's a barbecue at home in the garden or visiting a local park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the summer sun whilst it lasts. Some people might prefer to top up their tan at home during the heatwave and go for an au natural approach to avoid tan lines. Ditching all your clothes while on your own property might seem like a decision that's 100% up to you, and in the privacy of your own property, but there are a few things to consider first. Legally speaking, in England and Wales, it is not an offence to be naked in public or private. However, there are exceptions because you need to be careful that you're not causing "distress or alarm" or harassing others, as this is an offence under Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The same conditions apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The College of Policing provides full advice and guidance in this document. Previously, Surrey Police had to clear up the rules for the rest of the country after it was called to a row between neighbours over this very issue. The force said: "If you want to wander around your garden naked and you are overlooked by neighbours, then you have to be careful - an Englishman's home is not quite his castle and your garden is not exempt from the law. "In an ideal world, your relationship with your neighbours would be such that they would not object to you gardening in the buff and they would never dream of calling the police. In the real world, however, you would be well advised to take some simple precautions." The police force offered a few options for people to consider when avoiding tan lines in the comfort of their own gardens, such as finding an area where they're less likely to be spotted by neighbours. But there's a chance your neighbours might be the ones finding themselves in trouble for complaining to the police. They added: "You will have to decide whether your desire to be naked in your garden is more important to you than being on friendly terms with those around you. No one has the right to spy on you, and if you find that your neighbour is leaning out of an upstairs window or standing on the top of a step ladder in order to see you, then he or she may well be committing an offence." British Naturism does claim there is "no obligation" to inform neighbours of one's desire to sunbathe without clothing. A spokesperson said: "There is no law against being naked in public, and so stripping off and enjoying the sun on your skin in your own garden cannot lead to arrest, nor can your neighbours make you cover up." Sunbathing, especially without protection, can lead to painful sunburns, which can be more severe in sensitive areas. Make sure to apply sufficient SPF protection with sunscreen and consider avoiding this activity during the harshest times of the day (typically between 10am and 2pm).
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Rules on sunbathing naked in your garden in heatwave as police issue warning
If you're looking to get a back garden glow while avoiding tan lines, think twice before stripping off. Police have warned that you could be breaking the law As temperatures rise across the nation, many of us will be taking advantage of the sunny weather at beaches, parks, and other outdoor areas this weekend. And if you're fortunate enough to have a garden, what could be better than enjoying the balmy weather in your own private space, away from crowded public areas and scantily clad strangers? If you're planning on sunbathing in your garden, you might consider going au naturel to avoid unsightly tan lines. However, caution is advised as police warn that nudity in your own private garden could potentially breach the law. In England and Wales, public nudity is not inherently illegal, but there are stipulations. It becomes an offence under Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 if nudity is intended to cause "distress or alarm". The Crown Prosecution Service states: "In the case of naturism, a balance needs to be struck between the naturist's right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to be protected from harassment, alarm and distress." While you may be within your own property when in your garden, those residing in terraced houses will know that it's often quite easy to get a peek into your neighbour's garden, even without intending to pry. Although you may not be physically exposing yourself in public, there's a risk of causing "distress or alarm" to your neighbours when you're sans attire in your own garden - it's only deemed illegal if there was an intent behind the action. So, how do you go about safely sunbathing naked without stirring the pot with those who live next door? The police recommend giving the neighbours a heads up if you're planning to soak up the rays in the buff, and to try and find a spot that's hidden from prying eyes for your naked retreat. There was a case in Reigate where Surrey Police addressed this very topic after a dispute erupted among residents. They cautioned: "If you want to wander around your garden naked and you are overlooked by neighbours then you have to be careful - an Englishman's home is not quite his castle and your garden is not exempt from the law." "In an ideal world, your relationship with your neighbours would be such that they would not object to you gardening in the buff and they would never dream of calling the police. In the real world, however, you would be well advised to take some simple precautions." But despite these warnings, the law stipulates that an offence only occurs if the individual in question intended to cause alarm or distress. British Naturism says there is "no obligation" to inform neighbours of one's disposition towards naturalist sunbathing. They said: "There is no law against being naked in public, and so stripping off and enjoying the sun on your skin in your own garden cannot lead to arrest nor can your neighbours make you cover up. "Being neighbourly might mean you tell your neighbours that you plan to sunbathe naked but there is no obligation to do so, so don't hesitate. "Studies have shown that spending time naked is good for you, and so we encourage everyone to take advantage of the wonderful weather and celebrate their uniqueness."
