Police have made 150 arrests as part of a new Safer Epsom and Ewell partnership that has been partly-funded by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend.
Shoplifters, drug dealers, prolific offenders and those using vehicles like e-bikes and mopeds to commit crime are among those who have been targeted by policing teams.
The new initiative, designed to cut crime and foster pride in the town, brings together Surrey Police, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as local business and community partners.
The project adopts the College of Policing’s ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ framework, a three-stage approach where police ‘clear’ offenders from Epsom and Ewell and work in tandem with partners to ensure criminals don’t return.
It comes after a survey of residents found drug dealing and use is a major concern. Only 26 per cent of those surveyed said they feel the borough is a safe place to live.
Safer Epsom and Ewell
Over the past six months, 150 arrests have been made. Ten ‘county lines’ drug dealing gangs have been shut down and more than £20,000-worth of class A drugs seized, along with eight knives and £20,000 in cash.
Police have used data to identify the most prolific offenders, and are working with partners in criminal justice, local authorities and housing to tackle persistent criminality. Dedicated operations to tackle violence against women and girls are also taking place.
Borough Commander Inspector Tommy Pearson said: “The community of Epsom and Ewell has the right to feel safe in the area they call home, and this partnership represents a long-term commitment to that principle.
“Policing action over the last six months has sought to target our prolific offenders, disrupt drug county lines and reduce the harm caused by criminality for members of the community.
“Residents were keen for action in the town, and I am hopeful, along with the fellow officers on my team, that this is evident in our efforts so far.”
Prolific offenders targeted
Throughout December, officers from the Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Team were deployed as part of Operation Jingle, which featured high-visibility patrols in town centres.
Detections for theft rose to 45 per cent during the operation, compared with a national average of 20 per cent.
Sergeant James Pegg of the Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “We are determined to drive crime and disorder out of the town centre and Operation Jingle, despite the jovial name, has set a hard-line stance against theft and drug offenders.
“The operation has been hugely successful.
County lines tackled
“Being out in the community we serve in large numbers has received positive feedback from our residents and visitors alike, and has sent a strong message to those that wish to steal and harm: you are not welcome in our town.”
In the months to come, the Force will work alongside the North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT), Surrey County Council, Town and Country Housing and the borough council in a bid to make lasting change.
The focus of work will fall on six key areas: housing; anti-social behaviour; improving the local environment; increasing access to opportunities and resources to help women and girls; promoting youth voice; and employment.
The Commissioner has contributed £20,000 from her dedicated Serious Violence Duty fund and helped to secure further funding from the Government’s hotspot policing grant for Safer Epsom and Ewell.
The initiative follows the success of Safer Redhill, which also used Clear, Hold, Build and saw offending drop in the town.
“Lasting legacy”
She said: “The persistent offenders who have repeatedly committed crimes in Epsom and Ewell should be very worried. The message is clear – we are coming for you.
“Safer Epsom and Ewell uses intelligence and data to crack down on place-based harm.
“I believe it will leave a lasting legacy of safer streets, stronger communities, and excellent partnership working, and I am delighted to help fund the initiative.
“I wish Surrey Police’s officers and staff, as well as our brilliant partners across the borough, every success as they begin their journey.”