Detectives in North Surrey are warning residents to beware of a scam where people are being conned into handing over cash for alcohol and cigarettes but are left without the promised goods.

Officers have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with an incident last week during which a number of people were fleeced out of hundreds of pounds.

The fraudster targeted a number of people at an office building in Sunbury last Wednesday (18 October), telling them his off-licence business was closing down and that he needed to dispose of some cheap stock. The victims handed over a total of around ￡600. The suspect has asked one of the victims to drive him to the off-licence in Green Street in Sunbury, instructing them to park at the back. The suspect has then made off with their cash but without handing over any alcohol or cigarettes in return.

The suspect is described as Asian with an English accent, in his late 40s, 5 ft 8 to 5 ft 10 tall, of large build. He had a shaved head, a scar on his upper lip and a mole below one eye. He was wearing a brown leather jacket, blue jeans and black suede shoes with leather straps.

Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image, has any information, or believes they have been targeted by a similar scam, is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference SL/13/6177. Alternatively, information can be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Surrey Police will again be working with its partners to tackle anti-social behaviour during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period and to make it clear to potential trouble makers that criminal offences will not be tolerated.

They have mailed the county’s supermarkets and convenience stores to enlist their help in refusing the sale of eggs and flour if it is suspected the goods will be used by trick or treaters. Responsible retailers can play a big role in helping deter anti-social behaviour associated with what should be peaceful and family orientated activities, and the force is grateful for the support of local businesses.

In addition, ‘no trick or treat’ cards are available from local Safer Neighbourhood teams and posters will be on display to reinforce radio, newspaper and social media communications. For information and advice on a safe Halloween and Bonfire Night, and to download a printable ‘no trick or treat’ sign, visit www.surrey.police.uk

The Autumn Newsletter has now been sent to the printers and will be distributed to all households during the next 2 weeks. You may also view it on line by clicking here.

At this year’s LOSRA AGM, the possibility of seeking a pedestrian and cycle river crossing between Sunbury and Elmbridge in order to access the Thames Path, maybe using the weir infrastructure,if any negative implications for residents could be satisfactorily addressed, was discussed and received broad support. A survey we have conducted since then also indicates that it is something which a majority of Sunbury residents would welcome, and a considerable number would use.

We asked a question at the Surrey County Council Area Committee on 30th September to ascertain if they would approve such a scheme in principle. While they were unable to “approve” the concept, they said they would welcome new infrastructure that helped meet their transport objectives, which included encouraging more walking and cycling. A bridge could form part of a cycling action plan to be developed in the future. They said that a feasibility study would be needed to establish whether the benefits justified the likely cost and outweighed any negative impacts.

We have since discussed the implications of a feasibility study with Surrey’s Area Highways Manager, who indicated that this might cost between £5,000 and £10,000. The LOSRA Committee has subsequently approved in principle the possibility of contributing to the cost of a study, once we have more details. In addition, a local resident, who is a civil engineer with a specific knowledge of bridge technology, has done an initial outline study of options and costs, which may inform the debate as the project moves forward.

At the same time the Surrey Cycling Strategy is currently under consultation, and LOSRA has made a submission to that which, among other comments, will naturally highlight the potential value of improved access to the Thames Path.

As well as opposing projects that we don’t like, LOSRA also likes to take a pro-active stance in pursuing objectives which we think will enhance the quality of life in the area, and this is one of them. To view the LOSRA response to the SCC Cycling Strategy consultation document, click here

A vocal & instrumental recital will be held at St. Mary's Church on Saturday 26th October. The event will feature Helen Astrid (Soprano), Frank Palmer (Clarinet) and Geoffrey Bowyer (Piano).

The recital is being held in aid of the Princess Alice Hospice and tickets at £8 may be purchased at the door.

After being informed by the Chief Executive and Head of Planning Services that a development of 14 homes was in prospect for the tennis courts site in The Ridings, we are dismayed to have received this leaflet from Cala Homes in which it seems the true figure is 29 dwellings.

We have no way of explaining this very substantial increase in an already densely developed area and hope to find out more when Cala Homes hosts an exhibition of their plans on Tuesday 5th November from 3.30pm - 8pm, at St. Paul's Catholic College, The Ridings, Green Street. All residents are urged to attend. To view the Cala Homes leaflet, click here.

The following alert from Surrey Police has been received by LOSRA and is reproduced here:

Surrey Police is warning residents to remain vigilant following an increasing number of reports of scams involving fraudsters obtaining bank details, cards and cash using bogus telephone calls and couriers across the county.

On each occasion the victims reported receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be a police officer and attempting to convince them to hand over large amounts of cash or bank cards.

The offenders are claiming to be from the police and are using a variety of pretences including saying that the victims bank card has been used by somebody who is in custody. They are then asking the victim to phone the bank to cancel the card and advising the victims that they will send a courier round to collect the card.

Meanwhile the fraudster is staying on the line and obtaining the victims bank details whilst they think they are phoning the bank. The courier then calls at the victims address saying they have been sent by the police to collect a parcel – the envelope containing the card.

Fortunately, the victims in the most recent offences all realised that the calls were part of a scam and refused to pass on any bank details, such as PIN numbers, or allowed their cards or cash to be taken. Other victims have been less fortunate and have lost significant amounts of money

Surrey Police asks that if you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours that you remain alert and if you see them being approached by unexpected visitors, check who they are and ensure that they are a legitimate caller.

Police Officers and banks do not operate in this manner and would never request a customer to confirm their PIN details over the phone. Anyone who receives a suspicious call, either on the phone or in person, is urged to not give any details and report the matter to the police.

Surrey Police advises the following:

• NEVER give out any personal information about your bank account to anybody over the phone.
• If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their identification number, police force and their telephone extension. Advise them that you will call them back on the 101 number. If possible, use a different phone, i.e. a mobile phone if the call was received on your landline.
• Never hand over money or bank cards to someone at the door to be sent off elsewhere.
• If someone comes to your door claiming to be a police officer, always ask to see their police identification card and take note of their identification number. A real police officer will not mind waiting outside while you call 101 to check if they are genuine.
  
  

If you have received any calls of this nature, or handed over any money, bank cards or bank details, please call 101 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

LOSRA frequently gets asked about breaches of planning policy and how to enlist the support of the Enforcement Officers at Spelthorne Council. Whilst we have no criticism of the EOs and appreciate the difficult job they are required to do with limited resources, we nevertheless welcome a plan which formalises the Council's responses to complaints by our members.

We have been informed that Spelthorne Council approved a Local Enforcement Plan at its Cabinet meeting on 24 September. This sets out the Council’s approach for dealing with unauthorised development and carrying out enforcement activities.

Planning permission is needed for many types of development and changes in use of land or buildings. Permission is also required to erect many forms of advertisements and there are controls to protect listed buildings and preserved trees. When development or work takes place without permission, or not in line with planning permission or conditions placed on it, the Council has various legal powers to take what is called 'enforcement' action to remedy the problem.

The Local Enforcement Plan sets out how the Council prioritises complaints received about unauthorised building work or uses of land, sets service standards for dealing with initial complaints; and provides information on how complaints are to be processed and the range of enforcement options available. The plan states that priority will be given to dealing with those complaints which relate to actions which cause the most harm and that the Council will usually seek to prosecute those who damage listed buildings or fell protected trees.

To read the Local Enforcement Plan visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/enforcement