It was useful to have the opportunity to engage with Reigate Business Guild at their member’s meeting on Wednesday, in light of the reported increase in anti-social behaviour and crime in the Town recently. My thanks to the Chair, Spencer Copping, to introduce the opportunity for Surrey Police to engage with the Guild.
Inspector Jon Vale, Borough Commander for Reigate and Banstead and Chief Inspector Andy Hill, responsible for Business Crime across the County, addressed the meeting. They have trailed initiatives elsewhere and are committed to provide advice but wanted the Guild’s members to report more diligently.
I remain concerned about the impact serious crimes are having on our vital retailers. I am also conscious this is not just a Reigate or even a Borough issue. It has national implications around policing of the whole retail sector. Finding ways of delivering security and confidence for high street businesses that should not require private security solutions to provide that confidence and security is paramount.
The retailers were disappointed to learn that they no longer have a Police Community Support Office (PCSO), and believe this to be a critical need, but only half the establishment for these posts are apparently filled across Surrey according to the Police speakers. It is a concern “at chief officer level”.
The message from Surrey Police was of the importance for all businesses and retail units in Reigate to keep reporting crimes to create the statistics to support police response resources. 101 or Facebook Messenger appear to be the recommended method.
I will continue to work closely with the Reigate Guild on this important issue for our community as so many.