Call for crackdown on burglaries in Woking neighbourhood

A COUNCILLOR has called for more police resources to tackle a spate of Horsell burglaries.

Ann-Marie Barker, who represents the Horsell West ward, has expressed her concern about rising thefts from properties.

The Lib-Dem councillor said she had written to Surrey Police's neighbourhood commander for Woking urging more police resources to tackle increasing break-ins.

Writing yesterday (October 10) in her blog, cllr Barker said: "I was shocked to learn about a spate of burglaries in Horsell over the last fortnight.

"The number of burglaries in our local area is a great concern. Horsell is a low crime area but from time to time we do suffer from peaks in burglaries. 

"The latest wave of criminality came as a particular surprise because it followed a spike of break-ins a few months ago.  

"I expected a period of less crime as good local police work had led to the arrest and conviction of those who had committed crimes in the area."

Police said tackling the break-ins has become the top priority for officers patrolling the neighbourhood, with several recent arrests for suspected burglaries.

A report from the October police neighbourhood panel meeting said: "Horsell has experienced a number of burglaries this month.

"The Safer Neighbourhood Team are continuing with high-visibility patrols in all areas of Horsell.

"We have seen a reduction in the number of burglaries following the arrest of several people, however please continue to follow our crime prevention advice."

Other priorities set at the recent meeting were tackling drug abuse and graffiti in Horsell. New graffiti has been found on the footpath from Horsell Park to Wilson Way.

Police said it had made arrangements with Woking Borough Council to remove the paint sprayed on the footpath surface.