A festive-period crackdown on crime took place in Epsom last month, laying the groundwork for continued partnership as part of a new scheme in the town.

Safer Epsom and Ewell, a partnership initiative launched by Surrey Police and Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, aims to tackle serious and organised crime, and anti-social behaviour issues impacting the local community.

When surveyed earlier this year, members of the public from the borough said they saw drug use and drug dealing as a major issue. 75.9% of those surveyed believed drug use and drug dealing was an issue across the town, and 63% said anti-social behaviour occurred daily. Of those surveyed, only 26.4% of people said they believed Epsom & Ewell was a safe place to live – and the partnership set out to change that.

Throughout December, officers from the Epsom and Ewell SNT took part in a month of intensification – aptly named Operation Jingle – which saw a sustained period of high-visibility patrols throughout the town centre. The aim was to reassure the public of the continued commitment, and that theft, drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated in Epsom. Additional police officer presence, in addition to your usual Safer Neighbourhoods team and emergency responders, led to some great results: a rate of 45% positive detections for theft offences, compared to the national average of less than 20%. The other 55% remain under investigation, so the positive outcomes may increase. Furthermore, officers conducted 18 stop-and-searches in which drugs were found, with arrests & community-based disposals.

Outside of the festive crackdown, proactive work has been taking place over the last six months and has seen great results, with more than 150 arrests made. Through tactics such as warrant activities, proactive stop checks and patrols, teams across Epsom and Ewell have shut down ten county lines and made 16 arrests related to county lines offences. Around £20,000 of Class A drugs have been seized, along with eight knives and £20,000 in cash.

Borough Commander for Epsom and Ewell, 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.”

But the work doesn’t stop there. Through concentrated efforts alongside Nescot, Surrey County Council and Town & Country Housing, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council seek to make lasting change through various partnership projects.

Councillor Alan Williamson, Chair of Crime and Disorder Committee said:

“Building on the fantastic work of our partners at Surrey Police, the council will continue to work closely with the Police, other partner organisations, charities and schools to prevent anti-social behaviour and serious organised crime taking root in our community. These issues do not develop in a vacuum, only by tackling the underlying causes will we be able to create a safer Epsom and Ewell.

“Along with our partners, the council will be focusing on activities in six key areas, which are housing, anti-social behaviour, improving the local environment, increasing access to opportunities and resources to help women and girls, promoting the voice, influence and participation of young people the community and employability in the borough.

“The council has already worked with local students from Nescot on a mural project to instil pride and reclaim a public space that had fallen into neglect and crime and, by working with various partners, we expect more successes going forward.”

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, worked with partners from Epsom and Ewell to fund the initiative, contributing £20,000 from her dedicated Serious Violence Duty fund and helping to secure and allocate the £1million granted to Surrey by the Government to support hotspot policing.

The Commissioner said:

“Offenders who commit 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 continue their journey.”

Find out more on Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's website here: Safer Epsom & Ewell | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council