When the Safer Epsom & Ewell initiative launched, the mission was clear: focus on the areas most affected by crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) — and take coordinated, decisive action to combat it.
Using recorded crime data and intelligence on how neighbourhood issues overlap, key locations in the borough were identified to focus on – two of which were the Longmead and Watersedge estates.
With Town and Country Housing (TCH), who manage the estates, taking the lead, Safer Epsom & Ewell partners committed to preventing and deterring housing-related crime, organised criminal activity, and persistent ASB.
Turning strategy into action
During the Build phase of the initiative, TCH worked side-by-side with Surrey Police to take firm enforcement action against known offenders residing in TCH properties and to address recurring problem areas.
But enforcement was only part of the solution.
TCH’s teams conducted door-to-door resident surveys, speaking directly with tenants to understand the challenges they were facing. This ensured that action plans were shaped not just by data — but by lived experience.
Earlier this month, TCH officers were joined by the council’s enforcement team for joint walkabouts across the estates. Together, they tackled visible environmental concerns including littering and fly-tipping — issues that can quickly erode community confidence if left unchecked.
Small changes that make a big difference
Prevention has been just as important as enforcement.
TCH partnered with Surrey Police’s Designing Out Crime Officers — specialists in reducing crime and ASB through environmental design. Their technical guidance has already led to practical improvements, plans to install kissing gates onto the Hogsmill, helping to control access routes and reducing opportunities for criminal activity.
These changes demonstrate how small, strategic environmental interventions can make a significant impact on safety.
Kirstin Pavitt, Town & Country Housing, said:
“Town and Country Housing recognise that ASB can have a considerable impact on those who experience it and we are committed to working with residents and our local partner agencies in order to resolve and reduce ASB and harassment within our neighbourhoods.”
Councillor Alan Williamson, Chair of the Crime and Disorder Committee, said:
“Anti-social behaviour, littering and fly-tipping can really bring down an area, resulting in the community losing pride and ownership of their neighbourhood. The only way these issues can be tackled is through joined-up working.
By working with local partners like TCH, our enforcement team can help ensure that ASB is reduced across the whole borough.”
Inspector Tommy Pearson, Borough Commander of Epsom and Ewell, said:
“Anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on a community, and tackling it remains a core priority for us as a Safer Neighbourhood Team. Working closely with our partners is vital to improving our town and sits at the heart of Safer Epsom & Ewell.
“By working alongside Town & Country Housing we have explored effective tactics to address criminal activity and are seeking to put these measures into practice, with an aim to see a reduction of criminal and anti-social behaviour across our borough."