In the know

Local News

Please see below an update from Borough Commander Ian Nash in light of two reports of rape offences being investigated in the Chertsey area:

Inspector Nash said: “Rape is an extremely serious crime and we will always investigate any allegation made to us. Reports of rape occurring in public places or involving parties unknown to each other remain relatively rare and when such reports are received it is understandably very worrying for local residents. 

“I am conscious we have issued witness appeals for two such reports in the Chertsey area - one back in March and one this past weekend. Although there are limitations on how much we can share publicly, I would like to update you as much as possible as to where we are with these cases. “As you may recall, in March we issued a public appeal following a report of a rape occurring near Chertsey Bridge. This case has been thoroughly investigated and has now concluded. Extensive enquiries were undertaken including gathering all available CCTV from the area, pursuing any forensic opportunities, conducting house to house enquiries and issuing witness appeals. “This has been a complex case but from the evidence gathered, the investigation team are satisfied that this offence did not occur as described. The victim has received support from specialist officers throughout the investigation and they are aware of and supportive of all the actions that have been taken. “This past weekend, we issued an appeal following a completely separate report which is unconnected to the March report. The investigation into this case is in its early stages and we will seek to update you as it progresses. “I hope the work undertaken on each of these cases demonstrates how seriously rape offences are taken as it remains imperative that victims feel confident in coming forward to us in the knowledge we will fully investigate. “Public safety remains our top priority and we continue to urge people to follow appropriate safety advice and report any suspicious or concerning behaviour to us. “If you do have any concerns about this or any other local policing matters, please contact your local team. I will also be at Bridge Wharf, Chertsey between 6-6:30pm on Friday 4th July should you wish to speak to me further.”

Officers were called to Stroud Road shortly after 7.40pm on Tuesday, 10 June following a two-vehicle collision between the drivers of two cars. The driver of the first car was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the second car, a man in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving. Stroud Road was closed between Hollow Lane and Edgell Close for several hours. 

Officers responded to a report of an altercation and people in possession of weapons at an address in Addlestone on Sunday, 22 June. A 38-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, affray and conspiracy to commit GBH (grievous bodily harm). A 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon. They have all been released on bail while enquiries continue and our investigation is ongoing. 

On Tuesday 24 June, PC Jones from your Safer Neighbourhood Team arrested a male on suspicion of shoplifting electric toothbrushes from a shop in Addlestone, breaching his Community Protection Notice to help divert him away from crime and two other retail thefts - one in Runnymede and the other at our neighbours' in Elmbridge. He was charged with these offences, spent the night in the cells and taken to Court. On 25 2025, another male was identified for a separate Shoplifting that occurred in Addlestone earlier in the month. Earlier this afternoon, he was seen by PCSO Jones where he was quickly arrested by PC Vasilova. This is our commitment to combating Retail Crime in Runnymede. Retail crime, whilst on the face of it may not seem important, but it does have a real world effect on the staff who are members of our community - especially where violence is used or threatened. It is important that our retail community feel supported, so that they are not in fear when they go to work, feel safe when they are there and on their return home after.

Officer attended Eastworth Road, Chertsey on 26 June, after reports of an altercation. Numerous officers attended the scene and arrested an individual. The individual remains in custody whilst our officers conduct a full and thorough investigation. We are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

You may have noticed we're attending a lot more fetes, fairs or fayres, open days and events to showcase our teams, our work and our commitment to putting the community at the centre of neighbourhood policing. By attending these events we get to speak to you about your concerns, get to know us, provide safeguarding advice, notify you about new scams, maybe even try out some of our gear. We have recently attended the Englefield Green summer fair, the Ottershaw village fete and the Chertsey market. .

Last week was Neighbourhood Policing week aiming to highlight the Safer Neighbourhood Teams work within the community. PC Arrow said ‘I have been in Surrey Police since 2006. Next year is my 20th year. I have spent a majority of this time in Runnymede. I started off in Egham Town as the community officer. Where I was taught by some of the best police constables and community support officers the importance of being part of the community. I then went onto the Neighbourhood Police Team responding to all the 999 calls. In 2020 I joined the Safer Neighbourhood Team (then the Specialist Neighbourhood Team). 

Times have changed since 2006, patrolling the streets on foot all day every day. We still maintain same ethos of presence is key, to be visible approachable and to deter crime by getting to know the public by speaking at events, attending fetes and community events, policing parades, and visiting people. We still do the foot patrols - I was out in Strawberry Fields earlier talking with residents - but these activities have to be more targeted as we also look into the entrenched issues that affect the community and these take time. We seek out those who cause our community harm and problem solve issues so that they do not reoccur. We look at all the incidents that come in and work on initiatives and operations to reduce these by target hardening, identifying trends and then go after those responsible. We also ensure support vulnerable adults and children is in place with our partner agencies, and we will step in where there are natural disasters such as the flooding last year. We also look after our own Facebook Page, trying to live up to the standard set by PCSO Sutton when he was on the team. Over the years, we have made a real impact in making areas better and safer. Making a difference to some people’s lives for the better. We know that there is a way to go but we will not stop in our efforts to make Runnymede one of the safest districts in the county and have a team to make you proud. We have a team that really want to get to know the public, so please do come and have a chat when you see us out and about’.