Tackling vandalism

Following on from the event, Surrey Police recently had a joint meeting with their partners within Woking Borough Council to address the issues that were raised at the workshop to target the vandalism and disorder around the area.

CCTV was discussed as an option in and around the lodge to tackle and identify groups or individuals behaving in an anti social or disorderly manner. It was agreed that CCTV was an option to be addressed at a future date and that feasibility and costing for improved lighting in this area will be investigated first.

Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Goldsworth Park, PC Richard Martin, has been assessing the lodge and recreation area to establish where the better lighting can be improved and he will report this back to the partners within the Council.

It has also been agreed that the youth workers from Woking Borough Council will try and engage with the local youths especially on Friday and Saturday nights in order to specifically ask them what they feel is missing in the Goldsworth Park area. This is to encourage them to be involved in working towards improving the area and the facilities available to them and so to redirect them from disorderly behaviour.

Surrey Police are maintaining ongoing patrols in this area to proactively deal with incidents of disorder and anti social behaviour. They have had some good results recently with alcohol seizures from groups of youths and are seeking to identify those who are supplying alcohol to underage people. The police are also working closely with the Council to tackle incidents of damage and graffiti and improve their information sharing with partners.