Crime in Cobham and Downside, Elmbridge

Cobham have been trailing lone worker devices as part of our strategy to improve the feeling of safety within retail stores by lone workers. The 4-week trial saw 10 retailers receive a device which can be worn whilst they are working or to/from work. These devices connect to a monitoring centre with direct access to our CCTV control room / contact centre. This trial is due to end (10/02) but so far the feedback has been positive. If agreed by the CSP the plan will be to roll this out across Cobham, Weybridge, Esher and Walton-On-Thames.

We have organised a number of opportunities for women within the borough to engage with officers and learn about how we are tackling violence against women and girls, as well as raise awareness of the issue.

Dedicated VAWG operations to target offenders and highlighting the issue in/around Cobham and Stoke D’Abernon and Oxshott Train Stations

Dedicated VAWG operation targeting Night Time Economy in Cobham Village.

19/12/25 officers from the Elmbridge Safer Neighbourhood Team worked with specially trained Behavioural Detection Officers (BDO) to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in the borough. Officers patrolled on public transport, in licenced premises and around town centres. A number of different people were engaged with including a male who was outstanding for a public order offence.

Throughout the summer months we will work with a number of licensed events to introduce safeguards which we hope will reduce the likelihood of offending linked to VAWG.

Car Meets
We proactively targeted anti-social driving linked to organised car meets at Cobham Services.
PC Sanjar Najibi continues to work with the organisers of the car-meet and other local stakeholders on a long-term solution.

On 24/5 Borough Commander Insp Thoday put in place a S34 Dispersal Order for the areas around Cobham Services, Brooklands Industrial Estate and Waterside Drive, Walton-On-Thames. Surrey Police provided dedicated officers on duty.
Officers engaged with the organisers of the event and it passed without issue, there were no reports of anti-social behaviour reported linked to the car meet.

Cobham Services has experienced ongoing issues with crime and anti-social behaviour. There have been a number of break-ins involving HGVs parked overnight, including theft of fuel and property. These incidents have caused financial loss and distress to drivers and have negatively impacted their confidence in the safety of the site. Through visible policing, engagement, and partnership working, police can improve reporting, share intelligence, and work collaboratively to reduce crime, increase safety, and restore confidence for all those who use and work at Cobham Services. the car parks, and intimidation of other site users. There are ongoing policing operations, both overt and covert targeting this criminality.

Licencing Checks
Since September 2025 we have completed 18 test purchases across the borough, resulting in 6 failures where alcohol has been successfully purchased by a child. We have issued 3 Community Resolutions, 2 educational words of advice around challenge 25 and the Licensing Act 2003 and one store worker is under investigation for persistently selling alcohol to children.

Days of Action
Drug related offences have increased by 49% compared to the same period last year. Whilst initially these figures may seem concerning it reflects the hard work of our local Intelligence Officers, Safer Neighbourhood Officers and Response Officers who continue target those causing most harm to our communities. In fact, nearly 60% of all drugs related offences result in a positive outcome across the borough of Elmbridge.

12/2/26
A search warrant has been executed and suspected Class A, currency has been recovered. Two suspects arrested.

27/1/26
A search warrant has been executed and suspected Class A, Class B, and counterfeit currency has been recovered. A suspect has been arrested.

11/12/2025
A search warrant has been executed and suspected Class A and offensive weapons. Two suspects arrested.

Elmbridge Burglary Working Group
On the 12th February the first of a series of working groups which will bring together key stakeholders from across the borough, including Surrey Police, Network Rail, British Transport Police, Private Security Companies and Residents Associations was held.

1) Reduce the number of burglary victims across Elmbridge during 26/27
2) Improve confidence in Surrey Police, Residents Associations, Private Security and Network Rail

Vehicle Crime
We know that a large majority of vehicle crime is linked to unlocked vehicles. We are currently in the process of procuring some large signs which we will be moving across the borough to highlight the problem. Please lock your vehicles at night and remove any valuables from display to avoid becoming a victim yourself.

Retail Crime:
We have been out over the last week engaging with your Top Victim Stores to discuss local trends, problem solve and introduce the Retail Crime Team.
Working group looking at our safer summer campaign (town centres)

As part of Safer Business Week in November we undertook two days of targeted action across the borough.
11/11 we undertook a covert operation targeting shoplifters in Weybridge and Cobham. The operation resulted in 2 arrests.
13/11 we undertook a day of action in Walton Town Centre involving Crime Stoppers.
The event saw significant community engagement with local officers and use of the video wall to display crime prevention advice to shoppers within the town centre.
16/12 we deployed the Live Facial Recognition Van to Walton Town Centre. This was the first deployment of the technology in North Surrey and saw 2 positive matches for persons outstanding for criminal damage.
02/02 a joint operation between Surrey Police and Waitrose saw the arrest of Elmbridge’s most prolific offender. The individual was arrested for 17 offences across Waitrose stores in Surrey, London, Hampshire and Thames Valley.
10/02 targeted response into counterfeit currency resulted in 3 arrests, 4 charges and upwards £10,000 in counterfeit currency being seized.

CCTV / Body Worn Video Trial
Cobham have been trailing lone worker devices as part of our strategy to improve the feeling of safety within retail stores by lone workers. The 4-week trial saw 10 retailers receive a device which can be worn whilst they are working or to/from work. These devices connect to a monitoring centre with direct access to our CCTV control room / contact centre. This trial is due to end (10/02) but so far the feedback has been positive.
If agreed by the CSP the plan will be to roll this out across Cobham, Weybridge, Esher and Walton-On-Thames.