Helen Maguire MP urges Government to "restore proper community policing" as Epsom signs up to Safer Streets campaign

Epsom & Ewell’s Liberal Democrat MP, Helen Maguire has welcomed news that Epsom will be part of a new Government scheme to protect town centres from anti-social behaviour and crime, but believes more must be done to protect communities permanently.

Epsom is one of eleven towns in Surrey that have signed up to the Home Office ‘Safer Streets’ Summer Campaign, with offences such as shoplifting set to be targeted.

Surrey's police and crime commissioner Lisa Townsend is also backing the plans and says residents can expect “specific patrols tackling retail crime and anti-social behaviour” as well as a crackdown on “crime that’s enabled by mopeds and motorbikes”.

Epsom and Ewell’s Safer Neighbourhood Team also conducted a plain-clothes shoplifting operation in the Ashley Centre in Epsom last week, as worrying data reveals there were 434 reported incidents of shoplifting in Epsom and Ewell in 2024.

Helen Maguire MP has long campaigned for tougher police measures in Epsom and Ewell and even held a walkabout with constituents in Epsom in May, giving constituents the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with local police.

The Safer Streets Campaign will be running until September and the Home Office is promising 13,000 additional police officers, PCSOs and special constables across the UK.

Responding to the announcement, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, Helen Maguire said:

"I'm pleased that Epsom has been included by Surrey Police in their Safer Streets summer campaign. In 2024 alone, shoplifting was reported 434 times - this is 434 times too many.

"I've heard from countless constituents who are rightly worried about crime in our area, and I continue to raise these concerns with the Epsom & Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Team. I hope this scheme gives my constituents confidence that significant efforts are being made to make our streets safer.

“If the Government is serious about permanently cracking down on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in communities like mine in Epsom & Ewell, they should restore proper community policing. This would give officers the time and resources they need to deliver the frontline policing that our communities deserve and keep our streets safe.”