Meeting Notes

Dear Coordinators,

I forward my notes from last evenings meeting:

Notes of Coordinators Zoom Meeting 3rd December 2025

John Shergold opened the meeting by welcoming the attendees. An objective for 2026 is to grow the membership by 10% through re-energising existing Watches and developing new Watches. Please contact John at:  Wokingchair@surreynhw.org.uk for assistance with re-energising your Watch and growing it. An easy to do plan is in place. There is also a plan in place to open new Watches available.

At this time of year online shopping peaks. There is a growing problem with doorstep parcel thefts. The advice is to have parcels delivered to a locker, to a neighbour or choose a delivery date when someone is at home.

The video titled “Question Everything” by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, was shown. The video demonstrates how easy it is to become a victim of AI generated Deepfake fraud. The “Question Everything”  video is available at   surrey-pcc.gov.uk/question-everything-fraud/

Scam awareness presentations are available from volunteers to groups of interested or vulnerable people. If you know of a group who would benefit from a presentation and discussion on Scams this can be done by contacting Trading Standards at ts.prevention@surreycc.gov.uk or John at  Wokingchair@surreynhw.org.uk 

Borough Commander, Inspector Ed Lyons, explained the current structure of his team and how it will grow next year with the addition of the NET team. He described the various operations that are currently being actioned and in particular mentioned this as an example outcome of Operation Canteen: https://www.surrey.police.uk/news/surrey/news/2025/11---november/might-be-having-about-20-grand-off-this-man/

Ed acknowledged the great effect and value of the Facebook postings, including the value of the weekly crime report. The Facebook administrators carry out a great job with posting crime prevention and crime reports together with Steve Dew producing the weekly crime report itself.

The Winter Watch patrols are progressing well and Ed believes these patrols are an excellent crime prevention activity. He thanked everyone who is taking part in these patrols.   

Shoplifting is still a prevalent problem but prolific shoplifters are being apprehended. Not all shoplifting offences are reported which is a problem to the police as they are not always made aware of the problem areas. All shoplifting should be reported whatever the value of the goods stolen. There is not a minimum value. 

Ed went on to answer various questions from the audience.