In the short time since its inception, Mole Valley District Council’s Joint Enforcement Team has already successfully represented a greater visible presence in the district, and provided a fast and effective response to instances of anti-social behaviour and low-level crime reports from residents and businesses.
Following the success of similar schemes in other Surrey boroughs, Mole Valley’s Joint Enforcement Team (JET) was established with financial support from the Police & Crime Commissioner for Surrey. Working closely together with the Police, Mole Valley’s JET has been tackling a range of issues such as littering, fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles and enforcing the district’s Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) over the last three months. The team has the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices up to £300.
Mole Valley’s JET comprises three officers, Helen, Ian and John; two of whom formerly worked for the Police. Helen wants to help improve people’s lives because “anti-social behaviour is unnecessary and has a negative impact on local communities”. Ian wants to make a difference and says that “people will see us out and about in the district, patrolling areas and dealing with anti-social behaviour issues facing the public”. John added that he and his colleagues “will provide a high visibility presence in the district and will be listening to residents’ concerns and addressing issues raised”.
The team has been very active since April*. Highlights include working with the Police to stop vehicles and check that drivers transporting waste held an appropriate waste carriers licence, removing an abandoned vehicle in partnership with Capel Parish Council and finding a diary in a fly-tip to aid an investigation.
Councillor Hazel Watson, Cabinet Member for Community, said: “We take anti-social behaviour in our countryside, towns and villages very seriously. The sort of issues currently being reported to us are simply unacceptable. It is of course only a small minority of people who choose to disregard the law in this way, but their actions can have a devastating impact on the character and environment of our beautiful district. The JET is here to help, and it is easy to report anti-social behaviour to them online, over the phone or in person when you see them out and about.”
For more information about the JET and how to report anti-social behaviour, please visit www.molevalley.gov.uk/jet, email asb@molevalley.gov.uk or call 01306 885001. The team also has its own Facebook page www.facebook.com/jetmv.