Tandridge Buzz

Surrey Police believe a suspicious car fire in Croydon may be linked to the armed robbery outside Blockbusters in Caterham on 20 April.

A blue Ford Focus was found partially burnt out on Merrow Way in Croydon on the same afternoon as the robbery took place.

At around 12pm on 20 April, a cash delivery driver was threatened with what police believe was a gun, while making a collection outside the Blockbuster store on Croydon Road in Caterham.

The offenders took a cash box from the driver.

“I would like to speak with anyone who saw the vehicle being abandoned as they may hold vital information surrounding this incident,” said Investigating officer Kerry Akehurst of Reigate CID.

“I would also like to speak with anyone else who witnessed anything suspicious in the Caterham, New Addington or Croydon areas on the day of the robbery who has not yet spoken with police.”

Three men remain in custody in connection with this incident after being charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

They are due to appear at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, 18 May. A fourth man has been released on police bail until Saturday, 23 June.

• Anyone who has information on this incident is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference TD/12/1763 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two members of staff at Sports Direct in Caterham were tied up during a raid carried out by men in boiler suits and balaclavas.

The robbery took place at around 630pm on Sunday 22 April at the store in Church Walk, Caterham.

The men left the scene, with an amount of cash, on foot and got into a nearby transit van, which police later found abandoned on Stuart Road, Warlingham.

It is the second violent robbery to hit Caterham within a week after a cash delivery driver was threatened with a gun outside the Blockbuster store on Croydon Road on Friday 20 April.

However, It is not believed the two incidents are linked.

“This was a frightening ordeal for the two members of staff at the store who where threatened and tied up but fortunately no-one was injured during the incident,” said Investigating Officer Detective Constable Kerry Akehurst of Reigate CID.

“I am appealing to anyone who has information on this incident or the events surrounding it to contact officers as a matter of urgency as we need to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Both suspects were wearing blue boiler suits and black balaclavas. The first suspect is described as a white man, around 5ft 9ins tall, aged in his late 40s to early 50s and of stocky build. The second suspect is described as a white man around 5ft 10ins tall.

Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries and reassurance visits in the area and the Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team urge anyone with concerns surrounding the incident to make contact as they will be happy to address these.

• Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference TD/12/1799.

Three men have been charged in connection with an armed robbery in Caterham on Friday 20 April.

At around 12pm, a cash delivery driver was threatened with what police believe was a gun, while making a collection outside the Blockbuster store on Croydon Road.

The offenders took a cash box from the driver.

Four men were arrested in the New Addington area by the Met Police. Three have now been charged:

• Marvin Ralph Samuels, 27, of Woodside Green, South Norwood, London, was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.
• Paul Tucker, 35, of Headley Drive, New Addington, was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.
• Nicholas Barry Leacock, 35, was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

The fourth man was released on police bail while the investigation continues.

Officers have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Tandridge Neighbourhood Inspector Angie Austin, said: “I would urge any members of the public who have been affected by these events to contact the Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team who will be happy to address any concerns you may have.

“I would also like anyone who has information on this incident who has not yet spoken with officers to contact Surrey Police as a matter of urgency.”

The Church Walk Shopping Centre hosted its annual Easter Bonnet fun day on Saturday 7 April. 

Children enjoyed free face painting, with 25 entering the Easter Bonnet Competition.

The winners were:

• 1^st: Grace Thompson, aged five, who attends Hillcroft School and lives in Caterham.
• 2^nd: Trinity, aged 4, who attends Lords Wood School and lives in Coulsdon.
• 3^rd: Joint winners Williamand Sam Barker, aged five and three, who live in Warlingham.

Prize winners each received a goodie bag sponsored by tenants of the centre.

Donations were given to the Ambulance Service Benevolent fund.

Easter Bonnet group photo: Mad Hatter, Sonia Hunt Town Crier and DJ Chris – Sam, William Barker, Grace Thompson & Trinity.

Tandridge Council is willing to use its powers to make a compulsory purchase of the derelict Rose & Young site, that has blotted the Caterham high street for years. 

The privately owned site has remained unoccupied for many years and is a source of annoyance to residents and the Council a-like due to its rundown appearance.

Despite discussions with the owner about potential redevelopment, no scheme has been submitted to the Council in recent years.

The Council has taken expert legal advice over a compulsory purchase of the site, which must be justified as being in the public interest.

The Council will need to identify a developer or be able to show there are developers interested in the site.

The greater the certainty of the development proceeding, the greater likelihood of any compulsory purchase order being confirmed.

As part of any redevelopment agreement, the developer would have to agree to cover all of the Council’s costs during the Compulsory Purchase Order process.

“The Council is very keen to see the site redeveloped and we hope this policy statement will help attract developers willing to do this,” said Councillor David Weightman, chairman of the Planning Policy Committee.

“Encouraging redevelopment of the former Rose and Young garage in Caterham is a long standing key corporate objective of the Council and this policy statement demonstrates we are committed to finding a long term solution.”

The Council’s policy statement will be made available to any developer and also to the owners so they are aware of the Council’s determination to encourage the site to be brought back into use.

(Picture by Northdownsman via Flickr)

Ann Summers owner and West Ham chairman David Gold is to open up his 55-acre garden in Caterham to the public for the third year running.

The Chalet on Tupwood Lane, Caterham will be open for general admission on Sunday 25 march and 1 April from 11am to 430pm as part of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).

“With 55 acres in total, this garden is a magnificent sight in Spring with carpets of tens of thousands of daffodils and trees in blossom,” said Mary Farmery of the NGS.

“As well as a formal garden with large planted terraces, there are also lakes, ornamental ponds with koi carp, and ancient woodland to walk around.”

The open days are not just for garden enthusiasts either – with Gold agreeing to display a number of his classic cars including a limited edition “Blue Train” Bentley and Silver Phantom Rolls Royce.

This year is the 85^th anniversary of the NGS, which last year raised £2.6m for charities including Macmillan, Marie Curie and Help the Hospices.

• Admission costs £4 for adults and children are free. For more information visit www.ngs.org.uk.

Simon Cowell flew a Caterham-Dad-to-be back on his private jet from Scotland so he could be present at the birth of his son.

Britain’s Got Talent sound recordist John Hagenstede, who lives in Caterham, was working at the show’s auditions in Edinburgh when he received a call from his girlfriend Lisa Stewart at 10pm last Saturday, saying she had gone into labour nine days early.

With no flights or trains till the morning, Cowell flew Hagenstede back to Luton on his private jet along with judges Alesha Dixon and David Walliams.

The man behind the X-Factor also arranged for a private car to whisk the expectant father from Luton to East Surrey hospital in Redhill.

“I was devastated when I realised the only option was waiting and getting the flight in the morning,” Hagenstede to the Evening Standard.

“I knew I would miss the birth of my first child.

“Simon, David and Alesha were brilliant. They gave me drinks on the flight and relaxed me.”

He arrived in time to see the birth of his son Jude Berkeley. “I’m so grateful to Simon. Without him I’d have missed that precious moment.”

Caterham’s Queens Park toddler playground is set for a £60,000 revamp to enable children with disabilities to better enjoy the facilities.

Tandridge District Council secured a grant worth £59,300 from Surrey County Council.

The new inclusive toddler area will consist of a kinderland play point, dish roundabout, sensory orbs, curved mirrors, seesaw, musical play items and a new sand play area.

The new play area will also benefit from a colourful carpet of safety surfacing allowing greater access for everyone.

SutcliffePlay has won the tender to install the new play area, which is likely to open by April.

“I am delighted we have managed to secure another grant, as this allows us to continue to improve and maintain children’s play areas for everyone to enjoy,” said Councillor Tony Elias, Chairman of the Community Services Committee.

Two people were arrested after a drugs raid at house on Stafford Road, Caterham last month, police have revealed.

Acting on information received by members of the public, officers executed a warrant under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act at an address on Stafford Road, Caterham on Thursday, 3 November.

A green herbal substance, believed to be cannabis was seized from the property as well as items which are believed to have been used in the sale of illegal drugs which include a set of scales and a mobile phone.

“This raid was intelligence led after receiving vital information from members of the public in relation to the illegal supply of cannabis,” said Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Wayne Stephens.

“Drug abuse not only affects the family and friends of the user but the community suffers when the user needs to fund their habit and Surrey Police will not tolerate the sale and distribution of illegal drugs.

“There is help and support out there for people who are affected by drugs and I would strongly urge anyone who needs help either for themselves or someone they know to seek help.

“Details of organisations can be found on Surrey Police’s website.”

• Anyone who has information about drug dealing or drug use in their area is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A woman had several thousand pounds of belongings stolen following an “appalling” attack in Waitrose car park in Caterham.

The incident took place around 10.45am on Monday, 12 December in the car-park of Waitrose supermarket on Station Avenue as the victim was getting out of her car.

The suspect is described as a white man, around 6ft tall, of slim build and in his late 20s. He was wearing a dark hooded top and ran in the direction of Croydon Road, towards Kenley.

A large, dark green, leather-style handbag, green leather purse, a purple LG mobile phone and various Estee Lauder cosmetics were also taken during the incident.

 “This was an appalling attack in the middle of the morning with many people around which showed the chances this man was willing to take,” said Investigating Officer DC Anna Blanco of Reigate CID.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident and who has not yet spoken with officers or who has any other information to contact Surrey Police as we need to find the person responsible and bring them to justice.”

• Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference TD/11/6131 or if you would like to provide information anonymously please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police have slammed the “mindless” individuals responsible for a spate of graffiti attacks on property across Caterham.

Several Graffiti ‘tags’ have appeared across the town, including “ZORO” and “MASH”.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone with information about who is responsible for this damage to contact them.

“This graffiti is an eye-sore for anyone in the area and has damaged several items across the town,” said Neighbourhood officer for Caterham Hill and Chaldon PCSO Vicky Semour.

“Graffiti can seriously damage the reputation of an area and can lead to other anti-social issues and we want to prevent this from happening.

“These tags are mindless acts of criminal damage and we need to find those responsible before they cause more damage.”

Caterham will be a familiar name on the F1 grid next season after owners Team Lotus rebranded as Caterham F1.

Team Lotus, owned by Air Asia and Queens Park Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes, Kamarudin Meranun and SM Nasarudin, acquired Caterham Cars – famous for its Caterham Seven – at the end of April.

Drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovaleinen will now begin the 2012 F1 season under the Caterham banner.

The overall company will now be known as the Caterham Group. Fernandes had been in dispute with Lotus over the use of the name Team Lotus – which has now ended amicably.

“We have been talking for some time now about our plans for Caterham in all its guises, from the road car company to Formula 1 and GP2, and in the technology, design and innovation fields,” said Fernandes.

He added: “Caterham F1 Team is the new and permanent incarnation of our Formula One investment.

“On and off track we continue to invest in people, infrastructure and technology and 2012 is a critical year in our development.

“Underneath the F1 team sits Caterham Racing, the new name for our GP2 team, and then we have our driver development programme that encompasses various motor racing formulae from karting, GP3, World Series by Renault and right up to F1 – a staircase of talent that gives opportunities for drivers, engineers, mechanics and all the associated skill-sets across the motorsport industry the chance to learn, develop and reach the top.

“This is also complimented by the various Caterham Cars racing series, currently with approximately 700 cars competing in series around the world and now given a new impetus by the direct links to the F1 team and all our associated motor racing interests.”

Tandridge Buzz exclusively revealed that the group would keep its showroom open in Caterham following the takeover.

There were spooky goings on at the Church Walk Shopping Centre in Caterham when they hosted their annual Guys and Ghouls fun day on Saturday 29 October.  

Judges Louise from First Choice Travel, Natasha from Clinton Cards, Paul from Pretty Woman and Sanela Specsavers along with Sonia Hunt our Town Crier were left spellbound by the Guys & Ghouls, witches and wizards who arrived for the ever popular fancy dress competition and parade in the afternoon.

The three winners of the fancy dress competition were presented with goodie bags and all 33 entries received a prize for taking part.

People were entertained by our Gravedigger DJ and Barron Blood and could have their faces painted by Bubblegum Face painters.  Several shops dressed in Halloween costumes and gave out sweets to Children.

“It is fantastic to hear the feedback from members of the public who supported this event, we are very happy to hear everyone enjoyed themselves,” said centre manager Shelley Filippi.

Winners
1st – Abbee Martin aged 12 from Caterham dressed as a Victorian maid
2nd  – Linus and Emmylou Davison, Twins, aged 4 from Caterham
3rd – Trinity Thomas aged 4 from Chatham

An unemployed man from Caterham has been handed a prison sentence after being found in possession of a knife in the town.

David Gareth Jones, 46, of Underwood Road, Caterham, pleaded guilty in court to possessing a blade or pointed item in a public place and a public order offence after an altercation in August.

Officers were called to The Pilgrim public house on Godstone Lane shortly after 10pm on Thursday, 18 August after a man threatened another man with a knife. Jones was arrested by officers and a knife was located nearby.

Jones pleaded guilty at Guildford Crown Court on Monday, 17 October and was sentenced to 12-months imprisonment for the offences.

“This incident sends out a stark warning to anyone thinking of carrying a knife in a public place, whether they intend to use it or not they will be severely punished if they are found in possession of a bladed item,” said Tandridge Neighbourhood Sergeant Terri Hardy.

“It is a well recognised fact that knives can destroy lives and anyone caught with such an item will be dealt with robustly.”