Tandridge Buzz

Police are appealing for help in finding a missing man from Betchworth, near Reigate.

John Barnett , 57, disappeared from his home over a week ago (2 April) and officers and his family are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare after his car was found in Cornwall.

Barnett’s blue Mazda RX8 vehicle was found at a car park in Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes and is believed to have been there for some days.

Following the discovery of his car, searches of the local area have been carried out.

Barnett is described as white, around 5ft 8” tall and of medium build. He has got short, blond hair and speaks with a southern accent.

Officers are asking any members of the public who may have seen him, or a man matching his description, to contact them as a matter of urgency.

• Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 01483 571212 quoting reference number M/12/298. 

Thieves have stolen a large quantity of cigarettes from a third convenience store in Warlingham.

The burglary occurred on Tuesday 22 November at approximately 4.30am when two suspects forced their way into the Co-op store on the Green.

The first suspect is described as a man, he was wearing a black jacket which had a red stripe on the sleeve, blue jeans and a black motorbike helmet.

The second suspect is described as a man, he was wearing a dark green, almost black, jacket possibly a wax-style coat, a grey hooded top, blue jeans and a black motorbike helmet. 

The suspects left the area on a motorcycle in the direction of Hamsey Green.

“I am keen to trace the driver of a car which was seen directly behind the motorbike as the suspects made off from the store,” said Investigating Officer Detective Constable Anna Blanco.

“I think this motorist unwittingly will have crucial information and it is vital if you were driving around The Green, Warlingham, at around 4.30am on Tuesday, 22 November, you speak with an officer.

“The suspects stole a large amount of boxed cigarettes therefore anyone who is offered cheap cigarettes for sale should report it to us immediately as they may have originated from this burglary.

“We need to know who is targeting Co-Op convenience stores and bring those responsible for this burglary to justice. Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could make all the difference to the investigation.”

Anyone who can help is encouraged to speak with an officer at Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference TD/11/5762, or call Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous on 0800 555111.

A 60-year-old man was attacked and robbed of a substantial amount of money in Warlingham last week.

The incident took place around 2pm on Wednesday, 28 September, when the man was walking across the recreation ground near to Mint Walk.

After visiting a nearby newsagent, the man left the store where he was approached by another man who had been talking to two women who were still stood close by. Although they did not know each other both men talked before they left the area.

The victim said he was approached by the same man as he walked across the recreation ground and was punched and kicked to the floor. The victim then realised his wallet, which he said was containing between £1,500 and £2,000 was missing.

“We need to establish the full events surrounding this incident and I urge anyone who saw the victim or the suspect in the area around the time of the attack to speak with us as they may hold vital information,” said Investigating Officer Detective Constable Portia Andrews of Reigate CID.

“I would particularly like to speak to the two women who were stood outside the newsagent when the man visited there around 2pm as they may be able to help us with our enquiries.

“The black leather wallet which was reported stolen is also still outstanding and I would like to ask anyone who found or saw one in the local area recently to contact Surrey Police.”

Tandridge Neighbourhood Inspector Angie Austin, added: “I would like to reassure the public we are doing everything we can to ascertain the facts surrounding this incident and to bring those responsible to justice.

“I would urge anyone with information about the incident to contact officers or provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers to help us with the investigation.”

The suspect is described as an Asian man, around 6ft in height and of stocky build with black hair. He was wearing glasses, jeans and a casual shirt and aged between 25 and 30-years-old.

• Anyone who has information on this incident is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference TD/11/4697 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are looking for three thieves who stole a large quantity of cigarettes and some money from a convenience store in Warlingham on Friday 30 September.

The theft occurred between 3.40am and 3.50am when three suspects forced their way into the store on The Green.

A large quantity of cigarettes was stolen along with an amount of money.

The first suspect is described as a white man, of slim build, wearing a scarf over his face, a black hooded top and white and black Nike trainers which had white soles.

The second suspect is described as a white man, of slim build, wearing a Navy blue tracksuit and white trainers.

The third suspect is described as a white man, of medium build, wearing a Royal blue and white striped top with a black hooded top underneath.

It’s believed the suspects left in a car travelling in the direction of Westhall Road, Whyteleafe.

“I urge anyone who is offered cheap cigarettes for sale to report it to us immediately as they may have originated from this burglary,” said Investigating Officer Detective Constable Errol Chetty.

“Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area but I appeal to members of the community to come forward with any information, no matter how small it may seem, as it could make all the difference to the investigation.”

• Anyone who can help is encouraged to speak with an officer at Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference TD/11/4720, or call Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous on 0800 555111.

Police are appealing for information after a motorist unsuccessfully told an 18-year-old woman to get into his car in Whyteleafe.

The incident happened at approximately 2.50pm on Thursday, 8 September, in Whyteleafe Hill as the woman walked to the train station.

The suspect stopped his grey/blue vehicle, similar to a Land Rover, in the middle of the road and told the woman to “Get in”.

When the victim refused the suspect became aggressive and verbally abusive. At this point other motorists sounded their horns as the suspect’s vehicle was blocking the road.

He then drove off in the direction of Whyteleafe.

The suspect is described as a black man, of muscular build, bald and he had a gold hoop in his left ear. He was wearing light coloured clothing and he spoke with a Jamaican accent.

“This incident is extremely concerning to us and we are making a number of urgent enquiries,” said Detective Constable Anna Blanco, who is leading the investigation.

“Although the victim was not physically harmed in any way this was a frightening experience for her and we need to identify the suspect.

“Reports of this nature are taken very seriously and I would like to assure you a number of officers are doing an incredible amount of work trying to identify the vehicle used and the man responsible.

“The victim looks younger than 18 therefore it is possible the suspect thought she would be intimidated by his aggressive manner and acquiesce.

“Local Safer Neighbourhood Officers are aware of this incident and will be stepping up patrols. They will also be visiting schools in the area to speak with teachers.

“I would urge the community to work with us and not listen to speculation or the rumour mill which often distorts the truth.

“This is a very serious incident but it is worth bearing in mind the woman was not injured nor was she physically touched by this man.

“However, it was an incredibly frightening experience for her and we need your help to establish who this man is.”

House-to-house enquiries are being conducted and CCTV opportunities are being explored.

• Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference TD/11/4370 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hundreds of protesters marched on Parliament and New Scotland Yard demanding justice for Warlingham-based reggae star Smiley Culture, who died of a single stab wound last month.

The Reggae artist, real name David Emmanuel, had a hit with his song Police Officer — a song about police harassment — in the 80’s.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is currently investigating Emmanuel’s death.
Officers from the Met Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Command came to his Warlingham house on Hillbury Road with a search warrant on Tuesday 15 March at 7am.

He was on bail for conspiracy to supply cocaine at the time when he allegedly stabbed himself in the heart when he went to make a cup of tea in the kitchen.

The organisers of the march said it was also to honour others who had died in police custody.

Warlingham-based reggae star Smiley Culture died of a single stab wound to the heart, a post-mortem has revealed.

The Reggae artist, real name David Emmanuel, had a hit with his song Police Officer — a song about police harassment — in the 80’s.

Officers from the Met Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Command came to his Warlingham house on Hillbury Road with a search warrant on Tuesday 15 March at 7am.

Later the same morning, at approximately 8.30am, an ambulance was called to attend the address. An air ambulance crew arrived but Emmanuel died at the scene.

Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigators went to the scene and oversaw Surrey Police’s Scenes of Crimes Officers gathering forensic evidence.

The IPCC also commissioned an independent scientific expert to examine elements of the scene. An IPCC investigator was present throughout the post mortem.

Independent investigators have examined the first accounts given by the MPS police officers who were at the address when the incident occurred.

Forensic experts are examining items which have been recovered from the address including the knife.

“I send my condolences to Mr Emmanuel’s family and friends,” said IPCC commissioner Mike Franklin.

“I understand their concerns and am under no illusion about the seriousness of this case, its impact on them and the wider community.

“This investigation is examining the basis on which MPS officers went to Surrey to carry out the search warrant on Tuesday, how that was planned, how it was communicated with Surrey Police and what happened while officers were at the address.

“It is also looking at the response of the officers present to examine what was done in terms of first aid.

“The independent investigation will be studying forensic evidence and all other possible lines of enquiry to try to establish a factual account of exactly what happened.

“Many of the questions that I know Mr Emmanuel’s family and friends have are exactly what we will be examining as part of this investigation. I want to reassure people that we will thoroughly scrutinise this incident and will update all those involved as we progress. I will also make the findings of our investigation public at the earliest opportunity. Until then, I would ask that speculation is avoided.”

The IPCC is in the process of setting up a Community Reference Group which will be kept updated with progress of the investigation and will have the opportunity to feedback any questions or concerns to the IPCC.

Reggae superstar Smiley Culture died today, allegedly from self-inflicted stab wounds, following a police raid on his Warlingham house.

The Reggae artist, real name David Emmanuel, had a hit with his song Police Officer — a song about police harassment — in the 80’s.

Earlier today, at around 7am, officers from the Met Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Command came to his Warlingham house on Hillbury Road with an arrest warrant.

While they were at the address, an incident occurred during which the 48-year-old man died.

Officers from Surrey Police attended the incident and it has been formally referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

“While officers were at the house, it is believed a man suffered a stab wound and died at the scene,” IPCC Commissioner for the south east Mike Franklin said.

“We will be looking into the planning of the arrest, the way in which it was carried out and the actions of all the officers who were present at the time of the incident.”

Surrey Police and Firebrigade were on hand to advise shoppers on safer driving at Tesco in Caterham-on-the-hill last week (8-9 July).

The Drive SMART and Driven to Distraction campaigns, launched in 2009 by Tandridge Council and backed by £1m worth of funding, provide advice on road safety issues.

The two emergency services spent two days answering questions on a range of driving behaviours that negatively affect the lives of other road users or local residents.

These include tailgating, bad or inconsiderate parking, using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel, speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt and generally thoughtless or reckless driving.

“Drive SMART is a great scheme which gives local residents and businesses a chance to take charge of their local roads,” said casualty reduction officer PC Moira Cocks.

“The scheme is about educating drivers around the dangers of speeding and staying alert when driving. The public can rest assured we will not shy away from taking action against repeat offenders. Getting tough on speeding motorists is a priority for Surrey Police and I know it is a big concern for the local community.”

By Ewan Turney

Police want to hear from anyone who has been offered cheap cigarettes over the past week as they search for thieves following two raids on stores in Oxted and Caterham.

Thieves forced their way into the Co-Op store on Corydon Road between 1.30-1.45am last Friday morning (2 July) and attempted to access the cigarette kiosk.

However, the store’s smoke alarm was activated and the intruders left empty handed. But they remained undeterred and at around 1.50am broke into Sainsbury’s on Station Road East in Oxted and stole approximately £500 worth of cigarettes.

Police said the two men were wearing dark clothes and were driving a black BMW.

“Have you been offered cheap cigarettes? We are working hard to specifically target burglars and handlers of stolen goods but if you have been offered cigarettes at a reduced price they may have originated from the Sainsbury’s burglary,” said Detective Constable Rachael Pearson.

“I am appealing to members of the community to come forward with the information I need in order to arrest those responsible for these offences,”

Anyone with information can speak to Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference TD/10/3153 or call Crimewatch on 0800 555111 — calls can be on an anonymous basis if you wish.