It has been a problem (on and off) for the last 20 years or so, with youths visiting the Rec regularly, particularly through the winter when the building was left for long periods of time, but also when we have had training or matches on the ground.

In most cases, this has been nuisance value, although we regularly had attempts to break into the old building. They did succeed once, forcing an entry, buckling the steel shutters and smashing windows and got away with cash from the till. After that we ensured no cash was left. On another occasion we had all our BBQ tables taken and burnt in the woods.

The new building in 2012, with the greater respect it deserved, seemed to some extent solve the problem. But as we all know, in 2016, a group of youths thought it clever to meet in the evenings on the Clubhouse flat roof and this finally led to the fire in November 2016 which completely destroyed the building. The Cricket Club had led the entire fund raising effort, and planned and built that building, and to say we were devastated by the impact of the fire is a complete understatement.

We then had another loss in that the junior equipment store was arsoned in April 2018.

Lightning struck twice… and of course we know why.

Little was done in terms of feedback to us on the two crimes, and whilst I believe on the second occasion two youths were identified, their homes visited and parents spoken to, but being under age, nothing was done more publically.

As part of the planning for the new clubhouse there has already been designed-in close circuit TV, stronger shutters, no flat roof and no ‘weak points’. We all sincerely hope that this investment will be justified and will keep the building safe. However we all also recognise that anti-social behaviour is still taking place on the Rec. Even last weekend the portacabins were attacked - handles bent etc.

As our community police officer we talk to Jaz regularly and we do recognise that current police resourcing leaves them critically sort of a presence on the ground - but something needs to change.

So what can be done...?

I spoke about this at the last AGM of the CRGT as a continuing ‘running sore’ and I’m delighted to see the Parish Council taking the lead. This is the right course of action and will provide a focus for all.

I’m also aware that there is a bigger problem in the local area, which has produced some traumatic incidents such as the gang attack in Thames Ditton recently. When I read about that I could not believe it happened in ‘our patch’ So this is an issue which is not solely Claygate, but the wider community and areas close to us.

So the meeting tonight is timely and I hope will produce a range of ideas.

One specific idea which came after the fire last year is working with Surrey Clubs for Young People. After having received an offer of help from them, I messaged the police. and chased, but didn’t receive any response. So for the time being the idea got shelved, but it could offer a positive way forward in terms of contact with some of the gang/gangs.
Any plan needs to be carefully though. The cricket club will be represented tonight but we additionally thought this letter might help. We are very pleased to play our part in whatever community effort is required.

I think I might also add that we now provide recreational cricket for nearly 200 children (ages 6- 16) most of whom come from the village and this teaches them the strong values incorporated into our game which in turn teaches them wider community values.

Nigel Abbott
President Claygate Cricket Club