New SNT base in Thornton Heath (From Croydon Guardian)

New SNT base in Thornton Heath

9:05pm Sunday 31st October 2010 in Your Say

A new Safer Neighbourhoods base has opened in Thornton Heath, increasing police presence in the area as part of Operation Refresh, which is focusing on reducing crime in the wards of Thornton Heath, Selhurst, West Thornton, Bensham Manor and Broad Green.

The new base, which is in Parchmore Road, at the junction with Thornton Heath High Street, will be home to Thornton Heath, West Thornton and Bensham Manor SNTs, providing them with the facilities for over 30 officers that work as part of the three SNTs.

There will not, however, be a front counter service for members of the public to access (nearest police stations remain Norbury and South Norwood), but members of the public can approach officers who will be coming and going out on patrol from the base on a daily basis, with any concerns or questions that they may have.

Inspector Chris Green, who is the new Inspector in charge of the five wards as part of Operation Refresh said: "This patrol base is in the heart of the community and provides a real visible presence to show that police are here for the community. Previously, we didn't have all these three teams patrolling from within the area, so it is a big plus for them to be here and they'll be able to get out and about on their patrols virtually straight away, rather than having to travel in from Norbury or South Norwood."