Man Charged with Theft of Luggage from Gatwick Airport

A man has been identified and charged as part of a police investigation into the theft of luggage from London Gatwick Airport.

The incident had been reported to Sussex Police at about 6pm on Thursday, 30 October.

Luggage was reported stolen from the South Terminal, and a suspect was seen leaving the Zone A area via the Southern Walkway and Ring Road towards the B2036 Balcombe Road.

Police issued an appeal to identify a man they wished to speak with in connection with the offence.

We can confirm officers arrested a man following this appeal.

John Brooks, 52, of Brighton Road, Crawley, has subsequently been charged with theft and criminal damage and will appear before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on November 25 to answer the charges.

Local Football Results

Crawley Town won 2-1 over Fleetwood at the Broadfield Stadium on Saturday.  The Reds move up to 19th place in the League Two table after winning their last two games.

In the National League South, Horsham won 1-0 at home to Slough Town, extending their unbeaten league run to eight matches and taking them to fourth place in the table.  Dorking Wanderers lost 2-0 away to Farnborough. 

Three Bridges are top of the Isthmian South East division after their 2-1 win over Sittingbourne.  AFC Whyteleafe are in second place with an 8-0 victory over Crowborough AFC.

By-Election Results for the Tandridge District

Two by-elections took place in the Tandridge District last Thursday. 

Alan Schmidt of The Lingfield and Crowhurst Residents was elected as a Tandridge District Councillor for the Lingfield, Crowhurst and Tandridge Ward. 

Martin Redman of The Liberal Democrats was elected as Councillor for Westway in Caterham on the Hill; a gain from the Conservatives.

Surrey Police Eastern Divisional HQ To Move From Reigate

Photo credit Tracey Franklin.  Photo shows the former Reigate Police Station building where RAAC was discovered.

Surrey Police’s Eastern Divisional headquarters will move from Reigate, after plans were approved last week for its new location in Leatherhead.  

For the past two years, the force’s Eastern Divisional HQ has been temporarily based at Wray Park in Reigate.  Officers and staff were moved there after the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the original Reigate Police Station building. 

Mole Valley District Council’s Planning committee approved plans for the development of the site on Cleeve Road in Leatherhead on land currently owned by the Police and Crime Commissioner.  

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Needs You!

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is now recruiting Wholetime Firefighters – offering a career like no other.

Recruitment opened on Monday 27 October, and will close on Sunday 9 November.

As a firefighter, you’ll be at the heart of protecting lives, supporting communities, and preventing and responding to 999 calls across Surrey. From house fires and road traffic collisions to water rescues and wildfires, no two days are ever the same.

And firefighting is about more than emergencies. Prevention is a huge part of the role – educating people on how to stay safe through Safe and Well Visits in homes and businesses, school talks and more.

Chief Fire Officer, Dan Quin said: “Every day as a firefighter brings fresh and exciting challenges, and the role goes far beyond putting out fires. 

“We’re excited to be recruiting the next generation of firefighters in Surrey, and by joining us, you’ll become a trusted role model in your community, committed to saving lives and preventing harm before it happens.

We’re looking for individuals from all walks of life who care about making a difference to the communities we serve – people who bring resilience and stamina, a drive to learn, and a passion for helping others.”

“If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply and join our dedicated team.”

This is a physically demanding role, and the Service encourages all applicants to explore their recruitment hub to understand the application process and the roles and responsibilities of a firefighter. ‘Have a Go’ sessions are also available for you to attend, offering an insight into the role, and an opportunity to ask questions.

For the right person, it’s a life-changing opportunity.

Next steps 

Applicants will undergo a five-stage selection process, including physical assessments, interviews and medical evaluations, with support available at every stage. 

You don’t need firefighting experience as full training is part of the role.

If successful, you will train at Wray Park Training Centre, Reigate, over 15 weeks, with anticipated non-residential courses starting next spring.

You will learn the complex range of skills needed to become a first responder. You will then join your watch at one of our fire stations in Surrey and continue to develop your skills and knowledge to gain a level 3 Diploma in Emergency Fire Services Operations in the Community.

Why not you?

Read more about the role as a Wholetime Firefighter: Become a Firefighter – Surrey County Council 

You can apply for the role here: Trainee Firefighter – Surrey County Council