Local News

A man has appeared in court on 29 June, following the discovery of the body of a two-year-old girl in Chertsey on Thursday 25 June. Kevin Kerjean, 31, (DOB 21/02/1995), a French national who was born in the Central African Republic, was charged with murder, rape of a child under 13, and sexual assault of a child under 13 on Saturday 27 June. He appeared at Guildford Crown Court today and has been remanded ahead of his next appearance at Guildford Crown Court on Monday, 14 September. We can confirm that the victim was the daughter of Kevin Kerjean. Officers were called to an address in Pyrcroft Road around 5.40pm on Thursday 25 June, following reports of a concern for safety. On arrival, the girl was sadly found dead inside the property. An investigation, led by our Major Crime Team, remains ongoing to establish the circumstances of her death. Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen said: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child’s mother and extended family, as well as all those who knew her. “Our teams are working hard to build a picture of what happened, and a significant police presence will remain in Pyrcroft Road over the coming days. “We appreciate that the incident itself, as well as the significant police presence, will be concerning for residents and we would like to thank them for their cooperation as we conduct our investigation.”

An uncle and nephew, who burgled the homes of elderly and vulnerable residents across Surrey, Hampshire and south-west London, have been jailed for a combined total of 16 years. The offenders frequently targeted care homes, assisted living accommodation and the homes of vulnerable adults, forcing entry and stealing cash, jewellery and other valuables. They would use pillowcases taken from victims' beds to carry stolen property from the premises before discarding them nearby. On 12 December 2024, the pair forced entry into an independent living home for over-55s in Chertsey and entered the room of a resident while they slept in an armchair. They then searched the room and stole £130 in cash, jewellery and a number of sentimental items, including World War One medals. Unbeknown to the youngest of the offenders, CCTV cameras captured him inside the property, and despite wearing a face covering, specialist enquiries enabled officers to identify him, providing a significant breakthrough in the investigation. As the investigation progressed at pace, officers worked closely with neighbouring forces and were able to link the pair to a further 10 burglaries across counties. Further CCTV footage and additional enquiries later led to the identification of the second offender. Footage revealed how the pair would brazenly force entry into properties undeterred when they were still occupied by residents. When challenged by residents, they would falsely claim to be police officers responding to a disturbance. In one incident captured on CCTV at a property in Harrow, one of the offenders told a distressed resident he was a police officer while the second offender searched the property for items to steal. The offenders frequently stole a range of items including jewellery, purses and cash. On one occasion at an address in Farnborough, they stole more than £1,000 which had been collected as part of a donation fundraiser on behalf of residents at the accommodation. At another address in Farnborough, the pair took two pillowcases from a victim's bed and filled them with watches, perfume, jewellery and a camera before leaving the scene. The pair were arrested in January 2025. They were both sentenced at Guildford Crown Court as follows:

• John Cawley, 49 (DOB: 22/04/1977) from Hackney, was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment, reduced to nine years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to burgle.

• Billy O'Donoghue, 23 (DOB: 09/03/2003) from Harrow, was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment, reduced to seven years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to burgle.

Investigating officer PC Daniel Edwards said: "These offenders deliberately targeted elderly and vulnerable people, often entering their homes while they were inside and stealing treasured possessions which could never be replaced. "The impact of these offences went far beyond the financial loss. Many victims were left distressed and feeling unsafe in places where they should have felt most secure. "Through extensive CCTV enquiries, collaboration with other forces and detailed investigative work, officers were able to identify those responsible and build a strong evidential case against them. "I welcome the significant sentences handed down by the court and hope they provide some reassurance to the victims and their families."

Community update following series of indecent exposures in West Molesey - we are continuing to investigate reports of a series of indecent exposures in Grovelands Park, West Molesey. Officers received reports after a man reportedly exposed himself several times in the park on Saturday, 27 June. A 63-year-old man from Cobham was arrested in connection with the incidents. He has since been released while our enquiries continue. The man has a diagnosis of dementia and is receiving appropriate support while the investigation remains ongoing. We are working closely with partners to ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place. Borough Commander Inspector Chris Thoday said: "We understand that incidents of this nature can cause significant concern within the local community. "I would like to reassure residents that we take these reports seriously and our investigation is ongoing. We are carrying out a number of enquiries to establish the full circumstances of what happened. We are also working closely with our partners in Adult Social Care, who have been made aware of the incident and are reviewing any appropriate safeguarding arrangements. "We recognise the impact this type of incident can have on those involved and on the wider community. There will continue to be a visible policing presence in the area, and officers will continue to carry out patrols.

On 25 June, Elmbridge Safer Neighbourhood Team, alongside colleagues from the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, executed warrants in Walton and Hersham where large quantities of suspected Class A and B drugs, cash, and devices were seized. Three persons were arrested on suspicion of Being Concerned in the Supply of Class A and B drugs and have been subsequently bailed for further enquiries. 

One of the three has also been arrested on suspicion of a Prescribed Limit Offence after being seen driving by officers and testing positive for cannabis at the roadside.  As a Team, we are dedicated to proactively targeting individuals who make a profit by causing harm in the community through the supply and distribution of drugs.