Elmbridge's security and patrol team responded to 1,977 reports of abandoned vehicles, criminal damage and vandalism between January and September last year.

Surrey Comet:

The team's two people, one a qualified dog warden with a dog and branded vehicle, respond to issues such as graffiti, antisocial behaviour, illegal drinking, drug-dealing/taking, and noise disturbance of motor scooters, motor bikes, petrol powered model cars and model aircraft, to name but a few.

Monthly figures from January to September were presented in a report to Elmbridge Council's cabinet on Wednesday, January 7.

September had 558 incidents, the highest number, with 147 abandoned vehicles/unauthorised access and 171 counts of criminal damage/vandalism such as graffiti and damage to property including attempted arson.

January and February had the lowest, with the numbers increasing as the year progressed. Drug-dealing and taking had a total of 44 responses in those months.

Fly-tipping and littering often caused traffic delays and in some cases, accidents, and created 131 issues the security and patrol team had to deal with.

The figures were released as part of a discussion on continuing the contract for green space grounds and security and patrol for the next seven years.

However while most councillors praised the work of the leisure team, not all were happy with last year's green space maintenance.

Councillor Glenn Dearlove said: "The floral arrangements in the High Street were diabolical."

Councillor Mary Sheldon. cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "The vital work carried out in the borough by the security patrols is essential and their presence in and around our parks and open spaces acts as a deterrent to antisocial activities and reassurance to the general public."

The recommendation for a seven-year contract to be awarded to Landscape Group will be presented to full council in April.