New police counter opens in Richmond (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

New police counter opens in Richmond

10:40am Friday 10th February 2012 in Richmond News By Christine Fleming

Richmond police officially opened their new front counter service this week.

The counter, at the new police base at Sovereign Gate, in Kew Road, will replace the previous counter service at Richmond police station, which closed the day ahead of Wednesday’s opening.

Open 8am to 8pm daily, the front counter will be an access point for residents wanting to report crimes in person or seek advice.

Anyone needing assistance outside of these hours should go to Twickenham police station which is open 24 hours a day, or call 101 for non-emergencies and 999 for emergencies.

Borough Commander chief Superintendent Clive Chalk, said: “I am pleased to announce the opening of Sovereign Gate’s front counter which, with its external lift, split-level counters and hearing loops, is much more modern and accessible to the public than Richmond Police Station was.”

Sovereign Gate is also the new base for South Richmond and Kew’s safer neighbourhoods teams (SNT), and is a regional learning centre where officers from the borough and across south west London will receive training including emergency life support.

Sovereign Gate can be called on 020 8247 8300 or visit in person at 18/20 Kew Road, Richmond TW9 2NA.