Category: Alcohol and drugs

155 arrests, 25 years in prison for offenders and 10kg of suspected cocaine seized – Safer Redhill celebrates a year of success

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A YEAR of partnership working in Redhill has led to 25 years in prison for offenders and the seizure of 10kg of suspected cocaine.

Safer Redhill, an initiative designed to cut crime and foster pride in the town, brings together Surrey Police, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and YMCA East Surrey, as well as local business and community partners.

The initiative is supported by funding secured through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, including £265,000 of Safer Streets funding and £58,000 from the Community Safety Fund.

The project adopts the College of Policing’s ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ framework, a three-stage approach where police ‘clear’ offenders from Redhill and work in tandem with interventions from partners to ensure it remains that way.

Campaign’s success

From joint drugs operations at Redhill train station to plain clothed officers deployed at night to spot suspicious behaviour, a huge range of activity has had extensive results, including:

  • 155 arrests for offences including assaults, burglary, drink driving, drug supply and shoplifting
  • 93 charges, of which 81 were charged and remanded
  • A combined prison time of 25 years for local offenders, with many more still to appear for trial
  • Two Criminal Behaviour Orders issued for anti-social behaviour and 80 Community Resolutions issued for offences such as possession of a small quantity of drugs, low value and first time shoplifting offences and minor public order incidents
  • Over £7,000 worth of fines, court costs and victim surcharges issued by the courts
  • 86 drug seizures, including 10kg of suspected cocaine
  • £89,000 cash recovered and weapons taken off the streets
  • 15 vehicles seized and driving disqualification penalties issued that total 8.5 years.

Alongside enforcement activity, the local policing team has built strong relationships within the town, from engaging with students at colleges and holding Meet the Beat sessions to licensing visits with the council’s Joint Enforcement Team.

‘Incredibly proud’

Borough Commander Jon Vale said: “I’m incredibly proud of the efforts of all our partners to address crime in Redhill and help people feel safer in the town.

“It’s a team effort and I’m grateful to all the businesses, organisations and residents who are supporting this project to take pride in Redhill.

“When our communities look at the number of arrests and charges we’ve made over the past year, I want to reassure residents that it’s through the work we’ve been doing that we’re able to seek out and clear this crime from the town.

“Surrey remains one of the safest counties in the UK and our enforcement activities have had a strong impact in Redhill. Since we began our increased police activity, we’ve seen a significant decrease in crimes such as shoplifting, sexual assaults, serious attacks, robbery and anti-social behaviour.”

Safer Redhill aims to have a lasting impact and there is significant work going on to improve the area.

Lasting impact

Local initiatives include solar lighting and a mural designed by young people in Memorial Park, detached youth work by the YMCA and women’s self defence classes by Redhill Boxing Club.

The latest addition to the town will be the installation of two bleed kits by the Safer Redhill partnership, which have been installed next to defibrillators as part of the town’s provision to support people in medical emergencies.

Results from the Force’s regular neighbourhood survey indicate these changes are making a difference, showing an increase in the community’s trust and confidence in the police.

Surrey Police will soon launch a bespoke survey for residents and visitors to Redhill to tell officers where to focus their continued efforts.

Three people stand in a studio. On the left, a man stands with his hands by his sides. Sitting to his left is a young person with his back to the camera. Next, and in the middle of the standing group, is Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who has her hand on the back of a chair. A woman stands with her hands clasped to Lisa's left hand side.

“It literally saved my life”: Meet the team using music and photography to prevent child exploitation

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has told of her pride after visiting a service that helps criminally exploited children to reshape their lives. 

Lisa Townsend joined staff from Catch22 at their base in Farnham during February to celebrate their work with vulnerable young people. 

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is the sole funder of Catch22’s Music To My Ears programme, which allows clients to explore music production, photography, film-making and writing. 

Over the past four years, almost £400,000 has been committed to the programme through the OPCC. 

Commissioner’s pride

Young people who have been exploited and used by county lines drug dealing operations, have previously gone missing in Surrey, or have been involved in serious violence are among those to attend the service. 

Music To My Ears offers voluntary attendance, meaning clients cannot be compelled to attend. However, many continue to work with the programme for months or years. 

During her visit, Lisa met with a teenager who is now attending a prestigious music college, four years after first coming to the service for support. 

Other clients say Music To My Ears has pulled them out of criminality, with one telling the team: “It has literally saved my life.” 

Currently, Catch22 are working on a one-to-one basis with around 80 young people between the ages of 10 and 18 in Surrey. They are also presenting to Surrey’s magistrates to raise awareness of the programme as an alternative intervention that may prevent criminality altogether. 

“It saved my life”

Lisa said: “We cannot know how many crimes have not been committed because of the team’s intervention, or how many young people have not entered the prison system in the first place through their work. 

“But it is clear the Catch22 team are changing the lives of young people in Surrey. 

“During my visit to Music To My Ears, I met with a young person who has changed his own life with the service’s support, and is now a promising musician at a fantastic college.

“There’s a wonderful future ahead of him because of the support he was able to access through Catch22.

Changing lives

“The programme is completely voluntary – young people create their own care plan, and can stay, or leave, as they wish. 

“This gives them an agency that they may never have felt and empowers them to make choices that can shape their lives. 

“Those who have been groomed or exploited can learn that it is not their fault, that help is out there, and that there are adults who will support them to break free from criminality. 

“I am so proud to fund the programme.” 

For more information, visit catch-22.org.uk 

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, at Guildford train station with the Street Angels

20 ambulance call-outs averted each year by the team with pockets full of lollipops – meet the Street Angels

Posted on | by Alex Winter

THOUSANDS of conversations, 20 ambulance calls averted – and 3,500 lollipops handed out.

These are just some of the successes achieved by Guildford’s Street Angel volunteers every year.

The team, managed by Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy, receive a crucial £5,000 grant each year from Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend‘s Community Safety Fund for a coordinator.

And last week, the Commissioner joined a Saturday night shift.

During the evening, Lisa and the team helped a young man who’d had too much to drink, visited the train station to make sure travellers were safe, and picked up glass bottles that could otherwise be used as weapons.

The volunteers give their time once a month between 11pm and 4am on a Friday or Saturday night to provide practical care and support to anyone who may have found themselves in a vulnerable state.

They help those who are intoxicated, homeless, or victims of assault – and are perhaps best-known for their pockets filled with lollipops.

Lisa has often supported the Angels with grants, most recently contributing £500 for volunteer uniforms, first aid kits, emergency blankets and flip-flops.

Volunteers have been giving their time for the past 17 years. The current team of 50 encounter 3,400 people, including 50 homeless people, and pick up more than 3,100 bottles in an average year. During their shifts, they walk around 10,000 steps.

Anyone interested in volunteering is urged to contact the Chaplaincy via their website, gtcc.org.uk/street-angels/

Lisa said: “I’m so proud to support the Street Angels, who make such a positive difference in Guildford.

Meet the Angels

“This evening, we’ve visited the train station, where we know trouble can happen during the evenings. We’ve spoken with door staff at a range of venues around the town and stopped to chat to young people enjoying their night out.

“The Angels all give their time to make sure their community is safe.

“Most people will know them for the lollipops, as well as the flip-flops they give to those who have given up on uncomfortable shoes, but all who encounter the team will remember their kindness and care.

“I’d encourage anyone with an interest to visit the team’s website and sign up for a trial volunteer shift.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy PCC Ellie Vesey-Thompson with Keely Glithero and Sue Murphy from Catalyst Support to learn about their cuckooing service.

Little-known form of exploitation impacting hundreds in Surrey becomes a criminal offence

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A LITTLE-KNOWN form of exploitation that has affected hundreds of people in Surrey is set to become a specific criminal offence. 

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, has told of her joy after cuckooing was included in new legislation introduced to Parliament this week. 

Lisa co-commissions the county’s gold-standard Cuckooing Service in partnership with Public Health. The service is run by Catalyst Support. 

Cuckooing involves criminals taking over the homes of vulnerable people to use for offences including county lines drug dealing. 

Catalyst Support, which was honoured at Surrey Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour Awards late last year, helps victims, provides advice to those at risk, and aims to manage and resolve the risk of a property being closed by the courts. 

The service has long lobbied for cuckooing to be made a specific criminal offence. 

Commissioner’s joy

Previously, it was not a standalone offence, meaning perpetrators could only be punished for any associated offending. 

But yesterday, the Government confirmed that it will become an offence to control a person’s home in connection with criminal activity without consent, with a maximum of five years in prison or a fine for those who flout the new law. 

Since 2018, the Cuckooing Service has received 574 referrals from across the county and disrupted 66 organised criminal groups, known as OCGs, and 162 local drug dealers. 

Among the victims are a 93-year-old great-grandmother and a woman who was forced to sleep on her kitchen floor. Another victim returned home to find a drug production line in their property, while a fourth victim’s contact details were sold to an inmate in prison as part-payment for synthetic cannabis Spice. 

Last year, the service premiered Steven’s Story, a short film based on true events in Surrey. 

You can watch the video below.

Lisa, who also leads on Victims for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the news that cuckooing is set to become a specific criminal offence. 

“This is a chillingly sinister form of exploitation that transforms homes from safe, private havens into prisons. 

“While anyone can be affected, victims are usually vulnerable in some way. They may be single parents, affected by domestic abuse, have a history of substance abuse, or be young, often with experience of the care system. 

“Criminals will take advantage of this vulnerability to cause significant, lasting harm. 

“Harm is also caused to entire communities, and police often become aware of a cuckooed property after neighbours call in persistent, severe anti-social behaviour. 

Vulnerable victims exploited

“What is most worrying is that victims of cuckooing may remain hidden from police and the agencies poised to support them, through fear or perhaps because they have a history of offending. 

“But if you’re in this terrible situation, you are a victim, and we can and will help you. There is a way out. 

“The brilliant team at Catalyst Support are changing lives. I urge anyone who needs support to get in touch.” 

Catalyst Support’s Cuckooing Outreach Service Manager Karen Jones said: “Catalyst Support Cuckooing team welcomes the first steps to recognising cuckooing as a stand-alone crime.  

“We hope that making it a criminal offence will make a difference to the support available to victims, as well as deter perpetrators from exploiting vulnerable people.  

“Hidden crime”

“Cuckooing has long been a hidden crime, and the impact it has on vulnerable victims has often not been recognised. We hope that the change in the legislation will help the victims to be seen and receive the support they require and build resilience to avoid further exploitation. 

“The guidance will help improve identification of cuckooing and allow professionals to take action.  

“We will continue our work as an assertive outreach service and provide further support to both victims and partner agencies to help address cuckooing in the community.” 

For more information, visit catalystsupport.org.uk, call 01483 590150, or text 07909 631623. 

Commissioner says drink- and drug-driving is “never, ever worth the risk” as national campaign begins

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned there is “never, ever” an excuse for drink- or drug-driving as a national campaign begins.

There will be increased drug tests, breath tests, stop checks and patrols on Surrey’s roads throughout December as part of Operation Limit, the nationwide campaign to tackle intoxicated driving.

There has been a rise in the number of drug-drivers arrested across Surrey, leading to a renewed focus from the Force.

During last year’s campaign, there were 199 arrests for drink or drug driving in the county.

Being over the limit can have fatal consequences, with drink and drug driving one of the main causes of death or serious injuries on our roads.

Campaign begins

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Every time a driver gets behind the wheel, they are committing themselves to a huge responsibility.

“They are not only responsible for themselves, but for their passengers and everyone else they encounter on their journey.

“That’s why it’s so appalling for motorists to drink or take drugs before driving. It’s a dangerous and selfish act that can forever change a life, and I cannot overstate how important it is to remain sober, patient, and attentive at the wheel.

“There is no excuse whatsoever for this behaviour, and it is never, ever worth the risk.”

“Appalling”

Superintendent Rachel Glenton, head of Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our officers will be joined by officers from across the force to carry out increased patrols and stop checks on the road networks.

“This is in addition to our existing patrols which we carry out 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

“Through education, engagement, and enforcement, we aim to reduce the devastating impact of drink and drug-driving.

“We will deal robustly with offenders. So, while our officers can’t be everywhere, they could be anywhere and there really is no excuse for drivers who put their own safety and the safety of everyone else at risk.”

Risks

The consequences of drink or drug driving include:

  • Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else
  • A minimum 12-month ban
  • An unlimited fine
  • A possible prison sentence
  • A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment
  • An increase in your car insurance costs
  • Difficulty travelling to countries such as the USA

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The campaign is being supported by Surrey RoadSafe.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy PCC Ellie Vesey-Thompson with Keely Glithero and Sue Murphy from Catalyst Support

Great-gran, 93, and woman forced to sleep on kitchen floor are among “hidden” Surrey victims of cuckooing

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A WOMAN forced to sleep on the kitchen floor of her own home and a 93-year-old great-grandmother are among the “hidden” Surrey victims of a little-known form of exploitation, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said.

Cuckooing involves criminals taking over the homes of vulnerable people to use for offences including sex work and county lines drug dealing.

Lisa partly funds Surrey’s gold-standard Cuckooing Service, run by Catalyst Support, contributing £54,000 from her Community Safety Fund in the past financial year.

The service supports victims, provides advice to those at risk and helps prevent the risk of a property being closed by the courts.

Great-gran cuckooed

Since it launched in 2018, it has received 518 referrals from across the county. Of the vulnerable people supported, 14 per cent lived in accommodation that they either privately rented or owned, seven per cent were aged 70 or above, and 15 per cent had no history of drug or alcohol misuse.

One victim, who lost the use of her own bedroom and was forced to sleep in her kitchen, begged police officers for help after a chance sighting in the street. Another returned home to find a drug production line in their property, while a third victim’s contact details were sold to an inmate in prison as part-payment for synthetic cannabis Spice.

Lisa said: “Cuckooing is a deeply disturbing form of exploitation that can affect people of all backgrounds.

“However, victims are usually vulnerable in some way, with single mums, victims of domestic abuse, those with a history of substance misuse, sex workers and young people who have experienced the care system all among those most likely to be cuckooed.

“Criminals take advantage of this vulnerability in the cruellest possible way, by turning safe refuges into prisons.

Victim’s details sold in prison

“The harm caused to these victims is devastating, although cuckooing can impact entire communities. In fact, police often become aware of cuckooing when neighbours call in severe anti-social behaviour.

“Troublingly, most victims of cuckooing will remain hidden, both from police and from agencies poised to help them out of danger, like Catalyst Support’s fantastic Cuckooing Service.

“But if you’re in this terrible situation, there are ways out. In the past year, Catalyst Support has disrupted 15 organised criminal groups, known as OCGs, and 34 local drug dealers.

“They are changing lives, and I urge anyone in need of their support in Surrey to get in touch.

Commissioner’s pride

“This is a gold-standard, nationally –recognised service, and I’m incredibly proud to fund it.”

Cuckooing service manager at Catalyst Support, Keely Glithero, said: “Cuckooing becoming a crime is key for victims, so that this abhorrent act is recognised.

“To the perpetrators, it sends the message that this is not acceptable and to the victims, that they are being seen.

“Our service provides empowering, trustful support, improving community safety and the resilience of adults at risk. We also work with perpetrators.”

For more information, visit catalystsupport.org.uk, call 01483 590150, or text 07909 631623.

Lisa Townsend, in yellow, and her Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, on right, visited the Cuckooing Service to learn more about the impact on victims

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend watches from a front door as Surrey Police officers execute a warrant at a property linked to possible county lines drug dealing.

Policing Your Community – Commissioner says police teams are taking the fight to drug gangs after joining county lines crackdown

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said officers will continue the battle to drive drug gangs out of Surrey after she joined Surrey Police teams cracking down on ‘county lines’ criminality.

The Force and partner agencies carried out targeted operations across the county last week to disrupt the activities of criminal networks dealing drugs in our communities.

County lines is the name given to activity by highly organised criminal networks using phone lines to facilitate the supply of class A drugs – such as heroin and crack cocaine.

Drugs and drug related crime was one of the key issues that residents raised during the Commissioner’s recent ‘Policing Your Community’ roadshow in which she teamed up with the Chief Constable to hold in-person and online events in all 11 boroughs across the county.

It was also one of the top three priorities that those who filled in the Commissioner’s council tax survey this winter said they wanted to see Surrey Police focus on over the next year.

On Tuesday, the Commissioner joined a pro-active patrol in Stanwell including covert officers and the passive dog unit. And on Thursday she joined early morning raids in the Spelthorne and Elmbridge areas that targeted suspected dealers, supported by the specialist Force’s Child Exploitation and Missing Unit.

The Commissioner said these types of operations send a strong message to those gangs that police will continue to take the fight to them and dismantle their networks in Surrey.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend watches as Surrey Police officers carry out a warrant

During the week, officers made 21 arrests and seized drugs including cocaine, cannabis and crystal methamphetamine. They also recovered a large number of mobile phones suspected of being used to coordinate drug deals and seized over £30,000 in cash.

7 warrants were executed as officers disrupted so called ‘county lines’, accompanied by activity throughout the week to safeguard more than 30 young or vulnerable people.

In addition, police teams across the county were out in communities raising awareness of the issue, including accompanying the CrimeStoppers ad van at several locations, engaging with students at 24 schools and visiting hotels and landlords, taxi firms and gyms and sport centres in Surrey.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “County lines criminality continues to be a threat to our communities and the kind of action we saw last week highlights how our police teams are taking the fight to those organised gangs.

“These criminal networks seek to exploit and groom young and vulnerable people to act as couriers and dealers and often use violence to control them.

“Drugs and drug related crime were one of the top three priorities residents who filled in our recent council tax survey told me they wanted to see Surrey Police tackling over the coming year.

“So I am delighted to have been out with our policing teams this week to see first-hand the kind of targeted police intervention that is taking place to disrupt the activities of these county lines networks and drive them out of our county.

“We all have a part to play in that and I would ask our communities in Surrey to remain vigilant to any suspicious activity that could be related to drug dealing and report it immediately.

“Equally, if you know of anyone being exploited by these gangs – please pass that information to police, or anonymously to CrimeStoppers, so that action can be taken.”

You can report crime to Surrey Police on 101, at surrey.police.uk or on any official Surrey Police social media page. You can also report any suspicious activity you witness using the Force’s dedicated Suspicious Activity Portal.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who is concerned about a child should contact Surrey Children’s Services Single Point of Contact by calling 0300 470 9100 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) or by email to: cspa@surreycc.gov.uk

nitrous cannister on soil

Commissioner welcomes laughing gas ban after substance fuels anti-social behaviour “blight”

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed a ban on nitrous oxide amid warnings that the substance – also known as laughing gas – fuels anti-social behaviour across the country.

Lisa Townsend, who is currently hosting a series of engagement events in each of Surrey’s 11 boroughs, said the drug has a serious impact for both users and communities.

The ban, which comes into force this Wednesday, November 8, will make nitrous oxide a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Those who repeatedly misuse nitrous oxide could face up to two years in prison, while dealers could be sentenced to 14 years behind bars.

There are exemptions for legitimate use, including pain relief in hospitals.

Commissioner welcomes ban

Lisa said: “People living across the country will have seen the small silver canisters littering public spaces.

“These are visible markers demonstrating that recreational use of nitrous oxide has become a blight to our communities. It so often goes hand-in-hand with anti-social behaviour, which has an out-size impact on residents.

“It’s crucial to both myself and every Surrey Police officer that our residents not only are safe, but that they feel safe too, and I believe this week’s law change will contribute to that important goal.

“Nitrous oxide can also have a devastating impact on users, who can suffer effects including damage to the nervous system and even death.

“Devastating impact”

“We’ve also seen an increase in collisions, including serious and fatal crashes, where the use of this substance has been a factor.

“I do remain concerned that this ban places a disproportionate emphasis on the criminal justice system, including police, who must meet increasing demand with limited resources.

“As a result, I will look to build on partnership working with multiple agencies in a bid to improve education on the dangers of nitrous oxide, provide more opportunities for young people, and better support those affected by anti-social behaviour in all of its forms.”

Commissioner hits out at “selfish” drink and drug drivers as campaign draws to a close

Posted on | by Alex Winter

More than 140 arrests were made in Surrey in just four weeks as part of Surrey Police’s annual drink and drug drive campaign.

The campaign is run by officers with the aim of protecting the public from the dangers of drink and drug driving over the festive period. This is run in addition to proactive patrols to tackle drink and drug drivers, which are carried out 365 days a year.

A total of 145 arrests on were made after stops by Surrey Police officers during the operation which ran from Thursday, 1 December to Sunday, 1 January inclusive.

Out of these, 136 arrests were made on suspicion of drink and drug driving. These included:

  • 52 arrests on suspicion of drink driving
  • 76 on suspicion of drug driving
  • Two for both offences
  • One on suspicion of being unfit due to drink or drugs
  • Five for failure to provide a specimen.

The remaining 9 arrests were for other offences such as:

  • Drug possession and supply offences
  • Theft of motor vehicle
  • Firearms offences
  • Failure to stop at the scene of a road traffic collision
  • Handling stolen goods
  • Stolen motor vehicle

During the same period Sussex Police made 233 arrests, 114 on suspicion of drink driving, 111 on suspicion of drug driving and eight for failure to provide.

Superintendent Rachel Glenton, from Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Whilst most road users are conscientious and law-abiding citizens, there are several people who refuse to comply with the law. Not only is this putting their own lives at risk, but also other innocent people’s lives as well.

“A small amount of alcohol or drugs can massively impair your judgement and seriously increase the risk of you injuring or killing yourself or someone else on the roads.”

‘Never worth it’

Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, said: “Far too many people still think it’s acceptable to drink or take drugs before getting behind the wheel.

“In being so selfish, they risk their own lives, as well as those of other road users.

“Surrey’s routes are particularly busy – they carry 60 per cent more traffic than the average UK road, and serious crashes are sadly not uncommon here. That’s why road safety is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan.

“I will always support the police as they use the full force of the law to tackle reckless motorists who endanger others.

“Those who drive intoxicated can destroy families and ruin lives. It is never worth it.”

If you know someone who is driving whilst over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

Deputy Commissioner warns against drink and drug driving this Christmas as she joins night shift with traffic officers

Posted on | by Alex Winter

DEPUTY Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson has spoken out about the dangers of drink and drug driving this Christmas.

Ellie joined Surrey Police’s Roads Policing Unit for a late-night shift to highlight the risk of drinking alcohol or taking drugs before getting behind the wheel.

It comes after the Force launched a Christmas campaign to target intoxicated drivers. Until January 1, resources will be dedicated to preventing and detecting drink and drug-driving.

In December 2021 campaign, a total of 174 arrests were made on suspicion of drink and drug-driving by Surrey Police alone.

“Don’t be the reason that your loved ones, or the loved ones of another road user, have their lives turned upside down.”

Ellie said: “Surrey’s roads are very busy – they carry 60 per cent more traffic on average than other stretches around the country, and our motorways are some of the most highly-used in the UK. We also have a large number of rural roads which can pose other risks, particularly in bad weather conditions.

“That’s why ensuring safer Surrey roads is a key priority in the Police and Crime Plan.

“Serious crashes are sadly not uncommon in the county, and we know that anyone who drinks or takes drugs before driving are particularly dangerous on the roads.

“This is a crime that destroys lives, and we see far too much of it in Surrey.”

In the latest available figures from 2020, an estimated 6,480 people in the UK were killed or injured when at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit.

Ellie said: “This Christmas, make sure you have a safe way to get home from parties and events, either by booking a taxi, taking a train or relying on a designated driver.

“Drink and drug driving is incredibly selfish and needlessly risky. Don’t be the reason that your loved ones, or the loved ones of another road user, have their lives turned upside down.”

“You could be over the limit several hours after you’ve stopped drinking.”

Superintendent Rachel Glenton, from Surrey and Sussex Roads policing, said: “Most people are safe and conscientious motorists, but despite knowing the risks, there is still a small number of people who are not only willing risking their own lives but the lives of others.

“Remember even a small amount of alcohol or substances can massively impair your ability to drive safely and you could also be over the limit several hours after you’ve stopped drinking, so make sure you give it enough time before you drive. Drugs stay in your system far longer.

“If you are going out, look after yourself and friends, arrange alternative and safe ways home.”