Category: Anti-social behaviour

The image shows two police officers photographed from behind walking down a busy high street.

Retail crime charges rise by 465 per cent in Surrey as report on the impact of offending is released

Posted on | by Alex Winter

More shoplifters are facing justice in Surrey as officers crack down on offenders targeting businesses. 

A 465 per cent increase in shoplifting charges has been recorded by Surrey Police over the past two years.

It comes as Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and retail crime leads from Surrey Police release their first-ever retail crime report, which sets out the Force’s commitment to victims. 

The report, available to download as PDF here, has been published following a survey of the business community earlier this year. 

Respondents to the survey shared their experiences with retail crime, with some saying insurance premiums had gone up because of repeat incidents. Others said they felt unable to protect themselves from theft. 

Report released

In the spring, Surrey Police launched its Retail Crime Strategy, which commits the Force to attending reports where appropriate, following all reasonable lines of enquiry, targeting repeat offenders and tackling organised criminal networks. 

Positive outcomes for shoplifting have increased since Surrey Police’s Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, launched his plan for the Force two years ago. 

Positive outcomes for shoplifting have increased dramatically since Surrey Police’s Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, launched his plan for the Force two years ago. 

Charges have risen by 465 per cent. A total of 1,347 crimes have been charged this year, 1,109 more than were charged in 2023.

Charges rise

The Force aims to increase its rate by 430 charges in the next nine months, which mean Surrey Police were charging one in every four retail crime offences.

More than a quarter – 27.3 per cent – of all shoplifting reports are now resulting in a ‘solved outcome’, which includes charges, summons, community resolutions and cautions. 

Overall, charges for all types of offending in Surrey have more than doubled in a year. 

“Retailers are exhausted”

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “The responses we had to our survey demonstrated very clearly the impact that retail crime has on the business community in Surrey. 

“Retailers are feeling demoralised, exhausted and, in some cases, frightened. It is not acceptable that anyone trying simply to do their job should be targeted by criminals. 

“Retail crime often goes hand-in-hand with other serious offending, including abuse, threats and violence, as well as organised criminality. 

“Its victims include every one of us impacted by rising costs, as well as entire communities who feel less safe. 

Force ‘on a journey’

“It is vital that it is taken seriously. 

“The overall picture in Surrey is one of significant improvement, although there is still a long road ahead to get to where we need to be. 

“We are committed to that journey. This type of offending is a priority for Surrey.” 

Chief Inspector Andy Hill, of Surrey Police, leads the Force’s response to retail crime. 

Work with business community

He said: “We have made positive steps towards tackling retail crime and keeping communities across the county safe. 

“However, we want to do more. 

“Tackling retail crime is a collective effort, and we are committed to working with the business community to drive out offending. 

“While the statistics show we are going in the right direction, it’s important to remember that at the heart of every offence are real victims who may be deeply affected. 

“We must continue to do the right thing for every one of them.” 

More than 100 retailers sign pledge aimed at driving down knife crime during Op Sceptre

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Retailers across Surrey have pledged to sell blades responsibly as part of a new campaign to tackle knife crime. 

During Operation Sceptre, a twice-yearly national campaign to drive down knife crime rates, Surrey’s neighbourhood policing teams have been visiting businesses selling knives across the county. 

Retailers were encouraged to sign up to the Responsible Retailer scheme, which includes a strict ‘challenge 25’ age verification policy. 

Over the past week, more than 100 businesses have made the commitment to ask for ID from anyone who wishes to buy a knife but appears to be under the age of 25, to store and display knives in a safe manner, and to refuse sale to any person who they are concerned about. 

Responsible Retailer scheme

Retailers have also been encouraged to participate in training about responsible selling, and to share knife crime intelligence with their local policing team. 

The initiative was launched by the Surrey Serious Violence Reduction Partnership, which is led by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend in partnership with Surrey Police, borough and county councils, health services and Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards. 

During the previous Op Sceptre week of action, which took place in May, Lisa unveiled a new strategy for tackling knife crime in Surrey.

One of the strategy’s key commitments for police and other partners is to work with those who legally sell knives to encourage responsible retail. 

‘Challenge 25’

The Commissioner said: “Knife crime rates in Surrey are at around half of the national average, and there were 110 fewer incidents in the county in the year to August 2025. 

“Surrey is one of the safest places to live in the UK, and the third safest county when it comes to knife crime. 

“However, one life lost to knife crime is one too many, and we must never be complacent about the devastation this type of criminality causes. 

“Any incident involving a knife or blade can turn a minor and easily forgotten disagreement into a tragedy. 

“We are determined to act”

“Members of the Surrey Serious Violence Reduction Partnership are determined to act, and we are already making progress towards the goals we set out in our strategy. 

“As well as the pledge we have asked retailers to sign, we are committed to working with children and young people, many of whom have a very real fear of knife crime fuelled by exposure on social media. 

“I’d like to thank everyone who signed the Responsible Retailer pledge. Your efforts may save a life.” 

Surrey Police’s lead for serious violence and knife crime, T/Chief Superintendent Mark Offord, said: “As a key partner the in the Surrey Serious Violence Reduction Partnership, we are really pleased to support the role out of the scheme to retailers across Surrey and thank all those who have agreed to participate. 

Test purchases

“Alongside the roll out of the scheme, Surrey Police and our partners in Trading Standards have been carrying out test purchase operations at those retailers who have previously been found to sell knives to young people and will continue to do so. 

“Keeping knives from falling into the hands of those who intend to cause harm is a key part of our plan to reduce knife crime and the scheme forms an important tool to achieve this.” 

Amanda Poole, head of Trading Standards, said: “Knife crime is not an issue which can be solved in isolation.

Partnership work

“It requires the collaboration of retailers, enforcers and community groups.  

“The Surrey Responsible Retailer Scheme is a valuable opportunity to support reputable retailers and protect our local communities and young people. 

“As part of Op Sceptre, Trading Standards is undertaking test purchase exercises throughout Surrey using young volunteers.” 

The image shows a group of people sitting at tables. They are facing away from the camera and looking at Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in white trousers and a darker-coloured top. Lisa is holding a microphone in one hand and a piece of paper in the other and is speaking to the audience.

Commissioner’s warning as services supporting Surrey’s most vulnerable “teeter on brink of funding cliff-edge”

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has called on the Government to commit to future funding for organisations supporting Surrey’s most vulnerable people. 

Speaking on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, which takes place today, November 25, Lisa Townsend said services are facing a funding cliff-edge. 

Currently, the Government has not confirmed its funding for some services past March 2026.  

Among the services waiting for news is Steps To Change, which aims to tackle domestic abuse, stalking and controlling and coercive behaviour by changing perpetrators’ behaviour. 

Meanwhile, this month it was announced that the Police and Crime Commissioner role will be abolished. Lisa supports services across the county through her dedicated funding streams.

Earlier this year, Lisa stepped in to support the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) in Guildford, which faced an £80,000 real-terms funding drop this year. The Commissioner increased her funding to the service to prevent redundancies. 

But she warned that without the Government’s immediate commitment to sustainable funding into the future, other vital support services may be shuttered. 

Lisa said: “As we mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I call on the Government to commit to funding the organisations that support Surrey’s most vulnerable residents. 

Commissioner’s concern

“Today, I have joined services from across Surrey at a forum in Guildford.

“I have heard how unsettling this ongoing uncertainty is for those who support victims of sexual violence, house veterans and work with children exploited into criminality. 

“This sector is the backbone of the criminal justice system, providing high-quality services fundamental to adults and children when the very worst crime imaginable happens to them.  

“And yet, they are now teetering on the brink of a funding cliff-edge. 

“Cliff-edge”

“We must not see these services close their doors due to insufficient or restricted funding. 

“Preventing violence against women and girls is a key priority, both for myself and for Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, and it is a national emergency requiring a society-wide response.  

“I urge the Government to provide further clarity and reassurance.” 

Anti-social behaviour, hate crime and safety at night: The big issues for Surrey’s young people

Posted on | by Alex Winter

MORE than 1,600 children and young people from across Surrey have had their say on the crime and policing issues that matter most to them. 

Anti-social behaviour, safety at night, hate crime and mental health were among the key issues raised at the Surrey Youth Commission’s annual Big Conversation Conference last week. 

The forum, funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and led by Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, aims to put youth voice at the heart of policing in Surrey. 

Members of the Youth Commission consulted peers for their views on a range of topics. Events were held at venues including the University of Surrey, the YMCA, Friday Night Projects at youth clubs, and Surrey Police’s Neighbourhood Conference. 



Youth voice

The findings were presented at an event attended by representatives from Surrey Police, as well as a wide range of partners including the NHS, local authorities, and charities.  

Over the course of the coming year, the Commission will work with partners to deliver campaigns based on their priorities. 

The Deputy Commissioner said: “I am once again really impressed by, and proud of, our Youth Commission members for the incredible amount of work they have done to identify the top issues affecting their peers. 

“Their findings provide us with an invaluable picture of how young people really feel about living in Surrey. This is an age group that often feels as if their voices go unheard. 

“We care very deeply”

“There is a common misconception that young people need to be treated differently, or that their concerns are somehow unique or different.  

“However, I know that what matters to young people is often the same as what matters to residents of all ages.

“Many of the priorities highlighted by the Youth Commission this year align with the concerns I hear from residents of all ages across the county. 

“The turnout at the Big Conversation Conference shows how many of us from policing and other services care very deeply about supporting these young people in making positive change.

Deputy’s pride

“I look forward to seeing what we can help them achieve next year. 

“Everyone involved should be proud of the work they have achieved this year. I am very proud of them.” 

Former Youth Commission member Zara Wainwright, who now helps to manage the group in Surrey, said: “We are building our relationships in the county to connect with more young people than ever before. 

“We received more than 1,600 responses this year, and we’re so grateful to everyone who contributed through peer-to-peer discussions, online surveys, and our interactive workshops designed to spark real conversations.” 

The image shows a large group of people standing on a path in front of a low bridge. The bridge is painted in purples and blues. In front of the group is a ribbon, and one of the people in the image - Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend - has a pair of scissors in her hand. The group are looking into the camera and smiling.

Commissioner unveils new mural on Epsom footpath highlighted as a concern by residents

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has unveiled a new mural along an Epsom footpath connecting a train station with one of the county’s largest colleges.

Lisa Townsend contributed to the artwork in Epsom through her Community Safety Fund. The painting was created in response to reports of anti-social behaviour and robbery on the public path connecting Nescot College to Ewell East station.

Concerns about the alleyway were raised to Epsom & Ewell’s Community Safety Partnership’s Joint Action Group. The council then applied to Lisa for funding, and work began in September.

The mural was designed and painted by Positive Arts in collaboration with art and design students from Nescot.

It features key elements from the college’s 70-year history, including images from old prospectus covers, the Spirit of the Wind image from the old logo, and local flora and fauna.


Artwork unveiled

Lisa said: “It’s really important to me that residents in Surrey are safe in their communities, and that they feel safe too.

“The footpath between Nescot and the Ewell East Train Station was highlighted by residents as a location of concern, and I have meetings about this issue with partners including Surrey Police teams, college leaders and officers from British Transport Police.

“The beautiful mural aims to reclaim this public space, which is used by both students and residents. Improvements to lighting, police patrols and additional private security will also bolster community safety and crime prevention in the area.

“There are seven murals within Epsom and Ewell, each of which helps to foster pride in our communities. I’m delighted to have been able to contribute to the borough’s latest artwork.”

“Foster pride”

Councillor Shanice Goldman, who chairs the council’s Crime and Disorder Committee, said: “This community mural is a fantastic example of how multiple partners can work together for the betterment of the community.

“It is also a valuable step forward in combatting anti-social behaviour by rejuvenating an unloved, run down part of the borough and instilling a sense of pride and ownership of the area in the students.”

“The council has commissioned a number of murals across the borough as part of our Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy over the past year, and these have already had a positive impact on reducing anti-social behaviour, such as reducing graffiti tagging.

“I hope this latest mural will achieve similar results.” 

The image is a panoramic photo of a bridge over a public footpath. The bridge has been painted with images relating to Nescot College - it has bright colours and images from the college's history.
The photo shows Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman in a striped shirt and jeans, sitting on a rock with a river in the background. She is looking at the camera and smiling. Visible in the distance is Chertsey Bridge.

Cygnet shot dead in catapult attack as crime network backs Deputy Commissioner’s calls for change

Posted on | by Alex Winter

VOLUNTEERS working to rehabilitate Surrey wildlife after “devastating” catapult attacks say tighter legislation is urgently needed to tackle criminality. 

In the spring, Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson urged ministers to give police greater powers to crack down on those who use catapults as weapons. 

Since publishing her letter, which can be read here, she has received support from two swan rescues and the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN). Tim Passmore, chair of the NRCN, said it is time to send a “clear message”. 

Meanwhile, on visits to the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary in Spelthorne, Ellie has discussed the issue further with those who care for wounded birds. 

The Deputy wants catapults to be treated similarly to knives – putting the onus on any carrier to prove they have a good reason to carry such a weapon, rather than the police to have evidence of unlawful intention. 

Deputy’s call

This week, the BBC is airing a documentary on the harms caused by catapult use.  

Danni Rogers, who gives his time to rescuing birds for the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary, launched a petition on the issue. It received more than 20,000 signatures. 

He told Ellie: “Swans, geese, ducks and domestic animals including cats are being shot and killed in Surrey. 

“I was called to a rescue recently that involved a family of 10 swans – mum and dad and eight cygnets. On the first occasion, one of the swans had fishing line around its leg, which I quickly resolved before spending some time feeding the family. 

“The following day, I was called again as one of the cygnets had been found dead just 50 feet away. It had been shot in the head, suffering a high-velocity, single-impact injury. 

“It’s absolutely devastating to attend incidents like these.” 

Ellie said: “Just one attack is too many, but by mid-summer, the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary had rescued around 30 wounded birds, and even more are believed to have been killed by catapults. 

“There can be a misconception that what we’re talking about is a stick fitted with an elastic band. Catapults can actually be very high-powered, accurate weapons, which are cheap and easy to buy online. 

“For less than £20, anyone can purchase a large catapult with a pistol grip handle, capable of firing with a high degree of accuracy, as well as 100 ball bearings.  

“Abhorrent”

“Using a catapult to target wildlife and property is not only unacceptable; it’s abhorrent. 

“I have asked the Government to look at changing the legislation surrounding the carrying of catapults to bring it in line with laws around carrying knives. 

“This would recognise the significant damage these weapons could cause.  

“I am determined to continue campaigning for change. This issue matters to Surrey’s residents, and it matters to Surrey Police.” 

The image shows a group of police officers in uniform walking through Guildford town centre. In front of them is a McDonald's. One of the officers has a sniffer dog on a lead. To the left of the image is a marked police car.

“Major successes” achieved during Surrey’s Safer Streets Summer initiative, Commissioner says

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A summer crackdown on criminality has resulted in a series of “major successes” across Surrey, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner says. 

The Safer Streets Summer initiative, which bolstered crime prevention and community safety, targeted crime types that typically increase during the summer months. 

These include anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, retail crime and violent offending. 

Eleven town centre locations across the county were chosen for the initiative, including Staines, Addlestone, Farnham, Camberley, Dorking and Caterham. 

Now the Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, has thanked all those involved with the scheme’s success. Surrey Police, local schools, councils, health services, businesses, and community organisations partnered with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to deliver a range of initiatives. 

During the blitz, each of the town centres saw activity targeted at specific issues impacting communities. High-visibility police patrols and operations led to a series of arrests across the county, including: 

  • A drug dealer found with 32 wraps of cocaine in a sock and two youths found with telescopic batons, large quantities of cannabis and scales in Elmbridge 
  • A man accused of five counts of sexual assault and a 30-year-old man accused of offences including theft of a motor vehicle and driving under the influence of cannabis in Epsom and Ewell 
  • Suspected shoplifters detained moments after the alleged offences took place during two separate incidents in Mole Valley 
  • A man suspected of stealing an e-bike he was riding, as well as additional offences of possessing drugs and a bladed article, in Reigate and Banstead 
  • Three arrests relating to an operation tackling anti-social riding of motorbikes and mopeds in Tandridge 

A number of those arrests arose after officers stopped and searched people riding e-bikes. Further arrests were made during plain-clothed patrols. 

Plain-clothed patrols

Officers also worked with key partners to raid shops selling illegal vapes and alcohol to children, while plain-clothed officers visited pubs and clubs in busy night-spots to look for signs of predatory behaviour. 

Meanwhile, youth engagement officers worked with partners to create opportunities for children and young people during the six-week summer break. 

The Commissioner said: “Surrey’s Safer Streets Summer has resulted in a series of major successes across each of the 11 town centres. 

“And while summer has come to an end, our work tackling criminality that blights our communities continues, now and forever. 

Commissioner’s thanks

“This initiative put a spotlight on the work our fantastic policing teams do every single day.

“But the bread-and-butter police work of investigating, patrolling, dealing with criminality and aiming to prevent offending from every taking place will never end. 

“I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the achievements of the summer. This includes police officers and staff, councils, local Business Improvement Districts and the organisations supporting children and young people. 

“There’s much more to come, and I look forward to updating Surrey’s residents in the weeks ahead.” 

The picture shows three images. The largest, at the top, shows a police officer on his knees inside a car. He has handcuffs at his belt and is looking behind a seat with a torch. At the bottom left is a photograph of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a white shirt. She is looking into the camera with a serious expression. Behind her is a large sign, and the words 'Surrey Police' are visible. To the right is an image of officers in uniform walking through Guildford town centre close to a McDonald's. One of the officers has a sniffer dog on a lead.
The image shows PCSO Becca Bullock, Woking MP Will Forster, Dame Diana Johnson, Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, and Woking Borough Commander Inspector Ed Lyons standing in Woking town centre. Everyone is looking forwards and smiling in the posed shot.

Six days without a report of crime: How police are ‘problem-solving’ offending in Woking town centre

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Not a single crime was reported in Woking town centre for six days in a row this summer as police use data to ‘problem-solve’ offending. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said the Force is turning the tide on criminals with “back-to-basics” policing – a key priority in her Police and Crime Plan. 

The Commissioner joined Woking’s Borough Commander Inspector Ed Lyons, Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson, and Woking MP Will Forster for a summit in the town this week. 

During the meeting, Inspector Lyons said partnership working between Surrey Police, Woking Borough Council, local retailers and The Peacocks Centre is having a dramatic effect. 

One initiative has seen PCSOs and officers hosting regular Meet the Beat sessions at eight local retailers across Woking, as well as making routine visits to chat with staff and customers. Across these eight stores, retail crime has dropped by a total of 60 per cent.

Crime drops in Woking

The Force is also using an empty retail space in the Victoria Place Shopping Centre to host a Cop Shop Stop for residents and visitors to attend, as well as meetings with partners. 

This work forms part of Surrey’s Safer Streets Summer, a wide-ranging programme of events across 11 town centres in the county. The initiative targets crime types that typically increase during the summer months, including anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, retail crime, and violent offending. 

Lisa said: “I’d like to thank Dame Diana for joining the team in Woking for this fantastic event. 

“Police in the town used data and intelligence to pinpoint the areas where criminality was proportionately more common. Their aim is not just to respond to offending, but to stop it taking place altogether. 

“Recently, there were six consecutive days where no crimes were reported in the town centre, with another 48 hours of no reports shortly after that. However, we urge anyone who needs to contact their police to do so, either on 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency. 

“Back to basics”

“This problem-solving work is back-to-basics policing at its finest, which is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan. 

“By working with businesses and the borough council, the team are making a huge difference to one of Surrey’s most vibrant and busy town centres.” 

Insp Lyons told Dame Diana: “We want to make sure people in Woking are aware that this is their town, and they have a right to feel safe and secure.

“We are using intelligence-led policing backed by data to determine crime patterns, and then deploying high-visibility patrols and enhanced CCTV use.

“This hard work can be seen across the county having obtained over 1,200 shoplifting charges, a 32.3% increase on the previous year, and increased arrest rates by 12.1%.

“We are also working closely with our partners to ensure this work can last.”

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend walking through a town centre with two police officers in uniform. Lisa, who has blonde hair, stands on the right of the image. She wears a black jacket and trousers. The officers, one male and one female, are wearing their uniforms and police hats, and they are in the middle of a conversation with Lisa as they all walk past a branch of Marks and Spencer.

Plain-clothed officers join revellers in Epsom and Guildford for Operation Shield

Posted on | by Alex Winter

AN OPERATION that aims to tackle offences including violence against women and girls and drug dealing has seen officers flood two Surrey towns during July.

Op Shield deploys uniformed officers and PCSOs alongside plain-clothed Behavioural Detection Officers trained to spot signs of predatory behaviour.

The initiative took place in Epsom and Guildford last month as part of Surrey’s Safer Streets Summer, a major new campaign focusing on town centres. The scheme brings together partners across Surrey to deal with crimes that blight communities, including violence against women and girls, violent offending, retail crime, and anti-social behaviour. 

During the evenings, officers spoke with members of the public and handed-out anti-spiking kits, including caps to place over glasses. A police dog was also deployed in each town to search for drugs.

Plain-clothed officers joined the crowds at bars and clubs to look for anyone behaving suspiciously, before alerting uniformed colleagues.

Anyone considered a concern was stopped and spoken to by officers.

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, joined the team in Epsom, while Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson was part of foot patrols in Guildford town centre.

Preventing violence against women and girls is a key priority for both the Commissioner, who has made it a cornerstone of her Police and Crime Plan, and the Force.

Plan’s cornerstone

Lisa said: “This brilliant operation acts as a deterrent by making our town centres hostile to those who display predatory behaviour.

“Our specially-trained Behavioural Detection Officers look out for signs of suspicious behaviour, before flagging their concerns with uniformed colleagues. The aim is to prevent criminality from being committed altogether.

“These types of operations matter to the public. We want to prevent women and girls from becoming victims wherever possible, and to ensure that everyone feels confident to report offences to Surrey Police.

“Promise made”

“I fund a huge range of organisations that support those who do become victims, such as the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre in Guildford and the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership.

“This work is at the core of the promise I made to return to back to basics policing.

“There is a long way to go. Victims of sexual offences are facing lengthy delays to get to court, with trials now being listed in 2028 and 2029.

“That’s why our ongoing partnership work with councils, the wider criminal justice system and services across the county is so vital.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman who wears a beige roll-neck jumper, looks directly into the camera. Her expression is stern and her arms are folded.

Deputy Commissioner says catapults must be treated similarly to knives in letter to ministers

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has called on the Government to tighten up laws on the sale and possession of catapults. 

In a letter Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Ellie Vesey-Thompson said there is an urgent need for further action. 

Ellie warned catapults must be subject to the same rules as knives, giving police greater powers to crack down on those who use them as weapons. 

It comes as attacks on wild fowl spike in Surrey. The Shepperton Swan Sanctuary has rescued around 30 wounded birds this year, and a similar number are believed to have died through injuries sustained by projectiles fired from catapults. 

Sanctuary volunteer Danni Rogers started a petition calling for the sale of catapults and petition to be made illegal. It received more than 10,000 signatures, including that of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend. 

The previous Government responded to the petition with a statement that says existing legislation provides the “correct balance between protecting wildlife… whilst also allowing the public to enjoy legitimate pastimes”. 

Police officers can use their powers to deal with offences involving catapults, but Ellie said additional power of seizure to prevent criminal behaviour would support communities across the country. 

Catapults are also linked to anti-social behaviour in Surrey. In 2024, cars parked at a church were targeted with projectiles in a Tandridge village, and there have been reports of animals seriously injured when they were fired at in Ash Vale during May. 

“Treat catapults as we would knives”

Ellie said: “I am urging the Government to listen to the concerns of Surrey’s residents. 

“It is time to start treating catapults as we would knives. Anyone caught with one must have a legitimate purpose for doing so, and it should be their responsibility to prove that purpose if they’re stopped by the police. 

“Attacks on wild birds are increasing in Surrey. In late February, a swan was rescued from the banks of the Thames in Staines with a missile lodged in its head.

“The previous month, a duck was severely injured by a ball-bearing fired from a catapult. 

Horror injuries

“In May, people with catapults were seen at Chertsey Bridge firing at swans and ducks, and just over the border in Fleet, Hampshire, a male swan suffered an extensive facial injury at a nature reserve, while the body of a goose with similar injuries was also found. 

“Both had been attacked with ball bearings fired from a catapult. 

“The connection between catapults and both anti-social behaviour and vandalism are clear. These are key concerns for residents, and the time has come for stronger measures to tackle this type of offending. 

“These incidents are deeply distressing. In the wrong hands, catapults can be deadly, and more legislation is urgently needed.”  

Read Ellie’s letter here.