Category: Anti-social behaviour

Dozens of arrests amid Redhill crime crackdown funded by Surrey Commissioner

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A partnership initiative to improve safety in Redhill has resulted in 54 arrests along with the recovery of drugs, cash and knives.

Surrey Police’s targeted activity is part of a comprehensive community plan to reduce crime and help foster pride in the town centre.   

Earlier this year, Surrey Police, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and YMCA East Surrey announced they had joined forces with local partners to address crime and anti-social behaviour in Redhill.

This action followed a survey for residents and visitors to the town which highlighted community concerns around anti-social behaviour (ASB), drugs, shoplifting and violent crime.

Over the past six months, partners have been developing and implementing measures to reduce crime in Redhill. The project adopts the College of Policing’s ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ framework, which brings together police, partners and the community to disrupt serious and organised crime and importantly, sustain a reduction in criminal behaviour.

This is a three-phased approach where targeted disruptions aim to ‘clear’ offenders from Redhill, followed by sustained intervention to ‘hold’ the area free from crime. The ‘build’ phase focuses on preventative work, driven by the community, to address the root causes of ASB and crime in the town.

As part of this initiative, Surrey Police is conducting proactive operations within Redhill to target and remove criminals operating in the town. This is some of the police activity that has taken place over the past two months:

  • 54 arrests for offences including drugs, drink driving, assault, shoplifting, going equipped for burglary and immigration offences.
  • 20 people charged and 39 community resolutions for lower-level offences.
  • 200+ searches with 26 drug seizures, along with the recovery of £17,700 in cash and seven knives.
  • Joint operations at Redhill train station with British Transport Police and rail enforcement officers to target county lines drug dealing.
  • Night-time patrols of the town centre with plain clothed behaviour detection officers to identify suspicious or predatory behaviour.
  • Work with local businesses to conduct days of action focused on stopping shoplifters.
  • 11 joint licensing visits with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council to support premises in keeping patrons safe.
  • Patrols of the surrounding road network to disrupt criminals and target driving offences.
  • Regular community engagement in the town centre and with local schools.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Commander Inspector Jon Vale said: “This initiative is about reducing crime in Redhill for the long-term.

“Surrey remains the fourth safest county in the UK, but from speaking with residents, we know there are concerns about specific patterns of behaviour within the town.

“It’s important that we are challenging all levels of criminality, as often it can be through disrupting offences such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting we can see the links, and look to prevent, serious and organised crime in the area.

“The increase in arrests reflects the targeted operations taking place in Redhill and I want to reassure residents that it’s this activity that is helping us to identify and root out criminal behaviour.

Crime crackdown

“The collaborative effort from partners and the community has been fantastic, and the sustained work on measures within the community I hope will have a lasting impact.”

Safer Redhill 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.

Surrey Police is working closely with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and YMCA East Surrey to implement some of the measures made possible through this funding which support the ‘hold’ and ‘build’ phase of the project, such as a new youth bus.

Council leader Councillor Richard Biggs said: “It’s exciting to be part of Safer Redhill, which is bringing partners together to take pride in the town centre and make sure everyone can enjoy the many great things Redhill has to offer safely.

Dozens of arrests

“Our community safety, enforcement, licencing and cleansing teams are all working closely with the police and YMCA youth workers to address both the causes and effects of anti-social behaviour and crime.

“The response from local businesses, the Redhill Business Guild and community organisations has been amazing.

“My thanks go to all involved in this project and I want to encourage people living in or visiting Redhill to get involved too and report any concerns they may have.”

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, joined officers in Redhill on Thursday to observe an operation to target shoplifting in the town.

‘Redhill is a hostile place for criminals’

She said: “Our local police teams are working incredibly hard to ensure Redhill is a hostile place for criminals, so I am delighted to see this the impact this targeted action is having in the town.

“Initiatives like Clear, Hold, Build show just how important close partnership working is for agencies to identify problems and tackle them effectively them for the benefit of our local communities.

“I know that anti-social behaviour, violence, drug dealing and shoplifting have been key issues that have blighted the town centre and we are determined to drive this sort of criminality out of Redhill.

“I hope the sustained activity will continue to make the area a safer place for local residents and help restore pride in where they live.”

Police and Crime Commissioner walking through graffiti covered tunnel with two male police officers from the local team in Spelthorne

Million-pound crackdown on anti-social behaviour as Commissioner receives funding for hotspot patrols

Posted on | by James Smith

A FUNDING BOOST of £1million to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in hotspots across Surrey has been welcomed by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend. 

The money from the Home Office will help increase police presence and visibility in locations across the county where issues are identified and tackle violence and ASB with powers including stop and search, public space protection orders and closure notices. 

It’s part of a £66m package from government that will begin in April, after trials in counties including Essex and Lancashire cut ASB by as much as half. 

While neighbourhood crime in Surrey remains low, the Commissioner said she was listening to residents who identified ASB, burglary and drug-dealing as top priorities in a joint series of ‘Policing your Community’ events with Surrey Police this winter. 

Concerns about visible policing and drug use also featured among the 1,600 comments that she received in her Council tax survey; with over half of respondents selecting ASB as a key area they wanted Surrey Police to focus on in 2024.

In February, the Commissioner set the amount that residents will pay to help fund Surrey Police in the year ahead, saying that she wanted to support the Chief Constable’s Plan to tackle issues that matter most to local people, improve crime outcomes and drive out drug dealers and shoplifting gangs as part of major crime fighting operations. 
 
Surrey remains the fourth safest county in England and Wales and Surrey Police lead dedicated partnerships for reducing ASB and tackling the root causes of serious violence. Those partnerships include Surrey County Council and local borough councils, health and housing agencies so that problems can be tackled from multiple angles.

Police and Crime Commissioner walking through graffiti covered tunnel with two male police officers from the local team tackling anti-social behaviour in Spelthorne

Anti-social behaviour is sometimes viewed as ‘low level’, but persistent problems are often linked to a bigger picture that includes serious violence and the exploitation of the most vulnerable people in our community.
 
The Force and Commissioner’s office are focused on the support that is available to victims of ASB in Surrey, that includes help from Mediation Surrey and the dedicated Surrey Victim and Witness Care Unit that are funded by the Commissioner. 

Her office also plays a key role in the ASB Case Review process (formerly known as ‘Community Trigger’) that gives residents that have reported a problem three or more times over a six-month period the power to bring different organisations together to find a more permanent solution.

Sunny photo of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend speaking to local Surrey Police officers on their bikes on the Woking canal path

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Protecting people from harm and ensuring people feel safe are key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan for Surrey. 
 
“I am delighted that this money from the Home Office will directly boost the response to those issues that local residents have told me are the most important to them where they live, including reducing ASB and taking drug dealers off our streets.  
 
“People in Surrey regularly tell me that they want to see our police officers in their local community so I am really pleased that these extra patrols will also raise the visibility of those officers that are already working every day to protect our communities. 
 
“Surrey remains a safe place to live and the Force is now the biggest it has ever been. Following the feedback from our communities this winter – this investment will be a fantastic complement to the work that my office and Surrey Police are doing to improve the service that the public receive.” 
 
Chief Constable for Surrey Police Tim De Meyer said: “Hotspot policing cuts crime through highly visible policing and strong law enforcement in the areas that need it most.  It is proven to tackle problems such as anti-social behaviour, violence and drug dealing.  We will use technology and data to identify hotspots and target these with the traditional policing that we know people want to see.  I am sure that people will notice improvements and I look forward to reporting our progress in fighting crime and protecting people.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson with a member of Surrey Swan Rescue

“We must end acts of thoughtless brutality on swans – it’s time for tighter legislation on catapults”

Posted on | by Alex Winter

LAWS on the sale and possession of catapults must be tightened to drive down crime, Surrey’s Deputy Commissioner has said, following a spate of attacks on swans in the county.

Ellie Vesey-Thompson visited Shepperton Swan Sanctuary last week after seven birds were shot dead in just six weeks.

She spoke with sanctuary volunteer Danni Rogers, who has started a petition calling for the sale of catapults and ammunition to be made illegal.

In the first fortnight of 2024, five swans were killed in and around Surrey. A further two died, and four were seriously injured, in attacks since January 27.

The birds were targeted in Godstone, Staines, Reigate and Woking in Surrey, as well as in Odiham in Hampshire.

The number of attacks so far this year has already surpassed the total recorded throughout the whole 12 months of 2023, during which the rescue was called to a total of seven attacks on wild birds.

It is believed that most of the swans attacked this year were pelted with catapults, although at least one was hit with a pellet from a BB gun.

Currently, catapults are not illegal in Britain unless they’re being used or carried as a weapon. Using catapults for target practice or hunting in the countryside is not illegal, as long as the carrier is on private property, and some catapults are specifically designed for anglers to spread bait across a wide area.

However, all wild birds, including swans, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take a wild bird except under a licence.

Catapults are also often connected to anti-social behaviour, which was identified as a key concern for Surrey residents during a series of Policing Your Community events hosted by the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable throughout the autumn and winter.

“Cruel attacks”

Some major online retailers offer a catapult and 600 ball bearings for as little as £10.

Ellie, who leads on the Commissioner’s approach to rural crime, said: “These cruel attacks on swans are deeply distressing, not only for volunteers like Danni, but for many residents in communities across the county.

“I wholeheartedly believe that more legislation around catapult use is urgently needed. In the wrong hands, they can become silent, lethal weapons.

“They are also connected to vandalism and anti-social behaviour, which can be hugely significant to members of the public. Residents who attended our Policing Your Community events made it clear that anti-social behaviour is a key issue for them.

Volunteer’s petition

“I have discussed this key issue with ministers, and will continue to lobby for a change in the law.”

Danni, who became a volunteer for the sanctuary after rescuing a heron during lockdown, said: “At one particular location in Sutton, I could go and pick any two birds and they’d have been injured by a missile.

“Online retailers sell these dangerous weapons and ammunition online very cheaply. We’re facing an epidemic of wildlife crime, and something needs to change.

“The injuries caused to these birds are horrific. They suffer broken necks and legs, broken wings, the loss of their eyes, and the weapons used in these attacks are easily accessible to anyone.”

To sign Danni’s petition, visit: Make the sale of catapults/ammunition and carrying catapults in public illegal – Petitions (parliament.uk)

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with a member of coop staff

Organised crime is fuelling “abhorrent” abuse and violence against shopworkers, Surrey’s Commissioner warns in meetings with retailers

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SHOPWORKERS are being attacked and abused amid a nation-wide boom in shoplifting fuelled by organised criminals, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned.

Lisa Townsend blasted “abhorrent” violence against retail workers as Respect for Shopworkers Week, organised by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), got underway on Monday.

The Commissioner has met with retailers in Oxted, Dorking and Ewell in the past week to hear about the impact crime has on retailers.

Lisa heard some staff have been assaulted when trying to stop shoplifters, with the crime acting as a flashpoint for violence, abuse and anti-social behaviour.

Criminals are stealing to order, workers say, with laundry supplies, wine and chocolates targeted most frequently. Profits made from shoplifting across the UK are used in the commission of other serious offences, including drug trafficking, police believe.

‘Abhorrent’

Surrey has among the fewest reports of shoplifting in the country. However, Lisa said the offence is often linked to “unacceptable and disgusting” violence and verbal abuse.

One retailer told the Commissioner: “As soon as we try to challenge shoplifting, it can open the door to abuse.

“The safety of our workers is paramount, but it makes us feel powerless.”

Lisa said: “Shoplifting is often viewed as a victimless crime but it’s far from it and can have a significant impact on businesses, their staff and the surrounding community.

“Retail workers across the country provided a vital lifeline to our communities during the Covid pandemic and it’s crucial that we take care of them in return.

“So I find it hugely concerning to hear about the unacceptable and abhorrent violence and abuse suffered by shopworkers. The victims of these offences are not statistics, they are hard-working members of society who are suffering just for doing their job.

Commissioner’s anger

“I have been out speaking to businesses in Oxted, Dorking and Ewell over the last week to hear about their experiences and I am committed to working with our police teams to address the concerns that were raised.

“I know Surrey Police are committed to tackling this issue and a big part of the new Chief Constable Tim De Meyer’s plan for the Force is to concentrate on what policing does best – fighting crime and protecting people.

“This includes focusing on some of those crime types such as shoplifting which is what the public want to see.

“The links between shoplifting and serious organised criminality prove how vital it is for police across the country to get a grip on shoplifting. We need a co-ordinated approach to tackle this issue so I am pleased to hear that there are plans for a specialist police team to be set up nationally to target shoplifting as a ‘high-harm’ cross-border crime.

“I would urge all retailers to keep reporting incidents to police so resources can be allocated to where they are needed most.”

In October, the government launched the Retail Crime Action Plan, which includes a police commitment to prioritise urgently attending the scene of shoplifting when violence is committed against shop workers, where security guards have detained an offender, or when evidence is needed to secure evidence.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend with representatives from USDAW and Co-op employee Amila Heenatigala at the store in Ewell

Paul Gerrard, Co-op’s Director of Public Affairs, said: “Safety and security is a clear priority for Co-op, and we are pleased that the serious issue of retail crime, which impacts our communities so dramatically, has been acknowledged.

“We’re invested in colleague and store safety, and we welcome the ambition of the Retail Crime Action Plan, but there is a long way to go. Actions must match the words and we urgently need to see the changes take place so the desperate calls to police from frontline colleagues are responded to and the criminals start to realise there are real consequences to their actions.”

According to an USDAW survey of 3,000 members, 65 per cent of those who responded have been verbally abused at work, while 42 per cent have been threatened and five per cent have suffered a direct assault.

The union’s general secretary Paddy Lillis said six in ten incidents were triggered by shoplifting – and warned the offence is “not a victimless crime”.

To report an ongoing emergency to Surrey Police, call 999. Reports can also be made via 101 or the digital 101 channels.

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.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson speaking at event

“The impact can be truly devastating”: Deputy Commissioner hails community heroes at anti-social behaviour awards ceremony

Posted on | by Alex Winter

At the start of September, we recognised and celebrated colleagues, partners and individuals who have worked hard to help tackle, reduce and resolve anti-social behaviour in Surrey across the last two years.

The evening highlighted best practice partnership working, excellent problem-solving skills and dedicated community engagement and reassurance work. 

Members from partner organisations such as Woking Borough Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team were recognised for their commitment to joint working with officers to investigate and solve numerous ASB incidents.

The reported incidents were coming from a property which was set up during lockdown to house 25 extremely vulnerable people.

Tackling ASB Awards evening.jpg

With a drive to protect the victims, a partial closure order was obtained for three months, which was then extended by another three months, and since the extension was granted, residents have stated that “this is now a nice place to live”.

PC Amy Norman was commended for her fantastic work in Spelthorne. Despite only joining the Neighbourhood Team a year ago, Amy has had a huge positive impact on the community.

After a spate of reports of petty theft and general nuisance to members of the public, it was identified that this was solely being committed by one individual.

Over several months Amy built a positive rapport with the young person and undertook safeguarding checks including regular welfare visits.

As a result of this, a social worker was assigned to the young individual and family, regular meetings with the local school have been put in place and the young person has reduced offending by 80 per cent.

Woking Council ASB team.jpg

Residents in Guildford had been suffering serious ASB issues for several years caused by one residential household.

Police Constables Isobel Parkinson and Madeline Neil began to tackle the problems and rebuild community trust and confidence.

Through their work, 15 anonymous impact statements were taken detailing personal suffering and torment by this resident. 

This resulted in the tenant being taken to court where a Closure Order was put in place and the tenant was evicted from the property.

PC Isobel Parkinson and PC Madeline Neil, along with the brave residents, were celebrated for their commitment to solving a longstanding issue and tackle ASB within their community.

PC Amy Norman.jpg

Jo Grimshaw, head of Anti-Social Behaviour for Surrey Police, said: “It was a fantastic evening and a great opportunity to celebrate and thank those who have worked tirelessly over the last two years to resolve and reduce ASB in their communities. 

“Anti-social behaviour cannot be solved by one agency alone and requires a real partnership approach. The partners that we work with are outstanding and help us to protect victims and ensure the right support is in place.

“Encouraging victims to stand up to and report ASB is paramount, and we are striving to create more resilient and confident communities. 

“I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to all those who attended the event and for their incredible work to combat ASB in Surrey.”

The event was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and Surrey Crimestoppers. 

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who opened the event, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the amazing work that’s being carried out by Surrey Police, partners and members of the public across the county to tackle anti-social behaviour in our communities. 

PC Maddie Neal and PC Izzy Parkinson.jpg

“These awards demonstrate the inspiring work that goes on to support victims and tackle anti-social behaviour by getting to the root cause of issues. 

“The impact of anti-social behaviour can be truly devastating for those affected, and we are dedicated to ensuring both that victims are always at the heart of our response and that serious and persistent offenders are brought to justice. 

“To those who are affected by anti-social behaviour, I urge you not to suffer in silence. Please report incidents to the appropriate agency. We are all here to help.” 

  • The Healthy Surrey website can help you understand what type of ASB you are experiencing, the best agency to report this to and how to access support services. If you feel you are not being listened to, or your ASB is continuing, the website also explains the ASB Case Review and how you can request one.
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend stands outside the reception of the Surrey Police Headquarters near Guildford

Commissioner highlights support for residents affected by anti-social behaviour

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is encouraging residents to report anti-social behaviour as this year’s ASB Awareness Week continues with the theme of ‘Know your rights’.

Anti-social behaviour takes many forms, ranging from rowdy behaviour to anti-social driving, neighbourhood disputes and criminal damage. It happens where an individual lives and can often leave them feeling that there is no escape.

It is tackled in Surrey by the Anti-social Behaviour and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group that includes Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, local councils, health, housing and support services.

Graffiti and rubbish by wall



Building on an ‘outstanding’ rating for preventing crime and anti-social behaviour received by Surrey Police in an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) last year, the team said that more work was needed to ensure that victims of ASB knew how to access support – and were kept at the heart of a response that is tailored to their individual needs.

‘Without mediation and coaching, I honestly believe I would not be here.’

In Surrey, help is available via a dedicated mediation service that provides a listening ear and supports individuals to access further help.

Mediation is offered to those in conflict, with mediators facilitating communication between individuals who work through their differences and reach agreements to live peacefully.

A Surrey resident who recently engaged with the service said: “With support from Surrey Police and Mediation Surrey, an agreement between us and our neighbour was reached. Without mediation and coaching, I honestly believe I would not be here.”

While mediation requires the agreement of all involved, individuals can receive expert Support Coaching that provides practical support to develop coping strategies. By focusing on more positive aspects of their life, Coaching helps them to support their mental and physical health.

Supported by the Commissioner’s office, the service received over 400 referrals from individuals and agencies in the last financial year. One victim of ASB said, “I’ve benefited from the sessions and grateful for the extra tools which really help me, I wasn’t aware of this service before and very grateful and delighted to have received it.”



Victims are also linked into a local Community Harm Risk Management Meeting to ensure there is additional support or action taken to stop the problem.

Mandy Hargreaves, Director of Services at Mediation Surrey said: “I would urge anyone in conflict with their neighbour to contact us. We are here to help, and our team of coordinators will know which service is best for you. By providing support & advice, we’re committed to helping you to live peacefully.”

Residents can find out more about both services here.

The PCC’s office also plays a key role in carrying out ASB Case Reviews (formerly known as the Community Trigger process), that gives residents that have reported a problem three or more times over a six-month period a way to ask for more help.

By requiring multiple partners to come together to find a more permanent solution, a Case Review is a powerful tool that puts the spotlight on their problem. Between April and December last year, 25 requests for Case Reviews were received.

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said making sure residents feel safe was a key priority in her Police and Crime Plan for Surrey:

“Anti-social behaviour is often described as a ‘low level’ crime, but it can have a lasting and devastating impact on people’s lives.

“I regularly hear from residents affected by ASB and they often feel there is no escape. That’s why it is vital that we raise more awareness of how to report problems and the dedicated support that is available in Surrey.

“The Case Review process is really important. It gives people an avenue to escalate their concerns and be heard. By bringing together a mix of organisations, it is a key part of the coordinated approach that we are taking to tackle harm in Surrey.”

More information on how to report anti-social behaviour or access help can be found at https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

Rowdy and nuisance behaviour, drug use, anti-social use of vehicles, anti-social drinking and criminal damage are examples of ASB that should be reported to the police. Contact Surrey Police on 101, via Surrey Police social media channels or at https://surrey.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Police and Crime Commissioner walking through graffiti covered tunnel with two male police officers from the local team in Spelthorne

Spotlight on anti-social behaviour as Commissioner leads work to improve response in Surrey

Posted on | by James Smith

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said residents’ voices must continue to be heard as a vital project in Surrey to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) moves into its next phase.

Earlier this year around 2,000 Surrey residents completed a survey giving their views on ASB as part of a project being supported by partners across the county to strengthen the response that communities receive.

That data is now being drawn together with the outcome of a number of focus groups being held to help agencies develop plans to work together to target actions where they are needed the most.

To mark the start of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, the Commissioner is throwing a spotlight on the issue which can take many forms, ranging from rowdy behaviour to neighbourhood disputes and criminal damage.

Over a third of those who responded to the survey said that anti-social driving, littering and anti-social parking were among top concerns where they live. The survey revealed that drug use and dealing, inconsiderate dog ownership, groups hanging around and vandalism were also key issues.

Reducing ASB is the key priority for Surrey’s Anti-Social Behaviour and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group that includes the Commissioner’s office, Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, local councils, health, housing and support services.

The survey response has helped the Partnership build a fresh picture of the challenges faced in communities across the county which will help shape plans to tackle the problem going forward.

An average of 49% of residents reported that ASB where they lived had got worse in the previous 12 months – with the vast majority saying they would contact the police in the first instance, followed by their local council.

Over 200 people who completed the survey also expressed their interest in joining in-person focus groups to provide more information on ASB in their area.

In June, workshops independently carried out by ASB Help were commissioned by the Commissioner’s office to ensure that personal experiences were captured in the plans that will be developed by the Partnership this year.

Building on an ‘outstanding’ rating for preventing crime and anti-social behaviour received by Surrey Police in an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) last year, Commissioner Lisa Townsend said the work was vital to ensure individuals affected by ASB were kept at the heart of a response by partners working together: 

She said: “Whenever I speak to residents across the county, anti-social behaviour is one of those topics that regularly causes concern in our communities.

“Whilst ASB can often be regarded as a low-level crime – we know that the impact on people’s physical and mental health can be enormous.

“I’m proud of the partnership work that my office and Surrey Police are supporting to address the root causes of anti-social behaviour in Surrey. But the reality is that ASB can cause misery for those on the receiving end, making it essential that we continue to listen to our communities and work together to improve the response that our residents receive.

“Every experience of ASB is different and understanding the bigger picture behind persistent cases of ASB is important to address related concerns that range from health and environmental issues, to the risk of violence or ‘hidden’ crimes that can include hate and exploitation.

“I’m incredibly grateful to every person who has taken part in our survey and focus groups that will inform the progress of the whole Partnership in this area over the next year.”

Joanna Grimshaw, Head of ASB and Partnerships at Surrey Police, added: “As a partnership we are currently looking at how we can improve our support for victims of ASB. We want to make sure that police and partners recognise the harm caused by ASB and do not see it as low-level incidents that happen in isolation.

“The survey and focus groups will help us to hear the victims voice and shape our victim support offer in the future. I would also encourage victims or witnesses to report ASB to the appropriate agency.”

Information on how to report anti-social behaviour or access help with persistent ASB can be found at https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

Mediation Surrey provide a dedicated mediation service that provides a listening ear and supports individuals to access further help.

Rowdy and nuisance behaviour, drug use, anti-social use of vehicles, anti-social drinking and criminal damage are examples of ASB that should be reported to the police.

Contact Surrey Police on 101, via Surrey Police social media channels or at https://surrey.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson next to football pitch

“It has the power to change the lives of young people”: Deputy Commissioner launches new Premier League Kicks programme in Surrey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A PREMIER League programme that uses the power of football to draw young people away from crime has expanded into Surrey thanks to a grant from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Chelsea Foundation has brought flagship initiative Premier League Kicks to the county for the first time.

The scheme, which supports people aged between eight and 18 from disadvantaged backgrounds, already operates at 700 venues across the UK. More than 175,000 young people engaged in the programme between 2019 and 2022.

Young attendees are offered sports, coaching, music and educational and personal development sessions. Local authorities in areas where the programme is delivered have reported significant reductions in anti-social behaviour.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and two Surrey Police Youth Engagement Officers joined representatives from Chelsea FC in Cobham to launch the programme last week.

Youngsters from three youth clubs, including the MYTI Club in Tadworth, enjoyed a series of matches during the evening.

Ellie said: “I believe Premier League Kicks has the power to change the lives of young people and wider communities in our county.

“The scheme has already had huge success around the country at diverting children and teenagers from anti-social behaviour. Coaches encourage attendees of all abilities and backgrounds to focus on their personal achievements and successes, which is key to developing resilience in young people that will help them better manage challenges that might arise throughout their lives.

‘The power to change lives’

“Engagement in the Kicks sessions also gives young people additional routes into education, training and employment, alongside having fun playing football.

“I think it’s brilliant that volunteering is also a key part of the programme, helping young people feel more invested in and connected to their communities and linking them with some of the most vulnerable in society.

“I am so pleased we’ve been able to support the Chelsea Football Club Foundation in bringing this initiative to our county, and am grateful to them and Active Surrey for their work in getting the first sessions up and running across Surrey.”

Young people who join Premier League Kicks will meet in the evenings after school and during some school holidays. Open access, disability-inclusive and female-only sessions are included, as well as tournaments, workshops and social action.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson at the launch of Premier League Kicks in Surrey

Ellie said: “Protecting people from harm, strengthening relationships between Surrey Police and the county’s residents and working with communities so they feel safe are key priorities in the Police and Crime Plan.

“I believe this brilliant programme will help meet every one of those objectives by inspiring young people to achieve their potential and building safer, stronger and more inclusive communities.”

Tony Rodriguez, Youth Inclusion Officer at Chelsea Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have joined forces with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to begin offering our successful Premier League Kicks programme within Surrey and it was great to launch this initiative with a fantastic event at Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham.

“The power of football is unique in its ability to positively affect society, it can prevent crime and antisocial behaviour by offering opportunities to all, and we look forward to developing this programme further in the near future.”

Surrey Police Youth Engagement Officers Neil Ware, left, and Phil Jebb, right, speak to young attendees

broken window

Last chance to have your say in survey on anti-social behaviour in Surrey

Posted on | by James Smith

Time is running out to have your say on anti-social behaviour (ASB) as a county-wide survey launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend closes this weekend.

Getting tough on anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a key part of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, that includes making sure people are protected from harm and feel safe.

The survey by the county’s ASB and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group, that includes her office, aims to boost the service that residents receive.

In order to hear from more people, it has been extended to the end of this Sunday, 02 April.

It only takes a few minutes to fill in the survey and you can have your say here: https://smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GQZJN3/

Anti-social behaviour takes many forms, ranging from rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour to anti-social driving and criminal damage.

Responses to the survey will provide a fresh picture of the problems that communities in Surrey face and will be used to raise more awareness of how to report ASB and the support that is available to victims.

Persistent ASB can significantly increase the risk to an individual’s health and is often connected with the bigger picture of community safety. For example, repeat ASB might indicate that ‘hidden’ crimes including abuse or drug use are taking place, or that a vulnerable individual is being targeted or exploited.

Charity ASB Help supported the launch of the survey and will be working with the Commissioner’s office and Surrey Police to analyse the feedback and help amplify the voice of victims.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said ASB was a topic that is regularly raised by residents in Surrey, but that it could not be ‘solved’ by police alone:

“Anti-social behaviour is often described as a ‘low level’ crime but I don’t agree – it can have a lasting and devastating impact on people’s lives.

“I regularly hear from residents affected by ASB and they often feel there is no escape. It is happening where they are and may repeat weekly or even daily.

“Making sure our communities feel safe is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan for Surrey and I’m proud that we have a strong partnership tackling ASB in Surrey. By working together, we can see the bigger picture to reduce ASB in the longer term. But we can only do that by making sure we listen to victims and actively identify how to strengthen the support for those affected.

“There is more to do. Your views are really important for us to improve the response we provide, including raising more awareness of the ways you can report different problems and access help.”

The online survey will close at midnight on Sunday 02 April.

Anyone affected by ASB in Surrey can find out which agency to contact for different problems at https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb/who-deals-with-it

Parking issues and people gathering socially are not forms of ASB. ASB that should be reported to the police includes criminal damage, drug use and antisocial drinking, begging or antisocial use of vehicles.

Support is available if you are affected by persistent ASB in Surrey. Visit the Mediation Surrey website for more information about mediation and coaching to resolve community, neighbourhood or family disputes.

Visit our Community Trigger page to find out what to do if you have reported the same problem on multiple occasions in a six month period, but have not received a response that resolves the issue.