Category: Anti-social behaviour

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, stands in a line alongside a group of officers in uniform holding awards. To her left, in dress uniform, is Spelthorne Borough Commander Matt Walton

Officers honoured after pioneering work led to the UK’s biggest-ever closure order at Ashford block

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A police team responsible for shutting down 16 flats in a single housing block have been honoured with an award.

Spelthorne’s Safer Neighbourhood Team applied for the country’s biggest-ever closure order last year after the property, an assisted living facility in Ashford, became a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and drug-dealing.

Closure orders, which are granted by magistrates’ courts, are issued for specific addresses linked to persistent crime. The order means the address can be closed to either an individual or a group of people for a specified period of time. Those who disobey the order can be arrested.

At a ceremony held at Surrey Police’s Mount Browne headquarters in Guildford on Wednesday, the officers – and in particular, anti-social behaviour specialist Dan Burrell – were recognised for their achievement.

Pioneering work

Their pioneering work to close a Stanwell brothel was also highlighted at the event, held during national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, celebrated with the team after giving a speech to open the awards.

She said: “Spelthorne’s Safer Neighbourhood Team have been doing some amazing work to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“As well as the closure of the 16 properties in a single block, they are the first neighbourhood team in the country to shut down a brothel using sexual offences legislation. Victims who were being exploited were safeguarded immediately, and those living nearby were protected from further misery and harm

“This team is redefining our understanding of how closure orders can be used to drive out anti-social behaviour from communities around Spelthorne.

“I’m absolutely delighted to celebrate their fantastic achievement.”

“Amazing”

Spelthorne Borough Commander Matt Walton said: “I’m really proud of my team, who work so hard to make sure anti-social behaviour isn’t blighting the lives of residents in the borough.

“We’re also very lucky to have some fantastic partners who make our work possible.

“I’d like to thank Holly Abberley of A2 Dominion Housing, and Will Jack and Alex Lacey from Spelthorne Borough Council’s Community Safety Team, all of whom were also recognised with awards tonight.

“Without our partners, we wouldn’t have been able to get half of the results we’ve achieved for the community over the past few years.”

Two of the services funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner – Catalyst Support’s Cuckooing Service and Mediation Surrey – were also among the winners.

Lisa Townsend stands beside members of Catalyst Support's Cuckooing Service, who received awards at a Surrey Police ceremony to highlight efforts made to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The team from Catalyst Support’s gold standard Cuckooing Service

Lisa Townsend stands beside members of Catalyst Support's Cuckooing Service, who received awards at a Surrey Police ceremony to highlight efforts made to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Lisa Townsend pictured with the Mediaton Surrey team

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

We want to hear from you! Still time to have your say on policing priorities for Surrey

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

What crimes do you think police should be tackling where you live? Now is the chance to have your say!

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is urging Surrey residents to fill in a brief survey that will help shape policing in the county for the next three years.

You can select what issues you want to see Surrey Police focus on as part of the consultation for her new Police and Crime Plan which is currently underway.

Your answers will help the Commissioner draw up her Plan, which will launch early next year and provide the blueprint for policing in the county until 2028.

Have your say

But you will need to be quick – the survey, which launched in October, will close on December 12 2024. It is anonymous, only takes a few minutes to complete, and can be filled in here:

Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-28 Public Consultation

The Police and Crime Plan provides the basis for how the Commissioner holds the Chief Constable to account and sets the priorities for policing for the county.

It will be published in early 2025 and will cover her current term of office, which runs until 2028.

Lisa was re-elected for a second term of office in May this year and has pledged to ensure Surrey Police implement a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to policing in the county.

‘Back to basics’

She said: “My mission is clear – I want Surrey Police to focus on tackling those crimes that blight our local communities and to target persistent offenders and take them off our streets.

“Over the autumn months, our Policing Your Community roadshow has been visiting every borough in the county where hundreds of residents have been giving us their views on policing where they live.

“I know there are issues that consistently cause concern such as anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, drug crime, the safety of women and girls and visible policing in our communities.

“But I want to hear from more of you about what is happening where you live and what you want to see your police teams focus on in the future.

“We have a good response so far to the survey and I want to thank all those who have already filled it in.

“But it is really important to me to hear from as many people as possible so if you haven’t done so already – please do take a few minutes to let me know what you think.

More are being charged

“Surrey Police is making great strides in tackling crime across the county with another 3,500 more charges over the last year, which is great news for our residents.

“I want to sustain that progress, but there are financial challenges ahead and some tough choices will have to be made on where we focus our resources.

“That is why I want to concentrate on what the Surrey public tell me is important to them and create a Police and Crime Plan that helps delivers a policing service they can be proud of.”

Share your priorities

For more information, visit our dedicated webpage, Surrey-PCC.gov.uk/police-and-crime-plan/consultation-2024

Our last three Policing Your Community events are taking place in Runnymede, Surrey Heath and Waverley in the next few weeks.

To sign up to an event, visit Surrey.Police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/au/about-us/in-the-community/

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend on a hotspot patrol with Surrey Police officers

Affected by anti-social behaviour? Here’s how to access support

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has shared more information on how victims of support can access anti-social behaviour.

Lisa Townsend, who is currently asking members of the public to have their say on priorities for policing over the next three years, has shared Surrey-based resources during national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.

The week, which takes place between November 18 and 22, aims to raise awareness of the impact anti-social behaviour can have.

What is anti-social behaviour?

More than two thirds of people in a recent survey told us they had either been a victim of or witness to antisocial behaviour. But what exactly is it?

ASB covers a wide range of issues including:

  • Antisocial driving/speeding
  • Nuisance noise
  • Drug use or drug dealing
  • Dog fouling
  • Fly tipping
  • Graffiti
  • Littering

There are also some things that, while annoying, do not count as anti-social behaviour, which might include:

  • DIY or off-road car repairs (unless late at night or early in the morning)
  • Everyday living noises such as loud conversations, doors opening and closing, and lawnmowers in use
  • One-off occasional events such as birthday parties, barbecues, or other celebrations
  • Lawful use of fireworks
  • Property boundary disputes

Police and Crime Plan

Lisa has urged members of the public to fill out a survey that will inform the creation of her next Police and Crime Plan, a blueprint for Surrey Police’s priorities between 2025 and 2028.

The Commissioner says anti-social behaviour is one of the key issues raised by residents around the county.

She said: “It is my job to ensure your views on policing in Surrey are heard and that is why I now ask for your help in creating my new Police and Crime Plan. 

“I want to make sure the public’s priorities for policing are my priorities too. This is why I want as many people as possible to fill out the survey and let me know your views.”

It only takes a few minutes to complete and can be filled in here:

Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-28 public consultation

The survey will remain open until December 12 2024.

Policing Your Community

The Commissioner is also learning more about anti-social behaviour in different Surrey towns and villages through her Policing Your Community roadshow, held in partnership with Surrey Police.

Anti-social behaviour covers a wide spectrum of incidents, which may include neighbourhood disputes, noise, rowdy behaviour, and poor driving.

It can also be linked to criminal offences, including speeding, violence, vandalism, and drug dealing.

Lisa said: “There is often a perception among those who attend my Policing Your Community events that anti-social behaviour isn’t worth reporting.

“But the reality is, it can have a severe and harmful impact on victims.

“For some, there will be no escape, even in their own homes.

“During recent meetings, I’ve heard much about how officers deal with anti-social behaviour.

“In Mole Valley, police are targeting repeat offenders and carrying out regular operations to tackle anti-social driving and e-scooter and e-bike riding.

“In Woking, three properties connected to crime have been closed down in three months.

“In Spelthorne, more than 20 e-bikes have been seized in Stanwell and Ashford after they were connected to criminality.

“Policing teams across the county are committed to dealing with anti-social behaviour. But we know there is always more work to do to ensure residents feel safe.”

Support available

A range of measures are available for those affected by anti-social behaviour.

The Commissioner’s office funds Mediation Surrey, which aims to resolve neighbourhood issues through discussion.

Those who feel failed after repeatedly reporting anti-social behaviour can turn to the ASB Case Review, which draws together key partners to review their actions.

Working with partners, the Commissioner’s office has also secured Home Office Safer Streets funding, which is currently being used in Redhill, Guildford and Walton-on-Thames to tackle anti-social behaviour.

In addition, Lisa secured a £1million government grant for hotspot policing, which uses police intelligence to flood Surrey’s worst-affected areas with officers.

To learn more about how to access support or report an issue, visit healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

ASB Help explains more about the different types of anti-social behaviour. It also has an interactive guide to help you report ASB to the right agency in the right way.  

You can also report anti-social behaviour directly to Surrey Police via surrey.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/

In an emergency, always call 999.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

Car park flagged as concern by residents wins award after funding is secured by Commissioner

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A car park highlighted by Surrey residents as an area of concern has received a national award following extensive renovations.

Drewitts Court car park in Walton-on-Thames benefited from a tranche of Home Office Safer Streets Funding, secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and partners including Elmbridge Borough Council.

An extensive programme of renovations was carried out with the grant, and the site has now secured a Safer Parking Award.

The award is a national standard for UK car parks that have implemented measures to ensure the safety of both vehicles and their owners.

Safer Streets success

Managed by the British Parking Association (BPA) on behalf of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives Ltd, the scheme aims to reduce crime and the fear of crime in parking facilities.

To receive the award, car parks must undergo a rigorous risk assessment conducted by the police. This assessment ensures that the car park has appropriate measures in place, such as effective surveillance, good lighting, and a clean environment, all of which are known to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.

The award signifies that a car park is a safer environment for users, providing peace of mind for those parking their vehicles there.

Car park improvements

The enhancements include:

  • Upgraded lighting for better visibility
  • New directional arrows to improve traffic flow
  • Reviewed and improved speed humps
  • A refurbished stairwell with a fresh coat of paint, new mirrors, and the application of urine repellent and anti-graffiti paints
  • Temporary deployment of CCTV to enhance security

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “It’s been wonderful to see how the team in Elmbridge have used Safer Streets funding to invest in the safety and health of communities in the borough.

“Residents had told police and councillors of their concerns around the Drewitts Court car park, and the improvements made demonstrate the real impact that properly directed funding can have. 

“I’m delighted that the efforts of the team have been recognised with a Safer Parking Award.”

Councillor Kirsty Hewens, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Parking and Local Economy, said: “Keeping residents safe and enhancing the feeling of safety is a key priority for the Elmbridge Community and Safety Partnership.

“We want people to feel safe visiting our high street car parks at all times of day.”

Funding boost

Walton was one of three Surrey towns to be allocated a combined total of almost £1million last year as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund. Redhill and Guildford also benefited from the grant.

In Walton, the funding is being used to tackle anti-social behaviour in public spaces after drugs, vandalism and littering were identified as particular concerns for residents.

Additional CCTV has been installed in the town, and a targeted youth outreach programme is under way.

The fund has also paid for improvements to the community garden at St Johns Drive in Walton, which now features new flowerbeds, vegetable patches and a bug hotel to encourage wildlife and support biodiversity in the area.

Have your say on the crime and policing issues that affect you as Policing Your Community roadshow returns this month

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey residents will be given the chance to have their say on the crime and policing issues that affect their community when a series of public engagement events returns this month.

Surrey Police’s Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend will launch the Policing Your Community roadshow in Guildford on Monday, September 23.

Events will take place in all 11 boroughs in the county during the autumn and winter before a final meeting takes place online in January.

The Commissioner and the Chief Constable will be joined at each event by the Borough Commander responsible for that area’s local policing.

Hundreds of people attended last year’s event to ask questions and learn more about the policing operations taking place where they live.

Community roadshow returns

Lisa is also preparing to launch the public consultation for her Police and Crime Plan, which will help shape the future of policing in Surrey. The Plan will inform the priorities for Surrey Police for the next four years. Current priorities include making Surrey’s roads safer and tackling violence against women and girls.

The Policing Your Community events will give residents the opportunity to learn more about how police resources are being used both visibly – and behind the scenes – to boost the fight against crime in Surrey.

The in-person events will run from 6.30pm-8pm, while the online event will run between 6pm and 7.30pm. All are free to attend, but those who wish to join are urged to register their attendance by selecting the link for their local event below:

September 23 – Merrist Wood College, Worplesdon, Guildford

October 7 – Banstead Community Centre, Reigate and Banstead

October 14 – Spelthorne Borough Council, Spelthorne

October 22 – Therfield School, Leatherhead, Mole Valley

October 29 – The Arc, Caterham, Tandridge

November 4 – Community and Wellbeing Centre, Epsom and Ewell

November 11 – Greenfield School, Woking

November 18 – Imber Court Sports Club, East Molesey, Elmbridge

November 25 – The Village Centre, Englefield Green, Runnymede

December 2 – Frimley Community Centre, Frimley, Surrey Heath

December 11 – Haslemere Museum, Haslemere, Waverley

The virtual event will take place on January 13 and will be screened live on Facebook.

Lisa, who was re-elected by Surrey residents earlier this year, said: “I’m delighted to announce the return of the Policing Your Community events, which offer residents the opportunity to learn more about what our policing teams are doing to tackle crime where they live.

“Last year, hundreds of residents joined us to ask questions and discuss the issues that concern them most.

“Anti-social behaviour, police visibility and road safety were among the most frequent topics raised, and both the Force and my team are tackling your concerns.

“Listening to the views of local people is at the heart of my role, and strengthening the relationships between Surrey Police and residents is a key priority.

Listening to Surrey residents

“The Force is now the biggest it has been in a generation, with more officers on the ground than ever before, and we want to continue to boost the service that residents receive.”

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “Surrey Police is determined to fight crime and protect people, to be there when we are needed and to earn public trust.

“These events enable me to listen to the people of Surrey and understand if we are achieving what we aim to do. It was a pleasure to meet so many people last year and learn about the concerns relating to crime and policing in their neighbourhoods.

“The feedback we received is reflected in the local policing plans which address the things that matter most in our communities.  

“I am really looking forward to joining the Police & Crime Commissioner on these visits to listen and talk to people in the areas where they live and work.”

For more information, or to sign up to an event, visit www.surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/au/about-us/in-the-community/

Commissioner Lisa Townsend standing in a pink top and smart trousers outside in front of a white sign that says Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Walton blooms as Safer Streets grant funds improvements to community garden, CCTV and car park

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Walton-on-Thames is in bloom this summer – thanks to funding secured by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and key partners to make Surrey’s streets feel safer for all.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend has officially reopened the Walton Community Garden in the St John Estate after the town benefited from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.

Walton, Redhill and Guildford last year secured just under £1million in total through the fund, which was secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Elmbridge Borough Council and other key partners.

In Walton town centre and Walton North, the funding is being used to tackle anti-social behaviour in public spaces after drugs, vandalism and littering were identified as particular concerns for residents. Additional CCTV has been installed in the town, and a targeted youth outreach programme is under way.

In bloom

The fund has also paid for improvements to the community garden, which now features new flowerbeds, vegetable patches and a bug hotel to encourage wildlife and support biodiversity in the area.

Lisa said: “It was a real joy to join the celebrations at the community garden.

“The work that has been carried out in Walton-on-Thames so far is a fantastic example of the difference properly-directed funding can make to our communities.”

Councillor Kirsty Hewens, portfolio holder for enterprise, parking and local economy on Elmbridge Borough Council, said: “It has been wonderful to be part of the re-opening celebration today and to meet residents that will enjoy this garden.

“A real joy”

“It is important for the local community to have a safe and peaceful space to meet, and this garden will provide that space.” 

The Commissioner took part in a series of activities on the day, including pebble painting and bracelet making.

St John residents also played tennis and enjoyed complimentary pizza from The Dough Shack. 

Representatives from Crimestoppers, Citizens’ Advice, Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue also attended, with firefighters giving tours of their fire engine to visitors of all ages.

The community garden will remain open for all residents to pot, water, and grow plants, enabling new skills and providing a safe, secluded space to meet.

Police crack down on anti-social behaviour in Guildford thanks to funding secured through Commissioner’s office

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

A crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Guildford is under way thanks to funding secured by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and partners.

The town was one of three Surrey areas awarded a combined total of almost £1million last year as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.

Guildford was granted £273,000 to combat anti-social behaviour, or ASB, which can include everything from harassment and rowdy, inconsiderate behaviour to noise nuisance and criminal damage.

Surrey Police, working closely with key stakeholders including Guildford Borough Council and Experience Guildford, are now working to drive down reports in the town centre.

A recent survey of residents revealed that incidents are most likely to occur at weekends between 12noon and 8pm.

Police crackdown

To tackle the problem, Guildford’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, Guildford Borough Council, and Experience Guildford joined forces with Lisa’s team to secure Safer Streets funding.

The scheme targets specific crime issues in communities around the country with the aim of reducing offending.

Redhill and Walton-upon-Thames were also both awarded funds through Safer Streets.

Guildford’s tranche of funding has been used to pay for street marshals, who patrol ASB hotspots around the town centre at weekends during the peak times of offending.

It has also been used to bolster youth engagement.

Safer Streets success

In addition, there has been an increase in officer visibility within the town centre, with more patrols taking place during peak times.

Partners have also been working closely with businesses in the town, many of which are funding and implementing their own measures to support the project and tackle ASB.

A multi-agency operation which also involves British Transport Police, The Friary and other local businesses has already kick-started within the town on certain Sundays in a bid to identify and prevent the causes of ASB.

In addition, newly-designed digital posters are being displayed around Guildford, including at the train station, at bus stops and aboard buses, and a social media campaign aimed at young people and their parents has launched. The campaign warns that ASB is not welcome anywhere in the town.

Guildford Borough Commander Blaine Rafferty said: “We’ve been working closely with local partners to introduce these new measures to help tackle antisocial behaviour in Guildford.

“It’s a priority”

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy our town centre and feel safe. This funding has allowed us to put our focus on ASB hotspots in town, and areas where the wider community has raised concerns. 

“ASB is a priority for us. We have plain-clothed officers supporting uniformed colleagues in Guildford identifying any nuisance, inconsiderate behaviour or criminal activity. 

“They will be operating in the town centre on a regular basis to help Guildford be a safe environment for all.” 

Lisa said: “I’m really pleased that our Office has played a key part in securing the funding for this project in Guildford that will address the concerns of local residents around issues including theft, criminal damage and substance misuse in their town centre.  

“As well as preventing crime, I am proud that the work with local partners will also boost the engagement with children and young people that is a core part of keeping our communities safe for everyone.” 

Commissioner’s pride

Lead councillor for regulatory services, Councillor Merel Rehorst-Smith, said: “I’m delighted with the summer campaign targeting antisocial behaviour.

“It’s so important that we all respect one another and collectively stand up and say ‘no’ to behaviour that is unacceptable in our town.  

“By working together, we can all help make sure our town continues to be a great place to live, work and do business.  A town to be proud of, where everyone feels welcome, can be authentic and feel valued.” 

Pete Lambert, town safety and venue liaison manager at Experience Guildford said: “We fully endorse this campaign to help reduce ASB in Guildford town centre through strong partnership working with Surrey Police, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and Guildford Borough Council.” 

Commissioner joins local officers preventing anti-social behaviour and crime in Surrey Heath

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined officers across Surrey Heath as they carried out coordinated operations to help stamp out anti-social behaviour and crime across the borough.

At the end of July, the Commissioner took part in targeted patrols aimed at reducing crime in the areas that had received the most reports of crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB), followed by a visit to ‘pop-up’ club that gave children and young people a place to be in the evening with support from local officers and specialist youth workers.

Together with Surrey Heath Borough Council, Surrey Police teams carried out patrols to prevent illegal fishing and anti-social driving, speeding enforcement and test purchasing using young people to deter the sale of vapes and knives to people who are underage.

Visits to local retailers took place to discuss their concerns and licensing checks were carried out with local taxi firms.

While all of the activities are carried out by Surrey Police and partners on a regular basis – the day coordinated these actions to help boost visible policing, engage with residents and build on the joint intelligence that helps to identify longer term solutions to the problems that are reported by local people and businesses.

It comes after the Force carried out an extra 900 patrols, arresting 34 people as part of a boost to police funding that was secured by the Commissioner’s team earlier this year.

That funding is now paying for an increase in the hotspot patrols that are being carried out by Surrey Police officers and partners, starting in 15 areas across the county.

In the last four years, an additional £2m funding from the Government’s Safer Streets Fund has also been used to deliver bespoke community safety improvements by local police teams and the local councils in eight of Surrey’s boroughs.

Surrey remains one of the safest counties in England and Wales and these operations are focused on stopping ASB and crime from growing.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said, “I was delighted to join the coordinated actions by officers that are directly addressing those concerns that you have told me are important to you in the Surrey Heath area.

“During the day, I witnessed the hard work of local teams and our partners at Surrey Heath Borough Council that are acting visibly to deter anti-social behaviour and crimes such as shoplifting that are often linked to a bigger picture of organised crime in our communities.

“That work is vital and it was accompanied by a range of less visible actions that are just as important to keeping our communities safe; such as working with retailers to report crime and prevent underage sales, ensuring visitors and residents are kept safe at night and investing in the relationship between our officers and children and young people.”

Residents are urged to report crime at surrey.police.uk, by calling 101 or sending a direct message on official Surrey Police social media channels. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Anyone who witnesses or is concerned about anti-social behaviour can find out how to report it at healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

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 standing outside office with Surrey Police Head of ASB and Partnerships Joanna Grimshaw

Commissioner says “We are listening”, as residents share views on anti-social behaviour

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has vowed to root out anti-social behaviour in Surrey after residents revealed that littering, speeding and fly-tipping are among their biggest issues in a wide-ranging new survey.

More than half of the 1,325 respondents to the survey, created by the county’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group, said that anti-social driving, including speeding and inconsiderate parking, were the most significant issues in their area.

However, there was an increase in residents’ satisfaction with their area, with more respondents reporting that their communities are better places to live than they were a year ago.

Close to a third of respondents said they had been personally affected by ASB in the last year – and almost half said they had witnessed ASB in their area.

An average of 40 per cent of residents selected littering, inconsiderate dog ownership and fly-tipping as top concerns in their area.

Some 36 per cent chose drug-taking as a key issue.

Since the previous survey, which took place in 2023, more residents said they’d feel confident in who to contact about ASB in their community.

A majority of respondents said they’d contact Surrey Police or their local council in the first instance.

However, fewer people knew about the ASB Case Review – previously known as the Community Trigger – which specifically deals with persistent cases of ASB.

A Review can be requested if a resident feels that a complaint made about the same issue three or more times in a six-month period has not been satisfactorily resolved. The process provides a powerful way to bring together different agencies for a better solution.

Residents’ views were shared with the Partnership, which includes Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, local councils, health, housing and support services, and is actively supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “The impact that anti-social behaviour can have on individuals is huge.

“I’m committed to ensuring residents feel safe where they live. That is why it is vital that we keep asking for feedback from our communities to target activity, such as extra police visibility or improvements to victim support, where it can have the greatest impact to improve people’s lives.

“The data from this survey is valuable and my office will continue to work closely with Surrey Police and partners to act on the areas that you’ve told us are most important to reducing ASB in Surrey.”

Joanna Grimshaw, Head of ASB and Partnerships at Surrey Police, said: “Listening to victims’ experiences is vital if we are to understand what we can do as a partnership to make people feel safe and supported.

“The results of this year’s survey will help us to look at what needs to be done in the coming year to enhance our work where they feel they are not being listened to, ensure victims feel confident to report incidents and know how to activate an ASB Case Review.”

Together with Surrey Police, Lisa’s Office plays a key role in the overall response to ASB in Surrey, providing a mix of visible policing, community safety initiatives and funding for local services.

In the last four years, the Office of the Commissioner has secured close to £2m in Safer Streets funding from the Home Office. The funding has paid for bespoke projects by the police and local councils to boost safety in seven out of the eleven boroughs in Surrey.

Since April, Surrey Police has also introduced additional targeted, highly visible patrols to tackle areas in the county experiencing the most incidents of ASB and violence, after the Government made £1m available as part of a nation-wide programme of ‘hotspot’ policing.

To learn more about reporting different kinds of anti-social behaviour in Surrey or to request a review of an anti-social behaviour report, visit https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

Rowdy behaviour, drug use, anti-social use of vehicles, anti-social drinking and criminal damage are examples of ASB and crime that should be reported to Surrey Police at surrey.police.uk, by calling 101 or sending a direct message on official Surrey Police social media channels.