Category: Anti-social behaviour

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.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

“Don’t suffer in silence” – Commissioner’s plea to residents experiencing anti-social behaviour

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is encouraging residents to report anti-social behaviour (ASB) during a dedicated week focused on its impact in Surrey.

The Commissioner said it was important to recognise the impact that ASB – such as neighbourhood disputes and noise – can have on victims, including serious health concerns and a feeling that there is ‘no escape’.

During July, she joined officers on a targeted patrol to tackle ASB and raised awareness of the bigger picture of organised criminality that is often linked to persistent cases.

ASB can include rowdy behaviour, vandalism and anti-social driving. Incidents involving driving may also be linked to criminal offences like speeding, violence and drug dealing.

In Surrey, the Anti-social Behaviour and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group – which includes Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, local councils, health, housing and support services – aims to support victims and drive down offences.

Residents affected by ASB can learn more about how to report different problems by visiting https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

This spring, more than 1,000 residents responded to the Partnership’s annual ASB Survey, which is supported by the Commissioner’s office.

Half of those to respond highlighted anti-social driving, speeding and inconsiderate parking as key issues in their area.

Over a third of residents who responded to the survey cited littering, inconsiderate dog ownership and fly-tipping as other concerns.

Surrey remains one of the safest counties in England and Wales and, in 2024, Surrey Police have received additional funding to boost the presence of police and community safety partners in areas of the county that experience higher rates of ASB and violence.

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

Commissioner Lisa Townsend urged residents who are affected by ASB where they live to learn more about the support available, including from Mediation Surrey that is funded by her office to support individuals to resolve conflict. They also offer Support Coaching that provides a listening ear and is focused on the ways that victims of ASB can protect their wellbeing while an issue is being addressed.

She also highlighted the ASB Case Review, which draws together key partners to review cases of ASB that have been reported more than three times in a six-month period, but where little improvement is reported.

The Commissioner said: “Anti-social behaviour remains the biggest topic of conversation when I speak to people across the county about policing.

“Making sure that Surrey residents feel safe is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan.

“It is really important that individuals who are experiencing ASB know that it is being taken seriously in Surrey. My message is, please don’t suffer in silence. There are amazing services in our county who are there to listen and support you.

“The ASB Case Review gives those people who have already reported a problem several times a way to escalate their concerns. By requesting a Case Review, they’ll be heard by a wider group of organisations that will unite to find a better solution.”

To learn more about reporting different kinds of anti-social behaviour or to request an ASB Case Review, 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 the police.

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

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

34 arrests as Commissioner joins officers on hotspot patrol to cut crime in Surrey

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend joined officers on a dedicated anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspot patrol, after her office received £1m to boost visible policing across the county.

Ahead of Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week which starts today, the Commissioner learned how the ‘hotspot’ approach by Surrey Police aims to cut ASB and serious violence; starting with 15 areas of Surrey based on the latest crime data.

Since May, the funding from the Home Office has paid for an extra 900 patrols, resulting in 34 arrests for offences including assault, possession of drugs and breaching anti-social behaviour legislation.

Officers have also engaged with more than 2,600 members of the community and carried out 43 stop and searches in hotspot areas including town centres.

Residents identified ASB, drug taking and shoplifting as key concerns in a series of ‘Policing your Community’ events hosted by the Commissioner and the Chief Constable for Surrey Police this winter.

The boost to existing foot patrols by Surrey Police officers follows a national trial of ‘hotspot policing’ in counties including Essex and Lancashire. In those trials, targeted patrols helped to cut reports of ASB by half.

Anti-social behaviour is sometimes viewed as ‘low level’, but persistent problems are often linked to a bigger picture that includes serious violence and exploitation.

Neighbourhood crime in Surrey remains low and these patrols are focused on enhancing the existing presence of police and partners to help address incidents before their impact grows.

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

They form part of the wider response to anti-social behaviour in Surrey that is coordinated between the county’s dedicated Anti-social Behaviour and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group. That Partnership including Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, local councils, health, housing and support services also work closely together to tackle the types of ASB that affect residents in their homes and anti-social driving and parking that happens on Surrey’s roads.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Anti-social behaviour is a key topic of conversation when I ask residents for their views on policing in Surrey.

“I am delighted that these targeted patrols are directly tackling those types of ASB that are happening in our local spaces and are addressing the other concerns that people have told me are most important where they live – including drug dealing, theft and shoplifting.

“Surrey Police now have record numbers of police officers and this boost to the existing work of the Force to drive down ASB and violence means our officers are highly visible in those places where it will have the maximum impact.

“The results from the first two months of the extra funding are promising and this is just part of the wider work that is happening to reduce the impact of ASB in our communities.”

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

Chief Inspector Andy Hill, who is overseeing the roll out of hotspot patrols in Surrey, said: “The funding has allowed us to target additional patrols into our communities where anti-social behaviour and violence is most prevalent. We have seen good results from this proactive policing, and communities should be reassured to see officers out on foot.”

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 Rowdy behaviour, drug use, theft, anti-social use of vehicles, anti-social drinking and criminal damage are examples of ASB and crime that should be reported to Surrey Police.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

Five new CCTV cameras in Walton will tackle illegal parking and anti-social behaviour

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Five new mobile CCTV cameras will be installed in Walton next week in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour, illegal parking and street drinking.

The cameras were financed through the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, which was secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, in partnership with Elmbridge Borough Council and Surrey Police.

They will be installed in Ashley Park, Cowey Sale, Ambleside Avenue, Hepworth Way and the Drewitts Court car park during the week commencing May 27.

Walton was granted a total of £273,000. The funding will also pay for youth outreach programmes and additional security measures in the Drewitts Court car park, including speed bumps, anti-graffiti and urine paint, and improved lighting.

Improvements will also be made to the community garden at the St John’s estate.

As well as deterring rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour, illegal parking and street drinking, the cameras will be used to provide video evidence to Surrey Police, Surrey County Council and the Elmbridge Borough Council environmental enforcement team.

The installation of the cameras is also supported by local businesses, Surrey Police and Surrey County Council. It follows the recent extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for parts of Walton-on-Thames.

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Safer Streets is a fantastic initiative that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in Walton.

Tackling issues ‘head-on’

“Since I was first elected as Surrey’s Commissioner, I have spoken with thousands of residents and listened to their thoughts about policing in their communities.

“I know that anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood crime are key issues for those who live in Walton, and this funding allows us to tackle some of these issues head-on.”

Councillor Kirsty Hewens, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Parking and Local Economy, said: “We want our residents and visitors to not only feel safe in Elmbridge but to take pride in our towns, parks and green spaces.

“Having these mobile cameras will act as a deterrent against street drinking, littering and illegal parking, allowing everyone to enjoy our borough.”

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.”