Category: Communication and engagement

Commissioner shines a light on the role of PCSOs and celebrates all officers, staff and volunteers this Neighbourhood Policing Week

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

“Neighbourhood policing is more than a job – it’s a vocation for police officers, staff and volunteers who work hard to keep communities safe and where no two days are ever the same”. That’s according to Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, who has paid tribute to Surrey Police’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) to mark the start of this year’s Neighbourhood Policing Week.

Each of Surrey’s boroughs and districts have a SNT that consist of officers and staff who work together to support residents and businesses, in response to retail crime, violence against women and girls, and anti-social behaviour.  Hotspot patrols are also a vital part of neighbourhood policing as they build community engagement and strengthen partnerships.

PCSOs

Police Community Support Officers – or PCSOs – provide an important, visible presence and serve as a key liaison between the public and policing within Surrey’s SNTs. Their fundamental role is to gather information, preserve community safety by reducing conflict, and foster positive relations within neighbourhoods through targeted visible patrols. PCSOs hold designated legal powers of enforcement, although they are not fully warranted police officers.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, recently joined PCSO Huw Keepence and trainee PCSO Isobelle Robinson on patrol in Woking town centre.

Lisa said: “PCSOs provide a valuable uniformed presence within our towns and villages.  Not only do they improve confidence in public safety by developing close working relationships with businesses, community-based organisations and residents, they help to tackle anti-social behaviour and support other ongoing police operations.

‘Strong partnership work’

“It was fantastic to join Huw and Isobelle on patrol and see first-hand the difference they are making. There’s some strong partnership work and engagement happening in Woking, and it was great to look more closely at the security operation around Victoria Place.”

Huw Keepence has been a PCSO in Woking for just over two years.  He said: “I enjoy getting out into the communities that I work in, patrolling the streets and public areas to provide a real visible policing presence and actively engaging in their communities.

“I like being able to speak to people and give them the comfort of knowing that their concerns are being taken seriously and that police are actively dealing with it. It’s fulfilling to be able to help people and quell some of their fears or uncertainties”.

Isobelle Robinson, trainee PCSO, has been with the Force for six months.  She said: “The most exciting part about my job as a PCSO is that every day is a new day. You could be dealing with victims of fraud one day and the next, you’re guarding a crime scene.

“I love my job because it means that I can help those that need it the most. It’s very cliché but it’s true. I thrive on helping people and animals.”

Lisa Townsend said: “Thank you to all the PCSOs and other staff and officers who contribute to Surrey Police’s neighbourhood policing teams. Your hard work, care and dedication provide a lifeline to the communities that you serve.”

PCSO recruitment

PCSOs numbers have increased right across Surrey by almost a quarter in the year ending September 2025.  However, Surrey police recruitment is currently open until 30th June for PCSOs.  Click here for further details: www.surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/careers/careers/pcso/

Commissioner helps fellow type 1 diabetic driver during emergency on motorway

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Hidden behind Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s watch strap is a clue about a condition that has had a profound impact on her life since her diagnosis at 9 years old.

It’s a tattoo on her wrist that says ‘diabetic’ – and it’s there in case her blood sugar drops or rises to dangerous levels, rendering her confused, disorientated and potentially unable to take care of herself.

Type 1 diabetics

Most of us produce the hormone insulin, which allows the food we eat to be used for energy, while maintaining a healthy blood sugar level, but for type 1 diabetics the pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin. This means that their blood sugar can rise to severely high levels. A diabetic’s blood sugar levels can also fall dangerously low and the term ‘hypoglycaemia’ is used to describe this condition. When this happens, a diabetic can become dizzy, start to shake, feel weak and tired – this is commonly known as a ‘hypo’.

At its worst, a diabetic emergency can lead to breathing difficulties, unconsciousness and even coma and death.  Most type 1 diabetics are diagnosed with the life-long, autoimmune condition as children or teenagers, but it can be diagnosed at any age.  The only treatment is to replace the insulin in the body that it’s unable to produce via multiple daily injections, or an insulin pump. 

Many of us will be familiar with the more common type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90% of all diabetics and is typically diagnosed later in life.  It is often able to be managed by diet alone, or diet and tablets but in some cases will also require injections. 

‘Strike out stigma’ campaign

To mark Diabetes Week 2026 and the ‘Strike Out Stigma’ campaign, the Commissioner wanted to share a story to raise awareness of the condition and support the 80% of diabetics who say that they regularly face negative attitudes from people passing judgement or blaming and shaming those living with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  

‘Intoxicated driver’

One Saturday night last December, Lisa was on shift with Sergeant Phil Dix from Surrey Police’s Roads Policing Unit when a call came through about an ‘intoxicated driver’ on the M3 near Esher. As they raced to the scene, another call came through to confirm that rather than being drunk, the driver appeared to have suffered a medical incident – possibly as a result of their diabetes. Sgt Dix was able to let teams at the scene know that the Commissioner who has first-hand knowledge of this type of medical emergency was moments away.

Lisa spent time with the driver who was lethargic, confused and barely able to lift their head – all the signs of a diabetic in a low sugar state or ‘hypo’ – and sadly easy to mistake for intoxication. The driver had little idea of where he was and what was going on. He slowly remembered his mobile phone password and an app monitoring their blood sugar confirmed dangerously low levels.

With an ambulance more than an hour away, Lisa was able to share some of her dextrose gummy sweets that she always carries to deliver sugar directly into his system and bring blood sugars back up to a safe level.  The impact of the sweets was rapid and within 15 minutes, the driver was almost recovered. The driver was a type 1 diabetic.  Feeling shaken and delicate, officers drove him safely home.

‘Right place at the right time’

Lisa said: “Having a hypo is frightening. While it may appear that you’re drunk, perhaps slurring slightly or shaking, it certainly doesn’t feel that way.

“I was so pleased to have been able to help that driver in need and be in the right place at the right time.

“Having diabetes can still catch me off guard.  I could do exactly the same thing for seven days in a row, and on the seventh day, for seemingly no reason at all, I can have a hypo.

“Advances in medicine have made life easier for diabetics. However, I support this year’s campaign to cut the stigma of diabetes by raising awareness to a condition that can prompt negative judgements and commentary.”

Essential advice

Diabetes UK has some essential advice for diabetic drivers, and you can find out everything you need to know here.  They also have a handy ‘hypo’ checklist for motorists.  For Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, the advice is:

  • Stay safe by taking breaks
  • Know the symptoms of a ‘hypo’ and keep treatments where they can easily be reached in the car.
  • Check blood glucose levels before setting off and every two hours on long journeys and ensure that blood sugar levels are at 5mmol/l or above before driving.
  • Eat some carbohydrates if blood sugar levels drop below 5mmol/l.
  • If you start to have a hypo while driving, find somewhere safe to stop immediately, switch off the engine, and take fast-acting carbs. Don’t drive again for 45 minutes after your blood sugar has gone back to normal.

Commissioner advocates phone-free schools to safeguard children from online harm and reduce anti-social behaviour

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is supporting the approach to make phone-free schools the default. This follows the Commissioner’s visit to The Winston Churchill School in Woking that has introduced a self-funded scheme where secure lockable pouches for student phones are standard practice.

The 1500 students at the mixed secondary school for 11- to 16-year-olds keep their phones with them, secured in a Yondr pouch, which is locked on arrival and unlocked at the end of the school day, by tapping the pouch on an unlocking base.

Clear physical boundary

This creates a clear physical boundary that removes distraction without requiring constant enforcement by staff.

Lisa watched students taking responsibility for performing the ‘pouching up’ process at the start of the school day and spoke with members of the Senior Leadership Team and School Council students about the positive impact on learning outcomes, behaviour and student wellbeing.

On June 29th, the use of mobile phones in state schools in England will transition from non-statutory guidance to a mandatory legal requirement under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026.

“Diverting attention”

Lisa said: “We have understood for a while that mobile phones in schools disrupt learning by diverting attention, increasing anxiety and generating peer conflict.

“Most schools have an advised mobile phone policy but are challenged with the day-to- day enforcement.  This scheme at The Winston Churchill School puts paid to that in a slick and simple way.”

James French, deputy headteacher at The Winston Churchill School said: “As a result of the scheme, we have seen more than a 50% reduction in phone related behaviour incidents throughout the school.

 “Children have told us they feel more confident in the school without fear of being filmed or humiliated and relationships between students have improved and strengthened.  Teachers report that students are more focused, and more lesson time is spent on learning without the distraction of mobile phones.  It has been transformational.”

Positive step

Lisa adds: “The group of students that I met unanimously agreed that the mandatory phone pouch policy at school was a positive step and the right way forward.

“Implementing a clear policy to prohibit the use of mobile phones throughout the school day including lunch and break times significantly reduces cyberbullying and online harm cases that can escalate to police involvement. 

“Other schools adopting the scheme have reported up to an 80% decrease in safeguarding incidents after going phone-free.

“Phone thefts and low-level incidents of anti-social behaviour are significantly reduced. A calmer, more focused school environment leads to a marked improvement in peer relationships and a more harmonious and productive school culture.   

“This adds up to a wider, more joined-up preventative approach that steers young people away from crime.”

New policing structure in Surrey is bedding in, says Commissioner

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

It’s business as usual for our policing teams in Surrey. That’s the message from Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend after a new policing structure for the county went live in the last month.

The Force announced that following a review of how it operates in communities across Surrey – it is moving from having three divisions in the county to two.

Previously – Waverley, Guildford, Woking and Surrey Heath made up West Surrey; East Surrey covered Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge and Epsom and Ewell and in North Surrey you had Spelthorne, Runnymede and Elmbridge.

Under the new model – Spelthorne and Runnymede will now become part of the West Surrey division while Elmbridge will join the Eastern Division.

Business as usual

The Commissioner said that whilst the move had been the culmination of a lot of hard work behind the scenes – the most important aspect is that the service the residents of Surrey receive is the same.

Lisa said: “All the work that has gone into the planning of this model is to ensure it will be business as usual for our policing teams. Their presence across the county will continue as normal and our communities should not notice any difference.

“This move is not about cutting costs or reducing the number of police officers in the county – on the contrary, Surrey Police has got more police officers in its ranks than ever before and that will not change.

“What this will do is enable Surrey Police to modernise its practices and ensure we have the right people in the right places to meet the increased demand and complexities of policing in 2026 and beyond.

Two unitary authority model

“It will also mean the Force structure will be more closely aligned with the two unitary authority model which the people of Surrey went to the polls on earlier this month. That will come into effect in 2027 and will mean our policing teams can continue to work closely with our partner agencies across Surrey. 

“The new model is bedding in at the moment and I will be closely monitoring its progress to ensure the Surrey public continue to receive the best policing service our teams can offer which will continue to make our communities right across Surrey safer.” 

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman who wears a white long-sleeved top and black trousers, standing close to a glass door which has the Surrey Police logo on it. Her hands are clasped and she is looking directly into the camera with a serious expression.

Commissioner condemns ‘shameful’ scenes following violence in Epsom last night

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, Lisa Townsend, said those involved in the violent scenes in Epsom last night should expect to face the full force of the law.

The Commissioner condemned the actions of those involved in the disorder as “shameful” after missiles including missiles including cans, rocks and flares were thrown at police officers.

Local hotels and residential properties were also targeted following false claims that these were housing people seeking asylum.

Four arrests were made in total and officers will be studying footage of the violence to identify those responsible for any further criminal offences.

“Shameful”

The Commissioner said: “The mindless scenes we witnessed last night where our police officers were targeted with missiles were nothing short of shameful.

“I am a firm believer in people’s right to peaceful protest, but sadly, some of those present in Epsom yesterday stepped way beyond that line, and the type of behaviour we witnessed will not be tolerated.

“The reality is that a number of those in Epsom last night were not local and have come into the town from elsewhere clearly with their own agenda.

“My message to those intent on stirring up trouble under the guise of legitimate protest is stay away from Epsom.

Commissioner’s warning

“If you involve yourself in disorder, the police will take robust action and I expect you to face the full force of the law.”

The Commissioner said the last week has been extremely challenging for the local community in Epsom following the reported rape in the town on April 11.

Lisa said: “I have always been a strong advocate for the safety of women and girls in all our communities in Surrey and I am well aware of the concern and fear that is felt when these type of reports are made.

“Rape and sexual assault allegations are rightly treated with the utmost seriousness by Surrey Police. They are often complex and must be handled with a great degree of sensitivity and care.

Investigation

“I have been kept updated by senior officers and I know how painstaking and extensive the enquiries have been over the last week to establish the full facts of what happened in this case.

“I fully appreciate in circumstances like this that the local community are keen to have as much information as possible, particularly when the report made is of such a concerning nature.

“I have spoken to the Chief Constable to see whether further clarity can be given around the circumstances of this case. But the reality is, our police service is often in the unenviable position of trying to balance sharing information publicly with ensuring the integrity of an investigation.

“Surrey Police have said there is no evidence this case involves asylum seekers or immigrants.

“Misinformation”

“But clearly this does not suit the narrative some want to push and we are still seeing misinformation being spread online, which I believe helped fuel the scenes we witnessed last night.

“This unhelpful speculation has made a difficult situation even worse for our communities in Epsom.

“I would like to thank them for their continued patience and understanding while this investigation is carried out.”

Two images have been placed side by side. On the left is Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a green, long-sleeved top. She is looking directly at the camera and smiling. On the right is Chief Constable Tim De Meyer. His face is visible, and he is smiling and wearing police uniform, including a hat, a shirt and a tie.

Have your say on crime and policing where you live as the Policing Your Community roadshow returns

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey residents will be invited to have their say on crime and policing as the Policing Your Community roadshow returns in May. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Chief Constable Tim De Meyer will be joined by the local Borough Commander at a series of 11 events held around the county. 

The first meeting takes place in Ash on Tuesday, May 19. 

An online meeting will also be held in July for those unable to attend their nearest in-person event. 

Policing Your Community

Hundreds of people have already attended previous Policing Your Community meetings to ask questions and learn more about policing in their area. 

The events give residents the opportunity to learn more about how police tackle crime in Surrey. 

Each of the events will take place between 6pm and 7.30pm.

All are free to attend, but those who wish to join are asked to register their attendance by selecting the link for their local event below.

Venues listed

May 19 – Ash Manor School, Manor Road, Ash, Guildford 

May 26 – Leatherhead Community Association, High Street, Leatherhead 

June 3 – St Clement’s Catholic Primary School, Fennells Road, Epsom 

June 9 – Hazelwood Centre, Hazelwood Drive, Shepperton 

June 16 – Pyrford Village War Memorial Hall, Coldharbour Road, Woking 

June 23 – St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Free Prae Road, Chertsey 

June 30 – Hazelwood School and Nursery, Wolf’s Hill, Oxted  

July 7 – Carrington School, Noke Drive, Redhill 

July 9 – Briars Centre, Briar Avenue, Lightwater 

July 14 – Weybridge Library, Church Street, Weybridge 

July 21 – online event (livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube) 

July 29 – Wilfrid Noyce Community Centre, Crown Court Carpark, Godalming 

Community events

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I’m delighted to announce the return of the Policing Your Community roadshow. 

“These events offer residents the opportunity to learn more about how our hard-working police teams tackle crime where they live. 

“Hundreds of people have already joined us at these meetings to have their say on the issues that concern them most, with anti-social behaviour, police visibility, 999 and 101 call times and road safety among the most frequent topics raised. 

“Listening to what residents have to say on crime and policing is at the heart of my role. 

Crimes drop

“Surrey Police is one of the fastest-improving forces in the country, and the Force has doubled its charging rate. 

“Reports of a range of crimes, including shoplifting, burglary and tool theft, have dropped in recent months. 

“But we want to keep improving the service residents receive, and we want to hear what matters most to you.”

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “The Policing Your Community Events are invaluable opportunities for me to explain all that Surrey Police is trying to do to fight crime and protect people in our county.

“Invaluable”

“Just as important, they give local people the chance to bring directly to my attention the things that are concerning them most about crime and policing and to hold me to account for acting on these concerns.

“Previous events have alerted me to many problems that we needed to address and enabled Surrey Police to improve our service to residents and businesses.

“I look forward very much to meeting and engaging with people in the months ahead.”

For more information, or 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 creates another deepfake video to raise awareness of romance fraud

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

“Don’t let criminals break your heart emotionally and break you financially.”  Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, has given a romance fraud warning in the run up to Valentine’s Day this weekend. 

The Commissioner has released another deepfake of herself to highlight the malicious use of video through artificial intelligence (AI) by fraudsters seeking to prey on people looking for love and companionship for their own financial gain.  It’s a crime commonly known as romance fraud. 

Set in a candlelit restaurant, the deepfake of ‘AI Lisa’ dressed in red explains that she is ‘machine-made’ and that fraudsters are using this type of technology to manipulate film, pictures and voices to create fake profiles and build ‘relationships’ with the intention of stealing money or personal information.

Question EVERYTHING

This new deepfake video is part of the Commissioner’s Question EVERYTHING campaign which aims to raise awareness to the perils of AI when in the hands of fraudsters.  An information guide called: The Dangers of AI and deepfakes: How to avoid becoming the victim of AI generated scams is available to read here

In a bold move to launch the Question EVERYTHING campaign back in November, the Commissioner agreed for a deepfake video of herself supporting a bogus financial scheme to be made to show how easy it is for fraudsters to deceive people using AI.  This original film has been viewed online by more than 30,000 users. 

“Cruel crime”

Lisa said: “Romance fraud is a particularly cruel crime. Some of the most vulnerable people are targeted such as individuals who have recently been widowed or those recovering from serious illness.

“Romance fraudsters most commonly initiate contact through Facebook, Instagram, dating sites and other mainstream social media, and then move conversations off monitored platforms to private messaging services such as WhatsApp or Telegram to avoid detection.”

Total victim losses

Data from Report Fraud reveals that nationally, there has been a year-on-year increase in reported romance fraud crime since 2022 with total victim losses amounting to just under £110 million in 2025 alone.

Criminals are increasingly using AI to perpetrate this type of fraud, including here in Surrey. 

Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer for Surrey Police, PC Bernadette Lawrie BEM said: “Fraudsters are able to use artificial intelligence, such as AI‑driven chatbots and deepfake technology, to produce highly convincing profiles, conversations and even fabricated videos.

“Locally and nationally, we are seeing a growing number of cases in which individuals genuinely believe they are in a relationship, or even engaged, to a well‑known public figure.

“Fraudsters are impersonating high‑profile celebrities, with some of the most commonly used names being Elon Musk, Tom Jones and Keanu Reeves.The majority of victims locally are female.”

“Devastating consequences”

Lisa adds: “Romance fraud is surging, and by using AI technology, fraudsters are able to closely mimic human behaviour, provide immediate responses, and exploit vulnerable people with devastating consequences.”

To stay safe from romance fraudsters – beware of the following warning signs:

  • They try to move the relationship on too quickly
  • They always have an excuse not to meet in person
  • They share emotive or traumatic stories but provide little detail
  • They request or provide reasons as to why the relationship should be kept secret
  • They pressurise you to send them money or gifts or invest in something they’ve suggested
  • They quickly get upset, frustrated or angry when you question them on details about their life
  • If your instinct doesn’t feel right in an online relationship: pause, talk to someone you trust, and do due diligence checks before making any payments to them.
  • Above all, never send money, share personal documents, or transfer funds to someone you’ve only met online.

DATES acronym

Surrey Police recommend the DATES acronym to the public as an easy reminder to protect themselves from romance fraudsters:

  • Don’t rush into online relationships
  • Analyse profiles for inconsistencies
  • Talk to trusted friends and family
  • Evade scammers—never send money or share financial details
  • Stay on secure dating platforms

It’s not your fault if you become a victim of romance fraud. If you are worried:

  • Confide in someone you trust
  • Do not send any more money, personal documents or images
  • Report it to Surrey Police on 101

PCC urges public to Question EVERYTHING after Surrey victim loses £20,000 of life savings through deepfake video

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

A Surrey resident has lost £20,000 of his life savings after he was tricked into a scam investment by a deepfake video of TV star ‘Martin Lewis’.

David*, a retired engineer, spotted a video on Facebook of who he believed was ‘Martin’, the Money Saving Expert, promoting an investment scheme.

Fraudsters then persuaded David – not his real name – to part with various sums of money before he realised that he had been duped but it was too late.

David has told his story as a warning to others about how easy it is to be deceived by artificial intelligence (AI) scammers as part of Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s ‘Question EVERYTHING’ campaign.

Sophisticated fake content

The campaign aims to highlight the emerging threat of criminals using AI and deepfakes to create increasingly sophisticated fake content designed to scam victims.

As part of ‘Question EVERYTHING’, Lisa created a deepfake video of herself to convey how realistic and deceptive this technology can be. A free information guide called: ‘The dangers of AI and deepfakes: How to avoid becoming the victim of AI generated scams’ was produced by the Commissioner’s office to accompany the film.

David said: “‘Martin’ [Lewis] was promoting an investment that was available to anyone, and should be taken seriously, as a way to boost your savings. There was a link attached. All you had to do was invest £200 and watch your investment grow.”

David watched his funds increase in a short number of months and so deposited a further five thousand pounds into the account. Once the value had reached £25,000, he wanted to withdraw some money.

‘I was in too deep’

He said: “This is when it all started to change. When I requested to withdraw some funds, I was confronted with making “liquidity” or “security” payments which I was told would be refunded the next day.  I was told that this was necessary because the funds were coming from Crypto investments”.

After paying the sum of £5,000 needed to release the money, David was then informed that a further £10,000 was required for ‘faster payments’.

He added: “By the time I realised what was happening I was in too deep and couldn’t get out without losing my money. I felt stupid for getting into this situation and ashamed to tell my wife that I had lost some of our savings.”

Martin Lewis

Lisa said: “This comes at a time when fraudsters are increasingly turning to AI to create slick personalised messaging, craft lifelike looking deepfake videos and clone authentic sounding voices.

“Martin Lewis is currently the most frequently impersonated high-profile person by fraudsters who use sophisticated AI methods to make adverts look real. 

“AI generated technology is also being used to automate frauds and increase their reach to prey on unsuspecting individuals.”

“Upsetting”

David added: “It has been a very stressful and upsetting time since this all started last March.

“It still goes on.

“I am contacted almost daily by individuals making 100% promises that they can get my money back, but I know that they are all disingenuous.”

Question EVERYTHING is being supported by Surrey Police, Victim and Witness Care Unit, and Surrey’s Community and Safety Prevention Board.

To find the Question EVERYTHING campaign film with deepfake and free online information guide, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/question-everything-fraud/ 

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a grey long-sleeved top, standing up at a table and speaking into a microphone. Seated at either side of her are police officers in uniform. In front of her is a large crowd who are sitting in chairs and pictured from behind.

“Tide is turning” against offenders in Ashford as shoplifters and drug dealers are targeted, Commissioner says

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Police are turning the tables on criminals in Ashford, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has said after attending a residents’ meeting in the town last weekend.

Lisa Townsend joined Spelthorne’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, led by Sergeant Théa Jackson-Sedgwick, on Saturday to speak to the Ashford Residents’ Association.

Lisa and the team were questioned about local crime issues and the national policing picture.

Shoplifting, visible policing, the Government’s potential force merger plans and police budgets were among the topics discussed in front of a packed meeting.

Police’s successes in Ashford

The Commissioner said work by local police teams was having a positive impact in the town.

  • Reported crime in Ashford has decreased by 9 per cent
  • The detection rate for shoplifting has doubled
  • Vehicle crime had been reduced by 34 per cent
  • 10 warrants have been carried out to disrupt drug supply in the local area
  • Two new PCSOs are now on patrol in the town
  • 137 extra foot patrols have been carried out in the ‘hotspot’ area of Church Road
  • Residents recently enjoyed the safest Halloween on record

Church Road is one of four ‘hotspots’ in the borough, alongside the Elmsleigh Centre and Two Rivers in Staines, and Sunbury Cross. Hotspots have comparatively higher levels of crime than surrounding areas. 

“Tide is being turned”

Lisa said: “It was a real pleasure to drop in on the meeting on Saturday to talk to residents and hear about some of the brilliant work the local team have been doing in Ashford.

“There is always more to do, but some of the recent results are making a huge difference to the local community.

“The tide is being turned on criminality and anti-social behaviour in the town.

“We will soon share more good news about some targeted police activity that will be taking place in the area, and I look forward to being able to say more in the coming weeks.”

The image shows a large crowd of around 100 people sitting in a church hall. The audience is pictured from behind. They are facing a table, at which a police officer in uniform can be seen standing and speaking into a microphone. Above is a television screen showing a presentation.

Residents packed the hall for the meeting in Ashford

The image shows Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a white shirt, standing in front of a Surrey Police building. She is beneath a sign that says 'Surrey Police HQ Mount Browne.' Her hands are clasped and she is looking directly into the camera.

Would you pay a little extra council tax to support the fight against crime? Have your say on police funding!

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Surrey residents are being asked whether they would be prepared to pay a little extra so police teams can continue taking the fight to criminals in our communities.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said Surrey Police have made incredible strides over the last two years in tackling those issues important to the public.

Burglary and vehicle crime rates are falling, police teams are cracking down on anti-social behaviour, charges for shoplifting have risen by 465 per cent and the overall charge rate has more than doubled in Surrey.

But in order to maintain and build on those improvements over the coming year, the Commissioner says adequate funding is essential to ensure our hard-working police force have the tools for the job.

Council tax survey

Those who live or work in the county are being invited to fill in a brief survey on whether they would support the Commissioner’s proposed increase of a little over £1 extra a month on an average council tax bill for 2026/27.

Complete the survey here

One of Lisa’s key tasks as Commissioner is to set the Surrey Police budget, which includes determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, known as the precept.  

This funds the Force together with a grant from central government who also set the maximum precept limit that Commissioners can raise. 

Read frequently asked questions here

The Government assumes in their police funding announcements that all Commissioners will increase to the maximum limit.

Police funding

This year’s settlement, which will include the limit, is yet to be announced but it is anticipated that it will be in line with last year at £14 for an average Band D property. This equates to just over £1 a month for a Band D Council Tax payer.

Despite repeated lobbying to Government to get a fairer share of police grant funding, Surrey Police remains one of the most poorly funded forces in the country. As a result an increase in council tax is vital to give the Force the resources it needs to deliver the services residents depend on.

Every pound of precept amounts to an extra half-a-million pounds in the policing budget.  

The Commissioner said that the contributions the Surrey public make through their council tax is “absolutely crucial” and is continuing to pay dividends for communities.

Charges more than double

The number of charges across the board has more than doubled and 40 per cent more crimes have been solved.

Burglary rates have reduced by 14 per cent over the last year while vehicle crime is down by 36 per cent. The number of charges for rape have doubled. You can find out more on the Commissioner’s Data Hub.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said: “I vowed last year that the contributions Surrey residents make through their council tax would go towards what policing does best – fighting crime in our local communities, getting tough on offenders and protecting people.  

“The improvements we have seen have been nothing short of incredible.

“Incredible”

“More criminals are being put before the courts and taken off our streets. Burglary and vehicle crime rates have fallen dramatically whilst charges for shoplifting and violence against women and girls have risen hugely

“This has all been made possible by the contributions you, the Surrey public, make through your council tax contributions.

“It is always really tough asking the Surrey tax-payer to pay more money, particularly in the current financial climate. But my job is to ensure our local policing teams remain properly funded in the face of some tough financial challenges.

“The reality is that despite repeated lobbying, the Government’s funding for policing in Surrey is simply inadequate, which is why your contributions remain so crucial to the service the Force is able to provide. I am afraid that an increase of some kind will be needed again this year to ensure that drastic cuts to our workforce can be avoided. 

Savings to be made

“The Force is making every effort to find efficiencies across the board to ensure we provide the very best value for money for our residents. But they still must find in the region of £?m in savings over the next four years.  

“I want to ensure we build on the fantastic progress already made, continue to tackle those crimes important to our residents and invest in those fantastic services in the county that provide truly life-changing support to victims of crime in Surrey. 

“It is important to me to find out what Surrey residents think and whether they would be willing to pay a little extra to support our policing teams again this year. So I would ask everyone to take a minute to fill out our brief survey and give me their views.”  

The council tax survey will close at midnight on 12 January 2026. For more information visit our dedicated webpage.