Category: Communication and engagement

Nearly 300 motoring offences identified during week-long operation on the M25 in Surrey

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has hailed the vital work of the county’s Roads Policing Unit after joining an operation targeting dangerous and reckless driving on the M25. 

Nearly 300 offences were identified by officers who used an unmarked HGV to patrol Surrey’s stretch of the motorway during a week of action known as Operation Tramline. 

Higher viewpoint

The higher viewpoint from the HGV cab means officers can spot and record driving offences such as using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt more easily than they can form standard patrol vehicles. 

When officers spot offences, they radio to colleagues using unmarked cars and motorbikes to pull the driver over onto the hard shoulder where they may be issued with a fine and penalty points, or a court summons, or potentially be arrested. 

The PCC joined officers on one of the days of the operation and witnessed a number of offences being committed, including a van driver who was caught taking a photo on his phone with no hands on the steering wheel in the outside lane. 

Five days of action

Across the five days of action, which included one in Sussex, police teams stopped 240 motorists, seized 11 vehicles and arrested 12 people including nine for drug driving.  

A total of 155 drivers were fined and issued points on their licence for using their mobile phone at the wheel.  

Op Tramline is run nationally with the aim to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on Britain’s strategic road network. The HGV’s that are owned by National Highways are shared across the country helping to identify some of the most dangerous road offences.  

“Dangerous roads”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “The M25 in Surrey is one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in Europe and is used by thousands of motorists very single day.  

“That is why driving offences like speeding, using a mobile and drink or drug driving can have the most devastating consequences. 

“Whilst the vast majority of drivers are safe and follow the law, there are still a significant number of drivers putting themselves and other road users in danger with their reckless behaviour. 

“It is disappointing that our officers have witnessed so many driving offences over the course of the week, but it shows why operations like this are so important in tackling that offending and helping keep Surreys’ roads safe. 

“My message to those who continue to flout the rules of our road is simple – our policing teams are cracking down on reckless and dangerous driving. Whilst we can’t be everywhere, we could be anywhere.”

Have your say on community safety!

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Do you feel safe in your community? Do you feel supported by those around you? Do you feel like you belong in Surrey?  

Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend is calling on residents to take part in a survey about their experiences living in the county which will help shape the future of community safety in our neighbourhoods. 

Lisa chairs the Surrey Community Safety and Prevention Board in Surrey which is made up of partner agencies across the county who work together to make our communities feel safer for residents. 

Surrey County Council, on behalf of the board, have launched a survey to find out people’s perceptions of safety and what matters most to them where they live. 

It can be found here: Surrey Community Safety and Cohesion Survey 2026 | Healthy Surrey 

“Your feedback will help us”

Lisa said: “We hope that your feedback will help us identify emerging issues and inform what our priorities need to be going forward.  

“If you’re 16 or older and living in Surrey we want to hear about what matters most to you. Is it crime? Is it anti-social behaviour? Or is it community cohesion? We want to hear from you!” 

The survey is totally anonymous, takes less than 10 minutes to complete and can be found on the Surrey PCC website and social media pages. 

It closes on Monday 21st September 2026. 

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman wearing a white shirt, standing in front of a large sign that reads 'Welcome to Surrey Police'. She is looking directly at the camera with a slight smile on her face.

80% of residents who answered Commissioner’s survey oppose Government’s force merger plans

Posted on | by Nathan Rees
The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman wearing a white shirt, standing in front of a large sign that reads 'Welcome to Surrey Police'. She is looking directly at the camera with a slight smile on her face.

80% of residents who took part in a survey by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend say they do not want to see Surrey Police merged with neighbouring forces.

The vast majority of those who took part said they feared local policing priorities, accountability, police response and officer visibility would suffer if the Government pressed ahead with plans to create regional ‘mega forces’.

Under proposals for police reform announced in January, the Government intends to scrap the current 43 force system in England and Wales and create larger regional forces in their place.

It would likely mean Surrey Police will disappear and be merged with their neighbours which could include Sussex, Thames Valley, Kent and Hampshire.

44% unaware of plans

Nearly 3,500 people took part in the survey which the PCC launched in June saying she was concerned the Government had not consulted local residents about the merger plans.

The Commissioner said she will now share the results with those currently tasked by Government with reviewing the proposals with a report expected in the autumn. 

A total of 3,430 people answered the survey and were asked whether they believed Surrey Police should be merged with other forces.

80% of respondents said ‘No’, they wanted Surrey Police to stay as it is, 16% said ‘Yes’ to merging forces while the remaining 4% said they didn’t know.

44% of those who took part also said they were unaware of the Government merger plans before taking part in the PCC’s consultation.

Respondents were also asked to select what they felt were the main risks and benefits of police force mergers from a list of options.

In terms of risks – 42% said they felt there would be less focus on local policing priorities while a further 32% said they feared policing would be less responsive locally meaning slower response times or police being harder to contact.

11% said they felt police would be less accountable to local residents while 10% felt there would be less visibility of local officers.

53% of respondents said they did not know what the benefits of merging forces would be. 21% felt that more savings and efficiencies allowing for further investment in policing would be the main benefit whilst 16% said they felt it would result in stronger specialist capabilities and the ability to tackle more complex crimes.

Respondents were also given the option of leaving their own comments on the merger plans with over 2,000 giving their views.

“Hands off!”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Towsend said: “I think the results of the survey speak for themselves – it is crystal clear the overwhelming majority of Surrey residents who took part do not believe this merger plan is a good idea.

“I believe that the strength of feeling evident in the comments people have left send a clear message – hands off our local police force!

“Our residents in Surrey value local policing in their communities and don’t want to see that eroded by merging our force with its neighbours.

“The Chief Constable and I have been carrying out our Policing Your Community roadshow in all 11 borough and districts in Surrey over the summer where residents have told us loud and clear how crucial that local policing presence is to them across the county.

“This survey has reinforced that view and suggests to me that the majority of Surrey residents share my view and don’t want to see our precious police resources diverted away from our communities.

“The fact that around half of those who answered the survey were previously unaware of the Government’s plans to merge forces and didn’t know what the benefits would be tells its own story.

“There is clearly a lack of awareness of these proposals and the public have not been consulted. That is why I launched my survey back in June – to make sure Surrey residents have their voice heard on this really important decision for the future of policing in our county.

“I want to thank everyone that took to the time to participate – your views are incredibly important to me.

“I will now be sharing the results of this survey with those who are making the decisions around force mergers and will continue to oppose these plans which I don’t believe are in the best interests of Surrey residents.”

Deputy Commissioner encourages current and former members of the UK Armed Forces to sign up to the Forcer Protocol

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Earlier this year, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson spoke at the Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Conference, to launch a life-saving initiative, The Forcer Protocol, in Surrey. 

Access point

The scheme, dedicated to locating and protecting serving and former armed service personnel who go missing, provides a quick and secure access point to the missing person’s information and identifies support services and specialist aftercare to prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related suicide. However, it relies on current and former service personnel to sign up to it now.

Founded by Claire Lilly and named in honour of her husband Lance Corporal Alan James Forcer – a veteran who tragically took his own life due to complex PTSD – the protocol was created to ensure that no service man or woman would be left unsupported during a mental health crisis.

Adopting the Protocol in Surrey reflects a wider commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, supporting the unique needs, care and support required by current and former serving personnel.

A report by the Office of National Statistics revealed that there 253 deaths by suicide within the UK armed Forces community in 2021 – that is the equivalent of almost 5 suicides a week.

“Necessary initiative”

Ellie who holds the portfolio for military and veterans within the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner says: “The Forcer Protocol is a necessary initiative to appropriately support our armed forces community. 

“For those who have dutifully served their country, it’s our moral obligation to recognise that the experiences they’ve had on the front line may impact their quality of life back home.

“The Forcer Protocol puts in place a joined-up approach to identify vulnerable people from the armed forces community, reducing the time to locate missing persons, and then providing support and aftercare suited to their needs.

“I urge anyone who is a current or former member of the UK armed forces to sign up.  You can also sign up on behalf of a friend or family member.   It only takes a couple of minutes and could save a life.”

For more information or to sign up for yourself, a friend or a family member, please register here. 

Commissioner meets the Redhill helicopter team who can spot a number on a lanyard from 1,200 feet

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

With more than 20,000 hours of flying time, one helicopter based at Redhill Aerodrome has supported police in Surrey to save thousands of lives – and make countless arrests.

State-of-the-art cameras

The navy and yellow National Police Air Service (NPAS) aircraft is fitted with state-of-the-art cameras that can read an employee number on a lanyard from 1,200 feet up.  And unlike any other police vehicle, the helicopter can make the journey from Redhill to Brighton – some 33 miles south – in just 13 minutes. 

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, visited Sergeant Paul Cole at the base to celebrate the service’s successes. 

During the visit, Sgt Cole discussed the helicopter’s capabilities. The aircraft is routinely called into service to find missing people, many of whom will be in crisis.  From the air, the team on board can use thermal cameras to identify heat signatures before guiding officers on the ground to the right location.  The helicopter is frequently deployed to search for criminals or follow cars linked to criminal activity.

High-risk firearms incident

In June, a high-risk firearms incident in Surrey was safely brought to conclusion with support from NPAS.  A suspect believed to be in possession of a rifle following a domestic incident was located from the air.  The crew had been able to identify the suspect’s vehicle parked at a rural camping location and was able to monitor the individual moving to and from a nearby hut, providing real-time intelligence.  This enabled armed officers on the ground to approach with a clear understanding of the risks and layout, leading to the safe arrest of the suspect. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

Redhill Aerodrome is one of 15 regional NPAS bases across England and Wales that together keep 20 helicopters and 4 fixed wing aircraft.

Across the month of July, 3,799 calls for the service were made nationally. And since the start of April 2026, NPAS crews have located 601 vulnerable people, 1831 suspects and 1,153 vehicles.

NPAS’s reach is extensive. In the 12-month period from 1st April 2025 to end of March 2026, there were 39,906 calls made for NPAS teams nationally resulting in 4,382 tasks attended by helicopter crews that led to vulnerable people, suspects and vehicles being located.

“Wonderful experience”

Lisa said: “I have visited the National Police Air Service team at the Redhill Aerodrome a number of times since I became Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and it’s always a wonderful experience.

“I am consistently struck by the professionalism and dedication of the crew and personnel.

“Having this function based right here in Surrey is a fantastic asset for the county, providing aerial capabilities that supports vulnerable people and helps keep our communities stay safe.

“The service plays an essential role in everything from tracking suspects to supporting search and rescue operations, and I’m proud of the difference it makes to policing in Surrey and beyond.”

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman wearing a white shirt, standing in front of a large sign that reads 'Welcome to Surrey Police'. She is looking directly at the camera with a slight smile on her face.

Last chance to have your say on proposed police merger plans!

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed
The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman wearing a white shirt, standing in front of a large sign that reads 'Welcome to Surrey Police'. She is looking directly at the camera with a slight smile on her face.

It’s the last chance to have your say on whether you agree with plans to merge Surrey Police with its neighbouring forces!

Under Government proposals – Surrey Police could disappear and become part of a larger south-east ‘mega force’.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is urging the county’s residents to let her know what they think by filling in her brief survey.

Survey closes Monday

But you’ll need to be quick – the survey closes at midnight on Monday (17 August)

It can be found here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/mergers/

Under plans for police reform announced in January, the Government intends to scrap the current 43 force system in England and Wales and create larger regional forces in their place.

It would likely mean Surrey Police will be merged with neighbouring forces to create a ‘mega force’ which could also include Sussex, Thames Valley, Kent and Hampshire.

The Commissioner has voiced her concern at the plans saying she believes it would result in police resources being pulled away from Surrey communities.

Lisa said: “I would urge anyone who lives in Surrey and is interested in the future of policing in our county to fill in my survey and make sure their voice is heard.

“Although the Government are drawing the plans up, the public are not being consulted. That is why I am urging as many people as possible to take a minute to give me their views before the survey closes on Monday.

“Whether you agree with the plans or not – this is a really important decision and I will be sharing the results of this survey with those who are making the decisions around force mergers.

‘Short changed’

“Police reform is 100% needed but I don’t believe a regional ‘mega force’ in the south east is the answer. My concern that these merger plans will leave Surrey residents short changed and dilute the service they receive from their local police teams.

“We are the safest county in the region with no major city and I do not want to see our precious police resources diverted away from communities in Surrey.

“I have been clear in my views but I know they will not be shared by everyone. That is why I am asking everyone to fill in the survey and have your say.”

For further information about the proposals, you can read the Government’s white paper ‘From local to national: a new model for policing’:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/from-local-to-national-a-new-model-for-policing  

Surrey custody scheme goes platinum again!

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

The custody visiting scheme in Surrey overseen by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s office has been recognised for its outstanding work after being awarded ‘Platinum’ status for the second time.

The Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) Scheme was recognised nationally earlier this month for achieving the highest accolade possible for the quality of its work in the county.

The award cements Surrey’s place as one of the leading custody visiting schemes in the country.

Under the scheme, volunteers from the local community known as Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) make unannounced visits to Surrey Police custody to check on the rights, wellbeing, and dignity of detainees.

Surrey's ICV Scheme Manager Erika Dallinger holding award alongside Chair of ICVA Dame Anne Owers (left of image) and CEO of ICVA Sherry Ralph (right of image)
Surrey’s ICV Scheme Manager Erika Dallinger holding award alongside Chair of ICVA Dame Anne Owers (left of image) and CEO of ICVA Sherry Ralph (right of image)

172 visits

In the last year, our ICVs made 172 visits, spending a collective total of 700 hours of volunteer time across Surrey’s three custody suites.

By listening to individuals in custody, they provide valuable and independent oversight of the care that is provided when an individual is detained.

Their recommendations cover everything from ensuring that there are enough blankets in winter, to safeguarding someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis.

Visits are held at all hours and the findings are reported back to the Commissioner and Surrey Police in a cycle that promotes continuous improvement.

Code of practice

The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) judges schemes every three years based on its quality assurance framework that assesses how well schemes comply with a Code of Practice for custody.

Surrey’s ICV Scheme Manager Erika Dallinger was presented with the Platinum award at a ceremony in London award that represents the highest level of accreditation possible for schemes across the UK.

Welcoming the award, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Upholding the highest standards of policing in Surrey is vital in maintaining the confidence of the communities that we serve across the county.

Transparency in policing

“That is why the ICV scheme is such a crucial part of the work my office does to champion transparency in policing and hold the Chief Constable to account.

“This is only made possible by the passion and dedication invested in the scheme by every one of our volunteers, and by the ICV Scheme Manager Erika Dallinger.

“I am delighted that their hard work has been recognised again with this Platinum award which reflects the outstanding work that goes into making the ICV scheme such a success in Surrey.”

Still time to have your say on proposed police merger plans!

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Have you had your say yet on plans to merge Surrey Police with its neighbouring forces?

Under Government proposals – Surrey could become part of a larger south-east ‘mega force’ which will police a population larger than Greater London, New York or Scotland and Wales combined.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is urging the county’s residents to let her know what they think by filling in her brief survey.

It is not too late to take part – the survey is open until Monday 17 August and can be found here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/mergers/

Police reform

Under plans for police reform announced in January, the Government intends to scrap the current 43 force system in England and Wales and create larger regional forces in their place.

It would likely mean Surrey Police will disappear and be merged with neighbouring forces in Sussex, Thames Valley, Kent and Hampshire.

The Commissioner has voiced her concern at the plans saying she believes it would result in police resources being pulled away from Surrey communities leaving it with a second-rate service.

Lisa said: “We have had a great response so far to the survey so but I urge anyone who lives in Surrey and is interested in the future of policing in our county to fill it in and have their say

“Policing is at a vital crossroads right now. We must move with the times and reform is certainly needed but I am really concerned that the residents of Surrey will be left short-changed by these merger plans.

“A south-east region ‘mega force’ would be policing a population of over nine million people – that is more than Scotland and Wales put together.

Safest county

“We are the safest county in the region with no major city and I fear that on a Saturday night, police teams will not be concentrated in our communities in Surrey but will be drawn to places like Dover, Oxford, Reading or Portsmouth.

“This is my view and I know it will not be shared by everyone but although the Government are drawing the plans up, the public are not being consulted.

“That is why I have launched my survey. Whether you agree with the plans or not –  I want to ensure the public of Surrey have a voice on this really important decision and is why I am asking everyone to take a few minutes to fill it in and have their say.

“I will then publish the results later this summer and share them with those who are making the decisions around force mergers.”

For further information about the proposals, you can read the Government’s white paper ‘From local to national: a new model for policing’:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/from-local-to-national-a-new-model-for-policing  

Commissioner urges Surrey residents to report anti-social behaviour and access support

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is encouraging victims of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in Surrey to report all concerns straightaway and to the right organisation so that problems are dealt with effectively.

The Commissioner says ASB covers a wide range of issues and it is important for residents to be aware that it is tackled by different agencies, including Surrey Police, local councils and housing providers.

Coinciding with the start of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, research out today by You Gov and Resolve – the UK’s leading community safety organisation – reveals that ASB continues to have a significant impact on public confidence. According to the survey, more than 1 in 4 adults (28%) say that ASB has made them feel unsafe in their local area. However, almost two-thirds (63%) of victims and witnesses who have experienced anti-social behaviour in the past three years did not report it to anyone.

Three broad categories

Under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 and the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, ASB is defined as behaviour that ‘causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to people outside the offender’s household’. It usually falls into three broad categories: personal ASB, where an individual or group is targeted; nuisance ASB, which causes annoyance or suffering to a wider community; and environmental ASB, where behaviour affects public spaces or buildings.

Within those categories are a wide range of behaviours, including offences such as criminal damage, graffiti, taking drugs in public, anti-social use of vehicles, drunken, rowdy or threatening behaviour and vandalism. Other issues, such as persistent noise nuisance, littering or abandoned vehicles, may not always be criminal offences and are often dealt with by councils, housing providers or other agencies.

Dedicated anti-social behaviour team

Because ASB covers such a broad spectrum of incidents, responsibility is shared between a number of organisations. In Surrey, there is a dedicated anti-social behaviour team within Surrey Police that works alongside 30 partner agencies, including local councils, to tackle problems and provide lasting solutions.

The Commissioner has committed to working with Surrey Police and partners to ensure that residents feel listened to, protected and supported.  Last year, Lisa launched the Community Safety and Prevention Board to strengthen collaboration between organisations across Surrey and to close gaps in support available to residents concerned about a number of matters including ASB. The Commissioner’s office also funds Mediation Surrey to provide support free of charge that helps resolve neighbourhood disputes before they escalate.

Persistent anti-social behaviour

Alongside this, the Commissioner supports the Anti-Social Case Review process which gives victims who have reported persistent anti-social behaviour on three or more occasions over a six-month period the opportunity to request a review of their case. If the threshold is met, the local Community Safety Partnership brings together agencies including the police, councils and housing providers to review the action taken and identify whether further measures are needed. The Police and Crime Commissioner’s office provides a route for victims to challenge decisions if they remain dissatisfied after the review. 

Anti-social behaviour is an issue that is frequently raised with the Commissioner.  Lisa is currently hosting a series of Policing your Community engagement events across the county alongside Surrey Police and matters such as the dangerous use of e-bikes and catapult crime have most recently been brought up for discussion.

‘Detrimental impact’

Lisa Townsend said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a detrimental impact on people’s lives and not dealing with it effectively can be devastating.

“It’s concerning that almost two out of three people affected by anti-social behaviour do not report it.  That’s why I want to highlight the different types of anti-social behaviour and the relevant agencies to contact; the importance of timely reporting; and the support available to everyone. 

“It’s deplorable that residents affected by anti-social behaviour feel trapped and helpless as they try to go about their daily lives. I’m committed to listening to residents’ concerns, creating safer communities and providing support to victims.”

More information

Residents can find more information about the different types of ASB, reporting ASB, accessing support and the ASB Case Review process at www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb.   All ASB policing matters should be reported directly to Surrey Police via 101, online or by calling 999 in an emergency.

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/