Category: Deputy Commissioner

The image shows a group of people looking at the camera. Most are wearing a high-visibility uniform. They are the Surrey Search and Rescue volunteers. Also among the group are two blonde women wearing jeans and jackets. These women are Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson. Everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. They are standing in a concrete car park, and it is night time.

The volunteers making a life-or-death difference to some of Surrey’s vulnerable missing people

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A team of specially-trained volunteers – and their dogs – are on call in Surrey 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to search for lost or missing people.

Surrey Search and Rescue is one of the busiest lowland teams in the UK, and their work can make a life-or-death difference to the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Volunteers, all of whom are members of the public, are trained to give first aid to those in need before evacuating them to safety.

Searches can be carried out across a range of terrain, including woodland, farmland, in urban environments, and near water. There is also an aerial capacity using drones.

Around 80 people volunteer their time to the organisation, helping to search for some of the 2,100 people who go missing in Surrey each year.

In late July, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined the team for a training exercise in woodland near Guildford.

During the evening, volunteers trained their dogs to search over large distances. Both Lisa and Ellie were recruited to hide in the woods for the dogs to find.

The Commissioner said: “This voluntary specialist search team support Surrey Police and other emergency services to find missing vulnerable adults and children.

“No matter the time of day or night, teams respond as quickly as possible to minimise the time a person is at risk.

Unsung heroes

“They operate in farmland, urban areas and woodland, while some volunteers specialise in water rescues and search dog training.

“Surrey Search and Rescue relies wholly on donations, and the work of these unsung heroes is absolutely invaluable.

“Seeing the team in action has been fantastic, and although we’ve had just a brief glimpse of the challenges they face, it’s so impressive to see their professionalism and dedication.”

Ellie said: “I’d like to thank everyone who gives their time to Surrey Search and Rescue to support the emergency services and help save the lives of some truly vulnerable people.”

Deputy Commissioner honours first Surrey Constabulary officer to die in the line of duty

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed
Image shows a bouquet of white flowers and a note which reads: "With eternal gratitude for your hard work keeping Surrey safe, and the ultimate sacrifice you made in doing so. Lisa Townsend, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and all at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner."

Wednesday, July 30 marks the 170th anniversary of the death of the first police officer from Surrey Constabulary killed in the line of duty.

Deputy Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, joined serving and retired police officers, town councillors and local residents to commemorate Inspector William Donaldson. 

The memorial service, held annually on the last Sunday of July on Memorial Green in Haslemere, was also attended by Inspector Donaldson’s great-great-grandchildren, Jane Matthews and Henry Pelham.

Cllr Jacquie Keen MBE, Deputy Mayor of Haslemere, led the service alongside Rev Justin Manley-Cooper and Chair of the Police Remembrance Trust, Rev David Wilbraham.

The picture shows a group of people standing on a green. They include people in formal police dress and a reverend, who is speaking into a microphone.



‘Hero of Haslemere’

Inspector William Donaldson, known as the ‘Hero of Haslemere,’ was violently attacked in Haslemere town centre by a group of railway labourers known as navvies on the night of the July 29 1855. 

Donaldson, along with Constable James Freestone, had been patrolling pubs in the area to check that they were closing in time for the Sabbath. 

Arriving at The King’s Arms, they found a group of navvies celebrating receipt of their fortnightly wages.  When Inspector Donaldson told them to leave, most of them complied except for Thomas Woods, who took offence to having to be forced to depart. 

Groups of navvies were still milling about the town, and when the officers told them to disperse, a brawl started.

During the scuffles, one of the mob, David Smith, was arrested and taken to the town’s lock-up. Angered by the arrest, a group of 30 navvies marched up to Market House – now known as Haslemere Town Hall – and the location of where their friend was being held, demanding his release. 

‘Murder, murder’

When Inspector Donaldson refused, Thomas Woods hit him over the head with an iron bar, causing him to fall to the ground, where he was kicked and stamped on by other attackers in the mob. Constable Freestone was also badly injured but was saved by two local residents who heard his cry of “murder, murder” and came to help. 

Inspector Donaldson was taken to his home, where it is believed that upon seeing his wife Janet at the door, whispered: “My dear wife, I am dying.” These were to be his last words.

Inspector Donaldson died at 3am on July 30 1855 due to a fracture of his skull. He was 47.

Image shows an officer in formal uniform holding a flag. Beside him, Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson - a blonde woman wearing a black dress - kneels to place flowers beside a building.



‘An honour’

The Deputy Commissioner said: “It was an honour to be present at the service to pay my respects and commemorate Inspector Donaldson.

“He is, rightly, remembered now as the ‘Haslemere Hero’ for his dedication to keeping the town safe, for which he made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Remembering William and the bravery shown by him and his colleagues that night brings a stark reminder of the threats our officers still face to this day.

“We remember William alongside the 26 other Surrey officers who have died in the line of duty since, and I am incredibly grateful to the wonderful officers serving our county today, wearing their uniform with pride whilst keeping Surrey safe.

“As with William and James on July 29 1855, our officers continue to run towards danger in order to protect our communities, and I know that William’s sense of service lives on in Surrey Police today.”



‘So proud’

Inspector Donaldson’s great-great-grandson Henry Pelham, 83, said: “He makes me feel so proud, it still brings a lump to my throat.

“There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t mention his name.”

At the service, Henry Pelham presented a cheque for £1,100 to Rev David Wilbraham in support of the Police Remembrance Trust from the proceeds of his book, Inspector William Donaldson 1807 – 1855, The First Surrey Police Officer to be killed in the Line of Duty.

The Police Remembrance Trust is custodian of the UK Police Roll of Honour and records the name of almost 5,000 officers who have died on duty.  There are 27 Surrey police officers recorded on the Roll.

Image shows four people looking into the camera. On the left and right are two people in police uniform holding flags. In the middle is Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman in a black dress, and an officer with medals.

Deputy Commissioner joins countywide fight against fraud and serious organised crime

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

A series of disruption and engagement days have taken place across the county to tackle serious organised crime and raise awareness of rogue trading, fraud and scams.

The events, organised by the Surrey Organised Crime (SOC) Partnership, included action days which resulted in a series of arrests, as well as engagement stands in Mole Valley, Runnymede and Waverley.

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, joined the engagement stand where advice was shared with members of the public.

Elsewhere, roads policing teams and partners including the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency carried out checks on the A24 in Dorking, Hardwick Lane in Chertsey, and the B2130 Godalming to Cranleigh road.

Seven arrests

The teams conducted stop checks on commercial vehicles and the waste carriage industry.

Across the three locations, 96 vehicles were stopped, with 10 vehicles being seized and seven arrests made for drug driving.

One vehicle was found to be overloaded in excess of two tonnes and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) checked 62 fuel samples.

More than 600 people in Dorking, Chertsey and Farnham also visited stands run by Surrey Police’s Safer Communities Teams and the Economic Crimes Unit, Trading Standards, Crimestoppers and Age UK.

Advice given

Advice was given about doorstep rogue trading, financial abuse, investment fraud and romance scams.

Ellie said: “The brilliant results achieved across these six days of action are testament to the strong collaboration between partners to tackle fraud and support residents”.  

“Proactive engagement not only disrupts criminal enterprises on the ground but also works to protect Surrey residents and businesses for the future.

“Over half of crime committed in Surrey is fraud – it is this country’s fastest growing type of crime, with almost half of all adults being targeted, and perpetrators are using increasingly clever methods to target victims.

“A clear message”

“The partnership work including these events are a clear message to serious organised crime networks that we are working to disrupt activity, protect vulnerable people and make our communities safer.”

Lee Ormandy, chair of the Surrey SOC Partnership Board, said: “We will continue to bring together the expertise and resources of various agencies, enabling an effective and comprehensive approach to tackling SOC and protecting vulnerable individuals and businesses.

“By working together, we achieve outcomes that would be difficult or impossible for individual agencies to achieve alone.”

How to keep safe online and by phone:

  • Always question and verify unsolicited calls, texts or emails requesting your personal or financial information such as name, address or bank details.  Contact the company directly using a known email or phone number before sharing any personal or sensitive information.
  • Install up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall on your computer. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security.
  • Do not click on links in unexpected emails and text messages, even if they look genuine.  Banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details.  Call your bank instead using a known phone number or email or use a phone number from a genuine piece of correspondence or the back of your bank card.
  • Use Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option while shopping online. This involves you registering a password with your card company and adds an additional layer of security to online transactions with signed-up retailers.
  • Check your credit file regularly through companies such as Callcredit, Equifax and Experian, and look for any suspicious entries you don’t recognise.

How to keep safe from rogue traders:

  • Try to avoid talking to unexpected ‘tradespeople’ at your door as it is unusual that legitimate tradespeople will cold call you.
  • If possible, get quotes for work from at least three different companies.
  • Check that the trader is registered with an accredited trade body and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme.
  • Avoid paying for work at your doorstep and do not go to a cash machine if asked to by a trader.
  • Remember that even if you sign a contract, you are legally entitled to a 14-day cancellation period.
  • Make sure to report any rogue traders and scams to Trading Standards.

Report all incidents of doorstep crime to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or to the police on 101.

In the event of an emergency, call 999.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman who wears a beige roll-neck jumper, looks directly into the camera. Her expression is stern and her arms are folded.

Deputy Commissioner says catapults must be treated similarly to knives in letter to ministers

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has called on the Government to tighten up laws on the sale and possession of catapults. 

In a letter Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Ellie Vesey-Thompson said there is an urgent need for further action. 

Ellie warned catapults must be subject to the same rules as knives, giving police greater powers to crack down on those who use them as weapons. 

It comes as attacks on wild fowl spike in Surrey. The Shepperton Swan Sanctuary has rescued around 30 wounded birds this year, and a similar number are believed to have died through injuries sustained by projectiles fired from catapults. 

Sanctuary volunteer Danni Rogers started a petition calling for the sale of catapults and petition to be made illegal. It received more than 10,000 signatures, including that of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend. 

The previous Government responded to the petition with a statement that says existing legislation provides the “correct balance between protecting wildlife… whilst also allowing the public to enjoy legitimate pastimes”. 

Police officers can use their powers to deal with offences involving catapults, but Ellie said additional power of seizure to prevent criminal behaviour would support communities across the country. 

Catapults are also linked to anti-social behaviour in Surrey. In 2024, cars parked at a church were targeted with projectiles in a Tandridge village, and there have been reports of animals seriously injured when they were fired at in Ash Vale during May. 

“Treat catapults as we would knives”

Ellie said: “I am urging the Government to listen to the concerns of Surrey’s residents. 

“It is time to start treating catapults as we would knives. Anyone caught with one must have a legitimate purpose for doing so, and it should be their responsibility to prove that purpose if they’re stopped by the police. 

“Attacks on wild birds are increasing in Surrey. In late February, a swan was rescued from the banks of the Thames in Staines with a missile lodged in its head.

“The previous month, a duck was severely injured by a ball-bearing fired from a catapult. 

Horror injuries

“In May, people with catapults were seen at Chertsey Bridge firing at swans and ducks, and just over the border in Fleet, Hampshire, a male swan suffered an extensive facial injury at a nature reserve, while the body of a goose with similar injuries was also found. 

“Both had been attacked with ball bearings fired from a catapult. 

“The connection between catapults and both anti-social behaviour and vandalism are clear. These are key concerns for residents, and the time has come for stronger measures to tackle this type of offending. 

“These incidents are deeply distressing. In the wrong hands, catapults can be deadly, and more legislation is urgently needed.”  

Read Ellie’s letter here.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson sits on a straw bale with a lamb in her lap. The lamb is looking up at her, and Ellie is smiling and looking down at the lamb.

Deputy Commissioner’s dog-walking plea as lambs are seriously hurt in “appalling” attack

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A DOG attack in the countryside has left lambs seriously injured – as Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner urges owners to keep pets on leads. 

Ellie Vesey-Thompson visited a farm in Dorking this month with officers from Surrey Police’s Rural Crime Team.

During the visit, the farmer showed her lambs which had been badly hurt in an attack days before. One had been bitten to the face, and its top lip torn away. 

The same farmer has previously lost almost 30 sheep in a single dog attack. 

Livestock worrying, an offence in the UK, includes barking, chasing, biting and killing. 

The crime causes huge distress and financial loss in the farming community.  

Even if a dog doesn’t catch a sheep, serious damage can be caused, with the stress causing some of the animals to die or ewes to miscarry lambs. 

Sheep fleeing from dogs can also be killed or seriously injured during panicked attempts to escape. 

“Keep dogs on a lead”

Ellie said: “Surrey is home to many responsible dog-owners who deeply cherish their pets. 

“But even the most trusted of dogs can behave in surprising or shocking ways. 

“The only way to be sure that a dog won’t chase farm animals is to keep them on a lead at all times. 

“The weather in recent weeks has been beautiful, and many of us will be enjoying walks in Surrey’s lovely countryside. 

“But while the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and thoughtful while walking their pets, in some cases, complacency has led to appalling incidents. 

Lambs attacked

“During my visit to Dorking, I saw lambs that had been seriously hurt in a dog attack. One had suffered horrific injuries to its face, losing its top lip. 

“While I’m pleased that lamb is recovering well, others that were more seriously hurt remain critically unwell, and, despite excellent care and treatment, sadly may not recover. 

“The same farmer has previously lost almost 30 sheep to a single dog attack. This is an absolutely horrific incident that could so easily have been prevented by the simple action of putting a dog on a lead. 

“It can be hard for people to even imagine that a beloved family pet could chase, injure, or even kill another animal. 

“Traumatising”

“But all dogs are capable of this, regardless of their breed or size. 

“Even if a dog doesn’t make contact with an animal, the distress and exhaustion from being chased can still lead to deaths. 

“Livestock attacks are traumatising and can be devastating, for the livestock, for the farmer, and for the dog owner too. 

“There’s one very simple way to make sure incidents like these never happen, and that’s to put dogs on a lead. 

Act responsibly

“This spring and summer, please make sure you’re acting responsibly to keep your dog and all livestock safe.” 

A spokesperson for the National Sheep Association (NSA) said: “To ensure both livestock and dogs are kept safe from injury or even worse, NSA urges dog owners to keep their pets on a lead whenever you suspect sheep could be grazing nearby. 

“It is also important to ensure your dogs are secure in your home or garden.  

“Dogs straying from their own homes is another common cause of devastating sheep worrying attacks, potentially leading to sheep prolonged suffering until the impact of the incident is discovered.”   

On left, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and on right, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend. Both are standing in front of a Christmas tree and wearing red. They are holding up a Christmas card with a hand-drawn snowman picture on the front.

Commissioner and Deputy step into Christmas with festive design by seven-year-old from Reigate

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and her Deputy have sent out their Christmas cards – which feature a festive illustration drawn by a seven-year-old boy from East Surrey.

Lisa Townsend and Ellie Vesey-Thompson invited children from across the county to submit artwork for their 2024 card.

The winning design was sent in by Felix Taylor, who lives in Reigate. Felix decided to post the Commissioner his drawing after his school shared news of the competition in a weekly parent communication email.

He will enjoy his prize – a family trip to Bocketts Farm – with his brother and sister, five-year-old twins Edith and Oscar.

Mum Jennifer said Felix gets his love of art from his grandad, and the two often spend time drawing together.

It’s the third time Lisa and Ellie have asked young artists to send in their work for the Christmas card, and the first time the competition has been opened to the public.

For the past two years, children supported by services commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner were asked to submit their designs.

Last year’s photograph was taken by a young person supported by charity Catch22, which works with those affected by criminal exploitation. The previous year, the wining artwork was sent in by I Choose Freedom, which provides refuge to women and children escaping harm.

Festive cheer

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has a fund of £275,000 specifically for initiatives and organisations that support children and young people in the 2024/25 financial year.

Lisa said: “It is a real privilege to serve everyone living in this wonderful county.

“I’m very proud of the work that is done by my office and our brilliant partners, and I look forward to achieving more for residents in 2025.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who work for Surrey Police for their tireless efforts to keep us all safe, and to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and new year.”

Ellie said: “We both absolutely loved Felix’s festive design, and he was our clear winner.

“On the back of this year’s card, we’ve shared the best ways to contact Surrey Police – so we expect that this card will still be stuck to fridges around the county long into next year!”

A lovely snowman design by Reigate schoolboy Felix, seven, is the winner of this year's Christmas card competition

A lovely snowman design by Reigate schoolboy Felix, seven, is the winner of this year’s Christmas card competition

Poll of 1,500 young people reveals the crime and policing issues that matter most to Surrey’s youth

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s young people have spoken on the crime and policing priorities that impact them most as part of a forum funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.

Safety at night-time, healthy relationships, sexual exploitation, trust in the police and anti-social behaviour are among the key issues for young people living in the county, a poll of around 1,500 people has revealed.

The results were revealed by members of the Surrey Youth Commission at a wide-ranging forum held in Woking in September.

Attendees at the Big Conversation Conference included officers from both Surrey Police and British Transport Police, Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and representatives from a range of key agencies including local authorities and charities.

Both Ellie and Lisa Townsend, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, chose to fund the Youth Commission in order to help put youth voice at the heart of policing in the county.

Applications to join the third year of the Youth Commission, which is organised and administered by Leaders Unlocked, are now being accepted.

For more information, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/funding/surrey-youth-commission

The closing date for applications is November 22.

Ellie, who opened and closed the Big Conversation Conference, said: “Our brilliant Youth Commission members have provided us all an invaluable snapshot into the thoughts and feelings of young people in Surrey.

“Their priorities help us to better understand issues that matter most to them and their peers, from age groups who I know often feel as if their opinions go unheard.

“I want to thank every single Youth Commissioner, as well as everyone who shared their thoughts and priorities.

“They should be incredibly proud of the work they have achieved with their carefully-considered recommendations for policing, for our office, and for all of us working to support children and young people. I am certainly proud of them.

Young people share their priorities for police

“We will soon open applications once again, and I encourage young people who want to help shape the future of policing in Surrey to get in touch.” 

Kaytea Budd-Brophy, Senior Manager at Leaders Unlocked, said: “I am hugely proud of the Surrey Youth Commission members, who have been an amazing group of young people to work with.

“The members have worked tirelessly at the peer-to-peer engagement, reaching out to larger number of young people through the Big Conversation to explore the root causes and tangible solutions to the issues that young people in Surrey tell us they face.“

“We are absolutely delighted and excited to be starting to working with the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, for a third year.”

A report on the latest recommendations from the Youth Commission will be available during the winter.

Members of the Surrey Youth Commission are pictured with Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, in red

Ellie Vesey-Thompson reappointed as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for another term

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Ellie Vesey-Thompson has been formally reappointed as the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.

Ellie is committed to continuing her work giving young people a voice in policing, putting a renewed focus on policing issues in rural communities, and listening to the views of officers and staff.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend appointed Ellie as her deputy following her first election win in 2021. Ellie will now continue in her role after Lisa was successfully re-elected last month for the next PCC term, which ends in 2028.

Ellie attended a confirmation hearing with Surrey’s Police and Crime Panel on Thursday last week. Members recommended her reappointment.

She has a background in policy, communications and youth engagement, and holds both a degree in Politics and a Graduate Diploma in Law.

Deputy reappointed

“It’s been a huge privilege to serve as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for the past three years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue in role. I am really proud of what we have already achieved since I was first appointed in 2021,” Ellie said.

“We have supported a broad range of organisations and services across Surrey with millions of pounds of funding, including through the dedicated Children and Young People’s Fund introduced by the Commissioner and I.

“This has supported a variety of projects and initiatives, including our innovative teacher training programme to help tackle violence against women and girls from a young age, Safer Streets projects to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in many communities across our county, and projects aimed at diverting young people away from crime and exploitation.

Years of success

“Tackling rural crime, empowering young people, supporting veterans, and listening to frontline officers and staff are the four main pillars of my role in Surrey.

“I was delighted to launch Surrey’s first-ever Youth Commission, which allows young people to have a say on policing in the county. The Youth Commission are now in their second year, and I continue to oversee their work and look forward to hearing their latest set of recommendations in the autumn.

“Engaging with our farmers and other members of our rural communities is incredibly important to me, to help build confidence in policing and encourage better reporting of rural crime.

“Over the last three years, I have met and spent time with many Surrey Police officers and members of staff across a range of different policing teams.

“I will continue to be an advocate”

“I have seen at close quarters the dedication and hard work that goes into keeping our county safe.

“I will continue to be an advocate for the fantastic policing service they provide.”

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Ellie has played a key part in helping me represent the views of the public in how police our county and I am delighted to welcome her formally back to the role of Deputy.

“When I was elected in May, I pledged to focus on my policing priorities on what our residents want to see – our officers doing the job only they can, investigating and solving crime and taking offenders off our streets.

“I believe Ellie is the right person to help me deliver on that promise and we are already working together on drawing up my new Police and Crime Plan for the county.”

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)

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson with a design student

Camberley student lands dream job after leading rebrand of our Office

Posted on | by James Smith

IN 2022, local graphic design student Jack Dunlop won a competition launched by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Ellie Vesey-Thompson, winning a work placement with leading designers Akiko Design.

During a week-long internship in Bramley, Jack developed the concept that was used to create our new branding, and continues to boost awareness of the key role that the Commissioner and our team play in representing the voice of local people on policing.

Akiko were so impressed with Jack’s work that he has now become the latest addition to their team, following the completion of his studies at the University for Creative Arts in Farnham.

Providing more opportunities for children and young people is a key part of Ellie‘s focus in Surrey, which includes dedicated funding for services that help young people to stay safe and thrive.

During the placement, she worked closely with Jack to develop and present his ideas to our team.

Ellie said: “I couldn’t be prouder that Jack’s experience through our office has helped him to hit the ground running in a really exciting career.

“I was incredibly impressed with Jack’s creativity, enthusiasm, and the diligence and commitment he brought to the redesign of our brand. I hope that he will take immense pride in knowing that his vision and branding plays an important and visible role in the work that we carry out with Surrey Police and partners right across the county.

“We are very proud of our new look thanks to Jack’s hard work alongside Akiko.”

Since starting with Akiko in December, Jack has been working on several projects, from improving the design of an existing client’s website to image preparation for a large website set to launch this January.  Jack is also going to be heavily involved in the work on a new website Akiko has recently won the contract for.

He said: “During the second year of my graphic design degree, I won a competition to design the new logo for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, from which arose the opportunity to have a week’s work experience at Akiko.

“A year later, I am a full time designer with them! Woohoo!”

Craig Denford, Creative Director at Akiko Design, directly supported Jack during his time with Akiko.

He said: “When Jack came in for the week placement last year I was really impressed by his ability and his work ethic. Having seen his college portfolio he clearly has a lot of talent, which I would always place above experience/qualifications. Since joining he’s been very quick to learn the packages needed and I already feel I can trust him to do a good job with larger projects. He’ll be an invaluable member of the team I’m sure.”

Read about Jack’s experience, or learn more about our funding for local services.