Category: Deputy Commissioner

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.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson centre stands with Surrey Youth Commission members at the first ever Big Conversation Conference

Applications for youth forum open after first members flag mental health and substance misuse as priorities for police

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A FORUM that allows young people in Surrey to have their say on the crime and policing issues that affect them most is recruiting new members.

The Surrey Youth Commission, now in its second year, is opening applications to people aged between 14 and 25.

The project is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and overseen by Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson.

New Youth Commissioners will have an opportunity to shape the future of crime prevention in the county by creating a series of priorities for both Surrey Police and the Commissioner’s office.

New Youth Commissioners will have an opportunity to shape the future of crime prevention in the county by creating a series of priorities for both Surrey Police and the Commissioner’s office. They will consult with peers and meet with senior police officers before presenting their recommendations at a public ‘Big Conversation’ conference in September next year.

Last year, Youth Commissioners asked more than 1,400 young people for their opinions ahead of the conference.

Applications open

Ellie, who has responsibility for children and young people in her remit, said: “I’m so proud to announce that the fantastic work done by our first-ever Surrey Youth Commission will continue into 2023/24, and I look forward to welcoming the new cohort in early November.

“Members of the initial Youth Commission achieved true excellence with their carefully-considered recommendations, many of which intersected with those already identified by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend.

“Reducing violence against women and girls, further education around mental health and substance misuse, and strengthening the relationships between communities and police are among the big priorities for our young people.

“We will continue to work towards addressing each of these issues, as well as those chosen by the Youth Commissioners who will join us in the weeks to come.

“Fantastic work”

“Lisa and I decided two years ago that a forum was needed to amplify the voices of young people in this county in an effort to shape the future of policing.

“In order to achieve this, we commissioned experts at Leaders Unlocked to put youth voice at the heart of what we do.

“The results of that work have been illuminating and insightful, and I’m thrilled to extend the programme for a second year.”

Click the button for more information, or to apply:

Apply now

Applications must be submitted by October 27.

The Deputy Commissioner has signed a pledge to act on the Surrey Youth Commission’s recommendations

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie-Vesey Thompson

“It can hugely profit the criminal gangs who cause so much misery”: Deputy Commissioner warns of “extremely dangerous” consequences of rural crime

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner says the profits of rural crime are helping to fuel organised crime across the UK.

This week marks National Rural Crime Week, which aims to raise awareness of the issues faced by countryside communities. Ahead of the week of action, Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined Surrey Police’s PC Laura Rowley on a visit to three farms in the east of Surrey to learn more about the key issues affecting rural communities in the county.

Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage were among the top priorities for those living in the Surrey countryside.

Dog attacks on livestock are also a key concern. In Dorking, a farmer lost more than 30 sheep during a single incident. The same farmer also reported young people repeatedly climbing stacked hay bales on his property to light barbecues and causing criminal damage to the bales by cutting them open and strewing the contents around.

Crime warning

In a separate incident, vandals recently trespassed onto land, broke into a pheasant pen and killed a number of the birds, leaving the bodies in a pile for the owners to find the following day.

Theft of plant machinery and specialist GPS units are particularly lucrative for organised crime groups (OCGs). National reports suggest that these OCGs are exploiting current sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of the war with Ukraine to steal farm machinery to order.

During a rural crime conference in London earlier this year, delegates including the Deputy Commissioner heard there are strong links connecting rural offences – including burglaries committed on farmland – to organised crime.

Ellie, who carries the rural crime remit for the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, said: “This issue has a significant impact. Like a stone thrown in a pond, the harm caused can ripple outwards, causing far graver and more widely-reaching consequences than you’d first imagine.

“During the conference I heard from experts including Superintendent Andrew Huddleston, who leads the UK’s National Rural Crime Unit, that this type of offending is fuelled in part by organised crime groups.

“Machinery thefts not only cause financial harm and delays to farm communities, but often result in huge profits to the OCGs responsible.

“We know that organised crime does so much harm to society, and the crimes committed by gangs in rural areas can fund activities including drug and firearms trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

“Offences not linked to OCGs also have a huge impact. For example, youths lighting barbecues in a barn filled with hay might appear to be little more than an annoyance, but this reckless and extremely dangerous act could so easily result in tragedy.

‘It does so much harm’

“The deaths of livestock in dog attacks is not only hugely traumatic for the animals, but can also have a devastating impact on farmers, who are forced to deal with truly horrific scenes. Such incidents also drive up insurance premiums for them, and prices at the supermarket for those who have no connection to rural communities.

“Rural crime does not exist in a vacuum. These offences are serious and alarming, and they can cause huge distress to members of the public who have no connection whatsoever to the initial incident.

“We know rural crime is under-reported, at a direct contrast to how serious this type of crime is to this affected. I urge our countryside communities to report all incidents to Surrey Police.

“I’m hugely proud of our rural crime team, including the fantastic PC Rowley. Each member is dedicated to working with Surrey’s residents to identify offenders and bring them to justice, as well as increasing awareness of the damage this type of criminal behaviour can cause.”

Ellie attended a national conference outlining the links between rural crime and OCGs during the summer

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson speaking at event

“The impact can be truly devastating”: Deputy Commissioner hails community heroes at anti-social behaviour awards ceremony

Posted on | by Alex Winter

At the start of September, we recognised and celebrated colleagues, partners and individuals who have worked hard to help tackle, reduce and resolve anti-social behaviour in Surrey across the last two years.

The evening highlighted best practice partnership working, excellent problem-solving skills and dedicated community engagement and reassurance work. 

Members from partner organisations such as Woking Borough Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team were recognised for their commitment to joint working with officers to investigate and solve numerous ASB incidents.

The reported incidents were coming from a property which was set up during lockdown to house 25 extremely vulnerable people.

Tackling ASB Awards evening.jpg

With a drive to protect the victims, a partial closure order was obtained for three months, which was then extended by another three months, and since the extension was granted, residents have stated that “this is now a nice place to live”.

PC Amy Norman was commended for her fantastic work in Spelthorne. Despite only joining the Neighbourhood Team a year ago, Amy has had a huge positive impact on the community.

After a spate of reports of petty theft and general nuisance to members of the public, it was identified that this was solely being committed by one individual.

Over several months Amy built a positive rapport with the young person and undertook safeguarding checks including regular welfare visits.

As a result of this, a social worker was assigned to the young individual and family, regular meetings with the local school have been put in place and the young person has reduced offending by 80 per cent.

Woking Council ASB team.jpg

Residents in Guildford had been suffering serious ASB issues for several years caused by one residential household.

Police Constables Isobel Parkinson and Madeline Neil began to tackle the problems and rebuild community trust and confidence.

Through their work, 15 anonymous impact statements were taken detailing personal suffering and torment by this resident. 

This resulted in the tenant being taken to court where a Closure Order was put in place and the tenant was evicted from the property.

PC Isobel Parkinson and PC Madeline Neil, along with the brave residents, were celebrated for their commitment to solving a longstanding issue and tackle ASB within their community.

PC Amy Norman.jpg

Jo Grimshaw, head of Anti-Social Behaviour for Surrey Police, said: “It was a fantastic evening and a great opportunity to celebrate and thank those who have worked tirelessly over the last two years to resolve and reduce ASB in their communities. 

“Anti-social behaviour cannot be solved by one agency alone and requires a real partnership approach. The partners that we work with are outstanding and help us to protect victims and ensure the right support is in place.

“Encouraging victims to stand up to and report ASB is paramount, and we are striving to create more resilient and confident communities. 

“I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to all those who attended the event and for their incredible work to combat ASB in Surrey.”

The event was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and Surrey Crimestoppers. 

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who opened the event, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the amazing work that’s being carried out by Surrey Police, partners and members of the public across the county to tackle anti-social behaviour in our communities. 

PC Maddie Neal and PC Izzy Parkinson.jpg

“These awards demonstrate the inspiring work that goes on to support victims and tackle anti-social behaviour by getting to the root cause of issues. 

“The impact of anti-social behaviour can be truly devastating for those affected, and we are dedicated to ensuring both that victims are always at the heart of our response and that serious and persistent offenders are brought to justice. 

“To those who are affected by anti-social behaviour, I urge you not to suffer in silence. Please report incidents to the appropriate agency. We are all here to help.” 

  • The Healthy Surrey website can help you understand what type of ASB you are experiencing, the best agency to report this to and how to access support services. If you feel you are not being listened to, or your ASB is continuing, the website also explains the ASB Case Review and how you can request one.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson centre stands with Surrey Youth Commission members at the first ever Big Conversation Conference

Deputy Commissioner launches first-ever Surrey Youth Commission conference as members give their priorities for policing

Posted on | by Alex Winter

YOUNG people from Surrey have revealed the policing and community safety issues that have the biggest impact on them at a county-wide conference.

The Surrey Youth Commission, which is fully-funded by the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), will help shape the future of crime prevention in the county, and its members have developed a list of priorities for both the Force and the OPCC.

These include substance misuse, violence against women and girls, and cybercrime. Youth commissioners presented their findings at their Big Conversation Conference, which took place in Woking last week.

Since early January, members aged between 14 and 25 have consulted with more than 1,600 of their peers to learn more about the issues affecting young people.

During the conference, they told an audience, which included Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Surrey Police Assistant Chief Constable Ali Barlow, that more must be done to educate young people on county lines drug dealing, sexual consent and being safe online.

Ellie, who has responsibility for children and young people in her remit and launched the Youth Commission last year, said the priorities identified “represent an opportunity for us all to learn and grow”.

She said: “The thoughtful, insightful findings by the Youth Commission allow us to look at the issues that acutely impact Surrey’s young people and really matter to them.

“Some of the priorities chosen by our youth commissioners intersect with those already identified by the Commissioner, including reducing violence against women and girls, mental health, and improving relationships between residents and police.

“However, I was particularly struck by the presentation on substance misuse, which was shockingly described as ‘highly normalised’ amongst our young people.

“I want to reassure our youth commissioners that all that of their hard work over the past few months will not be in vain.

‘Thoughtful and insightful’

“Myself and the Commissioner decided last year that a forum was needed to amplify the voices of young people in this county in an effort to shape the future of policing.

“As a result, we commissioned the services of experts at Leaders Unlocked with the specific aim of putting youth voice right into the heart of what our office and Surrey Police do.

“The youth commissioners have provided a deeply insightful and illuminating set of priorities for us all to work towards, and I am incredibly proud of each of them for representing the opinions of young people in Surrey.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson signed a pledge to act on the Surrey Youth Commission’s recommendations

“Their dedication and generosity in bringing their own experiences to the room proves to me that we should feel enormously positive about the generation of young people who are beginning to make their mark on the world.”

Emily Blavins, project manager for Leaders Unlocked, said: “We are immensely proud of the young people we’ve worked with over the past months.

“The Youth Commission members have conducted really significant research with their peers and have acted as a voice for all young people in Surrey.

“The findings and recommendations for change put forward by the Youth Commission will improve crime and policing for many.”

  • A report authored by the youth commissioners on their findings will be available to read within the coming weeks.

Ellie has told of her pride at the work achieved by the Youth Commissioners

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing next to the sign for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, with the new young Crimestoppers Fearless worker Ryan Hines.

Deputy Commissioner welcomes new fully-funded Fearless worker dedicated to teaching young people that “criminality isn’t glamorous”

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A YOUTH worker whose role is fully-funded thanks to Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner says he wants charity Fearless to become a household name.

Ryan Hines works to educate young people about the consequences of their choices on behalf of Fearless, the youth arm of Crimestoppers.

As part of his role, Ryan offers non-judgemental advice on how to give information about crime 100 per cent anonymously by using a secure online form on the charity’s website Fearless.org, or by calling 0800 555 111.

He also visits schools, pupil referral units, colleges, universities and youth clubs to deliver workshops that show young people how crime can affect them, either as a victim or as a perpetrator, attends community events, and builds partnerships with youth-focused organisations.

Ryan Hines works to educate young people about the consequences of their choices on behalf of Fearless, the youth arm of Crimestoppers

Ryan’s role is funded through the Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund, which supports a range of projects across Surrey.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson met with Ryan at Surrey Police’s Guildford HQ last week.

She said: “Fearless is a fantastic service that reaches thousands of young people across the county.

“The role recently taken on by Ryan helps to empower our young people to make their communities safer.

“Ryan is able to tailor his message based on the most impactful crime in any given area, whether that’s county lines exploitation, anti-social behaviour, car theft, or another type of offending.

‘Ryan helps to empower our young people’

“This allows Ryan to speak to young people in a way that makes it directly relevant to the issues that impact their lives.

“We know that the idea of talking to the police directly can be challenging for young people, particularly if they’re already involved in criminal activity. For those people, Fearless is invaluable, and I’d like to reiterate the hugely important message that information can be given entirely anonymously.

“Fearless also helps to inform young people about crime, encourages them to talk honestly, and provides honest information about criminal activity and its consequences.”

Ryan said: “My ultimate aim is to ensure Fearless becomes a buzzword for young people.

“I want it to be part of everyday conversations in the way that my own peer group discussed Childline.

‘Buzzword’ mission

“Our message is simple, but it’s crucial. Young people can be very reluctant to contact the police, so the education Fearless can provide is critical. The charity offers an 100 per cent guarantee that all information given will remain anonymous, and our charity is independent of the police.

“We want to give all young people a voice and debunk myths that a criminal lifestyle is anything to glamorise.

“Many of those who are exploited don’t realise they’re victims until it’s too late. Giving them the information they need as early as possible is key to prevent this happening.”

For more information on the work Ryan is doing in Surrey, or to arrange a Fearless training session, visit crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless/professionals/outreach-sessions

Ellie has responsibility for children and young people in her remit