Category: Funding

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend stands beside a large blue sign that reads 'Welcome to Surrey Police headquarters'. Her hands are clasped and she is smiling at the camera. Lisa is wearing pink trousers and a green long-sleeved top.

“Back-to-basics policing is the cornerstone”: Commissioner launches new Police and Crime Plan for Surrey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has unveiled a new blueprint for policing in the county over the next three years.

The Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan sets out the priorities she wants Surrey Police to concentrate on during the rest of her current term of office, which ends in 2028.

The Plan features a focus on ‘back to basics’ policing, preventing violence against women and girls, protecting Surrey’s most vulnerable residents, and ensuring the accountability, integrity and wellbeing of the Force’s officers and staff.

It was created following an extensive consultation period where nearly 3,000 residents gave their views, together with community groups, businesses, partners and victims’ services.

Police and Crime Commissioners are required to produce a Police and Crime Plan every four years and it will form the basis upon which Lisa holds the Chief Constable to account for the policing service Surrey Police provide.

Surrey Police is one of the fastest-improving forces in the country having more than doubled its charge rate in the past 12 months, with an additional 3,500 offences prosecuted.

Charges for burglary, assault, retail crime, rape and child abuse have significantly increased, and an additional 2,500 arrests have been made across all crime types.

But the Commissioner said there are challenges ahead. The Force has to find around £18million in savings over the next four years, while criminal justice delays are putting additional pressure on victims’ services.

The Force is also facing increasing demand on ‘hidden’ crime, such as domestic abuse, fraud, and the online exploitation of children, which target some of the most vulnerable people in Surrey.



Force among fastest-improving

Lisa said: “My mission as your Police and Crime Commissioner is clear.

“I want Surrey Police to focus on tackling those crimes that blight our local communities, while also taking persistent offenders off our streets.

“I promised that we would return to a ‘back to basics’ approach to policing, and this pledge forms the cornerstone of my Police and Crime Plan.

“Fighting crime, getting tough on offenders, and protecting Surrey’s most vulnerable residents must be at the heart of the Force’s priorities in the coming years.

“We carried out extensive consultation with residents, community groups, business leaders and victims’ services, as well as hosting 12 in-person and online Policing Your Community events over the autumn and winter.



‘Back to basics’

“I have heard loud and clear what those who live and work in Surrey want to see their policing teams do in our communities and they are making great progress.

“Surrey Police is one of the fastest-improving forces in the country, with 3,500 additional charges across all crime types in 12 months, as well as 2,500 more arrests.

“Charges for some of the crime types that are particularly important to residents, such as child abuse, burglary and retail crime, have dramatically improved.

“It is crucial that this fantastic progress is sustained so we can continue taking the fight to criminals who seek to gain a foothold in our communities.

“Surrey remains a wonderful place in which to live and work, and I am committed to working with the Chief Constable to deliver on the priorities outlined in my Plan.”

155 arrests, 25 years in prison for offenders and 10kg of suspected cocaine seized – Safer Redhill celebrates a year of success

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A YEAR of partnership working in Redhill has led to 25 years in prison for offenders and the seizure of 10kg of suspected cocaine.

Safer Redhill, an initiative designed to cut crime and foster pride in the town, brings together Surrey Police, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and YMCA East Surrey, as well as local business and community partners.

The initiative is supported by funding secured through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, including £265,000 of Safer Streets funding and £58,000 from the Community Safety Fund.

The project adopts the College of Policing’s ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ framework, a three-stage approach where police ‘clear’ offenders from Redhill and work in tandem with interventions from partners to ensure it remains that way.

Campaign’s success

From joint drugs operations at Redhill train station to plain clothed officers deployed at night to spot suspicious behaviour, a huge range of activity has had extensive results, including:

  • 155 arrests for offences including assaults, burglary, drink driving, drug supply and shoplifting
  • 93 charges, of which 81 were charged and remanded
  • A combined prison time of 25 years for local offenders, with many more still to appear for trial
  • Two Criminal Behaviour Orders issued for anti-social behaviour and 80 Community Resolutions issued for offences such as possession of a small quantity of drugs, low value and first time shoplifting offences and minor public order incidents
  • Over £7,000 worth of fines, court costs and victim surcharges issued by the courts
  • 86 drug seizures, including 10kg of suspected cocaine
  • £89,000 cash recovered and weapons taken off the streets
  • 15 vehicles seized and driving disqualification penalties issued that total 8.5 years.

Alongside enforcement activity, the local policing team has built strong relationships within the town, from engaging with students at colleges and holding Meet the Beat sessions to licensing visits with the council’s Joint Enforcement Team.

‘Incredibly proud’

Borough Commander Jon Vale said: “I’m incredibly proud of the efforts of all our partners to address crime in Redhill and help people feel safer in the town.

“It’s a team effort and I’m grateful to all the businesses, organisations and residents who are supporting this project to take pride in Redhill.

“When our communities look at the number of arrests and charges we’ve made over the past year, I want to reassure residents that it’s through the work we’ve been doing that we’re able to seek out and clear this crime from the town.

“Surrey remains one of the safest counties in the UK and our enforcement activities have had a strong impact in Redhill. Since we began our increased police activity, we’ve seen a significant decrease in crimes such as shoplifting, sexual assaults, serious attacks, robbery and anti-social behaviour.”

Safer Redhill aims to have a lasting impact and there is significant work going on to improve the area.

Lasting impact

Local initiatives include solar lighting and a mural designed by young people in Memorial Park, detached youth work by the YMCA and women’s self defence classes by Redhill Boxing Club.

The latest addition to the town will be the installation of two bleed kits by the Safer Redhill partnership, which have been installed next to defibrillators as part of the town’s provision to support people in medical emergencies.

Results from the Force’s regular neighbourhood survey indicate these changes are making a difference, showing an increase in the community’s trust and confidence in the police.

Surrey Police will soon launch a bespoke survey for residents and visitors to Redhill to tell officers where to focus their continued efforts.

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, at Guildford train station with the Street Angels

20 ambulance call-outs averted each year by the team with pockets full of lollipops – meet the Street Angels

Posted on | by Alex Winter

THOUSANDS of conversations, 20 ambulance calls averted – and 3,500 lollipops handed out.

These are just some of the successes achieved by Guildford’s Street Angel volunteers every year.

The team, managed by Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy, receive a crucial £5,000 grant each year from Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend‘s Community Safety Fund for a coordinator.

And last week, the Commissioner joined a Saturday night shift.

During the evening, Lisa and the team helped a young man who’d had too much to drink, visited the train station to make sure travellers were safe, and picked up glass bottles that could otherwise be used as weapons.

The volunteers give their time once a month between 11pm and 4am on a Friday or Saturday night to provide practical care and support to anyone who may have found themselves in a vulnerable state.

They help those who are intoxicated, homeless, or victims of assault – and are perhaps best-known for their pockets filled with lollipops.

Lisa has often supported the Angels with grants, most recently contributing £500 for volunteer uniforms, first aid kits, emergency blankets and flip-flops.

Volunteers have been giving their time for the past 17 years. The current team of 50 encounter 3,400 people, including 50 homeless people, and pick up more than 3,100 bottles in an average year. During their shifts, they walk around 10,000 steps.

Anyone interested in volunteering is urged to contact the Chaplaincy via their website, gtcc.org.uk/street-angels/

Lisa said: “I’m so proud to support the Street Angels, who make such a positive difference in Guildford.

Meet the Angels

“This evening, we’ve visited the train station, where we know trouble can happen during the evenings. We’ve spoken with door staff at a range of venues around the town and stopped to chat to young people enjoying their night out.

“The Angels all give their time to make sure their community is safe.

“Most people will know them for the lollipops, as well as the flip-flops they give to those who have given up on uncomfortable shoes, but all who encounter the team will remember their kindness and care.

“I’d encourage anyone with an interest to visit the team’s website and sign up for a trial volunteer shift.”

Lisa Townsend, Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, stands in front of a large building with a Surrey County Council sign on it. She wears a tan coat with red sleeves. Her hands are clasped in front of her and she is looking straight ahead at the camera

Commissioner says Surrey Police will be properly funded to fight crime after council tax rise goes ahead

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said policing teams in Surrey will be properly funded to tackle those crimes important to residents after it was confirmed her proposed council tax rise will go ahead earlier today.

The Commissioner’s suggested 4.3% increase in the policing element of the council tax, known as the precept, was discussed this morning at a meeting of the county’s Police and Crime Panel at Woodhatch Place in Reigate.

The nine members of the Panel present, made up of local councillors and one independent member, voted on the Commissioner’s proposal with four votes in favour and four votes against with one abstention. The Chair of the Panel cast the deciding vote against.

However, there were insufficient votes to veto the proposal and the Panel accepted the Commissioner’s precept will come into effect.

Lisa said Surrey Police are one of the fastest-improving forces in the country and today’s decision means they can continue that momentum over the coming year.

Precept to rise

In the last 12 months, Surrey Police has more than doubled its charge rate, with an additional 3,500 offences being prosecuted.

It has also made over 2,500 more arrests and made dramatic improvements in tackling offences important to residents such as burglary, shoplifting, child abuse and rape.

During January, the Commissioner’s office carried out a public survey in which more than 3,200 people took part and gave their views on the proposed precept increase.

Residents were asked whether they would be prepared to pay the suggested £14 extra a year on their council tax bill. 59% of respondents said they would be willing to pay the £14 increase while 41% voted against it.

The policing element of an average Band D Council Tax bill will now be set at £337.57, an increase of £14 a year or £1.16 a month. It equates to around a 4.3% increase across all council tax bands.

Charge rate doubles

One of the Commissioner’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police. That includes determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county which funds the Force together with a grant from central government. 

For every pound of the precept level set, Surrey Police is funded by an extra half a million pounds.

But even with the increase this year, the Commissioner said Surrey Police will still need to find around £18m of savings over the next four years and that she would continue to work with the Force to provide the best value for money for residents.

The Commissioner will shortly launch her new Police and Crime Plan for Surrey for the next three years, the draft of which was also discussed at today’s panel meeting.

The Plan will focus on a more ‘back to basics’ approach which the Commissioner said will concentrate on what policing does best – fighting crime in our local communities, getting tough on offenders and protecting people.

‘Back to basics’

Lisa said while it is great news that Surrey Police are arresting more criminals, delays in the criminal justice system mean that victims are waiting longer for those cases to come to court.

A small proportion of the precept will be used to help fund some of the amazing services in the county that Lisa says “provide truly life-changing support to victims of crime in Surrey”.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Surrey Police has been one of the fastest improving forces in the country over the last year and I am determined to ensure that brilliant progress is sustained.

“That is why it is so vital our policing teams are given the right support and I am delighted that that my precept proposal will go ahead following today’s meeting. 

“The contributions the Surrey public make are absolutely crucial in helping our hard-working officers and staff tackle those crimes I know are so important to people in our local communities.  

“Your views are invaluable”

“Asking the public for more money in the current financial climate is one of the toughest calls I have to make as Police and Crime Commissioner for this county, and it is not a decision I take lightly.

“But I know from speaking to residents at our recent Policing Your Community events how much they value that visible policing presence and getting a swift and effective police response when they need it.

“This was echoed in the comments made in our council tax survey, in which 59% of respondents who took part said they would be willing to pay the increase to support our policing teams over the next year.

“I want to thank everyone who took part and shared their views – they are invaluable for shaping our policing strategies going forward.

“I am currently putting the finishing touches to my new Police and Crime Plan for the county, which will focus on a ‘back to basics’ approach to policing in our communities.

“Today’s decision will mean our officers and staff will be properly supported to continue to take the fight to criminals and deliver on the priorities in that Plan to make our communities even safer for Surrey residents.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend stand next to each other in front of a building with a Surrey County Council sign on it. Both women have their hands clasped in front of them. Ellie, standing on the left, wears a black jumper and red skirt, while Lisa wears a tan coat with red cuffs. Both women are looking straight at the camera.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, on left, and Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, on right, pictured in front of the Surrey County Council HQ at Woodhatch

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

“Fantastic” hub tackling domestic abuse in Surrey will remain open as new funding is secured

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A new service that aims to tackle domestic abuse by working to change the behaviour of perpetrators will continue to be funded, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has announced.

Steps to Change, which draws together experts from a range of organisations focused on violence in the home, opened to clients last year after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner secured £2million from the last government.

Funding had been due to run out this spring, and Lisa had called on the Labour Government to commit to continued funding for all Surrey organisations.

It has now been confirmed that Home Office funding for the hub, which is managed by Interventions Alliance, will continue until March 2026. The funding will support all three services responsible for delivering Steps to Change interventions – the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership, Interventions Alliance and Waythrough.

The service accepts self-referrals, as well as referrals through social care, GPs, delayed prosecution scheme Checkpoint, and the police.

Service to continue

As well as helping perpetrators to address abuse, experts work with victims, as well as children who are using violence or abusive behaviours.

A range of options are available to those who use the service, including programmes on healthy relationships and interventions for compulsive or obsessive behaviours.

Young people aged between 11 and 18 who access the hub are supported with specialist programmes.

It comes as Surrey Police significantly increases its overall charge rate.

Charges for offences related to violence against women and girls (VAWG), rape and child abuse have doubled, and the Force now among the fastest improving nationally for serious sexual offences and stalking and harassment.

Charges rise

Lisa directly helps fund a number of Surrey-based services, including the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, the Victim and Witness Care Unit, and the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership.

Lisa said: “I’m absolutely delighted that this fantastic service will continue to operate.

“As well as supporting survivors of abuse, this hub aims to change the lives of entire families by working with perpetrators to change violent and controlling behaviour for good.

“The service aims to ensure that no one ‘falls through the gap’ because there isn’t appropriate and available provision for them.

“Surrey Police has substantially increased its charging rate for offences specifically targeting women and girls in the past 12 months, and we must be ready to support victims, as well as to directly deal with offending.

“Abuse at home can leave a stain that marks generations, and supporting prevention is vital.”

Commissioner Lisa Townsend wears a long-sleeved dress, and has her hands clasped in front of her. Chief Constable Tim De Meyer stands to Lisa's left. He is wearing his uniform and smiling at the camera. He holds his police hat in his right hand. Between Lisa and Tim is a colourful waist-height sign that reads 'Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey'

Would you be prepared to pay a little extra council tax to maintain policing improvements? Have your say!

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking Surrey residents whether they would be prepared to pay a little extra to support the county’s “fastest-improving” police service over the coming year.

In the last 12 months, Surrey Police has more than DOUBLED its charge rate, with an additional 3,500 offences being prosecuted. It has also made over 2,500 more arrests and made dramatic improvements in tackling offences important to residents such as burglary, shoplifting, child abuse and rape.

The Commissioner says this has made Surrey Police one of the fastest-improving forces in the country.

But in order to maintain this momentum, protect victims and continue to make our communities even safer, Lisa says Surrey Police desperately need funding to ensure that hard work isn’t undone.  

Those who live in Surrey are being invited to fill in a brief survey on whether they would support an increase of a little over £1 extra a month on an average council tax bill for 2025/26.

Have your say here.

One of the Commissioner’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police. That includes determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, known as the precept, which funds the Force together with a grant from central government. 

In December, the Government announced their policing settlement for the next financial year which stated that Police and Crime Commissioners are allowed to request an additional £14 per Band D property.

This equates to little over £1.16 a month on an average household, or 4.3 per cent across all council tax bands.

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

The Commissioner said that the contributions the Surrey public make through their council tax contributions are “absolutely vital” and have been paying dividends over the last 12 months.

Burglary and assault with injury charges have both increased by 90 per cent, while shoplifting charges have increased four-fold with 876 more offences charged across the county.

Charge rates for offences related to violence against women and girls (VAWG), rape and child abuse have doubled, and the Force now among the fastest improving nationally for serious sexual offences and stalking and harassment.

There have been 20 per cent more arrests year-on-year,​ with an average of 50 more per week, while the number of outstanding suspects has reduced by a third.

‘Impressive’

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said: “When I set the police budget last year, I pledged that Surrey residents’ council tax contributions would be focused on what policing does best – fighting crime in our local communities, getting tough on offenders and protecting people.  

“The progress we have seen over the last 12 months has been really impressive. The charge rate has been doubled and huge strides have been made in tackling those crimes important to our residents such as burglary, shoplifting and violence against women and girls

“The Chief Constable’s plan is working, and Surrey Police is one of the fastest improving forces in the country. But there is still more to do.

“During our recent Policing Your Community roadshow, residents told me loud and clear how they value that visible local policing presence in their communities and getting a swift and effective police response when they need it.

Survey launches

“I want to ensure our local policing teams are properly funded so we can continue to improve that service to our communities.

“While it is great news that Surrey Police are arresting more criminals, and long may that continue, delays in the criminal justice system mean that victims are waiting longer for those cases to come to court.

“These can be some of the most vulnerable people in our society and it is really important that we properly support them through this difficult process. I want to ensure we invest in those fantastic services in the county that provide truly life-changing support to those victims of crime in Surrey.

“In order to achieve this and maintain the success of the last year, I need to make sure our police teams have the right resources in the face of some difficult financial challenges.

Have your say

“The reality is that the government settlement this year will not cover the increased costs we continue to face in Surrey, and we must make up a shortfall in both the police officers’ pay increase and the rise in employers National Insurance.

“The Force is making every effort to find efficiencies across the board to ensure we provide the very best value for money for our residents. But they still must find in the region of £18m in savings over the next four years. 

“That is why I must balance the burden on the public with ensuring I give the Chief Constable the tools to keep the Force’s head above water and continue to take the fight to criminals in our county.

“Any gap in funding will mean further savings having to be made, including cuts to the workforce. The Force may have no choice but to reduce some of the services which the public value the most – such as taking calls, investigating crimes and detaining suspects.

Force improvements

“Our policing teams do a fantastic job keeping our communities safe. I want Surrey Police to build on the brilliant progress they have made over the last year and continue to tackle those issues that are priorities for you.

“It is important to me to find out what Surrey residents think and whether they would be willing to pay a little extra to support our policing teams again this year.

“So I would ask everyone to take a minute to fill out our brief survey and give me their views.” 

The council tax survey will close at midnight on 1 February 2025. For more information, visit this link.

You can also read an open letter from the Commissioner here, and find frequently asked questions here.

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, stands at a lecturn in front of a crowd of people. She is speaking into a microphone, and beside her is a big screen which shows her name and the words, Is Surrey Safe For Women? The question is also the title of the conference Lisa is speaking at.

Commissioner’s plea to Government over funding cliff-edge – as Surrey Police records “dramatic” improvements

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has called for the Government to commit to further funding for organisations tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence – as the county’s police force dramatically increases its charging rate for offenders.

Speaking on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, Lisa Townsend said some Surrey services are facing a funding cliff-edge.

Woking-based Steps To Change, which draws together experts from a range of organisations focused on violence in the home, opened this year after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner secured £2million from the last government.

The hub, managed by Interventions Alliance, works with perpetrators to prevent domestic abuse.

Call to action

However, the new Labour government has not yet revealed its plans for further funding, with the current tranche for Steps To Change currently set to run out next spring.

Lisa, who recently joined the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips MP, at a Downing Street roundtable, said many services are reliant on the Government’s support.

Lisa directly helps fund a number of Surrey-based services, including the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, the Victim and Witness Care Unit, and the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership.

The Commissioner’s call for clarity comes as Surrey Police substantially increases its charging rate for offences specifically targeting women and girls.

“Dramatic” improvements

In the past 12 months, solved outcomes for serious sexual violence have almost doubled, and there has been a 59 per cent increase in charges for domestic abuse.

This time last year, Surrey Police was 32nd of the 43 police forces in England and Wales when it came to charges and summons for offences involving violence against women and girls. It is now seventh.

The Commissioner said: “Significant and dramatic improvements in the Force’s charge rate have been recorded in the past 12 months.

“Preventing violence against women and girls is a key priority for both myself and Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, and I am hugely proud of the considerable work that has gone into achieving these changes.

Funding cliff-edge

“Now, we need the Government to commit to funding the organisations that change perpetrator behaviour and support survivors of violence.

“While Surrey remains one of the safest counties in the UK, we know that nationally, violence against women and girls is an epidemic that policing alone cannot solve.

“Clarity and reassurance is urgently needed for those waiting with bated breath to find out whether they will face a funding cliff-edge next year.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

Car park flagged as concern by residents wins award after funding is secured by Commissioner

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A car park highlighted by Surrey residents as an area of concern has received a national award following extensive renovations.

Drewitts Court car park in Walton-on-Thames benefited from a tranche of Home Office Safer Streets Funding, secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and partners including Elmbridge Borough Council.

An extensive programme of renovations was carried out with the grant, and the site has now secured a Safer Parking Award.

The award is a national standard for UK car parks that have implemented measures to ensure the safety of both vehicles and their owners.

Safer Streets success

Managed by the British Parking Association (BPA) on behalf of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives Ltd, the scheme aims to reduce crime and the fear of crime in parking facilities.

To receive the award, car parks must undergo a rigorous risk assessment conducted by the police. This assessment ensures that the car park has appropriate measures in place, such as effective surveillance, good lighting, and a clean environment, all of which are known to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.

The award signifies that a car park is a safer environment for users, providing peace of mind for those parking their vehicles there.

Car park improvements

The enhancements include:

  • Upgraded lighting for better visibility
  • New directional arrows to improve traffic flow
  • Reviewed and improved speed humps
  • A refurbished stairwell with a fresh coat of paint, new mirrors, and the application of urine repellent and anti-graffiti paints
  • Temporary deployment of CCTV to enhance security

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “It’s been wonderful to see how the team in Elmbridge have used Safer Streets funding to invest in the safety and health of communities in the borough.

“Residents had told police and councillors of their concerns around the Drewitts Court car park, and the improvements made demonstrate the real impact that properly directed funding can have. 

“I’m delighted that the efforts of the team have been recognised with a Safer Parking Award.”

Councillor Kirsty Hewens, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Parking and Local Economy, said: “Keeping residents safe and enhancing the feeling of safety is a key priority for the Elmbridge Community and Safety Partnership.

“We want people to feel safe visiting our high street car parks at all times of day.”

Funding boost

Walton was one of three Surrey towns to be allocated a combined total of almost £1million last year as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund. Redhill and Guildford also benefited from the grant.

In Walton, the funding is being used to tackle anti-social behaviour in public spaces after drugs, vandalism and littering were identified as particular concerns for residents.

Additional CCTV has been installed in the town, and a targeted youth outreach programme is under way.

The fund has also paid for improvements to the community garden at St Johns Drive in Walton, which now features new flowerbeds, vegetable patches and a bug hotel to encourage wildlife and support biodiversity in the area.

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

Commissioner Lisa Townsend standing in a pink top and smart trousers outside in front of a white sign that says Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Walton blooms as Safer Streets grant funds improvements to community garden, CCTV and car park

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Walton-on-Thames is in bloom this summer – thanks to funding secured by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and key partners to make Surrey’s streets feel safer for all.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend has officially reopened the Walton Community Garden in the St John Estate after the town benefited from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.

Walton, Redhill and Guildford last year secured just under £1million in total through the fund, which was secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Elmbridge Borough Council and other key partners.

In Walton town centre and Walton North, the funding is being used to tackle anti-social behaviour in public spaces after drugs, vandalism and littering were identified as particular concerns for residents. Additional CCTV has been installed in the town, and a targeted youth outreach programme is under way.

In bloom

The fund has also paid for improvements to the community garden, which now features new flowerbeds, vegetable patches and a bug hotel to encourage wildlife and support biodiversity in the area.

Lisa said: “It was a real joy to join the celebrations at the community garden.

“The work that has been carried out in Walton-on-Thames so far is a fantastic example of the difference properly-directed funding can make to our communities.”

Councillor Kirsty Hewens, portfolio holder for enterprise, parking and local economy on Elmbridge Borough Council, said: “It has been wonderful to be part of the re-opening celebration today and to meet residents that will enjoy this garden.

“A real joy”

“It is important for the local community to have a safe and peaceful space to meet, and this garden will provide that space.” 

The Commissioner took part in a series of activities on the day, including pebble painting and bracelet making.

St John residents also played tennis and enjoyed complimentary pizza from The Dough Shack. 

Representatives from Crimestoppers, Citizens’ Advice, Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue also attended, with firefighters giving tours of their fire engine to visitors of all ages.

The community garden will remain open for all residents to pot, water, and grow plants, enabling new skills and providing a safe, secluded space to meet.