Category: Funding

The image shows Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman who is wearing a white top, looking directly into the camera. Behind her is a backdrop which reads, 'Welcome to Surrey Police.'

Taxpayers could foot the bill to fund officer pay rise after ‘flawed funding formula used to calculate cost’

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY taxpayers could end up footing part of a £2.2million bill for an increase in police officer pay after the Government calculated its costs based on a “deeply flawed” funding formula, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned.

Lisa Townsend says that while the pay rise is “well deserved”, not enough central funding has been provided to cover the cost of the increase.

As a result, the precept – which is the part of council tax that supports policing – could go up to cover the shortfall.

During the summer, it was confirmed that the Government had accepted recommendations from the Police Remuneration Review Body to increase the pay award for all ranks, up to and including Chief Superintendent, by 4.2 per cent.  

Funding formula

Last week, Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones MP confirmed forces in England and Wales would receive a share of £120million in 2025/26 to support policing with part of the cost of the police officer pay increase. 

This is being distributed by a national funding formula, rather than by officer headcount. Surrey receives the lowest settlement of all police forces under the formula.

The £1.3m grant allocated to Surrey Police will cover the first year of the pay rise. After that point, there will be a £2.2m shortfall, with no further funding provided for future years.

This means that the additional £2.2m cost, equivalent to £4.50 on council tax, will need to be found as savings which will be added to Force’s costs in 2026/27 and beyond.  

Pay increase

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “There is no doubt that this pay increase is well-deserved. Our officers work tirelessly to keep Surrey safe, and I’m delighted that their efforts are being recognised by the Government. 

“I’d also like to pay tribute to the brilliant work of police staff including 999 and 101 call-takers, PCSOs and designated detention officers, whose pay increase will not be funded by the Government. 

“However, this wage increase for officers, as welcome as it is, exceeds the salary increases budgeted for by many forces, including Surrey.

“As I warned over the summer, the Government grant does not factor in costs like pensions and overtime. 

Commissioner’s concern

“I feared that the grant would be allocated by the outdated and deeply-flawed police funding formula, rather than by officer headcount, and I am sad that my concerns were well-founded. 

“Surrey receives the lowest settlement of all forces, placing an unacceptably high duty on taxpayers.

“We have been promised reform to the funding formula time and time again by successive governments, and yet it has never happened.

“Root and branch review to make this system fairer is urgently needed. 

“It simply must be sustainable”

“Just 45 per cent of Surrey Police’s total budget is covered by the Government.

“The remaining 55 per cent is provided through the precept – the highest burden on taxpayers in the country. Soon I will be asking for their views on how much they’re willing to contribute for 2026/27. 

“Once again, I call on the Government to provide further clarity on future funding for the pay rise.  

“It simply must be sustainable, or – in both Surrey and across England and Wales – forces could face financial challenges that directly impact the delivery of policing and future planning.” 

Anti-social behaviour, hate crime and safety at night: The big issues for Surrey’s young people

Posted on | by Alex Winter

MORE than 1,600 children and young people from across Surrey have had their say on the crime and policing issues that matter most to them. 

Anti-social behaviour, safety at night, hate crime and mental health were among the key issues raised at the Surrey Youth Commission’s annual Big Conversation Conference last week. 

The forum, funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and led by Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, aims to put youth voice at the heart of policing in Surrey. 

Members of the Youth Commission consulted peers for their views on a range of topics. Events were held at venues including the University of Surrey, the YMCA, Friday Night Projects at youth clubs, and Surrey Police’s Neighbourhood Conference. 



Youth voice

The findings were presented at an event attended by representatives from Surrey Police, as well as a wide range of partners including the NHS, local authorities, and charities.  

Over the course of the coming year, the Commission will work with partners to deliver campaigns based on their priorities. 

The Deputy Commissioner said: “I am once again really impressed by, and proud of, our Youth Commission members for the incredible amount of work they have done to identify the top issues affecting their peers. 

“Their findings provide us with an invaluable picture of how young people really feel about living in Surrey. This is an age group that often feels as if their voices go unheard. 

“We care very deeply”

“There is a common misconception that young people need to be treated differently, or that their concerns are somehow unique or different.  

“However, I know that what matters to young people is often the same as what matters to residents of all ages.

“Many of the priorities highlighted by the Youth Commission this year align with the concerns I hear from residents of all ages across the county. 

“The turnout at the Big Conversation Conference shows how many of us from policing and other services care very deeply about supporting these young people in making positive change.

Deputy’s pride

“I look forward to seeing what we can help them achieve next year. 

“Everyone involved should be proud of the work they have achieved this year. I am very proud of them.” 

Former Youth Commission member Zara Wainwright, who now helps to manage the group in Surrey, said: “We are building our relationships in the county to connect with more young people than ever before. 

“We received more than 1,600 responses this year, and we’re so grateful to everyone who contributed through peer-to-peer discussions, online surveys, and our interactive workshops designed to spark real conversations.” 

The image shows a large group of people standing on a path in front of a low bridge. The bridge is painted in purples and blues. In front of the group is a ribbon, and one of the people in the image - Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend - has a pair of scissors in her hand. The group are looking into the camera and smiling.

Commissioner unveils new mural on Epsom footpath highlighted as a concern by residents

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has unveiled a new mural along an Epsom footpath connecting a train station with one of the county’s largest colleges.

Lisa Townsend contributed to the artwork in Epsom through her Community Safety Fund. The painting was created in response to reports of anti-social behaviour and robbery on the public path connecting Nescot College to Ewell East station.

Concerns about the alleyway were raised to Epsom & Ewell’s Community Safety Partnership’s Joint Action Group. The council then applied to Lisa for funding, and work began in September.

The mural was designed and painted by Positive Arts in collaboration with art and design students from Nescot.

It features key elements from the college’s 70-year history, including images from old prospectus covers, the Spirit of the Wind image from the old logo, and local flora and fauna.


Artwork unveiled

Lisa said: “It’s really important to me that residents in Surrey are safe in their communities, and that they feel safe too.

“The footpath between Nescot and the Ewell East Train Station was highlighted by residents as a location of concern, and I have meetings about this issue with partners including Surrey Police teams, college leaders and officers from British Transport Police.

“The beautiful mural aims to reclaim this public space, which is used by both students and residents. Improvements to lighting, police patrols and additional private security will also bolster community safety and crime prevention in the area.

“There are seven murals within Epsom and Ewell, each of which helps to foster pride in our communities. I’m delighted to have been able to contribute to the borough’s latest artwork.”

“Foster pride”

Councillor Shanice Goldman, who chairs the council’s Crime and Disorder Committee, said: “This community mural is a fantastic example of how multiple partners can work together for the betterment of the community.

“It is also a valuable step forward in combatting anti-social behaviour by rejuvenating an unloved, run down part of the borough and instilling a sense of pride and ownership of the area in the students.”

“The council has commissioned a number of murals across the borough as part of our Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy over the past year, and these have already had a positive impact on reducing anti-social behaviour, such as reducing graffiti tagging.

“I hope this latest mural will achieve similar results.” 

The image is a panoramic photo of a bridge over a public footpath. The bridge has been painted with images relating to Nescot College - it has bright colours and images from the college's history.
The image shows a group of people facing the camera and smiling. In the centre of the group is Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman who wears a blue denim shirt and white trousers.

Clean clothes, a place to sleep and 27,000 hot meals: Inside Camberley’s Hope Hub

Posted on | by Alex Winter

OVER the past six years, staff and volunteers at a Camberley charity have helped ex-offenders get back into work, provided a safe home for rough sleepers – and cooked up an astonishing 27,000 hot meals. 

The Hope Hub is part-funded by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who recently approved a grant from her Reducing Reoffending Fund to support the service until 2028. The total award is £84,000 over three years, or £28,000 for this financial year.

The Hub, part of Surrey County Council’s Changing Futures programme, aims to prevent and end homelessness in Surrey Heath and the surrounding areas.

Service’s impact

Between April 2024 and March 2025 alone, the Hub has: 

  • Supported 269 people, 198 of whom struggle with their mental health 
  • Housed 98 of the 102 rough sleepers it has supported in that timeframe 
  • Provided more than 5,000 meals 
  • Delivered 776 food parcels to Surrey Heath residents in need of support 
  • Helped 222 people with debt management 
  • Secured employment for 14 people 

The charity also manages a seven-bedroom home in Camberley where rough sleepers are provided with short-term accommodation of between six and eight weeks. 

Support for those in need

Staff offer both practical and pastoral support, including the use of washing machines, dryers and warm showers, as well as training courses and classes in cooking, money management and how to pay for utilities. 

One pensioner found sleeping in a van was helped to open a bank account, get ID, access his pension, and secure safe accommodation. 

In addition, each Christmas the charity dedicates funding to ensuring everyone in need has accommodation for the festive period, as well as a Christmas dinner and useful, practical gifts. 

When a client needs medical care, staff also visit hospitals with them.  

Commissioner’s pride

The Commissioner said: “It is difficult to overstate how proud I am to support organisations like The Hope Hub. 

“Without fanfare, staff and volunteers are changing the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents for the better. 

“This tireless work means that, even when a person has complex needs or a challenging background, they don’t fall through the gaps between services. 

“Almost 50 per cent of the Hub’s clients are ex-offenders who need support to re-enter the workforce. These are people who, with help, can stay out of the criminal justice system for good. 

“Goosebumps”

“During my visit, I met with a member of the team who helps clients train for employment. She told me that her work developing skills and building confidence gives her ‘goosebumps’ – a feeling I experienced as I listened to her speak. 

“Reducing reoffending is a key priority for me, and it matters to every single Surrey resident. 

“I am delighted to be able to contribute to The Hope Hub’s ongoing successful work.” 

For more information, visit thehopehub.org.uk 

The image shows five people standing on a small footbridge above a pond. All are looking into the camera and smiling. The bridge stands in a beautiful garden, with greenery all around.

Inside the secret garden where young people suffering with their mental health can speak to experts

Posted on | by Alex Winter

THIS is the secret garden where children and young people who are suffering with their mental health can speak to experts. 

Charity Eikon, which is based in the grounds of Fullbrook School, New Haw, aims to prevent young people from getting to crisis point. 

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, has recently awarded £20,000 from her Community Safety Fund towards the first year of the organisation’s Family Wellbeing Service.  

The scheme, which is free and not limited by postcode, will provide tailored support to 3,550 families with additional needs over the next five years.

Those who need extra help from Eikon’s 100 staff and volunteers are invited to the garden, which has transformed from an overgrown, unused plot into an idyllic landscaped park.

A gallery of images showing a garden. At the centre of the gallery is an image of five people - among them Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson - standing on a bridge. Around that image are pictures of owls and birds carved from wood, a bird house, lillies in a pond, a small pumpkin, roses, a tree carved with the word 'transform' and a rose.

Secret garden

The redesign was organised by a teenage student, who came to the charity for help when she was being bullied. After she asked to sit outside, but was unable to, she was offered the opportunity to lead the project. 

Eikon also recruited a horticulturalist from RHS Wisley to design the grounds, which now feature vegetable beds, carved sculptures, a winding pathway and a pond complete with a bridge. 

Lisa and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson visited Eikon in August, where they were given a tour by founder and chief executive Chris Hickford MBE. 

It is believed that one in five young people in Surrey are struggling with their mental health, which contributes to issues including substance misuse and higher levels of youth-related crime and disorder. 

Commissioner’s pride

The Commissioner said: “I have been proud to support Eikon through my Community Safety Fund on several occasions. 

“The staff and volunteers at this fantastic charity change the lives of children and young people before they can get to crisis point. 

“Their approach is based in pragmatism – in this age of technology and social media, it’s more important than ever that we find ways to let our children be children. 

“Poor mental health, family dysfunction and school absences can impact overall community safety, and children who are vulnerable in this way are more likely to fall victim to exploitation. 

“Intervening before a child is in danger is crucial, and I am glad I’m able to contribute to Eikon’s success.” 

“A safe and relaxing place”

Mr Hickford said: “All those who work in mental health support services will be seeing increasing numbers of people seeking support, and Eikon is no exception. 

“Our findings are that this increase is driven by poverty, tension within family dynamics, pressures in the education system, and global factors, including climate change. 

“Another big factor is the online world, which can feature bullying, harmful comparison and extreme pornography, and lead to severe isolation. Troublingly, around 27 per cent of children aged three to four are now believed to have a mobile phone. 

“Our aim is to give parents, carers, children and schools the tools they need to build confidence and thrive. 

“Our garden is a safe and relaxing place for anyone in need of support. We look forward to launching our Family Wellbeing Service thanks to contributors like Lisa.” 

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’s Christmas card competition opens with call to young artists in Surrey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Summer may just be coming to an end, but if you’re anything like Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, yule already be thinking about Christmas. 

Lisa Townsend and her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, are today launching their annual Christmas competition – and they’re looking for a brilliant young artist to design their festive cards. 

Children working with any of Surrey’s youth services are invited to put pen, pencil or paintbrush to A4 paper and submit their creative ho-ho-holiday designs by Friday, 31st October 2025. 

This year’s theme is ‘Christmas in Surrey’. The winner will receive a £100 Amazon voucher, and their design will be sent to MPs, leaders in public service and charitable sectors, local councillors – and even the Prime Minister. 

Any child or young person involved with a Surrey youth service can enter the competition. That includes those who: 

  • Attend any youth club or project in the county 
  • Require additional SEND support 
  • Are members of any YMCA programme 
  • Have received help from Mindworks Surrey 
  • Are involved in any youth-based organisation, such as the Surrey Youth Cabinet 

It also includes those involved with organisations that the Commissioner and her team help to fund. 

These include mental health charity Eikon, Catch22, an organisation supporting young people at risk of criminal exploitation, and the Surrey Youth Commission, which allows its members to have their say on crime and policing issues. 

“The most wonderful time”

Lisa, who helps to fund a range of organisations through her Children and Young People’s Fund, said: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year when Ellie and I choose our winner for the annual Christmas card competition. 

“I’d urge everyone involved with any of Surrey’s youth services to create a design for us. 

“We are very excited to see this year’s entries.” 

It’s the fourth time the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner have opened a competition to Surrey’s young people. 

Last year’s winner, seven-year-old Felix, painted a cheerful snowman, and was rewarded with a family trip to Bockett’s Farm. 

Competition launches

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

In 2022, a girl supported by domestic abuse charity I Chose Freedom was the winner, and the following year, a young person who attends Catch-22’s Music To My Ears Programme submitted the winning design. 

Ellie, who has responsibility for the office’s focus on children and young people and leads the Surrey Youth Commission, said: “The Commissioner and I look forward to this competition throughout the year. 

“I encourage all Surrey residents to share this competition widely. 

“The standard of entries has been consistently high for the past four years, and we’re sure to see some brilliant artworks in 2025 too.” 

How to enter

Paper pictures sent by post are preferred. Pictures can also be accepted via email, although the original must be supplied if requested by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. 

Postal entries should be addressed to: The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, 3, The Drive, Sandy Lane, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1HE. 

Email entries should be submitted to ChristmasPCC@surrey.police.uk 

You’ll need to include your name, age, the details of a parent or guardian’s name, and a contact number or email address so we can ask for permission to use your design. 

For more information, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/christmas2025 

The image shows Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman who is wearing a white top, looking directly into the camera. Behind her is a backdrop which reads, 'Welcome to Surrey Police.'

Commissioner welcomes police officer pay increase – but urges Government to commit to future funding

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, has welcomed a 4.2 per cent pay rise for police officers in England and Wales. 

The Government last week accepted recommendations from the Police Remuneration Review Body to increase the pay award for all ranks, up to and including Chief Superintendent. 

Many police forces, including Surrey, had budgeted for a 2.8 per cent increase in police officer wages for this year, and the Government has said it will provide an additional £120million grant nationally to meet the additional cost. It is not yet known how much of the grant will be allocated for Surrey.

There is no confirmation yet if that grant will continue to be made to forces in future years. 

In Surrey, the cost of the additional pay rise, if it was not funded by the Government, would equate to an extra £6 on the precept, the part of council tax that goes towards policing in the county.

Officer pay to rise

The Commissioner said: “Our police teams in Surrey routinely put themselves in harm’s way to protect residents. They run towards incidents that others run from to keep communities safe. 

“I am delighted with the news that the Government is recognising the amazing job they do. This increase in pay is the least they deserve for their professionalism, dedication and service. 

“I would also like to pay tribute to the work of police staff, whose increase will not be funded by the Government, but who are no less deserving. 

“Scenes of crime investigators, 999 and 101 call-takers, PCSOs, dog handlers and designated detention officers are all examples of police staff roles, and their value to Surrey Police cannot be overstated. 

Commissioner’s warning

“The wage increase, as welcome as it is, exceeds the salary increases budgeted for by many forces, including Surrey.

“While the £120m grant is welcome to help us meet the additional cost of the pay award, it does not factor in other costs, including pensions and overtime. 

“It is no secret that policing is under significant financial pressure and rising demand. 

“Here in Surrey, we are poorly-served by the funding formula and receive the lowest level of Government grant in England.

Call to Government

“Our residents contribute 55 per cent of the total cost of policing through council tax, while the remaining 45 per cent is provided as a grant. 

“I am now calling on the Government to confirm that it will commit to funding this pay increase in future years

“This funding settlement must be sustainable, or in the longer-term Surrey Police and other forces may face challenges that impact the delivery of both policing and financial planning. 

“Policing in Surrey and around the country is becoming ever more complex. I remain committed to ensuring our officers and staff can meet that challenge.” 

The image shows a large white block with the letters 'Mike' and some lines carved into the surface. To the left is a policing device called a Forensigraph, which is a special type of ruler used in forensics. The block is cocaine seized in Redhill.

Drug supply gang found with 10kg of cocaine jailed during Safer Redhill crackdown

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Four members of an organised drug supply chain have been jailed after they were arrested as part of the Safer Redhill crime crackdown.

Christopher Brewer, 35, was arrested as he was caught loading a black bin liner filled with five kilograms of cocaine into the back of his Audi in Redhill last May. He had been tracked after officers suspected he was involved in the supply of class As.

Warrants were then carried out at addresses linked to Brewer and his group at addresses in Redhill, Reigate and Crawley. Vehicles linked to the group were also stopped, including a BMW being driven by Maria Rivas Santos, 32.

The BMW, which was forcibly stopped by armed officers as it travelled through London, had a further five kilograms of cocaine in a laundry bag in the boot.

Another stop resulted in the arrest of Michael White, 54, suspected of being a courier for the group. He was found with a carrier bag containing quarter of a kilo of cocaine stuffed in his underwear.

The image shows the mug shots of four people, all of whom are looking into the camera. They are, clockwise from top left, Michael White, Maria Rivas Santos, Craig Brewer and Chris Brewer.

Clockwise from top left, Michael White, Maria Rivas Santos, Craig Brewer and Chris Brewer



Safer Redhill success

Christopher Brewer’s older brother, Craig, 38, was also arrested for conspiracy to supply Class A Drugs. Wraps of cocaine were found on his person, and a further 29 grams of cocaine was found at his home, where attempts had been made to flush some of the drugs down the toilet.  Around £10,000 in cash was also found at the address.

Evidence also showed Christopher Brewer had previously purchased an additional 15kg of cocaine from a Liverpool-based crime group.

At the time of the arrests, which were made following an investigation by Surrey Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), officers and partners including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and the YMCA had launched the Safer Redhill partnership.

The initiative utilised Safer Streets funding secured by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and her team, as well as an additional grant from the Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund. 

Safer Redhill adopts the Clear, Hold, Build framework. 

Drug supply chain members jailed

The three-stage approach involves police relentlessly pursuing criminals to ‘clear’ an area, maintaining a hold over the location to prevent further offending, and then working in tandem with partners to build resilience so it is less likely to be targeted in the future. 

It has resulted in a significant decrease across many crime types. In the year to April 2025, reports of shoplifting in Redhill have dropped by 16 per cent, while reported sexual assault has decreased by 19 per cent, grievous bodily harm by 43 per cent and robbery by 56 per cent. 

Last week, Brewer, Brewer, White and Santos were sentenced at Guildford Crown Court after admitting the charges against them.

  • Christopher Brewer, from Reigate, was sentenced to 11 years, six months in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs, two years, to be served concurrently, for conspiracy to acquire/use/possess criminal property, and six months, to be served concurrently, for perverting the course of justice.
  • Craig Brewer, from Redhill, was sentenced to six years, five months in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and 12 months, to be served concurrently, for conspiracy to acquire/use/possess criminal property.
  • Michael White, from Crawley, was sentenced to five years, three months in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs, and nine months, to be served concurrently, for conspiracy to acquire/use/possess criminal property.
  • Maria Rivas Santos, from Liverpool, was sentenced to four years, eight months in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Cocaine seized

Detective Constable Matt Earl, from Surrey Police’s SOCU, said: “Through the hard work and perseverance our SOCU team, supported by colleagues from various teams within Surrey Police as well as the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, were able to catch them in the act.

“Now, not only are they in jail, but 10kg of cocaine is off our streets and out of our communities hitting organised criminals where it hurts the most – in their pockets.”

Inspector Jon Vale, Borough Commander for Reigate and Banstead, said: “I know the police activity at addresses in Redhill, Reigate and Horley in May last year caused some concern amongst local residents.

“But I hope it also reassures people we are working hard to flush out criminals from our midst and have an on-going commitment to keeping our towns safe places to live and work.

“Drugs destroy communities”

“This is not just about taking drugs off the streets; drugs destroy communities by contributing to rises in other offences like violence and even untimely deaths.

“Tackling those who proliferate their use has a positive impact on the whole area and continues to be a priority for us.”

Home Office officials visited Redhill last month, with Clear, Hold, Build architect Shane Roberts calling the successes achieved “remarkable”.

The image shows a group of people sitting inside a van. All are looking at the camera and smiling. The people include Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who sits on the far left and wears a pink coat. It also includes police officers in uniform.

“Transformative” strategy to tackle criminality and restore pride sees crime drop in Redhill

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A “TRANSFORMATIVE” strategy to build pride in Redhill has seen crime in the town drop. 

The Safer Redhill scheme, which has drawn in partners including Surrey Police, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and the YMCA, has resulted in a significant decrease in offences including sexual assault, robbery and shoplifting.

The initiative utilised Safer Streets funding secured by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and her team, as well as an additional grant from the Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund. 

In the year to April 2025, reports of shoplifting in Redhill have dropped by 16 per cent, while reported sexual assault has decreased by 19 per cent, grievous bodily harm by 43 per cent and robbery by 56 per cent. 

An increase in the use of stop and search has led to a significant rise in arrests for possession of a bladed article or other offensive weapon.

Crime drop

More than 150 arrests have been made, and 30 years of prison time handed down to offenders, while 10kg of cocaine with a potential value of £800,000 was taken off the streets. 

The project adopts the Clear, Hold, Build framework. 

The three-stage approach involves police relentlessly pursuing criminals to ‘clear’ an area, maintaining a hold over the location to prevent further offending, and then working in tandem with partners to build resilience so it is less likely to be targeted in the future. 

Clear, Hold, Build is set to be rolled out in three more Surrey towns, which will be revealed in the coming months. 

In June, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson visited Redhill with Home Office officials and senior officers from Surrey Police to see the work that has been done. 

Success in Redhill

Shane Roberts, the architect of Clear, Hold, Build, was among those to join the visit, and will be using the scheme as a “remarkable” example of national excellence in the future.

He told the meeting he had initially been unsure that the initiative would work in a town centre, but said: “It’s one of the best sites I’ve seen go through the three processes nationally.”

Lisa said: “While Safer Streets funding is no longer made available by this Government, the same principles that resulted in such huge successes in Redhill will soon be applied to three further areas of Surrey. 

Partnership work

“We have seen a range of police-led initiatives across Redhill, from drugs operations at the train station to plain-clothed deployments and retail crime crackdowns. 

“But the true success of the scheme lies in partnership work.

“For example, I am pleased that Safer Streets funding secured by my team and I has helped cover the costs of initiatives such as the YMCA bus, which has been used to engage with more than 1,300 young people in their communities. 

“Street lighting has been installed by the council in areas where residents feared anti-social behaviour at night, and a shelter that attracted large groups was removed. 

“Transformative”

“Youth mentoring service Ment4 has worked with 3,555 young people to educate them on the reality of substance misuse and gangs. 

“This is deep-rooted, transformative work that we believe will result in both a lasting legacy and a stronger community. 

“Clear, Hold, Build uses intelligence and data to crack down on place-based harm, and I’m delighted that more towns will be launching the initiative in the future. 

“I wish Surrey Police’s officers and staff, as well as our brilliant partners across the county, every success as they begin their journey.” 

The image shows a building in a park. The building has been painted with a large graffiti-style mural, which features the word 'life' in yellow against a pink background and an image of a young girl with curly hair smiling broadly with her mouth open.

A building in Memorial Park has been given a makeover with a graffiti-style mural

Two officers in high-vis jackets and hats stand in Epsom outside a parade of shops. Both are looking at Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, a woman with short blonde hair who wears pink trousers and a black and white polka dot blouse. All of the people in the image are smiling and a conversation is taking place.

Impacted by anti-social behaviour? Here’s why it matters (and where to get support)

Posted on | by Alex Winter

ARE you impacted by anti-social behaviour in your community? 

This national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, is sharing information on how to get support. 

Anti-social behaviour is one of the issues most frequently raised with the Commissioner by Surrey’s residents through consultations, surgeries and the Policing Your Community events. 

As a result, one of the key priorities in Lisa’s refreshed Police and Crime Plan, which launched this year, is strengthening safe and resilient communities.  

Over the coming years, she has committed to working with Surrey Police and partners to find effective, lasting solutions that create conditions for communities to thrive, and that allow residents to feel listened to and supported. 

Reports of anti-social behaviour taking place during the summer have almost halved since 2018, when 6,770 reports were made. In 2024, 3,789 reports of anti-social behaviour were made to police.

Help is available

The issue remains a priority for Surrey Police. In the past few months, Lisa has joined officers on patrol in Guildford, where funding secured by her office has led to a significant reduction in youth-related anti-social behaviour on Sundays. 

In Redhill, similar funding secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has led to a drop in a range of offences impacting the community, including retail crime.  

Partnership work in the town has seen additional solar lighting set up at Memorial Park, while a shelter that had become a site for anti-social behaviour was removed, and new benches installed instead. 

Meanwhile, Lisa has launched the Community Safety and Prevention Board, which is designed to bring partners from across the county together to close loopholes in the support offered to Surrey’s residents. 

In addition, a range of measures are available for those impacted by anti-social behaviour. 



Commissioner’s funding

The Commissioner’s office funds Mediation Surrey, which aims to resolve neighbourhood issues through discussion. 

Those who feel failed after repeatedly reporting anti-social behaviour can turn to the ASB Case Review, which draws together key partners to review their actions. 

More news on how Surrey Police is tackling anti-social behaviour will be announced this week. 

The Commissioner said: “Surrey is already one of the safest places to live in the country. 

“But we know anti-social behaviour can have an outsize impact that can seriously affect residents’ lives. 

“Protected, supported, heard”

“Issues like anti-social behaviour require a targeted response from a range of agencies. Policing alone cannot solve the harms caused or prevent it from happening in the first place. 

“That’s why we’re dedicated to working with partners to create safe communities where residents are protected, supported, and heard.” 

To learn more about how to access support or report an issue, visit healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb 

What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour covers a huge range of behaviours, including:There are also some things that, while annoying, do not count as anti-social behaviour, which might include:
Antisocial driving/speeding DIY or off-road car repairs (unless late at night or early in the morning) 
Nuisance noiseEveryday living noises such as loud conversations, doors opening and closing, and lawnmowers in use 
Drug use or drug dealingOne-off occasional events such as birthday parties, barbecues, or other celebrations 
Dog foulingLawful use of fireworks
Fly-tippingProperty boundary disputes
Graffiti Lifestyle differences, such as cooking odours or putting rubbish out on the wrong day
LitteringChildren playing in or around their own home, in the street, or in the park, and not causing damage, being abusive, or being excessively noisy