Category: Funding

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.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend on a hotspot patrol with Surrey Police officers in north Surrey

34 arrests as Commissioner joins officers on hotspot patrol to cut crime in Surrey

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend joined officers on a dedicated anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspot patrol, after her office received £1m to boost visible policing across the county.

Ahead of Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week which starts today, the Commissioner learned how the ‘hotspot’ approach by Surrey Police aims to cut ASB and serious violence; starting with 15 areas of Surrey based on the latest crime data.

Since May, the funding from the Home Office has paid for an extra 900 patrols, resulting in 34 arrests for offences including assault, possession of drugs and breaching anti-social behaviour legislation.

Officers have also engaged with more than 2,600 members of the community and carried out 43 stop and searches in hotspot areas including town centres.

Residents identified ASB, drug taking and shoplifting as key concerns in a series of ‘Policing your Community’ events hosted by the Commissioner and the Chief Constable for Surrey Police this winter.

The boost to existing foot patrols by Surrey Police officers follows a national trial of ‘hotspot policing’ in counties including Essex and Lancashire. In those trials, targeted patrols helped to cut reports of ASB by half.

Anti-social behaviour is sometimes viewed as ‘low level’, but persistent problems are often linked to a bigger picture that includes serious violence and exploitation.

Neighbourhood crime in Surrey remains low and these patrols are focused on enhancing the existing presence of police and partners to help address incidents before their impact grows.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend on a hotspot patrol with Surrey Police officers in north Surrey

They form part of the wider response to anti-social behaviour in Surrey that is coordinated between the county’s dedicated Anti-social Behaviour and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group. That Partnership including Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, local councils, health, housing and support services also work closely together to tackle the types of ASB that affect residents in their homes and anti-social driving and parking that happens on Surrey’s roads.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Anti-social behaviour is a key topic of conversation when I ask residents for their views on policing in Surrey.

“I am delighted that these targeted patrols are directly tackling those types of ASB that are happening in our local spaces and are addressing the other concerns that people have told me are most important where they live – including drug dealing, theft and shoplifting.

“Surrey Police now have record numbers of police officers and this boost to the existing work of the Force to drive down ASB and violence means our officers are highly visible in those places where it will have the maximum impact.

“The results from the first two months of the extra funding are promising and this is just part of the wider work that is happening to reduce the impact of ASB in our communities.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend on a hotspot patrol with Surrey Police officers in north Surrey

Chief Inspector Andy Hill, who is overseeing the roll out of hotspot patrols in Surrey, said: “The funding has allowed us to target additional patrols into our communities where anti-social behaviour and violence is most prevalent. We have seen good results from this proactive policing, and communities should be reassured to see officers out on foot.”

Residents are urged to report crime at surrey.police.uk, by calling 101 or sending a direct message on official Surrey Police social media channels. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Anyone who witnesses, or is concerned about anti-social behaviour can find out how to report it at healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb Rowdy behaviour, drug use, theft, anti-social use of vehicles, anti-social drinking and criminal damage are examples of ASB and crime that should be reported to Surrey Police.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with the Chief Constable of Surrey Police and the Head of the Victim and Witness Care Unit at the VWCU office in Guildford Police Station

Office of the Commissioner hosts partners delivering victim care – after dedicated Unit helps a quarter of a million people to cope and recover

Posted on | by James Smith

DEPUTY Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson welcomed local services to Surrey Police’s headquarters in June, as victim care organisations funded by the Office of the Commissioner united to drive improvements to the care that individuals receive.

During the event, which was hosted by the Office’s commissioning team, representatives from a broad range of charities and services discussed community safety and how to best support victims.

Among the attendees were the team from Surrey Police’s dedicated Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU). The Unit, which is jointly funded by the Force and the Office of the Commissioner, marked its fifth anniversary this spring.

The VCWU team were joined by leaders from other services across the county, including: I Choose Freedom;  East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service; North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service; Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum; Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s STARS Service; Innovating Minds, the YMCA’s What is Sexual Exploitation? (WiSE) Service; the county’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC); and Hourglass (safer aging).

Opening the event, Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson said funding local services that improve community safety and support victims of crime is one of the most crucial elements of the Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s role.

In 2023/24, that included approving nearly £2.7m of funding to support victims of crime to help them cope and recover. The funding has helped pay for specially trained advisors for domestic abuse, sexual violence and fraud as well as counselling, helplines and projects that raised the awareness of modern slavery and the exploitation of children and young people.

This funding has also been made available to local services and specialist organisations to ensure that support is available to victims from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, LGBT+ and disabled communities as well as supporting the elderly and children and young people.

Over the course of the day, visitors discussed the opportunities and challenges affecting victim care in the UK, including the pressure on organisations to meet increasing demand with limited resources.

The programme included a specific focus on how the Commissioner’s Office, as a leading funder of victim care in Surrey, can help organisations to provide the best care possible.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Victims and witnesses of crime deserve the best possible support during what will often be one of the most difficult times in their lives.

“I am incredibly proud of the fantastic services we support in Surrey, who provide some of the best victim care in the UK.

“But they are under increasing pressure, and it is vital to me that our Office can continue to support them by helping to make it easier for victims to contact the right service sooner.

“We must also encourage more sustainable funding to protect the people and projects helping victims to cope and recover.”

“I truly don’t know what I would have done without our phone calls, your advice and continued support. This has been such a tough process and you have helped me so much.”

– Victim supported by Surrey Police’s Victim and Witness Care Unit

Both Lisa and Ellie attended the Victim and Witness Care Unit celebrations during the spring.

Since 2019, the Unit has provided advice and support to over a quarter of a million people in Surrey.

It has also helped more than 4,000 individuals with ongoing practical and emotional support needs to navigate the criminal justice system and cope with the impact of their experiences.

Some victims of crime will suffer from a fear of going out, difficulty continuing work or education, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Unit also aims to keep victims engaged with the criminal justice system. One case involved seven victims of childhood sexual violence. When their case was delayed by two years, the Unit provided care and support to help them cope. Staff were also on-hand to help all seven individuals as they took to the witness stand during the two-month trial to see justice done.

Rachel Roberts, Head of the Surrey Police Victim and Witness Care Unit, said: “The Unit is here to help anyone affected by crime, no matter how long ago it happened, or whether you have reported it to the police or not.

“Impartial from any criminal justice process, we aim to support you, and anyone else who may have been directly affected, such as family members, to cope and recover.

“We will explore with you the most suitable ways to do this to meet your individual needs and circumstances, including helping you to understand your rights and entitlements under the Victims’ Code of Practice and ensuring you feel informed about any police processes and the options available to you.

“We can also make onwards referrals to other support agencies who may be able to help.”

A list of all support services available to victims in Surrey is available here.

All victims of crime in Surrey are automatically referred to the Victim and Witness Care Unit or a specialist provider of care at the point a crime is reported. Individuals can also self-refer themselves by calling 01483 639949 or visiting https://victimandwitnesscare.org.uk

Support and advice are available to every victim of a crime in Surrey regardless of when the offence occurred.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

Five new CCTV cameras in Walton will tackle illegal parking and anti-social behaviour

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Five new mobile CCTV cameras will be installed in Walton next week in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour, illegal parking and street drinking.

The cameras were financed through the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, which was secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, in partnership with Elmbridge Borough Council and Surrey Police.

They will be installed in Ashley Park, Cowey Sale, Ambleside Avenue, Hepworth Way and the Drewitts Court car park during the week commencing May 27.

Walton was granted a total of £273,000. The funding will also pay for youth outreach programmes and additional security measures in the Drewitts Court car park, including speed bumps, anti-graffiti and urine paint, and improved lighting.

Improvements will also be made to the community garden at the St John’s estate.

As well as deterring rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour, illegal parking and street drinking, the cameras will be used to provide video evidence to Surrey Police, Surrey County Council and the Elmbridge Borough Council environmental enforcement team.

The installation of the cameras is also supported by local businesses, Surrey Police and Surrey County Council. It follows the recent extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for parts of Walton-on-Thames.

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Safer Streets is a fantastic initiative that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in Walton.

Tackling issues ‘head-on’

“Since I was first elected as Surrey’s Commissioner, I have spoken with thousands of residents and listened to their thoughts about policing in their communities.

“I know that anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood crime are key issues for those who live in Walton, and this funding allows us to tackle some of these issues head-on.”

Councillor Kirsty Hewens, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Parking and Local Economy, said: “We want our residents and visitors to not only feel safe in Elmbridge but to take pride in our towns, parks and green spaces.

“Having these mobile cameras will act as a deterrent against street drinking, littering and illegal parking, allowing everyone to enjoy our borough.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend standing outside Sainsbury's in Redhill town centre

“We’re acting on your concerns,” newly re-elected Commissioner says as she joins officers for crime crackdown in Redhill

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S newly re-elected Police and Crime Commissioner joined police amid a crackdown on criminals in Redhill – and told residents: “We are acting on your concerns.”

Lisa Townsend, who received 95,538 votes from the Surrey public in last week’s elections, has vowed to continue supporting “back to basics” policing in Surrey.

Yesterday, the Commissioner joined Reigate and Banstead police officers for a targeted operation to tackle shoplifting in Redhill. It came less than 24 hours after officers from both Surrey Police and British Transport Police targeted drug dealers at Redhill Railway Station.

The campaign is part of Clear, Hold, Build, a new initiative that targets criminals, ‘clearing’ them from crime hotspots. Police then ‘hold’ these areas to ensure offenders aren’t able to return. 

Lisa has contributed almost £60,000 from her Community Safety Fund to support Clear, Hold, Build in Redhill. 

As part of the programme’s ‘build’ phase, a further £265,000 in Home Office Safer Streets funding secured by Lisa, Reigate and Banstead Council and Surrey Police, will be used for town centre improvements, youth outreach and anti-social behaviour training. 

The Force has committed to a renewed focus on issues that matter most to residents, including anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and targeting persistent offenders. 

The Commissioner said: “Over the past three years, I have listened to the views of thousands of residents in Surrey on the policing service they receive. 

“I know the public want officers doing the job only they can – investigating and solving crime and taking offenders off our streets. 

“That’s why initiatives like Clear, Hold, Build are so important. 

“Both the Chief Constable and I are committed to tackling all criminal activity in our county.

“Using community-led intelligence, officers are making this town a hostile place for criminals and trouble-makers.

“Operations like these clear offenders from often-targeted locations, and an increased police presence deters these criminals from returning. 

“Working alongside our partners at Reigate and Banstead Council, we can then focus on crime prevention to ensure the community feels safe. 

“The ‘build’ phase of the programme is funded in part by the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund, which was achieved thanks to close partnership working with both the local authority and the Force. 

“Shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, vandalism and drug dealing have a real impact on Surrey residents, and we are determined to bring down offenders and support those who have suffered harm. 

“I have heard what Redhill residents want, and we are acting on their concerns.” 

  Surrey Police will issue an update on Clear, Hold, Build next week.

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.