Local policing Archives - Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Surrey

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 4th August 2025 | 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.”

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

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

Posted on 16th July 2025 | by Alex Winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Treat catapults as we would knives”

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

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

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

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

Horror injuries

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

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

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

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

Read Ellie’s letter here.

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 7th July 2025 | 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 Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend walking through a town centre with two police officers in uniform. Lisa, who has blonde hair, stands on the right of the image. She wears a black jacket and trousers. The officers, one male and one female, are wearing their uniforms and police hats, and they are in the middle of a conversation with Lisa as they all walk past a branch of Marks and Spencer.

“It’s what residents want to see”: Surrey’s Safer Streets Summer begins

Posted on 3rd July 2025 | by Alex Winter

A MAJOR new campaign to keep Surrey’s town centres safe over the summer has launched.

The Home Office-backed Safer Streets Summer Initiative will see a focus on the busiest areas of the county to bolster crime prevention and community safety.

The scheme, which brings together the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Surrey Police and partners across Surrey, including schools, councils, health services, businesses, and transport and community organisations, aims to tackle crimes that blight communities.

Anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, retail crime and violent offending will be among the types of criminality targeted with visible patrols and special police operations. These crime types typically increase during the summer months.

Officers will also proactively use anti-social behaviour powers and visit retail premises to offer advice, reassurance and support.

Major summer campaign begins

Locations for the initiative span the county, including Staines and Addlestone in the north, Farnham and Camberley in the west, Dorking further to the south, and Caterham in the east.

Targeted activity will take place until September, with a range of activities planned in each of the towns.

Plain-clothed officers will spot signs of suspicious behaviour in the county’s busiest nightspots, while joint operations are set to target crime enabled by motorbikes and mopeds.

Youth engagement officers will work with partners to find opportunities for young people during school holidays, and roads policing teams will be on the lookout for dangerous or distracted drivers.

Targeted operations

Officers will also mount specific patrols tackling retail crime and anti-social behaviour in tandem with partners from environmental health, licensing and trading standards.

News of the initiative comes as Surrey marks national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.

Anti-social behaviour is a key priority for the county’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams throughout the year, and more information on how to report anti-social behaviour or access help can be found here.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has made available funding for any developing town centre work that needs support over the course of the summer.

The Commissioner said: “While Surrey remains one of the safest places to live in the country, I know that anti-social behaviour, retail crime and violence against women and girls are among the issues that matter most in our communities.

“It’s what residents want to see”

“The Safer Streets Summer Initiative will allow police officers and staff, along with our fantastic partners, to put a spotlight on neighbourhood policing and community safety.

“This type of visibility is what residents have told me they want to see.

“The aim isn’t simply police enforcement – it’s collaboration, and we aim not only to respond to crime, but to prevent it altogether.

“A huge range of activities will be taking place across the summer.

“More anti-social behaviour warning letters will be sent out, while data and intelligence will be used to identify areas that are disproportionately impacted by specific crime types.

Tailored plan of action

“There will also be various days of targeted action and close working with some of our key partners.

“We will work with Business Improvement Districts to protect retailers and support vulnerable children to divert them away from crime.

“Each of the town centres identified for additional work as part of the scheme will see its own tailored plan of action unfolding over the summer months.

“I look forward to sharing more about this initiative in the weeks to come, and I wish all residents a Safer Streets Summer of their own.”

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 2nd July 2025 | 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.

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

The image shows a group of people standing in front of a wall with graffiti artwork on it. The group includes officers in uniform, and at the centre is Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who wears a stripy long-sleeved top and sailor-style trousers, and Surrey Police's Chief Constable, who wears a short-sleeved shirt with epaulettes and a tie. Everyone in the group is looking at the camera and smiling.

How table football and fist bumps help police build relationships with young people in Camberley

Posted on 27th June 2025 | by Alex Winter

EVER wondered how good Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner is at table tennis?

As children and young people from Camberley found out this week, the answer is: surprisingly good.

And members of the Club Dean youth centre also discovered that Surrey Heath Borough Commander Ryan Scott is unbeatable at table football, while the Force’s Chief Constable Tim De Meyer plays a sharp game of pool.

Lisa Townsend joined officers and staff after their working day had ended to celebrate national Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action.

The event shines a spotlight on the vital work of neighbourhood officers, PCSOs and volunteers to protect the public and keep people safe.

Club visit

Surrey Heath councillors Shaun Garrett and Trefor Hogg, who have been instrumental to the club’s success, also attended on the night to welcome the team.

It comes as Lisa commits just over £31,000 to fund a youth worker at Club Dean. The post aims to promote community safety and provide opportunities to young people on the estate.

Ahead of the visit, Lisa answered questions on crime and policing from 50 students at Collingwood College before joining officers and PCSOs from the Surrey Heath Safer Neighbourhood Team on a patrol of the Old Dean estate.

The Commissioner has a dedicated funding stream for opportunities that support children and young people and divert them away from crime.

“No child should be afraid”

She said: “We want every child and young person in Surrey to have the tools they need for healthy, safe, happy lives.

“As part of that, no child should ever be afraid to speak to police or view officers as the enemy.

“That’s why I’m so grateful the team at Surrey Heath have taken the time to join me at Club Dean after their working day has ended to play games with the young people here.

“It was lovely to see young members welcome officers with some fantastic questions and some fist bumps too.

Breaking down barriers

“I’m also delighted that our Chief Constable, who used to volunteer at a boxing club on the Old Dean estate, has been able to join in.

“He’s proven to be a wonderful pool player, although I did spot him secretly potting a red for his young opponent while she wasn’t looking.

“Meeting children in a setting like this breaks down barriers and build relationships.

“But they aren’t the only people to benefit from the team’s visit today.

Officers’ impact

“Some adults who are struggling with homelessness have been spoken to by the officers and PCSOs, along with the fantastic team at the Hope Hub – a charity I support through funding that aims to relieve poverty across the borough.

“That’s why the Force’s role in Surrey’s neighbourhoods is so crucial. Our officers can impact lives for years to come.

“It also makes me so proud that I can support organisations like Club Dean and the Hope Hub. Their work has the power to make real, lasting change.”

The picture shows a large group of people standing in front of a van with an awning over it. Among the group are people wearing Surrey Police-branded outfits. At the forefront stand Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who wears yellow trousers, and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is in jeans. To their left is Borough Commander Matt Walton, who wears a shirt and tie. All of those in the image are standing on a field. They are all looking at the camera and smiling.

Students have a field day as officers join teams for Spelthorne’s annual Cop Cup

Posted on 16th June 2025 | by Alex Winter

Dozens of students from Spelthorne schools faced off for the second annual Cop Cup at Halliford School in Shepperton during June.

The contest, organised by the Safer Neighbourhood Team, sees officers and PCSOs from across the borough joining pupils’ teams for a series of games.

As well as the competition for the trophy, young people who are currently in Year 9 had the opportunity to take part in a range of activities, including tug of war competitions and sporting challenges organised by Active Surrey.

Brentford FC also attended to chat to attendees and hand out kit, and officers involved in conflict training gave demonstrations with riot shields and fake ‘pepper spray’.

The event aims to help build relationships and trust between Surrey Police teams and students, as well as diverting young people away from crime.

Relationship building

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson enjoyed the final game, which saw Halliford pupils facing off against students from Thomas Knyvett in Ashford.

Thomas Knyvett’s team eventually lifted the trophy, which was presented by the Deputy Commissioner.

Spelthorne’s Borough Commander Matt Walton then gave a speech to commemorate the day before students boarded buses back to school.

Lisa said: “It is such a pleasure for Ellie and I to join events like these.

“Every student was polite and well-mannered, and I hope they all had a fantastic time.

“Such a pleasure”

“Officers and PCSOs enjoyed the opportunity to chat to young people and help break down some barriers.

“Their work today will build relationships that I believe will last long into the future.

“We saw some truly sportsmanlike behaviour, and I’d like to thank everyone who gave their time to make the event as wonderful as it was.

“I look forward to joining the current Year 8s next year.”

A group of people stand in front of a Surrey Police banner. They are made up of a mix of officers and staff, as well as volunteers. All are looking into the camera and smiling.

“If you are a victim of fraud, you are a victim of crime”: Meet the volunteers working to protect Surrey residents

Posted on 12th June 2025 | by Alex Winter

IT’S the crime we are all most likely to experience.

And in Surrey, volunteers based in police stations around the county are dedicated to stopping criminals from exploiting more victims.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has joined celebrations for the Volunteer Fraud Prevention Programme, which aims to reach every fraud victim in the county.

Volunteers for the programme work alongside Surrey Police officers and staff to offer education and support to those impacted.

They also give talks in the community, working with organisations including Age Concern, the WI and the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People to share advice.

Celebrations for volunteers

During a single engagement event outside a Co-op branch, volunteers spoke with more than 100 residents.

Fraud is the most frequently reported crime across England and Wales, making up more than 40 per cent of all offending.

Once a victim has been defrauded for the first time, they are likely to be repeatedly targeted by criminals.

Surrey’s most vulnerable victims are identified and supported by the Force as part of Operation Signature, which aims to ensure they receive a uniformed safeguarding visit, risk assessment and fast-tracked safeguarding initiatives.

Those who are not considered vulnerable will be contacted by the fraud volunteers.

Changing perceptions

Simon Morris, who volunteers in Reigate and Banstead, said some of those targeted by fraudsters feel shame that they have become a victim.

But he added: “If you are a victim of fraud, you are a victim of crime.

“We can change that perception by recognising the true impact fraud has on people’s lives.”

Graham Hutchings, who also serves in Reigate and Banstead, said: “Fraud really can destroy people’s lives, and becoming a victim eats away at their confidence.

“We want to restore that confidence again.”

Vulnerable victims

Through working with the community, both Graham and Simon help raise understanding of how fraudsters operate, meaning fewer people become a victim.

In Surrey, courier fraud makes up almost 23 per cent of all Op Signature cases – those directly committed against vulnerable victims. The crime occurs when victims are contacted by telephone or email by a person purporting to be someone from a bank or the police.

Doorstep fraud – which involves criminals knocking at a person’s door to pressure sell or similar – makes up 16.1 per cent of Op Signature offences, while telephone fraud is the third most highly-reported in this category

Every victim of romance fraud is considered vulnerable and is categorised as an Op Signature case. Across both Surrey and Sussex, victims lost £7million to this type of criminality last year alone.

“Tireless efforts”

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Those who serve with the Volunteer Fraud Prevention Programme make a significant difference to the lives of Surrey residents.

“I’d like to thank them for their tireless efforts to stop more people becoming victims.

“These fantastic volunteers come from a range of backgrounds to protect others in their communities, and their work ensures that Surrey Police can reach every single person who reports a fraud in the county.

“For those who believe they are a victim of any type of fraud, I’d urge you to come forward and speak to Action Fraud or the police.

“You will not be judged or shamed – you are a victim of organised, sophisticated criminality, and we will support you.”

Applications to serve with the programme will reopen shortly.

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, stands between two uniformed officers at a race course. Behind them is a stand overlooking the course. The Commissioner has blonde hair. She is looking at one of the officers and laughing. She wears pink trousers and a blouse with polka dots on it. To the left of the image is a female officer in uniform, and to the right is a male officer in uniform. Both are looking at the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Commissioner goes behind the scenes at this year’s Epsom Derby as four arrests are made

Posted on 10th June 2025 | by Alex Winter

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has gone behind the scenes at Surrey’s biggest pre-planned policing operation.

The Epsom Derby, which took place over the weekend, is one of the most significant sporting events in the county.

Officers, staff, and volunteers from Surrey Police and Sussex Police, including specialist resources such as planning, intelligence, drones, and public order, worked closely with The Jockey Club to ensure this year’s event was carried out safely.

A total of four arrests were made over two days in the area in and around the racecourse.

Lisa joined officers for Ladies’ Day, attending a morning briefing and travelling into Epsom town centre during the afternoon to talk to residents.

Extra powers

Police were handed extra powers during the weekend to tackle incidents of anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder. Officers were given a Section 35 Dispersal Order which covers all of Epsom, Walton Downs, and Langley Vale.

The order gives officers and PCSOs the power to remove individuals from a specified area where their behaviour is contributing, or likely to contribute, to anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder.

Lisa said: “The Derby is a real team effort, with officers and staff from across the Force supporting the operation in a number of roles, including neighbourhood policing, roads policing, public order, intelligence and drone operations.

“Their role to ensure the safe running of the Derby varies widely, from assisting with traffic management to investigating crime and providing a reassuring presence around the racecourse.

“Of course, the policing operation isn’t just confined to the festival itself, and across the weekend, teams minimised the impact on our local communities in the surrounding area with proactive patrols.

Commissioner’s thanks

“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure people at the festival and beyond have a safe, fun weekend, and I’d like to say a big thank you to all of those who worked tirelessly as part of this event.”

Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett said: “We have been policing the Derby at Epsom Downs for 26 years, but no two years are ever the same.

“Our officers, staff, and volunteers all worked incredibly hard this weekend to support the safe running of this event, which is the largest pre-planned policing operation in Surrey each year.

“Working closely with the event organisers and our local partner agencies, those who attended were able to enjoy the event safely.

“We appreciate this event can be disruptive for Epsom residents and those travelling through the area, and I’d like to thank the local community for their understanding and patience this weekend.

Four arrests

“Alongside supporting the safe running of the event itself, we also provided an increased policing presence in and around Epsom town centre throughout the weekend, and our teams worked tirelessly to prevent and respond to reports of crime and anti-social behaviour related to the Derby.”

On Friday, June 6, a 45-year-old man from North Cheam was arrested and cautioned for being drunk and disorderly. A 20-year-old man from Worcester Park was arrested on suspicion of assault. He has been released with no further action and dispersed from the area under a Section 35 Dispersal Order.

On Saturday, June 7, a 63-year-old man was arrested and given a community resolution for being drunk and disorderly. A 24-year-old man from Redhill was arrested on suspicion of assault and sexual assault by touching. He has been bailed while enquiries continue.

The picture shows Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who is wearing a red dress, red earrings, and has short blonde hair. She is cradling a golden Labrador puppy in her arms and smiling at it.

And they call it puppy love… Commissioner meets Labs at internationally-renowned dog school

Posted on 27th May 2025 | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has visited Surrey and Sussex’s internationally-renowned dog school to meet some future recruits.

Lisa Townsend joined police staff at the school, based at Surrey Police’s Guildford HQ, to see 11 new Labrador puppies.

The pups were bred by the dog school, a registered and certificated Kennel Club breeder, and made a visit back last week.

From the age of 12 to 18 months, they will begin their formal police dog training course.

A school of excellence, our training programmes teach both dog and handler practical skills in varying areas of operational deployment, including drugs detection and victim recovery.

**Eleven puppies bred by the dog school made a visit back last week**

Before puppies become operational police dogs, they live with ‘puppy walker’ families responsible for their day-to-day care, exercise and wellbeing.

Training and guidance is offered throughout the time in the scheme and someone is always on hand to answer any questions and queries.

During this time, the dogs attend training classes monthly.

The scheme aims to produce a puppy that is happy, friendly, alert and socially well-mannered.

New recruits

Anybody can apply to be a Surrey and Sussex Police puppy walker, providing they fit the school’s criteria.

For more information on the scheme, email KennelAttendants@surrey.police.uk

Independent Custody Visitors managed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner make unannounced visits to the dog school as part of the Animal Welfare Scheme, an initiative based on guidance from the Dogs Trust and the RSPCA.

They observe, comment and report on the condition and welfare of police dogs, as well as the conditions under which they are housed, trained, transported, and deployed.

“Incredibly proud”

For more information on Independent Custody Visitors, you can visit our dedicated webpage.

The Commissioner said: “We are incredibly proud of the dog school, which rightfully has a reputation that is admired not only in the UK, but across the world.

“It’s a joy to be able to meet the next generation of police dog recruits, and I wish both the ‘puppy walker’ families and our trainers the very best.”