Category: Local policing

The image shows two police officers photographed from behind walking down a busy high street.

Retail crime charges rise by 465 per cent in Surrey as report on the impact of offending is released

Posted on | by Alex Winter

More shoplifters are facing justice in Surrey as officers crack down on offenders targeting businesses. 

A 465 per cent increase in shoplifting charges has been recorded by Surrey Police over the past two years.

It comes as Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and retail crime leads from Surrey Police release their first-ever retail crime report, which sets out the Force’s commitment to victims. 

The report, available to download as PDF here, has been published following a survey of the business community earlier this year. 

Respondents to the survey shared their experiences with retail crime, with some saying insurance premiums had gone up because of repeat incidents. Others said they felt unable to protect themselves from theft. 

Report released

In the spring, Surrey Police launched its Retail Crime Strategy, which commits the Force to attending reports where appropriate, following all reasonable lines of enquiry, targeting repeat offenders and tackling organised criminal networks. 

Positive outcomes for shoplifting have increased since Surrey Police’s Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, launched his plan for the Force two years ago. 

Positive outcomes for shoplifting have increased dramatically since Surrey Police’s Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, launched his plan for the Force two years ago. 

Charges have risen by 465 per cent. A total of 1,347 crimes have been charged this year, 1,109 more than were charged in 2023.

Charges rise

The Force aims to increase its rate by 430 charges in the next nine months, which mean Surrey Police were charging one in every four retail crime offences.

More than a quarter – 27.3 per cent – of all shoplifting reports are now resulting in a ‘solved outcome’, which includes charges, summons, community resolutions and cautions. 

Overall, charges for all types of offending in Surrey have more than doubled in a year. 

“Retailers are exhausted”

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “The responses we had to our survey demonstrated very clearly the impact that retail crime has on the business community in Surrey. 

“Retailers are feeling demoralised, exhausted and, in some cases, frightened. It is not acceptable that anyone trying simply to do their job should be targeted by criminals. 

“Retail crime often goes hand-in-hand with other serious offending, including abuse, threats and violence, as well as organised criminality. 

“Its victims include every one of us impacted by rising costs, as well as entire communities who feel less safe. 

Force ‘on a journey’

“It is vital that it is taken seriously. 

“The overall picture in Surrey is one of significant improvement, although there is still a long road ahead to get to where we need to be. 

“We are committed to that journey. This type of offending is a priority for Surrey.” 

Chief Inspector Andy Hill, of Surrey Police, leads the Force’s response to retail crime. 

Work with business community

He said: “We have made positive steps towards tackling retail crime and keeping communities across the county safe. 

“However, we want to do more. 

“Tackling retail crime is a collective effort, and we are committed to working with the business community to drive out offending. 

“While the statistics show we are going in the right direction, it’s important to remember that at the heart of every offence are real victims who may be deeply affected. 

“We must continue to do the right thing for every one of them.” 

More than 100 retailers sign pledge aimed at driving down knife crime during Op Sceptre

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Retailers across Surrey have pledged to sell blades responsibly as part of a new campaign to tackle knife crime. 

During Operation Sceptre, a twice-yearly national campaign to drive down knife crime rates, Surrey’s neighbourhood policing teams have been visiting businesses selling knives across the county. 

Retailers were encouraged to sign up to the Responsible Retailer scheme, which includes a strict ‘challenge 25’ age verification policy. 

Over the past week, more than 100 businesses have made the commitment to ask for ID from anyone who wishes to buy a knife but appears to be under the age of 25, to store and display knives in a safe manner, and to refuse sale to any person who they are concerned about. 

Responsible Retailer scheme

Retailers have also been encouraged to participate in training about responsible selling, and to share knife crime intelligence with their local policing team. 

The initiative was launched by the Surrey Serious Violence Reduction Partnership, which is led by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend in partnership with Surrey Police, borough and county councils, health services and Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards. 

During the previous Op Sceptre week of action, which took place in May, Lisa unveiled a new strategy for tackling knife crime in Surrey.

One of the strategy’s key commitments for police and other partners is to work with those who legally sell knives to encourage responsible retail. 

‘Challenge 25’

The Commissioner said: “Knife crime rates in Surrey are at around half of the national average, and there were 110 fewer incidents in the county in the year to August 2025. 

“Surrey is one of the safest places to live in the UK, and the third safest county when it comes to knife crime. 

“However, one life lost to knife crime is one too many, and we must never be complacent about the devastation this type of criminality causes. 

“Any incident involving a knife or blade can turn a minor and easily forgotten disagreement into a tragedy. 

“We are determined to act”

“Members of the Surrey Serious Violence Reduction Partnership are determined to act, and we are already making progress towards the goals we set out in our strategy. 

“As well as the pledge we have asked retailers to sign, we are committed to working with children and young people, many of whom have a very real fear of knife crime fuelled by exposure on social media. 

“I’d like to thank everyone who signed the Responsible Retailer pledge. Your efforts may save a life.” 

Surrey Police’s lead for serious violence and knife crime, T/Chief Superintendent Mark Offord, said: “As a key partner the in the Surrey Serious Violence Reduction Partnership, we are really pleased to support the role out of the scheme to retailers across Surrey and thank all those who have agreed to participate. 

Test purchases

“Alongside the roll out of the scheme, Surrey Police and our partners in Trading Standards have been carrying out test purchase operations at those retailers who have previously been found to sell knives to young people and will continue to do so. 

“Keeping knives from falling into the hands of those who intend to cause harm is a key part of our plan to reduce knife crime and the scheme forms an important tool to achieve this.” 

Amanda Poole, head of Trading Standards, said: “Knife crime is not an issue which can be solved in isolation.

Partnership work

“It requires the collaboration of retailers, enforcers and community groups.  

“The Surrey Responsible Retailer Scheme is a valuable opportunity to support reputable retailers and protect our local communities and young people. 

“As part of Op Sceptre, Trading Standards is undertaking test purchase exercises throughout Surrey using young volunteers.” 

The image shows a group of people sitting at tables. They are facing away from the camera and looking at Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in white trousers and a darker-coloured top. Lisa is holding a microphone in one hand and a piece of paper in the other and is speaking to the audience.

Commissioner’s warning as services supporting Surrey’s most vulnerable “teeter on brink of funding cliff-edge”

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has called on the Government to commit to future funding for organisations supporting Surrey’s most vulnerable people. 

Speaking on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, which takes place today, November 25, Lisa Townsend said services are facing a funding cliff-edge. 

Currently, the Government has not confirmed its funding for some services past March 2026.  

Among the services waiting for news is Steps To Change, which aims to tackle domestic abuse, stalking and controlling and coercive behaviour by changing perpetrators’ behaviour. 

Meanwhile, this month it was announced that the Police and Crime Commissioner role will be abolished. Lisa supports services across the county through her dedicated funding streams.

Earlier this year, Lisa stepped in to support the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) in Guildford, which faced an £80,000 real-terms funding drop this year. The Commissioner increased her funding to the service to prevent redundancies. 

But she warned that without the Government’s immediate commitment to sustainable funding into the future, other vital support services may be shuttered. 

Lisa said: “As we mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I call on the Government to commit to funding the organisations that support Surrey’s most vulnerable residents. 

Commissioner’s concern

“Today, I have joined services from across Surrey at a forum in Guildford.

“I have heard how unsettling this ongoing uncertainty is for those who support victims of sexual violence, house veterans and work with children exploited into criminality. 

“This sector is the backbone of the criminal justice system, providing high-quality services fundamental to adults and children when the very worst crime imaginable happens to them.  

“And yet, they are now teetering on the brink of a funding cliff-edge. 

“Cliff-edge”

“We must not see these services close their doors due to insufficient or restricted funding. 

“Preventing violence against women and girls is a key priority, both for myself and for Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, and it is a national emergency requiring a society-wide response.  

“I urge the Government to provide further clarity and reassurance.” 

AI deepfake Commissioner created to raise awareness of new Question Everything fraud campaign

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, has created her own deepfake video to highlight the dangers of AI generated fraud as part of a new campaign: Question EVERYTHING. 

The video shows a deepfake of the Commissioner promoting a new financial scheme open to every Surrey resident.

It was released on the PCC’s social media channels this morning enticing users to find out how they could “secure money in their bank accounts”.

The ‘fake’ moving image of Lisa explains how registration simply involves confirming a couple of personal details including residential address and online bank details.

The film then swiftly reveals the ‘real’ Lisa Townsend explaining that the financial scheme is not genuine, and that the ‘fake’ Lisa was created using artificial intelligence.

Free guide

The video was released to mark the launch of the Question EVERYTHING campaign which aims to raise awareness of the emerging threat of AI generated fraud and how easy it is for criminals to use the technology to create fake content to scam victims.

The Commissioner’s office has also created a free information guide, The Dangers of AI and Deepfakes: How to Avoid Becoming the Victim of AI Generated Scams.  Both the information guide and campaign film with deepfake is available here.

Lisa said: “Artificial intelligence is becoming more sophisticated every day.

“While it can no doubt bring huge benefits to the way we work and live – it is also being exploited by criminals looking to target people for profit.

“I wanted to create the deepfake video to show how easy it is for fraudsters to convincingly impersonate somebody, particularly those in the public eye. Astonishingly, the fake version of me was primarily generated from a series of still images that were available in the public domain.

‘Fraudsters’ paradise’

“Only three seconds of audio is required to clone a person’s voice to be manipulated and say whatever a criminal wants – the results are frightening.

“At this time of year with Black Friday sales and Christmas fast approaching, I am urging everyone who watches content online, scrolls through social media posts, or receives unexpected phone calls or unsolicited emails to pause and ‘Question EVERYTHING’ that they are watching, reading or hearing.

“AI has made the scammers’ space into a fraudsters’ paradise.”

Question Everything

Fraud is currently the most prevalent crime against an individual accounting for more than 1 in 3 of all crimes, according to The Crime Survey for England and Wales.

And the dangers of deepfakes are apparent as Action Fraud reports that £10 million was lost last year to fraudsters who convinced victims to invest into bogus schemes by using an influential person that had been created by AI.

PC Bernadette Lawrie BEM, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer at Surrey Police, said: “The more people understand how AI can be used to deceive, the harder it will become for criminals to exploit that technology.

“Locally, our Operation Signature team is working closely with our Neighbourhood Teams and the Victim and Witness Care Unit, alongside partners in our local councils, banks and community groups to raise awareness and build resilience.

Raising awareness

“We’re sharing intelligence, training frontline staff and volunteers, and equipping the public with practical advice on how to spot the signs and protect themselves against fraud.

“Staying informed, double-checking information, and trusting your instincts can make all the difference. Together, we can make our communities safer in the digital age.”

The Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU), a supporting partner of Question EVERYTHING, has seen a clear rise in the number of Surrey residents falling victim to increasingly sophisticated frauds, many of which involve artificial intelligence. 

Rachel Roberts, Head of the VWCU said: “Our dedicated team of three fraud specialists work closely with victims to provide both practical advice and emotional support, helping them recover from what can be an incredibly distressing experience. 

£500,000 scams

“It’s vital that residents stay alert, take a moment to verify what they see or hear, and know that help is available if they do become a victim.”

Lisa said: “Reports of AI-enabled crime pertaining to romance fraud, investment fraud and invoice fraud have had the highest total and average losses overall this year. 

“I was astounded to read examples of individuals who have lost in the region of half a million pounds to AI scams. 

“AI is enabling fraudsters to enhance tried and tested tactics more quickly and commit more sophisticated, high-volume scams, at greater scale. 

“As the application of deepfakes and cloned voices grow, everyone needs to be aware, keeping defences up, to protect themselves from the scammers’ next move. As a community, we must stay vigilant and Question EVERYTHING.”

News:




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.” 

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.

“Real results on the issues that matter to residents”: Commissioner’s data reveals 305 fewer burglaries in Surrey 

Posted on | by Alex Winter

THE number of residential burglaries committed in Surrey has dropped consistently over the past year, data published by the Police and Crime Commissioner shows. 

Between August 2024 and August 2025, 305 fewer burglaries were reported across the county.

In addition, there has been a 56 per cent increase in charges this year alone.

Burglary offences solved by Surrey Police stand at more than double the national average. 

Surrey Police are now preparing to launch their autumn burglary campaign and offering advice on how to prevent raids. 

Success on burglaries

The Force deploys to every residential burglary reported in Surrey. Each of the three divisions has its own proactive team which monitors ongoing burglary trends and patterns, identifies ‘hotspot’ areas, and targets prolific and repeat offenders. 

Data on burglary rates has been published on Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s Data Hub. 

To access the Hub, visit https://data.surrey-pcc.gov.uk   

The Hub, which launched in early 2023, made Lisa the first Commissioner to host a dedicated online data site containing rolling updates on Surrey Police’s performance. 

Data Hub

It gives access to a wide range of monthly data, including Lisa’s funding for organisations that support community safety, help victims, and tackle the cycle of offending. 

The website also features information on response times and the Force’s outcomes on a range of crime types, as well as data on Surrey Police’s budget and staffing. 

The Data Hub has recently been refreshed so it better aligns with the policing priorities identified by Surrey residents during consultations for Lisa’s new Police and Crime Plan. 

The Commissioner said: “Over my tenure, I have heard the views of thousands of people who live and work in Surrey. 

“Real results”

“My role is to represent these people, as well as to amplify their voices when it comes to the policing service they receive. 

“My Data Hub gives residents access to the full picture of how their Force performs over time. It allows users to see real results in the areas they have identified as the most important. 

“Over the past year, burglary rates have dropped in Surrey, with 305 fewer reported.  

“Under Chief Constable Tim De Meyer’s leadership, we are seeing real, tangible results that mean fewer Surrey residents will ever become a victim of crime.” 

“Safer for all”

Detective Chief Inspector Josephine Horner, Surrey Police’s lead for burglary, said: “We offer preventive advice to residents on the measures they can take to protect their homes and possessions, from keeping car keys secure and out of sight to locking away valuables, fitting alarms and CCTV.

“There are simple steps that everyone can take.

“We encourage communities to stay alert and report any suspicious activity through our online portal or call 999 if a crime is taking place.

“Together, we can make Surrey safer for all.”

Commissioner Lisa Townsend has praised the Force for their sustained improvements when it comes to tackling burglary

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman in a navy dress, stands in front of a window that bears a Surrey Police logo. She looks directly into the camera with a slight smile.

“We all have a part to play”: Deputy Commissioner shares modern slavery ‘red flags’

Posted on | by Alex Winter

EVERY Surrey resident has a part to play in tackling modern slavery, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson has said. 

Speaking on Anti-Slavery Day, which takes place each year on October 18, Ellie said victims are often “hidden in plain sight”.  

Many will have been forced into commercial work of any kind. However, common examples include on fishing boats, in sex work, in nail bars and at car washes. 

Surrey’s roads network is often utilised by traffickers because it is a main arterial route from the Channel ports. 

Three suspected victims from Vietnam were found in a lorry at a Surrey service station. One had been strapped into a concealed compartment so tightly that he needed to be cut free. 

They had been surviving on just bread and water for more than a week. 

Anti-slavery charity Unseen says the economic cost of modern slavery reached an estimated £210million in 2024 – enough to fund the recruitment of 7,500 new police officers.

“Inhumane”

Ellie said: “The conditions experienced by modern slavery victims across the UK are nothing short of inhumane. 

“By looking out for red flags that someone is being exploited by a criminal, we can all help to prevent this abhorrent practice. 

“Sadly, Surrey’s roads networks, as well as the county’s proximity to Channel ports, make it a popular route for people traffickers. 

“Between January 2023 and 2025, the Force recorded 26 cases of people being found in a lorry or confirmed to be involved in a ‘drop’. 

Red flags

“Victims are often hidden in plain sight. They may be living in fear or feel dependent on those exploiting them. Some may not even understand that they’re being exploited. 

“If you think someone is being exploited in this way, never directly confront the potential victim or the person in charge. 

“Instead, please call the police when it is safe to do so. 

“We all have a part to play in looking out for society’s most vulnerable members.” 

What to look out for

Victims of modern slavery may: 

  • Be scared to talk to people 
  • Avoid eye contact 
  • Have physical injuries or bruises 
  • Wear the same clothes every day, particularly if they’re dirty or unsuitable for the weather or the type of work being carried out 
  • Look malnourished or ill 
  • Work unusual or very long hours 
  • Not know the area where they live or work 
  • Not be allowed out alone 
  • Not have ID or a passport 
  • Not be in control of their earnings 

If someone is in immediate danger, or a crime is happening in front of you, always call 999. Otherwise, you can report via 101. 

The Modern Slavery Helpline can be contacted on 0800 0121 700. 

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.
Four people stand together facing the camera. All are smiling, and two are in Surrey Police uniform. On the left is Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman in a dress. Beside her is Councillor Paul Woodward, who wears a blue top. Next in the line is Borough Commander Matt Walton, who wears police uniform. On the right of the photograph is T/Chief Superintendent Aimee Ramm, also in uniform.

“Fantastic news for residents”: Borough policing team solves 85 per cent of all shoplifting reports

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A SURREY Police team is turning the tide on shoplifting – as officers solve 85 per cent of the retail crime cases they are tasked with investigating. 

There has been a huge rise in reports of retail crime in Spelthorne after the borough’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, led by Inspector Matt Walton, urged the business community to report every incident. 

And at a residents’ meeting in Ashford town centre last week, Inspector Walton and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson shared news of the Force’s recent successes. 

Reports of retail crime are up by almost 150 per cent in Spelthorne. Around a quarter of all retail crime cases reported in the borough are solved. 

However, a huge 85 per cent of all retail crime cases assigned to Insp Walton’s team have been solved in the past three months as the team aim to bring every offender to justice. 

Team’s success

Meanwhile, Spelthorne has seen a 4.7 per cent decrease in all crime types over the past two months. 

Church Road in Ashford is one of four ‘hotspots’ in the borough, alongside the Elmsleigh Centre and Two Rivers in Staines, and Sunbury Cross. Hotspots have comparatively higher levels of crime than surrounding areas. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend secured £1million from the Government to fund additional policing resources in hotspot areas across the county. 

In September, four men were arrested after an alleged raid at a convenience store in Church Road. Enquiries continue. 

“Crime that blights communities”

Ellie said: “I was delighted to join the residents’ meeting in Ashford and answer questions on crime and policing in the town. 

“A huge amount of work is going on across Spelthorne to tackle the criminality that blights our communities, including anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, and retail crime. 

“Church Road in Ashford has recently been designated as a ‘hotspot’, which means there will be more high-visibility patrols – fantastic news for residents. Over the past two months alone, there have been 60 extra foot patrols.” 

Insp Walton said: “Until very recently, we had seen a sustained increase in crime across Spelthorne of between one and two per cent a year. 

‘Report it’ plea

“However, over the last couple of months, that has changed, and there has been a decrease of 4.7 per cent in Spelthorne. 

“We have made sure that we are maintaining our community engagement, with the key message that all crime should be reported to us. 

“In some areas, this has seen a large spike in reporting. For example, we have seen a 150 per cent increase in reports of retail crime. 

“Across the borough, 25 per cent of all shoplifting incidents are being solved. When it comes to retail crime cases allocated to my team, that rises to 85 per cent. 

“However, we know that when reports of crime drop, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s less crime, but rather that there’s less confidence in reporting crime. 

“I’d urge anyone affected by criminality to keep reporting it.”