Category: Local policing

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 | 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 children 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 | by Alex Winter

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

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

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

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

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

Crime drop

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

The project adopts the Clear, Hold, Build framework. 

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

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

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

Success in Redhill

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

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

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

Partnership work

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

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

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

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

“Transformative”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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.”

The picture shows two black Labrador puppies. The puppy on the left wears a red collar and is looking to the left. The second puppy, wearing a lighter-coloured collar, is lying down and looking straight at the camera.
The puppies will begin their training as police dogs when they’re between 12 and 18 months old

“One life lost is one life too many”: Commissioner unveils new knife crime strategy during week of action

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A NEW strategy to tackle knife crime in Surrey will focus on working with communities to prevent offending. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined officers on patrol in Walton-on-Thames, Elmbridge this week as part of Op Sceptre, a national knife crime awareness week.  

During the initiative, Lisa launched the knife crime strategy for Surrey. The strategy, which is the work of the Surrey Serious Violence Reduction Partnership, lays out the blueprint for tackling offending in the county. 

It will follow the ‘four Es’ – engagement, education, effective intervention and enforcement. 

As part of the strategy, police and partners will speak with the public, work with those who legally sell knives to encourage responsible retail and engage with children and young people. 

Knife crime rates in Surrey are at around half of the national average. In the year to September 2024, 496 serious knife crime offences were reported, compared to an average of 1,265 nationally. 

Research by the Youth Endowment Fund shows that most of those who carry blades are male and aged between 11 and 20. Many are motivated by peer pressure or a fear of knife crime. 

However, those who carry a knife are more likely to be seriously injured or killed than those who don’t. 

The Commissioner said: “One life lost to knife crime is one life too many. 

“Surrey remains one of the safest places to live in the country. 

“But knife crime is still ruining lives, and we cannot afford to be complacent. Any crime involving a knife or blade can have the gravest of consequences. 

“One life lost is one too many”

“Those who carry knives are often under the dangerous misconception that by doing so, they are better-protected. 

“However, this is not borne out by the evidence, which shows that they are significantly more likely to become a victim of knife crime. 

“Once a conflict escalates, a knife can turn what was a minor disagreement into something far more frightening, serious, and even life-threatening. 

“During my visits to Surrey schools, I have become aware of the real fear young people have of knife crime – a perception created partly through social media. 

Strategy launches

“This constant exposure to weapons can have a real impact, and part of Op Sceptre, and of the new strategy, is to work with children and young people to help them understand the reality of the situation in Surrey. 

“During my shift on patrol in Elmbridge, the team made unannounced visits to those who are known to be carrying knives regularly, patrolled busy areas in the town centre, and used ‘spotters’ to flag signs of suspicious behaviour. 

“PCSOs also travelled on trains throughout the borough to speak with passengers, and I thank the British Transport Police for their support. 

“Report it” plea

“Work like this is crucial in reassuring communities and educating those who are tempted to carry a knife. 

“If you are aware of someone who carries a blade, I would urge you to report it to Surrey Police, or – if you would prefer to remain anonymous – to Crimestoppers. 

“We must all work together to keep the county safe.” 

Charges in more than 800 shoplifting cases as Surrey Police tackles retail crime ‘head on’

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY Police has launched its refreshed retail crime strategy amid a four-fold increase in charges for this type of offending.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Chief Constable Tim De Meyer say retail crime is at the heart of the Force’s priorities as the new strategy was revealed.

The Force is committed to responding appropriately, investigating thoroughly, and working with retailers to prevent crime where possible. 

Over the past year, there have been 800 additional charges across the county for shoplifting.

The arrest rate for these crimes has more than doubled from around 10 per cent previously to around 24 per cent this year.

The solved outcome rate is currently 23.5 per cent. This time last year, it was around 16 per cent, and the year before, it was around 11 per cent.

More on retail crime

Top priority

In partnership with the Force, Lisa recently opened a survey for the business community on the impact of retail crime. The survey closed last month, and a report on responses will be published in the summer.

The Chief Constable said: “Retail crime is far from a ‘victimless crime’. It leads to fear and loss across a whole network from business owners to employees and customers – who are all part of a community we are here to protect.  

“We are committed to tackling retail crime head on, relentlessly pursuing those who steal from shops. To do so, we rely on thefts being reported so that we can identify hotspots and trends, act swiftly, and prevent crime from happening and catch the offenders where it does occur.   

“Pursuing all appropriate avenues to identify offenders, collect evidence, recover stolen property, ensure witnesses are located and interviewed, and get these crimes to court, is a priority for our officers.”  

You can watch our Chief Constable talking about retail crime here.

Charges increase four-fold

Chief Superintendent Juliet Parker, Force lead for retail crime, said: “Our strategy sets out clear guidelines for our response to retail crime and our local teams are embedding this in their operational work. 

“Retail crime is simply not fair. It can be volatile, dangerous and fuels local illicit activities. Through clear co-operation and partnership working, the figures can be improved. We have made positive strides in this area, but there is more to do.” 

In Surrey, neighbourhood policing teams visit retailers during proactive patrols, identifying repeat locations and suspects. There is also targeted activity against shoplifting, and officers and staff provide additional advice and reassurance to communities, and work with businesses to review their security measures.  

“Impressive progress”

The Commissioner said: “I know from speaking to shop owners and staff, and reading the responses to our survey, that retail crime continues to have a significant impact across our county. 

“We have seen impressive progress over the last year in tackling this issue but there is clearly more to do.  

“That is why I am delighted that this new strategy will help our police teams work more closely with our retailers and target offenders, so we can drive this criminality out of our communities in Surrey.”  

Where to report it

Business are encouraged to always report crimes via the Force’s reporting tools found on the Surrey Police website.

The dedicated Suspicious Activity Portal can also be used to upload any digital media – the portal is not a reporting tool but helps us to build a vital picture of intelligence. 

PCC hails campaign targeting Guildford ASB following significant drop in weekend crime

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

An 18-month campaign has driven down anti-social behaviour (ASB) at weekends in Guildford through extra police patrols, adverts during the Six Nations – and classical music in takeaways.

A £273,000 grant secured from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has led to significant successes in the Surrey town.

Youth-based ASB at weekends has dropped dramatically thanks to increased visibility of Surrey Police officers on Sundays and a series of initiatives – including ads played during rugby matches and joint work with Guildford Borough Council, Experience Guildford and local businesses, such as fast-food outlets and shops.

One of the initiatives has been playing classical music at restaurants like McDonald’s and covering power outlets to discourage loitering.

Successes in Guildford

Crime in the town’s ASB hotspots has reduced and an improved police presence has meant greater reassurance for people who visit Guildford.

Statistics gathered from Sunday-focused ASB operations show the number of recorded violent crime and public order offences related to weekend youth anti-social behaviour and crime has dropped by over 75 per cent in the past 18 months.

The funding has boosted police officer and street marshal patrols within the town centre and visits to local business, including offering reminders to vape shop owners of their responsibilities to young customers.

Youth engagement remains an ongoing commitment to help break down barriers with young people. While plain-clothed behavioural detection officers patrol stores looking for signs of suspicious behaviour, alerting uniformed colleagues to potential crime.

Dispersal orders have been utilised within the town centre, meaning those causing trouble or behaving in a rowdy, inconsiderate way could be asked to leave the area, and arrested if they return within 48 hours.

A media campaign warning that ASB is not welcome in Guildford has also been screened on ITV, in the Friary Centre and at transport hubs, including the train station and bus stops. The campaign has been viewed more than 10 million times on Snapchat, targeting teenage audiences.

The Safer Streets Fund will not continue into this financial year, but the Commissioner Lisa Townsend said the Force’s determination to deal with offenders has not changed. There will continue to be a visible police officer presence in Guildford at weekends.

Commissioner’s pride

“I know that ASB, criminal damage and substance misuse are key concerns for residents and businesses in Guildford,” the Commissioner said. “Through the Safer Streets Fund, we have acted.

“Across Surrey, we have seen the difference that funding – properly directed by those with real local knowledge – can make to our communities.

“While my office submitted the proposal for Safer Streets, it has been a real team effort, and I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make such a success of this initiative. I am very proud to see how, creatively, this funding has been used to make such an impact in Surrey.”

“Ongoing priority”

Guildford Borough Commander, Inspector Blaine Rafferty said: “The Guildford Safer Streets project has seen us work closely with local partners and businesses over the past 18 months.

“New measures have been rolled out to help tackle ASB in the town centre and the feedback we have received so far is that people who visit Guildford feel safe and reassured seeing uniformed officers out and about.

“We don’t want to discourage young people from coming into Guildford, but it’s important that we communicate the level of acceptable behaviour that is expected.

“Tackling issues like ASB and retail crime remain ongoing priorities for us, and having officers patrolling the streets means we’re here and ready to address any issues as they arise.

“I’m delighted that our partnership work has made an impact in helping to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all, and the Home Office funding has been vital in allowing us to make improvements.”

Visible presence

Lead Councillor for Regulatory and Democratic Services, Councillor Merel Rehorst-Smith, said: “Funding from the Safer Streets initiative allowed us to increase resources in Guildford town centre at weekends to address a growing trend in ASB by young people.

“In partnership with the police, town centre marshals offered a reassuring visible presence as well as engaging with those acting in an anti-social manner.

“The project coincided with a review of the town centre Public Spaces Protection Order, designed to communicate that those behaviours are not acceptable in Guildford. It’s important to us that Guildford town centre is a pleasant place to live, work and do business.”

Pete Lambert, Town Safety and Venue Liaison Manager at Experience Guildford, said: “We have been extremely proud to support the partnership work that has taken place since this project started through Guildford Safer Streets funding.

“There has been a great response to tackling ASB concerns in Guildford town centre and the results are clear to see, with confidence from the business community being restored.”