Category: Local policing

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

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

Posted on | by Alex Winter

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

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

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

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

Funding formula

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

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

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

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

Pay increase

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

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

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

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

Commissioner’s concern

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

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

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

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

“It simply must be sustainable”

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on | by Alex Winter

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

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

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

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



Youth voice

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

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

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

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

“We care very deeply”

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

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

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

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

Deputy’s pride

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

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

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

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

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.” 

The photo shows Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman in a striped shirt and jeans, sitting on a rock with a river in the background. She is looking at the camera and smiling. Visible in the distance is Chertsey Bridge.

Cygnet shot dead in catapult attack as crime network backs Deputy Commissioner’s calls for change

Posted on | by Alex Winter

VOLUNTEERS working to rehabilitate Surrey wildlife after “devastating” catapult attacks say tighter legislation is urgently needed to tackle criminality. 

In the spring, Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson urged ministers to give police greater powers to crack down on those who use catapults as weapons. 

Since publishing her letter, which can be read here, she has received support from two swan rescues and the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN). Tim Passmore, chair of the NRCN, said it is time to send a “clear message”. 

Meanwhile, on visits to the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary in Spelthorne, Ellie has discussed the issue further with those who care for wounded birds. 

The Deputy wants catapults to be treated similarly to knives – putting the onus on any carrier to prove they have a good reason to carry such a weapon, rather than the police to have evidence of unlawful intention. 

Deputy’s call

This week, the BBC is airing a documentary on the harms caused by catapult use.  

Danni Rogers, who gives his time to rescuing birds for the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary, launched a petition on the issue. It received more than 20,000 signatures. 

He told Ellie: “Swans, geese, ducks and domestic animals including cats are being shot and killed in Surrey. 

“I was called to a rescue recently that involved a family of 10 swans – mum and dad and eight cygnets. On the first occasion, one of the swans had fishing line around its leg, which I quickly resolved before spending some time feeding the family. 

“The following day, I was called again as one of the cygnets had been found dead just 50 feet away. It had been shot in the head, suffering a high-velocity, single-impact injury. 

“It’s absolutely devastating to attend incidents like these.” 

Ellie said: “Just one attack is too many, but by mid-summer, the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary had rescued around 30 wounded birds, and even more are believed to have been killed by catapults. 

“There can be a misconception that what we’re talking about is a stick fitted with an elastic band. Catapults can actually be very high-powered, accurate weapons, which are cheap and easy to buy online. 

“For less than £20, anyone can purchase a large catapult with a pistol grip handle, capable of firing with a high degree of accuracy, as well as 100 ball bearings.  

“Abhorrent”

“Using a catapult to target wildlife and property is not only unacceptable; it’s abhorrent. 

“I have asked the Government to look at changing the legislation surrounding the carrying of catapults to bring it in line with laws around carrying knives. 

“This would recognise the significant damage these weapons could cause.  

“I am determined to continue campaigning for change. This issue matters to Surrey’s residents, and it matters to Surrey Police.” 

The image shows a group of police officers in uniform walking through Guildford town centre. In front of them is a McDonald's. One of the officers has a sniffer dog on a lead. To the left of the image is a marked police car.

“Major successes” achieved during Surrey’s Safer Streets Summer initiative, Commissioner says

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A summer crackdown on criminality has resulted in a series of “major successes” across Surrey, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner says. 

The Safer Streets Summer initiative, which bolstered crime prevention and community safety, targeted crime types that typically increase during the summer months. 

These include anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, retail crime and violent offending. 

Eleven town centre locations across the county were chosen for the initiative, including Staines, Addlestone, Farnham, Camberley, Dorking and Caterham. 

Now the Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, has thanked all those involved with the scheme’s success. Surrey Police, local schools, councils, health services, businesses, and community organisations partnered with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to deliver a range of initiatives. 

During the blitz, each of the town centres saw activity targeted at specific issues impacting communities. High-visibility police patrols and operations led to a series of arrests across the county, including: 

  • A drug dealer found with 32 wraps of cocaine in a sock and two youths found with telescopic batons, large quantities of cannabis and scales in Elmbridge 
  • A man accused of five counts of sexual assault and a 30-year-old man accused of offences including theft of a motor vehicle and driving under the influence of cannabis in Epsom and Ewell 
  • Suspected shoplifters detained moments after the alleged offences took place during two separate incidents in Mole Valley 
  • A man suspected of stealing an e-bike he was riding, as well as additional offences of possessing drugs and a bladed article, in Reigate and Banstead 
  • Three arrests relating to an operation tackling anti-social riding of motorbikes and mopeds in Tandridge 

A number of those arrests arose after officers stopped and searched people riding e-bikes. Further arrests were made during plain-clothed patrols. 

Plain-clothed patrols

Officers also worked with key partners to raid shops selling illegal vapes and alcohol to children, while plain-clothed officers visited pubs and clubs in busy night-spots to look for signs of predatory behaviour. 

Meanwhile, youth engagement officers worked with partners to create opportunities for children and young people during the six-week summer break. 

The Commissioner said: “Surrey’s Safer Streets Summer has resulted in a series of major successes across each of the 11 town centres. 

“And while summer has come to an end, our work tackling criminality that blights our communities continues, now and forever. 

Commissioner’s thanks

“This initiative put a spotlight on the work our fantastic policing teams do every single day.

“But the bread-and-butter police work of investigating, patrolling, dealing with criminality and aiming to prevent offending from every taking place will never end. 

“I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the achievements of the summer. This includes police officers and staff, councils, local Business Improvement Districts and the organisations supporting children and young people. 

“There’s much more to come, and I look forward to updating Surrey’s residents in the weeks ahead.” 

The picture shows three images. The largest, at the top, shows a police officer on his knees inside a car. He has handcuffs at his belt and is looking behind a seat with a torch. At the bottom left is a photograph of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a white shirt. She is looking into the camera with a serious expression. Behind her is a large sign, and the words 'Surrey Police' are visible. To the right is an image of officers in uniform walking through Guildford town centre close to a McDonald's. One of the officers has a sniffer dog on a lead.
Three people stand outside. All are facing the camera and smiling. On the left, wearing a yellow dress, is Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman. To her left, in uniform, is Sergeant Candice Gill, and also in uniform, Surrey Police's Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp.

Meet the Surrey Police sergeant who changed the law to protect frontline workers

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has thanked a Spelthorne police sergeant who successfully campaigned for a change in the law.

Lisa Townsend supported Sgt Candice Gill and Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp in lobbying the Government to close a loophole impacting frontline workers.

While it is a criminal offence to racially or religiously abuse someone in public, this previously did not extend to incidents occurring in homes.

It meant that those who visit private addresses as part of their work – including police officers, care staff and other emergency workers – had no legal protection from such attacks during home visits.   

Law change

Sgt Gill battled for the law change after experiencing racial abuse in a private home.

She was supported by DCC Kemp, who capitalised on opportunities to brief ministers and wrote a number of letters, and the Commissioner, who joined a trip to Parliament to make the case for change.

Over the summer, it was confirmed that the Government will make an amendment to the law, subject to the Police and Crime Bill receiving Royal Assent later this year. 

Two new offences are set to be introduced, ensuring that emergency workers are covered under the law when doing their jobs in private homes.  

“Long overdue”

Lisa said: “This long-overdue change to the law would never have happened without Sgt Gill’s courage and determination.

“All too often, those who serve on the frontlines face abuse, threats, and physical violence.

“We must never accept such behaviour, and this change in legislation will make sure there is justice for all those whose work takes them into private homes, including police officers and staff, those who work in care, paramedics and firefighters.”

Sgt Gill said: “I am absolutely delighted to have heard that my proposal to have the law changed has been agreed.  

Sergeant’s pride

“I hope the change will go some way into making all officers, but particularly the officers who are ethnically or religiously diverse, feel more protected and more valued while doing one of the hardest jobs out there.

“The positive impact is widespread across all police forces and other emergency services.”

DCC Kemp said the law change “is a reminder of the difference we can make with determination and teamwork”.

The image shows Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a white shirt, standing in front of a Surrey Police building. She is beneath a sign that says 'Surrey Police HQ Mount Browne.' Her hands are clasped and she is looking directly into the camera.

Investment fraud victims lose £50,000 each in “sophisticated” scams, Commissioner warns

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned of the “severe” cost of investment fraud as new figures reveal victims lose an average of £50,000 each.

Lisa Townsend said “sophisticated” scams make it difficult for investors to tell the difference between a genuine opportunity and a fraud.

Across the UK, the total loss to investment fraud between 2023 and 2024 was £569.6million.

Surrey Police’s Operation Signature aims to identify victims who are particularly vulnerable in the county, including those who may suffer repeated frauds. Victims identified under Signature lost a total of £8.42million in the 12 months to August 2025.

Fraud losses

In one recent case, a specially-trained fraud caseworker at Surrey’s Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) supported a victim who was conned out of £350,000 after signing up to a crypto-based online trading platform.

She had researched her ‘broker’, portrayed by scammers as a senior figure at a bank, and over the next year saw her money invested into shares.

The victim then took out loans and liquidated her pension to boost the ‘investment’.

She hoped to pay off her mortgage, but after attempting to withdraw £250,000, she was asked to pay in another £25,000. Her money was never paid out and she was unable to contact the broker.

Victim lost £350,000

Operation Signature lead PC Bernadette Lawrie BEM said victims of investment fraud suffer the highest financial loss by fraud type.

“Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams and our Fraud Caseworkers Teams work tirelessly to help victims and prevent these crimes. They help fraud victims recover and prevent them from being re-targeted,” she said.

“Investment fraudsters run increasingly sophisticated schemes, and fraud victims are just as likely to be male as female.”

The Commissioner said: “Investment fraud can be extremely sophisticated, and it is often difficult to distinguish between a real opportunity and a scam.

“This is not your fault”

“Whether the scam is a fake property deal, a bogus social media investment or cryptocurrency fraud, victims are deceived into believing they are safely investing their hard-earned money to build for the future.

“Like all frauds, the impact can be severe, both financially and in terms of a victim’s mental wellbeing.

“If you fear you are a victim, you are not alone and this is not your fault. I urge you to speak to Action Fraud and Surrey Police.

“You can also turn to the Victim and Witness Care Unit, who offer truly fantastic support to those impacted by crime across the county.”

What you need to know

Surrey Police has published a checklist for those who are considering investing, as well as some common ‘warning signs’. You can read more here.

Action Fraud is the national reporting place for all fraud or via phone on 0300 123 2040.

For vulnerable victims call 101 or use textphone service on 18001 101.

For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, use the Force’s textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you pre-registered with the Emergency SMS Service.