Category: Local policing

The image shows Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a yellow t-shirt, and a Surrey Police contact officer in branded uniform. Both women are wearing headsets and looking intently at a screen just off camera.

Commissioner hails “dramatic improvements” as Surrey Police becomes second-fastest at answering 999 calls

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has hailed a “dramatic improvement” in the time it takes Surrey Police to answer and respond to 999 and 101 calls. 

Lisa Townsend praised contact centre staff and officers for a slew of significant changes, which have seen the Force climb national league tables for 999 call answering times. 

It comes as His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire lifts its ‘causes of concern’ for Surrey Police after an inspection in 2023.

During the inspection for the Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) review, issues around the service residents receive when they contact their police were highlighted. 

In the time since the review, the operation of Surrey Police’s contact centre – based at Force HQ in Guildford – has been overhauled. 

Contact centre overhaul

The control room and contact centre were merged, with staff now working from the same location. The number of supervisors and call takers increased, and a new grading system for triaging calls was implemented.

As a result of the changes, officers now attend the most serious calls for service – known as a Grade 1 response – within 13 minutes. This is seven minutes quicker than the 20-minute national standard. 

Non-emergency calls made to 101 are now answered six minutes faster than in December 2024, with an average answer time of 12 seconds – down from 3.4 minutes. Call abandonment rates have dropped from 36 per cent to seven per cent. 

999 calls are answered in an average of three seconds and dealt with three minutes faster. The abandonment rate has dropped from 11 per cent to two per cent. 

The Force is now the second-fastest in the country when it comes to answering 999 calls. 

“Delighted”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I am delighted with the dramatic improvements Surrey Police has made since our 2023 PEEL review. 

“It is fantastic news that the average waiting time for a 999 call in Surrey is now just two seconds, and that the Force is the second-fastest in the country to answer these emergency calls. 

“These changes are not only significant, but sustained. The Force’s progress continues to this day. 

“I know from speaking to residents that being able to get hold of Surrey Police when you need them is absolutely vital and a call into our contact centre can be a matter of life or death.

Commissioner’s thanks

“Since I recruited Chief Constable Tim De Meyer three years ago, a key priority for both us was making sure that when the Surrey public needed police, they receive the quick and effective response they rightly expect.

“I’d like to thank every officer and member of staff who has worked tirelessly to achieve this turnaround and deliver the results we are seeing for Surrey’s residents.

“Their efforts make a real difference to those facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives.” 

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Grahame said: “These are not just statistics.

‘Concern’ lifted

“They represent real people receiving help more quickly; victims feeling heard; vulnerable individuals getting a timely response; and communities gaining confidence in their local police.

“Having the causes of concern lifted is a significant achievement, but it is not the end of the journey. The public’s expectations continue to rise, and so do ours. Our responsibility now is to maintain this level of service, continue to learn, and keep improving.”

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Inspector Roy Wilsher, who has responsibility for Surrey Police, said: “I am pleased that Surrey Police has made significant progress in these areas since we raised these causes of concern.”

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.

Police teams will be resourced to take the fight to criminals, says Commissioner as council tax rise approved

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Policing teams will be properly resourced to take the fight to criminals in Surrey over the coming year, the Police and Crime Commissioner said after her budget proposals were given the green light today. 

Lisa Townsend’s suggested 4.4 per cent increase in the policing element of council tax, known as the precept, was approved at a meeting of Surrey’s Police and Crime Panel at Woodhatch Place in Reigate this afternoon. 

Nine members of the Panel voted on the Commissioner’s proposal, with seven votes in favour and two against.

It means an average Band D property in the county will be charged £15 extra a year, or just over £1 more each month, during 2026/27.  

Recommendation approved

The Commissioner said that the council tax rise would ensure Surrey Police can continue to build on the fantastic progress already made – keeping more criminals off the streets, strengthening neighbourhood policing and ensuring victims receive the support they need.

Lisa said the Force is making “incredible” strides, doubling the number of charges across the board and solving 40 per cent more crimes. 

Burglary rates have been cut by 14 per cent over the past year, while charges for shoplifting have increased by 465 per cent and charges for rape have doubled.  

These improvements have taken place against a backdrop of rising demand and increasing cost pressures, with the Force still needing to find savings of £5.5million this year and a further £8.1million over the following three years. 

Survey completed

For every pound of the precept set, Surrey Police receives an extra half a million pounds. 

The total contribution towards policing for an average Band D household will now stand at £352.57 for 2026/27. 

During December and January, the Commissioner’s office carried out a public survey in which more than 2,400 people gave their views on her proposal.

The proposal was originally based on the assumption the Government would allow PCCs to raise a maximum of £14 a year on a Band D property in line with previous years.

“Incredible strides”

57 per cent of respondents supported the proposal. In fact, the settlement for this year allowed a maximum precept of £15, which the Commissioner proposed to the Police and Crime Panel today.

Lisa said: “Surrey Police has made incredible strides over the last two years in challenging circumstances.

“I have been all over the county talking to residents who have told me loud and clear that they want to see: visible policing in their communities and our teams tackling the crimes that are important to them where they live.

“And Surrey Police are delivering. Burglary rates are down, vehicle crime is down, shoplifting charges have risen by 465 per cent, and the overall charge rate has more than doubled.

Force’s successes

“This has only been made possible by the contributions the Surrey public make through their council tax, which remain absolutely crucial.

“I vowed last year that the precept will always be used to ensure that our officers and staff are doing what only they can – fighting crime, taking offenders off our streets and keeping our communities safe.

“I make that same pledge again today. These improvements must be sustained and built on by the Force and I know the Chief Constable is up to the challenge.

“It is of course never easy to ask the public to pay more money for their policing and it is not a decision I take lightly.

Challenges ahead

“But in the face of some tough financial challenges, we have a stark choice. The reality is that without the precept increase, we risk undoing all the hard work Surrey Police have put into the last two years, as well as providing a reduced service to our communities.

“That is not a risk I am prepared to take. Our survey showed that the majority of the Surrey public who took part support this view, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to give me their thoughts.

“We live in challenging financial times and setting the 2026/27 budget has been particularly difficult. 

“Funding from central Government simply isn’t adequate and among the pressing financial issues we must solve is a £2.2million bill for a well-deserved increase in officer pay.

Commissioner’s responsibilities

“The Government calculated its costs on the deeply flawed national funding formula, which disadvantages Surrey residents, and I will continue to lobby for fairer funding for the remainder of my tenure.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, my responsibility extends beyond the Force itself.

“I also commission vital services for victims and invest in prevention and early intervention. 

“Victims of criminality, often the most vulnerable in our society, are facing ever-lengthening court delays, with some trials now set for 2029. Our support services are being pushed to the brink of a funding cliff-edge as they try to help as many of these victims as possible. 

Looking to the future

“Where Government funding does not adequately cover these services, it falls to me to ensure they are protected. This is why I included specific provision for this work in my precept proposal.  

“I am pleased that the budget, including the council tax increase, has been confirmed today.

“This means our hard-working officers and staff are properly resourced to continue taking the fight to criminals and making our communities even safer.”

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a grey long-sleeved top, standing up at a table and speaking into a microphone. Seated at either side of her are police officers in uniform. In front of her is a large crowd who are sitting in chairs and pictured from behind.

“Tide is turning” against offenders in Ashford as shoplifters and drug dealers are targeted, Commissioner says

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Police are turning the tables on criminals in Ashford, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has said after attending a residents’ meeting in the town last weekend.

Lisa Townsend joined Spelthorne’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, led by Sergeant Théa Jackson-Sedgwick, on Saturday to speak to the Ashford Residents’ Association.

Lisa and the team were questioned about local crime issues and the national policing picture.

Shoplifting, visible policing, the Government’s potential force merger plans and police budgets were among the topics discussed in front of a packed meeting.

Police’s successes in Ashford

The Commissioner said work by local police teams was having a positive impact in the town.

  • Reported crime in Ashford has decreased by 9 per cent
  • The detection rate for shoplifting has doubled
  • Vehicle crime had been reduced by 34 per cent
  • 10 warrants have been carried out to disrupt drug supply in the local area
  • Two new PCSOs are now on patrol in the town
  • 137 extra foot patrols have been carried out in the ‘hotspot’ area of Church Road
  • Residents recently enjoyed the safest Halloween on record

Church Road 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. 

“Tide is being turned”

Lisa said: “It was a real pleasure to drop in on the meeting on Saturday to talk to residents and hear about some of the brilliant work the local team have been doing in Ashford.

“There is always more to do, but some of the recent results are making a huge difference to the local community.

“The tide is being turned on criminality and anti-social behaviour in the town.

“We will soon share more good news about some targeted police activity that will be taking place in the area, and I look forward to being able to say more in the coming weeks.”

The image shows a large crowd of around 100 people sitting in a church hall. The audience is pictured from behind. They are facing a table, at which a police officer in uniform can be seen standing and speaking into a microphone. Above is a television screen showing a presentation.

Residents packed the hall for the meeting in Ashford

Planned reforms will silence residents’ voices on policing says Surrey’s Police Crime Commissioner

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has voiced her concerns that wide-ranging police reform announced today will take away the public’s voice on policing in Surrey.

The Commissioner said the new planned police structure unveiled in the Home Office’s white paper on police reform will place unprecedented power in the hands of just two people at the centre.

These two people are the Home Secretary and the Commissioner of a new National Police Service.

Lisa said she feared that, coupled with plans to merge local forces, this would result in any local accountability being lost.   

Police reform

While police reform is badly needed, there is little evidence base for many of the proposals outlined in today’s white paper, and that significant investment will be required to successfully implement many of the plans, she said.

The Commissioner said: “There is no argument that police reform is long overdue.

“There is merit in a National Police Service to handle some of the more complex crime investigation, such as fraud and counter terrorism.

“But the plans are to also draw functions such as roads policing into the centre, which I believe will be detrimental to those teams who will lose that local knowledge that is so important to the work they do.

Commissioner’s concern

“The white paper also outlines how targets will be set for 999 performance and deployment to incidents.

“Here in Surrey, we are already meeting those targets and I fail to see how this will drive further improvements.

“I have already said any potential Surrey Police merger with neighbouring forces would be a disaster for our residents.

Having now seen the detail in today’s white paper, there is little to allay my fears that resources would be diverted from Surrey communities, diluting our neighbourhood policing.

“How many years left?”

“Policing must be rooted in the local communities it serves.

“By placing all the power and decision-making in the hands of only two people, my fear is that local accountability will be lost and the ability of local residents to shape how policing affects their lives will be severely restricted.

“This year marks the 175th anniversary of Surrey Police.

“There will be many in the county wondering today how many years it has left.”

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman wearing a white shirt, standing in front of a large sign that reads 'Welcome to Surrey Police'. She is looking directly at the camera with a slight smile on her face.

Plans to merge police into ‘mega forces’ would be a ‘disaster’ for Surrey, says Police and Crime Commissioner

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend says any plans to merge Surrey Police with neighbouring forces would be a “complete disaster” for the county’s residents.

The Government’s anticipated White Paper on police reform, which is due to be published next week, is reported to include proposals to significantly reduce the current number of forces across England and Wales.

It could lead to the creation of ‘mega forces’, with Surrey potentially merging with other neighbouring forces in the south east.

The Government proposals are expected to say this is to save money and boost crime-fighting efforts, but Lisa says she fears this would divert resources from Surrey communities and dilute neighbourhood policing in the county.

“Disaster”

The Commissioner said: “I believe this would be a complete disaster for Surrey residents. We are the safest county in the south east with no city and much lower crime rates than our neighbours.

“My fear is that resources would be pulled away from our communities to support higher crime areas leaving Surrey with a second-rate service.

“Our residents already pay a high price for their policing through their council tax contributions and have told me loud and clear how much they value the local policing presence in their neighbourhoods.

“Surrey Police have made great strides in recent years in increasing visibility and tackling those crimes important to the public.

Commissioner’s concerns

“I believe the creation of regional forces would not only be expensive and complex to deliver, but here in Surrey would result in the dilution of both local accountability and the service our residents rightly expect.

“Police reform is absolutely necessary and we want to work with the Government to create better ways to tackle issues nationally, such as serious organised crime which is expected to form part of the White Paper next week.

“But my fear is that any merger plans could potentially delay and derail those ambitions.

“Local policing needs to be left to local police forces to deliver. At a time when we need to rebuild public confidence in policing, these potential merger plans serve only to distance our policing teams from the communities they serve.

“Our residents deserve better than this.”

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.

150 arrests as repeat offenders targeted during new Safer Epsom and Ewell partnership

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Police have made 150 arrests as part of a new Safer Epsom and Ewell partnership that has been partly-funded by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend.

Shoplifters, drug dealers, prolific offenders and those using vehicles like e-bikes and mopeds to commit crime are among those who have been targeted by policing teams.

The new initiative, designed to cut crime and foster pride in the town, brings together Surrey Police, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as local business and community partners.

The project adopts the College of Policing’s ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ framework, a three-stage approach where police ‘clear’ offenders from Epsom and Ewell and work in tandem with partners to ensure criminals don’t return.

It comes after a survey of residents found drug dealing and use is a major concern. Only 26 per cent of those surveyed said they feel the borough is a safe place to live.

Safer Epsom and Ewell

Over the past six months, 150 arrests have been made. Ten ‘county lines’ drug dealing gangs have been shut down and more than £20,000-worth of class A drugs seized, along with eight knives and £20,000 in cash.

Police have used data to identify the most prolific offenders, and are working with partners in criminal justice, local authorities and housing to tackle persistent criminality. Dedicated operations to tackle violence against women and girls are also taking place.

Borough Commander Inspector Tommy Pearson said: “The community of Epsom and Ewell has the right to feel safe in the area they call home, and this partnership represents a long-term commitment to that principle. 

“Policing action over the last six months has sought to target our prolific offenders, disrupt drug county lines and reduce the harm caused by criminality for members of the community. 

“Residents were keen for action in the town, and I am hopeful, along with the fellow officers on my team, that this is evident in our efforts so far.” 

Prolific offenders targeted

Throughout December, officers from the Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Team were deployed as part of Operation Jingle, which featured high-visibility patrols in town centres.

Detections for theft rose to 45 per cent during the operation, compared with a national average of 20 per cent.

Sergeant James Pegg of the Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “We are determined to drive crime and disorder out of the town centre and Operation Jingle, despite the jovial name, has set a hard-line stance against theft and drug offenders.  

“The operation has been hugely successful.

County lines tackled

“Being out in the community we serve in large numbers has received positive feedback from our residents and visitors alike, and has sent a strong message to those that wish to steal and harm: you are not welcome in our town.”

In the months to come, the Force will work alongside the North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT), Surrey County Council, Town and Country Housing and the borough council in a bid to make lasting change.

The focus of work will fall on six key areas: housing; anti-social behaviour; improving the local environment; increasing access to opportunities and resources to help women and girls; promoting youth voice; and employment.

The Commissioner has contributed £20,000 from her dedicated Serious Violence Duty fund and helped to secure further funding from the Government’s hotspot policing grant for Safer Epsom and Ewell.

The initiative follows the success of Safer Redhill, which also used Clear, Hold, Build and saw offending drop in the town.

“Lasting legacy”

She said: “The persistent offenders who have repeatedly committed crimes in Epsom and Ewell should be very worried. The message is clear – we are coming for you.

“Safer Epsom and Ewell uses intelligence and data to crack down on place-based harm.

“I believe it will leave a lasting legacy of safer streets, stronger communities, and excellent partnership working, and I am delighted to help fund the initiative.

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

Happy 175th anniversary Surrey Police!

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, is celebrating the 175th anniversary of Surrey Police with a series of special features and pictures on the history of the Force.

The Commissioner will be delving into the archives to highlight some of the key moments spanning nearly two centuries since Surrey Police was created which will be featured on the PCC’s website and social media channels.

Lisa Townsend holding a picture of PC Charles Carpenter – one of the earliest images of a Surrey Constabulary officer taken in 1857

Founded on January 1st, 1851, Surrey Police was originally named Surrey Constabulary until 1993 and originated with only seventy police officers and five superintendents. 

Over the decades, the evolution of a single unitary Force has developed whilst encountering growth, divide, mergers, re-structuring and boundary changes.

Murder of a clergyman

The establishment of Surrey Constabulary in 1851 came at a time of rising fear in the county where a group of violent criminals known as the ‘Isaacs Gang’ terrorised the areas of Surrey and Sussex throughout the 1840s. 

The murder of clergyman, Reverand Hollest at his home in Frimley in 1850 caused significant public alarm and has been viewed as the catalyst in bringing together formal organised policing in the county.



Adversity, courage and humanity

Lisa Townsend says: “I’m fascinated by the history of the Force and plan to share stories in which Surrey police have pioneered, alongside policing tales of adversity, courage and humanity.

“A great believer that ‘a picture tells a thousand words’, I’m going to post a ‘policing picture of the week’ over the next few months that’s been carefully selected from the archives. 

“My first image is of PC Charles Carpenter that was taken in 1857 and is one of the first known photographs of a serving Surrey Constabulary officer. 

“Blinded in one eye after being hit by a stone on the job, PC Carpenter served the villagers of Clandon and would have earnt a weekly wage of around 18 shillings, or 12p in today’s money.

A proud history

“The history of the Force is both fascinating and enriching.  As the new year beckons, I want to say a huge thank you to all Surrey police officers and staff – both former and current – for their dedication and resolve.

“Without them, there wouldn’t be a history to be proud of”.

Today, Surrey Police has a workforce of around 4,000 officers and staff, serving 1.2 million residents of Surrey and an area of 642 square miles.

Find out more on our new dedicated webpage, which you can find here.

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a green dress, standing in front of a brick building. The building has a sign outside which reveals it to be the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Lisa is leaning against a blue handrail, looking directly into the camera, and smiling.

New Surrey Police base set for Redhill next year, Commissioner announces

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

A new Surrey Police base is set to be created following the successful purchase of a site in the Redhill area, the Police and Crime Commissioner has announced today.

The building at Perrywood Business Park on Honeycrock Lane in Salfords has been bought with a view to providing a permanent police station and front counter for the public.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend hailed the purchase, which was finalised this week, as great news for the Force’s policing presence in East Surrey.

It follows an extensive search for a potential site in the Reigate and Banstead area.

New base

In 2023, police teams were forced to move out of the old Reigate Police Station following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Many have been operating out of a temporary location at nearby Wray Park in the meantime.

Last year Surrey Police announced plans to build a brand new Eastern Divisional HQ at a site in Leatherhead already owned by the Force and recently received resolution to grant planning permission,

But the Police and Crime Commissioner and senior Force leaders also wanted to find a secondary site in the Reigate and Banstead area for a police station and front counter service for residents.

The building at Perrywood Business Park was the only site in the area that met the requirements and will be funded by the sale of the previous Reigate Police Station.

The Commissioner believes the new building will be fit for purpose offering sufficient space and facilities for policing teams with ample parking and good local transport links which will help Surrey Police to continue delivering the high levels of service residents expect.

“Bright future”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I know how much residents value their local policing presence so this is really fantastic news for our communities in the area.

“The discovery of RAAC and subsequent closure of Reigate Police Station has meant it has been a disruptive time for our hard-working teams in East Surrey.

“I want to pay tribute to their continued patience, professionalism and resilience in challenging circumstances.

“The search for a site in the Reigate and Banstead area has been extensive and Perrywood was the only building which met our needs so I am delighted that we have been able to secure the purchase.

“I believe that together with the progress being made on our new Eastern Division HQ in Leatherhead, this heralds a bright future for policing in East Surrey.”

Deputy Chief Constable of Surrey Police Mark McEwan said: “We believe this new building will provide sufficient space and facilities for our teams, be fit for purpose and enable us to continue delivering the high levels of service our residents expect. 

“Whilst we are still at the very early stages, considerations continue into where individual teams across the Eastern division will be based in the future and we will provide updates as and when we have them.  

“The safety of our communities remains our priority and there will be no change to officers continuing to patrol across the towns and villages of the local area as they already do. ”

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.”