Category: Local policing

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.”

Two people stand together with their hands clasped looking at the camera. To the left of the image is Lisa Townsend, wearing a yellow jumper and black trousers. To the right is PCSO John Savage, who wears full uniform and a hat. They are standing in Farncombe centre, and a sign above their heads reads 'Farncombe'.

“Shoplifters are warned – the person standing next to you in the aisle could be a plain-clothed officer”

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Plain-clothed officers are patrolling businesses across Guildford and Waverley as part of a new crackdown on retail crime in Surrey. 

The Behavioural Detection Officers, who are trained to spot suspicious behaviour, joined uniformed colleagues for a week-long operation targeting shop theft across both boroughs.  

Retail staff were also visited by officers and PCSOs during the initiative, which aims to drive down offences, provide advice to retail workers and reassure the business community. 

Over the course of the week, eight people were arrested for theft offences, and four charged and remanded to court. 

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, joined patrols in Guildford and Farncombe this month.

The Commissioner has vowed a return to “back-to-basics policing” in her Police and Crime Plan, a blueprint for the Force’s priorities over the next three years. 

The Plan launched as the Force celebrates some significant recent successes. 

This month, six thieves who travelled across the south of England stealing more than £130,0000-worth of goods from supermarkets were sentenced after Surrey PC Ben Marshall unravelled two years of offending. 

Meanwhile, a targeted partnership initiative in Redhill has resulted in 155 arrests, including for retail theft, while a prolific shoplifter was held in the north of the county in January. 

In the past 12 months, shoplifting charges have increased four-fold, with 876 more offences charged across the county. 

Force’s success

Lisa said: “The progress we have seen over the course of the year has been really impressive, and Surrey Police is now one of the fastest-improving forces in the country. 

“But I have heard, loud and clear, that more must be done to tackle retail crime. 

“During patrols in Farncombe and Guildford this month, I spoke with retailers, officers, PCSOs and residents about the scale of the problem. 

“I am in no doubt that retail crime has a significant impact to its victims, who are caused financial, emotional, and sometimes physical harm. 

“Shoplifters are warned”

“This type of offending also harms wider communities, resulting in people feeling less safe. 

“The campaign I have joined uses plain-clothed officers who blend in with the public to spot suspicious behaviour and halt offenders in their tracks. 

“Shoplifters are warned – the person browsing the aisle beside them could be a Surrey Police officer. 

“Our teams are committed to tackling retail crime and subjecting offenders to the full force of the law.” 

Survey closes

A survey on the impact of retail crime has now closed.  

More than 200 members of the business community had their say as part of the poll, which was launched by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Surrey Police in March. 

A report on retail crime and the Force’s response will be published by the OPCC in the coming months. 

Qualified legal professionals sought to oversee police gross misconduct hearings

Posted on | by Alex Winter

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is seeking new Legally Qualified Persons (LQPs) to provide expert guidance and advice for police gross misconduct hearings.

LPQs provide assistance on procedural issues and points of law for the chair and panel at hearings.

Applications from suitably qualified people are sought for appointments in:

  • Hampshire
  • Kent
  • Surrey
  • Sussex
  • Thames Valley

Appointees will serve a four-year term, and up to 10 new appointments may be made.

We are interested to hear from all legal professionals, especially those with experience in areas such as, but not limited to, equality and diversity.   

Hearings can last up to a week and it is expected that appointed LQPs will make themselves reasonably available to undertake this work. Training is provided.

“A vital step”

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “The vast majority of our officers and staff both here in Surrey and across the country are dedicated, committed and work around the clock to keep our communities safe.

“However, where the actions of a very small minority tarnishes their reputation and damages public trust in policing, gross misconduct panels, overseen by our brilliant LQPs, are a vital step in the process.

“LQPs provide a crucial service and help to ensure that our misconduct system remains fair and transparent.”

Completed applications should be sent to opcc@hampshire.police.uk by no later than midnight on May 25.

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Planning application submitted for Surrey Police’s Eastern Divisional Headquarters in Leatherhead

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Surrey Police has submitted its planning application for the development of its Eastern Divisional Headquarters in Leatherhead.

Following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the construction of Reigate Police Station in September 2023, the Eastern Divisional HQ has been temporarily based at the former Surrey Fire & Rescue Services (SFRS) headquarters at Wray Park in Reigate.

Working closely with commercial surveyors Vail Williams, a number of options across the east of the county were reviewed, and a recommendation was approved last year at the Estates Strategy Board to base the Eastern Divisional HQ on a site on Cleeve Road in Leatherhead.

This site (the former Electrical Research Association (ERA) and Cobham Industries site) was purchased by Surrey Police in 2018 with a view to developing a new, purpose-built Force headquarters.

Plans submitted

However, following a review of the programme in November 2021, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Surrey Police Chief Officer team took the decision to retain Mount Browne, in Guildford, as the Force Headquarters, and redevelop the existing site.

The site at Leatherhead will provide the opportunity to build a bespoke, permanent divisional headquarters that will be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and ensure our officers and staff have the facilities they need to investigate crime and keep communities safe.

Late last year, the Force held a public consultation event with local residents, businesses, councillors, and community group representatives to share initial plans and gather feedback from those in the local area.

The Force is also working closely with key stakeholders in the community including, including Mole Valley District Council, to ensure that we can deliver the best possible service to our communities, both now and in the future. 

“Exciting development”

In addition to the planning application for part of the site to become the Force’s Eastern Divisional HQ, an application has also been submitted to develop an area of the site into affordable housing.

Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp said: “Submitting this planning application is a key step in our journey to building a permanent location for us to deliver our policing operations for our communities in East Surrey.

“Our focus throughout these early stages has been on finding a site that will enable our staff and officers to be there for us when our communities need us most, to prevent and investigate crime, and to keep people safe.

“Having an Eastern Divisional HQ that is fit for purpose, serving both the public and our teams, is vital. Progressing with this application will enable us to create an environment where we can all achieve this.

“This is an exciting development that will further support Surrey Police continuing performance improvements.”

Image of the plans for Surrey Police’s headquarters at Mount Browne in Guildford

Campaign to prevent “widespread” issue of youth-produced sexual images to be rolled out in Surrey’s schools

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A CAMPAIGN to prevent children and young people asking their peers for sexual images will now be available for use by schools in Surrey.

“Ok To Ask?” launched on social media in March 2024 with a series of short video clips depicting teenagers responding to pressure from their peers to share or request nudes.

The campaign, led by Surrey Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), actively involved young people throughout the research and development phases. It was designed to initiate thought, challenge perceptions, and empower young people to reject harmful behaviour while supporting their peers.

Now, a teaching and learning resource developed by Surrey Healthy Schools in partnership with the OPCC will ensure the initiative can be used as a cornerstone of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) classes across the county.

Funding for both initiatives was secured by the OPCC from the Home Office’s What Works Fund in 2022. The former Government granted £1million to provide a package of support for young people to help combat violence against women and girls.

The funding supported both the Ok To Ask? campaign and specialist training for PSHE leads in schools and a host of professionals in Surrey to develop life skills and support their health and wellbeing.

As the project draws to an end, Surrey Healthy Schools has developed a package of teaching and learning resources for children in Key Stages three to five.

This includes guidance on facilitating effective PSHE lessons with a focus on digital safety, assessment guidance and activities, three lesson plans, and advice for teachers.

Schools boost

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “Youth-produced sexual imagery is a widespread issue across the country, and has considerable risks for young people.

“We want to challenge perceptions that it should be considered just a ‘normal’ part of teenage life and provide support for those who might be in a situation where they are under pressure to do so.

“Nearly a third of all sexual images of children found online are youth-produced, showing how harmful this behaviour can be.

“The crime of ‘sextortion’ – a form of blackmail using sexual images for gain – is rising in the county. Supporting young people with making decisions and understanding the impact of these is an important part of preventing this harm.

‘Insightful’

“The Force’s primary aim will be to safeguard young people, but it is also a crime to take, make, show or possess indecent images of any person below the age of 18. That is true even if the person with those images is also under 18.

“Ok To Ask? has been hugely successful, with millions of views, and we are determined to work alongside young people to support them in navigating some of these challenging issues.

“I’m delighted that my brilliant Commissioning team were able to secure funding for this crucial project, and that Surrey Police, working closely with young people from across the county, have produced such an insightful campaign.”

For more information, or to access the resources, visit the Surrey Healthy Schools website. Parents and carers can also access support via the Ok To Ask? homepage.   

“Ok To Ask?” launched in March 2024 with a series of short video clips depicting teenagers responding to pressure from their peers to share or request nudes. The campaign, which actively involved young people throughout the research and development phases, was designed to trigger thought, challenge perceptions, and empower young people to reject harmful behaviour while supporting their peers.

The digital performance of the “Ok To Ask?” campaign is extremely promising, with more than six million impressions to our target audiences. But, when evaluating the success of a digital campaign aimed at behaviour change, particularly one encouraging young people to reflect on their beliefs and attitudes, the metrics of success differ from traditional campaigns focused on clicks and sales. Success isn’t about immediate transactional outcomes but about deep, reflective engagement with the content. And that’s where you come in…

The “Ok To Ask?” campaign has proven to be both impactful and effective, sparking conversations among young people about consent, boundaries, and respect, but we need these conversations to continue to create meaningful change.