Category: Local policing

Commissioner draws up plans for police priorities as roadshow attended by hundreds draws to a close

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Hundreds of Surrey residents have had their say on the issues that affect them most as the Policing Your Community roadshow returned during the autumn and winter.

The events, which took place in each of the county’s 11 boroughs, as well as online, gave audiences the opportunity to share their thoughts about crime and policing where they live.

The series kicked off in Guildford borough in late September, and concluded with an online meeting on January 13. Around 100 people attended the virtual event, where questions ranging from CCTV use in Guildford and Cobham to delays to court cases were asked.

During the meetings, hosted by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, Surrey Police Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, and each of the Borough Commanders, a number of common concerns emerged.

These include anti-social behaviour, burglary, police visibility and shoplifting.

Hundreds have their say

The Commissioner will shortly launch her Police and Crime Plan, created with the input of residents, community groups, businesses and victims’ services across Surrey.

The Plan, which provides a blueprint for policing priorities in the county until 2028, will reflect the concerns raised by communities.

Lisa is also currently asking residents what they’d be prepared to pay to support policing in Surrey. You can have your say HERE.

Surrey Police is dedicated to tackling crime. In the past 12 months, the force has more than doubled its charge rate, with an additional 3,500 offences prosecuted.

An additional 2,500 arrests have been made, and both burglary and assault with injury charges have increased by 90 per cent, while shoplifting offences have increased four-fold, with 876 more offences charged across the country.

Charges more than double

Meanwhile, charge rates for offences related to violence against women and girls, rape and child abuse have doubled.

Funding secured by the Commissioner is being used across the county to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime hotspots in 10 of the 11 boroughs.

The Commissioner said: “The most crucial part of my role is to represent the voices of Surrey’s residents when it comes to policing.

“The Policing Your Community events allowed both myself and the Chief Constable to hear what people are most concerned about where they live, and to answer any questions they may have.

‘Taking the fight to criminals’

“My upcoming Police and Crime Plan, which sets the priorities for police in Surrey, will reflect some of the issues we have heard during the roadshow.

“The Chief’s own plan, which is designed to take the fight to criminals by relentlessly pursuing the most prolific offenders, tackling pockets of lawlessness, and driving drug dealers and shoplifting gangs out of the county, is working.

“Surrey Police is one of the fastest-improving forces in the country, and our officers and staff are more determined than ever to make this county a hostile place for criminality.

“In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about my plans for the coming years, and I’ll be highlighting some of the fantastic work that goes on day in, day out by our hard-working teams.”

Commissioner Lisa Townsend wears a long-sleeved dress, and has her hands clasped in front of her. Chief Constable Tim De Meyer stands to Lisa's left. He is wearing his uniform and smiling at the camera. He holds his police hat in his right hand. Between Lisa and Tim is a colourful waist-height sign that reads 'Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey'

Would you be prepared to pay a little extra council tax to maintain policing improvements? Have your say!

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking Surrey residents whether they would be prepared to pay a little extra to support the county’s “fastest-improving” police service over the coming year.

In the last 12 months, Surrey Police has more than DOUBLED its charge rate, with an additional 3,500 offences being prosecuted. It has also made over 2,500 more arrests and made dramatic improvements in tackling offences important to residents such as burglary, shoplifting, child abuse and rape.

The Commissioner says this has made Surrey Police one of the fastest-improving forces in the country.

But in order to maintain this momentum, protect victims and continue to make our communities even safer, Lisa says Surrey Police desperately need funding to ensure that hard work isn’t undone.  

Those who live in Surrey are being invited to fill in a brief survey on whether they would support an increase of a little over £1 extra a month on an average council tax bill for 2025/26.

Have your say here.

One of the Commissioner’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police. That includes determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, known as the precept, which funds the Force together with a grant from central government. 

In December, the Government announced their policing settlement for the next financial year which stated that Police and Crime Commissioners are allowed to request an additional £14 per Band D property.

This equates to little over £1.16 a month on an average household, or 4.3 per cent across all council tax bands.

Every pound of precept amounts to an extra half-a-million pounds in the policing budget.

The Commissioner said that the contributions the Surrey public make through their council tax contributions are “absolutely vital” and have been paying dividends over the last 12 months.

Burglary and assault with injury charges have both increased by 90 per cent, while shoplifting charges have increased four-fold with 876 more offences charged across the county.

Charge rates for offences related to violence against women and girls (VAWG), rape and child abuse have doubled, and the Force now among the fastest improving nationally for serious sexual offences and stalking and harassment.

There have been 20 per cent more arrests year-on-year,​ with an average of 50 more per week, while the number of outstanding suspects has reduced by a third.

‘Impressive’

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said: “When I set the police budget last year, I pledged that Surrey residents’ council tax contributions would be focused on what policing does best – fighting crime in our local communities, getting tough on offenders and protecting people.  

“The progress we have seen over the last 12 months has been really impressive. The charge rate has been doubled and huge strides have been made in tackling those crimes important to our residents such as burglary, shoplifting and violence against women and girls

“The Chief Constable’s plan is working, and Surrey Police is one of the fastest improving forces in the country. But there is still more to do.

“During our recent Policing Your Community roadshow, residents told me loud and clear how they value that visible local policing presence in their communities and getting a swift and effective police response when they need it.

Survey launches

“I want to ensure our local policing teams are properly funded so we can continue to improve that service to our communities.

“While it is great news that Surrey Police are arresting more criminals, and long may that continue, delays in the criminal justice system mean that victims are waiting longer for those cases to come to court.

“These can be some of the most vulnerable people in our society and it is really important that we properly support them through this difficult process. I want to ensure we invest in those fantastic services in the county that provide truly life-changing support to those victims of crime in Surrey.

“In order to achieve this and maintain the success of the last year, I need to make sure our police teams have the right resources in the face of some difficult financial challenges.

Have your say

“The reality is that the government settlement this year will not cover the increased costs we continue to face in Surrey, and we must make up a shortfall in both the police officers’ pay increase and the rise in employers National Insurance.

“The Force is making every effort to find efficiencies across the board to ensure we provide the very best value for money for our residents. But they still must find in the region of £18m in savings over the next four years. 

“That is why I must balance the burden on the public with ensuring I give the Chief Constable the tools to keep the Force’s head above water and continue to take the fight to criminals in our county.

“Any gap in funding will mean further savings having to be made, including cuts to the workforce. The Force may have no choice but to reduce some of the services which the public value the most – such as taking calls, investigating crimes and detaining suspects.

Force improvements

“Our policing teams do a fantastic job keeping our communities safe. I want Surrey Police to build on the brilliant progress they have made over the last year and continue to tackle those issues that are priorities for you.

“It is important to me to find out what Surrey residents think and whether they would be willing to pay a little extra to support our policing teams again this year.

“So I would ask everyone to take a minute to fill out our brief survey and give me their views.” 

The council tax survey will close at midnight on 1 February 2025. For more information, visit this link.

You can also read an open letter from the Commissioner here, and find frequently asked questions here.

Commissioner joins officers on burglary patrol in Surrey Heath as hundreds of homes are visited

Posted on | by Alex Winter

POLICE have visited hundreds of Surrey Heath residents to help them protect their properties from burglars this winter.

Since September 1, 43 burglaries have been committed in the borough.

British Asian communities have been disproportionately affected for their gold jewellery, which is often bought as a wedding gift and passed down through generations.

Senior leaders at Surrey Police shared their efforts to track down burglars during the tenth Policing Your Community event, which took place in Frimley on the evening of Monday, December 2.

Burglary patrol

Borough Commander Gemma Taylor said two members of her team have voluntarily made a permanent move to late shifts to ensure they’re on-hand during the night to support burglary victims.

Meanwhile, her officers have visited almost 400 homes in recent weeks to reassure residents and issue burglary prevention advice and free motion alarms.

Days after the forum, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined Surrey Heath’s Safer Neighbourhood Team for a shift.

During the evening, foot patrols took place in residential areas of Camberley, Windlesham, Frimley, Lightwater, and West End and Bisley.

Prevention advice

Lisa said: “Becoming a victim of a burglary has a really significant impact that often lingers long after the crime has taken place.

“Most burglaries have taken place when residents are out of their homes at work or on the school run. In most cases, their homes were in darkness when the offenders broke in.

“The team here in Surrey Heath are doing all they can to track down the individuals responsible for these appalling crimes, and I know how hard all staff, officers and volunteers are working to end this spate of offending.

“But in the meantime, there are things residents can do to help prevent burglaries.

“Significant impact”

“Always report a burglary on 101 or digital 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress, and please make sure you do this as quickly as possible.

“If you see anything that seems concerning, but you’re not sure if a crime has taken place, you can report it via Surrey Police’s Suspicious Activity Portal.”

Resources to help prevent a crime taking place are available via surrey.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/keep-burglars-out-property.

Just days left to have your say on policing priorities in Surrey for the next three years

Posted on | by Alex Winter

It’s the last chance to have your say on what you think the policing priorities in your community should be.

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is urging residents to fill in a brief survey that will help shape policing in the county for the next three years.

The poll, which allows respondents to pick the issues they’d like to see Surrey Police focus on, closes this Thursday, December 12.

It is anonymous, takes just a few minutes to complete, and can be filled in here:

Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-2028

Just days remain to have your say

The answers will help the Commissioner draw up her Police and Crime Plan, which provides the blueprint for policing in Surrey until 2028.

It will be published in early 2025 and will cover her current term of office.

Lisa was re-elected for a second term of office in May this year and has pledged to ensure Surrey Police implement a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to policing in the county.

She said: “Time is running out for Surrey’s residents to put their voices at the heart of policing.

‘Get offenders off our streets’

“My survey will close on Thursday, and I’d urge anyone who hasn’t yet had their say to fill it in.

“I want Surrey Police to focus on tackling those crimes that blight our local communities and to target persistent offenders and take them off our streets.

“But it’s really important that I hear from as many people as possible about what is happening where you live and what you want to see your police teams focus on in the future.

“The Force is making great strides, with an additional 3,500 charges across all crime types in the past 12 months. We must sustain that fantastic progress, but there are challenges ahead and tough choices will have to be made on where we focus resources.

“That’s why I want to concentrate on what Surrey residents say is most important to them.”

Join local events

For more information on the Police and Crime Plan, visit Surrey-PCC.gov.uk/police-and-crime-plan/consultation-2024

The Commissioner and Chief Constable Tim De Meyer are currently touring the county for the Policing Your Community roadshow.

The final in-person event takes place this Wednesday, December 11 at Haslemere Museum in Waverley borough. An online event for those who were unable to join their nearest meeting will then be hosted on January 13 next year.

For more information, or to sign up, visit Surrey.Police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/au/about-us/in-the-community/

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend stands in front of a room of people who sit facing her. She is smiling. Beside her is a large television which has the words 'any questions?' on the screen. To her left are two police officers in uniform. The picture was taken at the Policing Your Community event in Elmbridge.

Lisa Townsend speaks to an audience at the Policing Your Community event in Elmbridge this autumn

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend standing outside Sainsbury's in Redhill town centre

Reports of shoplifting in Surrey are increasing – and this is why I’m glad, Commissioner says

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner says she is “glad” reports of shoplifting are increasing in the county.

Lisa Townsend acknowledged that her response might seem “strange” to residents.

But rising reports are likely to reflect a more accurate picture of offending in Surrey – meaning police are better-equipped to respond.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics last month, which take into account crime to the year ending June 2024, show that reports of shoplifting rose by 53 per cent in just 12 months.

This is the highest number of reported offences in this category since 2015.

However, provisional figures suggest that the Force is now arresting significantly more shoplifters.

Shoplifting rates rise in Surrey…

In the past 12 months, 837 more arrests for shoplifting were made than the previous year.

Shoplifting offences are increasing across the country. Nationally, reports rose by 29 per cent, and are now at the highest levels since recording began.

Surrey has previously recorded some of the lowest rates of shoplifting in England and Wales.

Lisa said: “We know that Surrey has often been hailed for the low number of shoplifting incidents reported.

“But I’m glad that this isn’t the case anymore.

“That may sound very strange to the public.

“However, the likely truth of those low numbers is that victims simply weren’t reporting these crimes to Surrey Police.

…But so do arrests

“I have spoken with a huge number of retailers through my work. Just last year, at the Policing Your Community event in Woking, I was told that a branch of the Co-op was seeing up to 20 thefts a day.

“The Force has openly encouraged victims of all offences to make sure they are reporting crimes. I hope that the increase in shoplifting rates is, at least in part, a reflection of that.”

The Commissioner said it is not always possible for victims to feel there has been a satisfactory conclusion to a report.

However, arrests are increasing.

“In the past year, we have seen 837 more arrests for shoplifting,” she said.

Myth-busting

“Across the board, the Force’s arrest rate has risen significantly. When it comes to shoplifting in particular, the arrest rate was 8.1 per cent – it is now 18.4 per cent.

“We still have a long road to travel, but we are certainly heading in the right direction.”

Lisa also said there is a “pervasive myth” that police will only attend if items worth more than £200 are stolen.

“Put as clearly as possible, this isn’t true,” she said.

“During a recent plain-clothed operation at Sainsbury’s in Redhill, I watched as a shoplifter was arrested for stealing items worth just £7.50.”

Force’s success stories

The issue has been repeatedly raised during the Policing Your Community events, which are currently taking place across the county.

Members of the public have heard some of the Force’s success stories.

At the event in Tandridge during late October, Borough Commander Lyndsey Whatley said three suspected members of an all-female organised crime group (OCG) have recently been charged.

In Spelthorne, Borough Commander Matt Walton revealed his team’s shoplifting detection rate is up by 50 per cent.

And in Guildford, three shoplifters connected to organised criminality have recently been jailed for stealing almost £200,000-worth of goods from supermarkets.

‘Report it’ plea

The thieves are believed to be responsible for more than 100 crimes targeting large supermarkets.

Surrey Police’s investigators worked in partnership with Tesco, wading through hours of CCTV footage, to secure the convictions.

Lisa said: “The Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, takes shoplifting incredibly seriously.

“When I speak to officers, they take it incredibly seriously.

“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, and we urge retailers to continue reporting offences as and when they occur.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa standing by supermarket trolleys

Lisa Townsend has urged victims of shoplifting to keep reporting offences

Police and Crime Commissioner walking through graffiti covered tunnel with two male police officers from the local team in Spelthorne

We want to hear from you! Still time to have your say on policing priorities for Surrey

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

What crimes do you think police should be tackling where you live? Now is the chance to have your say!

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is urging Surrey residents to fill in a brief survey that will help shape policing in the county for the next three years.

You can select what issues you want to see Surrey Police focus on as part of the consultation for her new Police and Crime Plan which is currently underway.

Your answers will help the Commissioner draw up her Plan, which will launch early next year and provide the blueprint for policing in the county until 2028.

Have your say

But you will need to be quick – the survey, which launched in October, will close on December 12 2024. It is anonymous, only takes a few minutes to complete, and can be filled in here:

Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-28 Public Consultation

The Police and Crime Plan provides the basis for how the Commissioner holds the Chief Constable to account and sets the priorities for policing for the county.

It will be published in early 2025 and will cover her current term of office, which runs until 2028.

Lisa was re-elected for a second term of office in May this year and has pledged to ensure Surrey Police implement a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to policing in the county.

‘Back to basics’

She said: “My mission is clear – I want Surrey Police to focus on tackling those crimes that blight our local communities and to target persistent offenders and take them off our streets.

“Over the autumn months, our Policing Your Community roadshow has been visiting every borough in the county where hundreds of residents have been giving us their views on policing where they live.

“I know there are issues that consistently cause concern such as anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, drug crime, the safety of women and girls and visible policing in our communities.

“But I want to hear from more of you about what is happening where you live and what you want to see your police teams focus on in the future.

“We have a good response so far to the survey and I want to thank all those who have already filled it in.

“But it is really important to me to hear from as many people as possible so if you haven’t done so already – please do take a few minutes to let me know what you think.

More are being charged

“Surrey Police is making great strides in tackling crime across the county with another 3,500 more charges over the last year, which is great news for our residents.

“I want to sustain that progress, but there are financial challenges ahead and some tough choices will have to be made on where we focus our resources.

“That is why I want to concentrate on what the Surrey public tell me is important to them and create a Police and Crime Plan that helps delivers a policing service they can be proud of.”

Share your priorities

For more information, visit our dedicated webpage, Surrey-PCC.gov.uk/police-and-crime-plan/consultation-2024

Our last three Policing Your Community events are taking place in Runnymede, Surrey Heath and Waverley in the next few weeks.

To sign up to an event, visit Surrey.Police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/au/about-us/in-the-community/

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend on a hotspot patrol with Surrey Police officers

Affected by anti-social behaviour? Here’s how to access support

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has shared more information on how victims of support can access anti-social behaviour.

Lisa Townsend, who is currently asking members of the public to have their say on priorities for policing over the next three years, has shared Surrey-based resources during national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.

The week, which takes place between November 18 and 22, aims to raise awareness of the impact anti-social behaviour can have.

What is anti-social behaviour?

More than two thirds of people in a recent survey told us they had either been a victim of or witness to antisocial behaviour. But what exactly is it?

ASB covers a wide range of issues including:

  • Antisocial driving/speeding
  • Nuisance noise
  • Drug use or drug dealing
  • Dog fouling
  • Fly tipping
  • Graffiti
  • Littering

There are also some things that, while annoying, do not count as anti-social behaviour, which might include:

  • DIY or off-road car repairs (unless late at night or early in the morning)
  • Everyday living noises such as loud conversations, doors opening and closing, and lawnmowers in use
  • One-off occasional events such as birthday parties, barbecues, or other celebrations
  • Lawful use of fireworks
  • Property boundary disputes

Police and Crime Plan

Lisa has urged members of the public to fill out a survey that will inform the creation of her next Police and Crime Plan, a blueprint for Surrey Police’s priorities between 2025 and 2028.

The Commissioner says anti-social behaviour is one of the key issues raised by residents around the county.

She said: “It is my job to ensure your views on policing in Surrey are heard and that is why I now ask for your help in creating my new Police and Crime Plan. 

“I want to make sure the public’s priorities for policing are my priorities too. This is why I want as many people as possible to fill out the survey and let me know your views.”

It only takes a few minutes to complete and can be filled in here:

Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-28 public consultation

The survey will remain open until December 12 2024.

Policing Your Community

The Commissioner is also learning more about anti-social behaviour in different Surrey towns and villages through her Policing Your Community roadshow, held in partnership with Surrey Police.

Anti-social behaviour covers a wide spectrum of incidents, which may include neighbourhood disputes, noise, rowdy behaviour, and poor driving.

It can also be linked to criminal offences, including speeding, violence, vandalism, and drug dealing.

Lisa said: “There is often a perception among those who attend my Policing Your Community events that anti-social behaviour isn’t worth reporting.

“But the reality is, it can have a severe and harmful impact on victims.

“For some, there will be no escape, even in their own homes.

“During recent meetings, I’ve heard much about how officers deal with anti-social behaviour.

“In Mole Valley, police are targeting repeat offenders and carrying out regular operations to tackle anti-social driving and e-scooter and e-bike riding.

“In Woking, three properties connected to crime have been closed down in three months.

“In Spelthorne, more than 20 e-bikes have been seized in Stanwell and Ashford after they were connected to criminality.

“Policing teams across the county are committed to dealing with anti-social behaviour. But we know there is always more work to do to ensure residents feel safe.”

Support available

A range of measures are available for those affected by anti-social behaviour.

The Commissioner’s office funds Mediation Surrey, which aims to resolve neighbourhood issues through discussion.

Those who feel failed after repeatedly reporting anti-social behaviour can turn to the ASB Case Review, which draws together key partners to review their actions.

Working with partners, the Commissioner’s office has also secured Home Office Safer Streets funding, which is currently being used in Redhill, Guildford and Walton-on-Thames to tackle anti-social behaviour.

In addition, Lisa secured a £1million government grant for hotspot policing, which uses police intelligence to flood Surrey’s worst-affected areas with officers.

To learn more about how to access support or report an issue, visit healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

ASB Help explains more about the different types of anti-social behaviour. It also has an interactive guide to help you report ASB to the right agency in the right way.  

You can also report anti-social behaviour directly to Surrey Police via surrey.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/

In an emergency, always call 999.

Surrey officers who fought for freedom during the First and Second World Wars are remembered

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Stories of the heroism of Surrey police officers who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars have been told in a series of Remembrance services.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend attended a poignant service at Guildford Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday, before giving a reading at the Force’s Mount Browne HQ on Armistice Day.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson travelled to Ypres in Belgium with the Ceremonial Association of Surrey Police.

During her visit, Ellie visited the grave of Henry Bullen.

Henry served as a Police Constable with Surrey Constabulary. A former Grenadier Guard, he was recalled during the First World War, and on October 26 1914 was killed in action – the first member of the Force to die in the conflict.

We will remember them

Ellie also joined the Ypres Poppy Parade and Remembrance Ceremony, which concluded with a service at the Menin Gate.

She said: “I first visited the Menin Gate as a child, and remember being completely blown away by the significance and scale of the memorial and the sacrifices that were made during the First World War.

“This is a feeling which I still felt as an adult.

“Being able to lay a wreath there on Remembrance Day and pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to have freedoms we enjoy today was a huge honour, and an experience I won’t forget.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson marked Remembrance in Ypres, Belgium

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson marked Remembrance in Ypres, Belgium

Following that, Ellie joined representatives from the British Embassy and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for a second ceremony at Tyne Cot, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world.

In total, 111,961 service personnel are buried or commemorated at the site.

Before leaving Ypres, Ellie participated in the Last Post service, which takes place every day at the Menin Gate.

She said: “I have been lucky enough to witness the Last Post twice before.

“However, playing a part in the ceremony on Remembrance Day was an incredible, humbling, and deeply moving experience.”

Ellie travelled to Belgium with the Ceremonial Association of Surrey Police

Meanwhile, at Surrey Police headquarters, Lisa and her team joined the annual service held on the Chief’s lawn.

A speech was given about the life of Captain Owen Allard, a Surrey Constabulary officer who returned to policing after the Second World War.

Cpt Allard served with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, who fought in the Normandy campaign.

He was the last surviving member of the battalion following D Day.

Lisa said: “It is always an immense privilege to join Remembrance events and learn more about those who gave their lives to allow future generations to live in more peaceful times.”

The Commissioner also joined a service at Guildford Cathedral

“A landmark moment”: Commissioner hails green light for redevelopment of Surrey Police HQ

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has welcomed the decision to approve planning permission for the redevelopment of Surrey Police’s headquarters as a significant milestone for the Force.

Two planning applications were submitted to Guildford Borough Council in April this year to redevelop the current Mount Browne HQ on the outskirts of the town and for a new access road to the site.

The Council’s Planning Committee met on Wednesday this week, November 6, where councillors voted to grant planning permission, subject to legal agreement. 

There will now follow a six-week judicial review period before the Force can take decisions on the next steps.

“A landmark moment”

The Commissioner decided in 2021 that the Force should remain at Mount Browne, rather than seek a new location.

The redevelopment plans include the replacing of accommodation blocks with a new Contact and Deployment Centre, the modernisation of the world-renowned Dog School, a new car park, accommodation for students, and the restoration of ancient woodland.

The redevelopment plans include new accommodation for students and kennels for dogs, a decked car park with electric vehicle charging points, and the restoration of some ancient woodland.

The historic Old House will be retained with a new courtyard wing.

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

Lisa said: “The planning approval is really exciting news and represents a landmark moment in the history of Surrey Police.

“There are now some additional legal stages to go through in the coming weeks before we can take the initial steps towards redevelopment, which is an important part of the process.

“However, this week’s decision marks a significant milestone for the Force.

“Mount Browne has been Surrey Police’s home for over 70 years, but the buildings here are run down, expensive to maintain and simply no longer meet the requirements of a modern police force.

The current site, pictured from the air

“The redevelopment will offer our amazing officers, staff and volunteers a vastly improved working environment that is sustainable for the Force, both financially and environmentally.

“The most important factor for me has always been that we provide value for money for our residents and deliver an even better policing service for them in the future.

“This decision means we can move onto the next stage and I look forward to being able to share more about our plans in the near future.”

Have your say on the crime and policing issues that affect you as Policing Your Community roadshow returns this month

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey residents will be given the chance to have their say on the crime and policing issues that affect their community when a series of public engagement events returns this month.

Surrey Police’s Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend will launch the Policing Your Community roadshow in Guildford on Monday, September 23.

Events will take place in all 11 boroughs in the county during the autumn and winter before a final meeting takes place online in January.

The Commissioner and the Chief Constable will be joined at each event by the Borough Commander responsible for that area’s local policing.

Hundreds of people attended last year’s event to ask questions and learn more about the policing operations taking place where they live.

Community roadshow returns

Lisa is also preparing to launch the public consultation for her Police and Crime Plan, which will help shape the future of policing in Surrey. The Plan will inform the priorities for Surrey Police for the next four years. Current priorities include making Surrey’s roads safer and tackling violence against women and girls.

The Policing Your Community events will give residents the opportunity to learn more about how police resources are being used both visibly – and behind the scenes – to boost the fight against crime in Surrey.

The in-person events will run from 6.30pm-8pm, while the online event will run between 6pm and 7.30pm. All are free to attend, but those who wish to join are urged to register their attendance by selecting the link for their local event below:

September 23 – Merrist Wood College, Worplesdon, Guildford

October 7 – Banstead Community Centre, Reigate and Banstead

October 14 – Spelthorne Borough Council, Spelthorne

October 22 – Therfield School, Leatherhead, Mole Valley

October 29 – The Arc, Caterham, Tandridge

November 4 – Community and Wellbeing Centre, Epsom and Ewell

November 11 – Greenfield School, Woking

November 18 – Imber Court Sports Club, East Molesey, Elmbridge

November 25 – The Village Centre, Englefield Green, Runnymede

December 2 – Frimley Community Centre, Frimley, Surrey Heath

December 11 – Haslemere Museum, Haslemere, Waverley

The virtual event will take place on January 13 and will be screened live on Facebook.

Lisa, who was re-elected by Surrey residents earlier this year, said: “I’m delighted to announce the return of the Policing Your Community events, which offer residents the opportunity to learn more about what our policing teams are doing to tackle crime where they live.

“Last year, hundreds of residents joined us to ask questions and discuss the issues that concern them most.

“Anti-social behaviour, police visibility and road safety were among the most frequent topics raised, and both the Force and my team are tackling your concerns.

“Listening to the views of local people is at the heart of my role, and strengthening the relationships between Surrey Police and residents is a key priority.

Listening to Surrey residents

“The Force is now the biggest it has been in a generation, with more officers on the ground than ever before, and we want to continue to boost the service that residents receive.”

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “Surrey Police is determined to fight crime and protect people, to be there when we are needed and to earn public trust.

“These events enable me to listen to the people of Surrey and understand if we are achieving what we aim to do. It was a pleasure to meet so many people last year and learn about the concerns relating to crime and policing in their neighbourhoods.

“The feedback we received is reflected in the local policing plans which address the things that matter most in our communities.  

“I am really looking forward to joining the Police & Crime Commissioner on these visits to listen and talk to people in the areas where they live and work.”

For more information, or to sign up to an event, visit www.surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/au/about-us/in-the-community/