Category: Local policing

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.
A police officer converses with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey on a city street, both appearing engaged in discussion.

Time is running out to have your say in new survey on the impact of retail crime in Surrey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Time is running out for members of the business community to have their say on the impact of retail crime.

Just a week remains to fill in a new survey, launched by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with Surrey Police.

Respondents are being asked about their experiences of this type of offending, as well as any economic, emotional or physical harm suffered.

Retail crime has a significant impact in Surrey, and both Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Chief Constable Tim De Meyer are determined to deal with offenders robustly and listen closely to concerns.

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

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

While every effort has been made to share the survey with as many people as possible, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has urged recipients to share the link within their networks to allow us to hear from anyone who would like to respond.

“Far from a ‘victimless crime'”

The Commissioner said: “This type of criminality is far from a ‘victimless crime’, and we are determined to tackle it head-on.

“Entire communities can be affected by retail crime. It can make those who live and work in Surrey feel less safe on the streets.

“While arrests, convictions and out-of-court interventions for retail crime are improving in the county, we know there is more work to do, and I urge Surrey’s business community to share their thoughts in our survey.”

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend stands beside a large blue sign that reads 'Welcome to Surrey Police headquarters'. Her hands are clasped and she is smiling at the camera. Lisa is wearing pink trousers and a green long-sleeved top.

“Back-to-basics policing is the cornerstone”: Commissioner launches new Police and Crime Plan for Surrey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has unveiled a new blueprint for policing in the county over the next three years.

The Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan sets out the priorities she wants Surrey Police to concentrate on during the rest of her current term of office, which ends in 2028.

The Plan features a focus on ‘back to basics’ policing, preventing violence against women and girls, protecting Surrey’s most vulnerable residents, and ensuring the accountability, integrity and wellbeing of the Force’s officers and staff.

It was created following an extensive consultation period where nearly 3,000 residents gave their views, together with community groups, businesses, partners and victims’ services.

Police and Crime Commissioners are required to produce a Police and Crime Plan every four years and it will form the basis upon which Lisa holds the Chief Constable to account for the policing service Surrey Police provide.

Surrey Police is one of the fastest-improving forces in the country having more than doubled its charge rate in the past 12 months, with an additional 3,500 offences prosecuted.

Charges for burglary, assault, retail crime, rape and child abuse have significantly increased, and an additional 2,500 arrests have been made across all crime types.

But the Commissioner said there are challenges ahead. The Force has to find around £18million in savings over the next four years, while criminal justice delays are putting additional pressure on victims’ services.

The Force is also facing increasing demand on ‘hidden’ crime, such as domestic abuse, fraud, and the online exploitation of children, which target some of the most vulnerable people in Surrey.



Force among fastest-improving

Lisa said: “My mission as your Police and Crime Commissioner is clear.

“I want Surrey Police to focus on tackling those crimes that blight our local communities, while also taking persistent offenders off our streets.

“I promised that we would return to a ‘back to basics’ approach to policing, and this pledge forms the cornerstone of my Police and Crime Plan.

“Fighting crime, getting tough on offenders, and protecting Surrey’s most vulnerable residents must be at the heart of the Force’s priorities in the coming years.

“We carried out extensive consultation with residents, community groups, business leaders and victims’ services, as well as hosting 12 in-person and online Policing Your Community events over the autumn and winter.



‘Back to basics’

“I have heard loud and clear what those who live and work in Surrey want to see their policing teams do in our communities and they are making great progress.

“Surrey Police is one of the fastest-improving forces in the country, with 3,500 additional charges across all crime types in 12 months, as well as 2,500 more arrests.

“Charges for some of the crime types that are particularly important to residents, such as child abuse, burglary and retail crime, have dramatically improved.

“It is crucial that this fantastic progress is sustained so we can continue taking the fight to criminals who seek to gain a foothold in our communities.

“Surrey remains a wonderful place in which to live and work, and I am committed to working with the Chief Constable to deliver on the priorities outlined in my Plan.”

155 arrests, 25 years in prison for offenders and 10kg of suspected cocaine seized – Safer Redhill celebrates a year of success

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A YEAR of partnership working in Redhill has led to 25 years in prison for offenders and the seizure of 10kg of suspected cocaine.

Safer Redhill, an initiative designed to cut crime and foster pride in the town, brings together Surrey Police, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and YMCA East Surrey, as well as local business and community partners.

The initiative is supported by funding secured through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, including £265,000 of Safer Streets funding and £58,000 from the Community Safety Fund.

The project adopts the College of Policing’s ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ framework, a three-stage approach where police ‘clear’ offenders from Redhill and work in tandem with interventions from partners to ensure it remains that way.

Campaign’s success

From joint drugs operations at Redhill train station to plain clothed officers deployed at night to spot suspicious behaviour, a huge range of activity has had extensive results, including:

  • 155 arrests for offences including assaults, burglary, drink driving, drug supply and shoplifting
  • 93 charges, of which 81 were charged and remanded
  • A combined prison time of 25 years for local offenders, with many more still to appear for trial
  • Two Criminal Behaviour Orders issued for anti-social behaviour and 80 Community Resolutions issued for offences such as possession of a small quantity of drugs, low value and first time shoplifting offences and minor public order incidents
  • Over £7,000 worth of fines, court costs and victim surcharges issued by the courts
  • 86 drug seizures, including 10kg of suspected cocaine
  • £89,000 cash recovered and weapons taken off the streets
  • 15 vehicles seized and driving disqualification penalties issued that total 8.5 years.

Alongside enforcement activity, the local policing team has built strong relationships within the town, from engaging with students at colleges and holding Meet the Beat sessions to licensing visits with the council’s Joint Enforcement Team.

‘Incredibly proud’

Borough Commander Jon Vale said: “I’m incredibly proud of the efforts of all our partners to address crime in Redhill and help people feel safer in the town.

“It’s a team effort and I’m grateful to all the businesses, organisations and residents who are supporting this project to take pride in Redhill.

“When our communities look at the number of arrests and charges we’ve made over the past year, I want to reassure residents that it’s through the work we’ve been doing that we’re able to seek out and clear this crime from the town.

“Surrey remains one of the safest counties in the UK and our enforcement activities have had a strong impact in Redhill. Since we began our increased police activity, we’ve seen a significant decrease in crimes such as shoplifting, sexual assaults, serious attacks, robbery and anti-social behaviour.”

Safer Redhill aims to have a lasting impact and there is significant work going on to improve the area.

Lasting impact

Local initiatives include solar lighting and a mural designed by young people in Memorial Park, detached youth work by the YMCA and women’s self defence classes by Redhill Boxing Club.

The latest addition to the town will be the installation of two bleed kits by the Safer Redhill partnership, which have been installed next to defibrillators as part of the town’s provision to support people in medical emergencies.

Results from the Force’s regular neighbourhood survey indicate these changes are making a difference, showing an increase in the community’s trust and confidence in the police.

Surrey Police will soon launch a bespoke survey for residents and visitors to Redhill to tell officers where to focus their continued efforts.

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, stands in a high street. Behind her are shops and people walking. She wears a blue coat with its collar upturned. Her blonde hair is loose and she is smiling.

Surrey’s business community asked to have their say in retail crime survey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, and Surrey Police’s Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, are today asking members of the business community to have their say on the impact of retail crime.

It is recognised that retail crime has a significant impact in Surrey, and both the Commissioner and the Chief Constable are determined to deal with offenders robustly and listen closely to concerns.

Open letter to Surrey’s business community

While every effort has been made to share the survey with as many people as possible, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has urged recipients to share the link within their networks to allow us to hear from anyone who would like to respond.

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer 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.  

“Work continues to deal robustly with offenders of retail crime. We have made great strides in this area, but there is more to do. With your help, I am sure that we can improve even more.”

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “Retail crime can impact entire communities.

“As well as the economic, emotional and sometimes physical harm caused, this criminality can make those who live and work in Surrey feel less safe. 

“Reports of retail crime are rising, not only in Surrey, but around the country. However, we are pleased to say that arrests, convictions and out-of-court interventions for retail crime are improving.

“There is more work to do and I urge Surrey’s business community to share their thoughts in our survey.”

Lisa Townsend, Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, stands in front of a large building with a Surrey County Council sign on it. She wears a tan coat with red sleeves. Her hands are clasped in front of her and she is looking straight ahead at the camera

Commissioner says Surrey Police will be properly funded to fight crime after council tax rise goes ahead

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said policing teams in Surrey will be properly funded to tackle those crimes important to residents after it was confirmed her proposed council tax rise will go ahead earlier today.

The Commissioner’s suggested 4.3% increase in the policing element of the council tax, known as the precept, was discussed this morning at a meeting of the county’s Police and Crime Panel at Woodhatch Place in Reigate.

The nine members of the Panel present, made up of local councillors and one independent member, voted on the Commissioner’s proposal with four votes in favour and four votes against with one abstention. The Chair of the Panel cast the deciding vote against.

However, there were insufficient votes to veto the proposal and the Panel accepted the Commissioner’s precept will come into effect.

Lisa said Surrey Police are one of the fastest-improving forces in the country and today’s decision means they can continue that momentum over the coming year.

Precept to rise

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.

During January, the Commissioner’s office carried out a public survey in which more than 3,200 people took part and gave their views on the proposed precept increase.

Residents were asked whether they would be prepared to pay the suggested £14 extra a year on their council tax bill. 59% of respondents said they would be willing to pay the £14 increase while 41% voted against it.

The policing element of an average Band D Council Tax bill will now be set at £337.57, an increase of £14 a year or £1.16 a month. It equates to around a 4.3% increase across all council tax bands.

Charge rate doubles

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 which funds the Force together with a grant from central government. 

For every pound of the precept level set, Surrey Police is funded by an extra half a million pounds.

But even with the increase this year, the Commissioner said Surrey Police will still need to find around £18m of savings over the next four years and that she would continue to work with the Force to provide the best value for money for residents.

The Commissioner will shortly launch her new Police and Crime Plan for Surrey for the next three years, the draft of which was also discussed at today’s panel meeting.

The Plan will focus on a more ‘back to basics’ approach which the Commissioner said will concentrate on what policing does best – fighting crime in our local communities, getting tough on offenders and protecting people.

‘Back to basics’

Lisa said while it is great news that Surrey Police are arresting more criminals, delays in the criminal justice system mean that victims are waiting longer for those cases to come to court.

A small proportion of the precept will be used to help fund some of the amazing services in the county that Lisa says “provide truly life-changing support to victims of crime in Surrey”.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Surrey Police has been one of the fastest improving forces in the country over the last year and I am determined to ensure that brilliant progress is sustained.

“That is why it is so vital our policing teams are given the right support and I am delighted that that my precept proposal will go ahead following today’s meeting. 

“The contributions the Surrey public make are absolutely crucial in helping our hard-working officers and staff tackle those crimes I know are so important to people in our local communities.  

“Your views are invaluable”

“Asking the public for more money in the current financial climate is one of the toughest calls I have to make as Police and Crime Commissioner for this county, and it is not a decision I take lightly.

“But I know from speaking to residents at our recent Policing Your Community events how much they value that visible policing presence and getting a swift and effective police response when they need it.

“This was echoed in the comments made in our council tax survey, in which 59% of respondents who took part said they would be willing to pay the increase to support our policing teams over the next year.

“I want to thank everyone who took part and shared their views – they are invaluable for shaping our policing strategies going forward.

“I am currently putting the finishing touches to my new Police and Crime Plan for the county, which will focus on a ‘back to basics’ approach to policing in our communities.

“Today’s decision will mean our officers and staff will be properly supported to continue to take the fight to criminals and deliver on the priorities in that Plan to make our communities even safer for Surrey residents.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend stand next to each other in front of a building with a Surrey County Council sign on it. Both women have their hands clasped in front of them. Ellie, standing on the left, wears a black jumper and red skirt, while Lisa wears a tan coat with red cuffs. Both women are looking straight at the camera.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, on left, and Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, on right, pictured in front of the Surrey County Council HQ at Woodhatch

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.”