Category: Local policing

“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.
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.