Category: Local policing

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/

“It’s the job where no two hours are the same – and it’s a role like no other for those who love Surrey”

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has celebrated a job where “no two hours are the same” – and urged others to apply for the role.

Lisa Townsend visited Godalming during the summer to join Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Nick Boxall on patrol in the town.

PCSOs are among the most visible roles in Surrey Police, and the intelligence they gather allows the Force to build a picture of where the county’s crime hotspots lie.

Their work also helps to identify and protect Surrey’s most vulnerable residents.

The Force launched a recruitment drive for additional PCSOs earlier this year, and has now filled all roles for the September cohort.

It comes after Operation Uplift, the previous government’s drive to recruit an additional 20,000 officers across the UK, resulted in more than 50 Surrey PCSOs leaving their roles to become PCs.

The additional officers hired in Surrey have made the Force the biggest it has been in a generation.

Lisa said: “Being a PCSO is a diverse, lively and often challenging role where no two hours are the same.

“You might find our community support officers guarding a cordon after a major incident, finding a way to calm down an angry member of the public who is threatening harm, or supporting a vulnerable resident who is struggling with their mental health – sometimes all within a single shift.

“They provide a bridge between members of the public and the police who serve them, and the connections they build with residents help to safeguard the county from crime and protect the most vulnerable.

“PCSOs are so important to our residents”

“Over the course of my tenure as your Commissioner, I have spoken with thousands of Surrey residents, and I know how important PCSOs are to our communities.

“It is wonderful news that so many of our PCSOs became police officers during Operation Uplift – it’s a fantastic achievement, both for the Force and for the officers themselves.

“The changes did leave Surrey Police with vacancies to fill however, and I know that has been a real challenge for the Force who have been working hard to get our PCSO numbers back up to full strength.

“So I’m delighted that the latest PCSO course was full and those new recruits will be working in our communities across Surrey from September.

“But we still need more in our ranks so I’d encourage anyone with an interest to have a look on our recruitment pages – this is a job like no other for those who love Surrey.”

For more information, or to apply, visit surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/careers/careers/pcso/

Lisa joined PCSO Nick Boxall on a foot patrol in Godalming

Police crack down on anti-social behaviour in Guildford thanks to funding secured through Commissioner’s office

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

A crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Guildford is under way thanks to funding secured by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and partners.

The town was one of three Surrey areas awarded a combined total of almost £1million last year as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.

Guildford was granted £273,000 to combat anti-social behaviour, or ASB, which can include everything from harassment and rowdy, inconsiderate behaviour to noise nuisance and criminal damage.

Surrey Police, working closely with key stakeholders including Guildford Borough Council and Experience Guildford, are now working to drive down reports in the town centre.

A recent survey of residents revealed that incidents are most likely to occur at weekends between 12noon and 8pm.

Police crackdown

To tackle the problem, Guildford’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, Guildford Borough Council, and Experience Guildford joined forces with Lisa’s team to secure Safer Streets funding.

The scheme targets specific crime issues in communities around the country with the aim of reducing offending.

Redhill and Walton-upon-Thames were also both awarded funds through Safer Streets.

Guildford’s tranche of funding has been used to pay for street marshals, who patrol ASB hotspots around the town centre at weekends during the peak times of offending.

It has also been used to bolster youth engagement.

Safer Streets success

In addition, there has been an increase in officer visibility within the town centre, with more patrols taking place during peak times.

Partners have also been working closely with businesses in the town, many of which are funding and implementing their own measures to support the project and tackle ASB.

A multi-agency operation which also involves British Transport Police, The Friary and other local businesses has already kick-started within the town on certain Sundays in a bid to identify and prevent the causes of ASB.

In addition, newly-designed digital posters are being displayed around Guildford, including at the train station, at bus stops and aboard buses, and a social media campaign aimed at young people and their parents has launched. The campaign warns that ASB is not welcome anywhere in the town.

Guildford Borough Commander Blaine Rafferty said: “We’ve been working closely with local partners to introduce these new measures to help tackle antisocial behaviour in Guildford.

“It’s a priority”

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy our town centre and feel safe. This funding has allowed us to put our focus on ASB hotspots in town, and areas where the wider community has raised concerns. 

“ASB is a priority for us. We have plain-clothed officers supporting uniformed colleagues in Guildford identifying any nuisance, inconsiderate behaviour or criminal activity. 

“They will be operating in the town centre on a regular basis to help Guildford be a safe environment for all.” 

Lisa said: “I’m really pleased that our Office has played a key part in securing the funding for this project in Guildford that will address the concerns of local residents around issues including theft, criminal damage and substance misuse in their town centre.  

“As well as preventing crime, I am proud that the work with local partners will also boost the engagement with children and young people that is a core part of keeping our communities safe for everyone.” 

Commissioner’s pride

Lead councillor for regulatory services, Councillor Merel Rehorst-Smith, said: “I’m delighted with the summer campaign targeting antisocial behaviour.

“It’s so important that we all respect one another and collectively stand up and say ‘no’ to behaviour that is unacceptable in our town.  

“By working together, we can all help make sure our town continues to be a great place to live, work and do business.  A town to be proud of, where everyone feels welcome, can be authentic and feel valued.” 

Pete Lambert, town safety and venue liaison manager at Experience Guildford said: “We fully endorse this campaign to help reduce ASB in Guildford town centre through strong partnership working with Surrey Police, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and Guildford Borough Council.” 

Commissioner joins local officers preventing anti-social behaviour and crime in Surrey Heath

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined officers across Surrey Heath as they carried out coordinated operations to help stamp out anti-social behaviour and crime across the borough.

At the end of July, the Commissioner took part in targeted patrols aimed at reducing crime in the areas that had received the most reports of crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB), followed by a visit to ‘pop-up’ club that gave children and young people a place to be in the evening with support from local officers and specialist youth workers.

Together with Surrey Heath Borough Council, Surrey Police teams carried out patrols to prevent illegal fishing and anti-social driving, speeding enforcement and test purchasing using young people to deter the sale of vapes and knives to people who are underage.

Visits to local retailers took place to discuss their concerns and licensing checks were carried out with local taxi firms.

While all of the activities are carried out by Surrey Police and partners on a regular basis – the day coordinated these actions to help boost visible policing, engage with residents and build on the joint intelligence that helps to identify longer term solutions to the problems that are reported by local people and businesses.

It comes after the Force carried out an extra 900 patrols, arresting 34 people as part of a boost to police funding that was secured by the Commissioner’s team earlier this year.

That funding is now paying for an increase in the hotspot patrols that are being carried out by Surrey Police officers and partners, starting in 15 areas across the county.

In the last four years, an additional £2m funding from the Government’s Safer Streets Fund has also been used to deliver bespoke community safety improvements by local police teams and the local councils in eight of Surrey’s boroughs.

Surrey remains one of the safest counties in England and Wales and these operations are focused on stopping ASB and crime from growing.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said, “I was delighted to join the coordinated actions by officers that are directly addressing those concerns that you have told me are important to you in the Surrey Heath area.

“During the day, I witnessed the hard work of local teams and our partners at Surrey Heath Borough Council that are acting visibly to deter anti-social behaviour and crimes such as shoplifting that are often linked to a bigger picture of organised crime in our communities.

“That work is vital and it was accompanied by a range of less visible actions that are just as important to keeping our communities safe; such as working with retailers to report crime and prevent underage sales, ensuring visitors and residents are kept safe at night and investing in the relationship between our officers and children and young people.”

Residents are urged to report crime at surrey.police.uk, by calling 101 or sending a direct message on official Surrey Police social media channels. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Anyone who witnesses or is concerned about anti-social behaviour can find out how to report it at healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

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Surrey Police seeks to locate Eastern Divisional Headquarters in Leatherhead

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Surrey Police will seek to relocate its Eastern Divisional Headquarters from Reigate to Leatherhead, when the interim lease for Wray Park ends, following the temporary move in April 2024.

In 2018, Surrey Police purchased the former Electrical Research Association (ERA) and Cobham Industries site on Cleeve Road in Leatherhead with a view to developing a new, purpose-built headquarters from the ground up. 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 Leatherhead site has been on the commercial property market for sale since earlier last year. However, following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the construction of Reigate Police Station in September 2023, the Force has been reconsidering its wider operational requirements across the Eastern Division – comprising Reigate & Banstead, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, and Tandridge.

The Force relocated to the former Surrey Fire & Rescue Services (SFRS) headquarters at Wray Park, Reigate, on an urgent but temporary basis, agreeing a short-term lease of up to two years with Surrey County Council.

Since vacating Reigate Police Station, the Force has been working closely with commercial surveyors, Vail Williams, to explore numerous opportunities to locate the new Divisional HQ, including sites in Epsom, Dorking, Leatherhead, Reigate (including the redevelopment of Reigate Police Station itself) and Redhill.

Following this piece of work an operational recommendation was made to the Surrey Police Estates Board, chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, to retain part of the Leatherhead site and to build a bespoke, permanent, Divisional Headquarters which will be fit for policing East Surrey now and in the long-term.

This recommendation was approved on 06 August 2024 at the Estates Strategy Board.

Tim De Meyer, Chief Constable for Surrey Police, said, “The desired move to Leatherhead shows our commitment to retain an operational base in the heart of the East of Surrey where we can maintain a visible policing presence in the communities we serve, to fight crime and protect people.

“This is an opportunity to build a new divisional headquarters which will be operationally fit for purpose and serve the east of our county for many years to come.”

Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, said, “This is exciting news and if we get planning approval gives us a unique opportunity to build a bespoke divisional HQ that is fit for purpose for our hard-working police teams on the east of the county.

“The situation with RAAC at Reigate Police Station has presented us with some difficult and unexpected challenges and I would like to pay tribute to all those officers, staff and volunteers for their patience and understanding over the last year.

“I am well aware of the importance Surrey residents place on local policing, and I want to reassure people living in Reigate and Banstead that the neighbourhood presence in their communities will not be affected by these plans.

“There have been some tough choices to make but I believe that Leatherhead presents us with the best option in providing both value for money for Surrey residents and an Eastern HQ that is fit for a modern police force.”

Councillor Paul Kennedy, Mole Valley District Council’s Cabinet Member for Internal Services and Security, said: “We are delighted at the prospect of Surrey Police’s Eastern Divisional Headquarters moving to Leatherhead. While any proposals remain subject to planning permission, this potentially signals yet another boost to the town, alongside the progress of our Transform Leatherhead initiative. With the addition of an HQ and around 400 members of staff comes the promise of a boost in footfall into the town centre and a positive impact on the local economy.”

As part of the Force’s commitment to having a physical policing presence in every borough and district, further decisions were made at the Estates Strategy Board to ensure that Safer Neighbourhood Teams will operate out of new sites, to be identified, in Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge. This will ensure the delivery of a consistent service, and coverage across the county. There will be a minimum of one Front Counter facility per division, enabling members of the public to access police services. While locations will be reviewed, there will be no fewer than currently provided, and therefore no reduction in service.

The decision to retain Leatherhead as a key operating base comes as Surrey Police awaits a decision on their planning application for the redevelopment of the Mount Browne HQ which, if approved, could see redevelopment begin in Spring 2025.

An FAQ page containing answers to some of the questions we’ve received about the decision to relocate the Surrey Police Eastern Divisional HQ can be viewed here.

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

34 arrests as Commissioner joins officers on hotspot patrol to cut crime in Surrey

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend joined officers on a dedicated anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspot patrol, after her office received £1m to boost visible policing across the county.

Ahead of Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week which starts today, the Commissioner learned how the ‘hotspot’ approach by Surrey Police aims to cut ASB and serious violence; starting with 15 areas of Surrey based on the latest crime data.

Since May, the funding from the Home Office has paid for an extra 900 patrols, resulting in 34 arrests for offences including assault, possession of drugs and breaching anti-social behaviour legislation.

Officers have also engaged with more than 2,600 members of the community and carried out 43 stop and searches in hotspot areas including town centres.

Residents identified ASB, drug taking and shoplifting as key concerns in a series of ‘Policing your Community’ events hosted by the Commissioner and the Chief Constable for Surrey Police this winter.

The boost to existing foot patrols by Surrey Police officers follows a national trial of ‘hotspot policing’ in counties including Essex and Lancashire. In those trials, targeted patrols helped to cut reports of ASB by half.

Anti-social behaviour is sometimes viewed as ‘low level’, but persistent problems are often linked to a bigger picture that includes serious violence and exploitation.

Neighbourhood crime in Surrey remains low and these patrols are focused on enhancing the existing presence of police and partners to help address incidents before their impact grows.

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

They form part of the wider response to anti-social behaviour in Surrey that is coordinated between the county’s dedicated Anti-social Behaviour and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group. That Partnership including Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, local councils, health, housing and support services also work closely together to tackle the types of ASB that affect residents in their homes and anti-social driving and parking that happens on Surrey’s roads.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Anti-social behaviour is a key topic of conversation when I ask residents for their views on policing in Surrey.

“I am delighted that these targeted patrols are directly tackling those types of ASB that are happening in our local spaces and are addressing the other concerns that people have told me are most important where they live – including drug dealing, theft and shoplifting.

“Surrey Police now have record numbers of police officers and this boost to the existing work of the Force to drive down ASB and violence means our officers are highly visible in those places where it will have the maximum impact.

“The results from the first two months of the extra funding are promising and this is just part of the wider work that is happening to reduce the impact of ASB in our communities.”

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

Chief Inspector Andy Hill, who is overseeing the roll out of hotspot patrols in Surrey, said: “The funding has allowed us to target additional patrols into our communities where anti-social behaviour and violence is most prevalent. We have seen good results from this proactive policing, and communities should be reassured to see officers out on foot.”

Residents are urged to report crime at surrey.police.uk, by calling 101 or sending a direct message on official Surrey Police social media channels. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Anyone who witnesses, or is concerned about anti-social behaviour can find out how to report it at healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb Rowdy behaviour, drug use, theft, anti-social use of vehicles, anti-social drinking and criminal damage are examples of ASB and crime that should be reported to Surrey Police.