Category: Local policing

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Deputy Commissioner praises proactive Surrey Police operation after 68 arrests made

Posted on | by Alex Winter

AN OPERATION to target criminals exploiting major road and rail networks to commit serious and acquisitive crime resulted in 68 arrests between the 10 – 12 October.

During the operation, nine police forces worked together to share intelligence and co-ordinate resources to pursue high harm criminals and disrupt organised crime groups operating across borders.

Officers from Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, the Met, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and the British Transport Police participated in the operation.

This included the deployment of specialist units such as intelligence, covert, police dogs and the National Police Air Service, who worked together with officers on the ground to pursue criminals travelling between counties to commit serious crime.

The operation also resulted in:

  • 26 weapons being seized;
  • Over £9,000 in cash being seized;
  • 51 vehicles being seized;
  • 66 instances in which drugs being seized.

Criminals suspected of operating county line networks, carrying out organised burglaries and thefts of high value cars were among some of those who found themselves in handcuffs last week.

Detective Inspector James Ansell, who co-ordinated the operation, said: “Whilst we work across borders and share intelligence with neighbouring forces all year-round, this operation was an intensive effort to pursue some of the south-east’s most dangerous criminals.

“Organised crime groups exploit the most vulnerable and bring violence and misery to our communities, which is why putting a stop to serious and acquisitive crime is a priority we all share.

“Our work does not stop here, and criminals should know that we will relentlessly pursue them until they are brought to justice and our communities are safeguarded from their deplorable crimes.”

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, joined officers on patrol in the north of the county on Wednesday night.

She said: “During the evening, I had the opportunity to see first-hand the incredible work officers do to tackle serious criminality, both in Surrey and further afield.

“This teamwork approach with other forces around the country allows our offices to disrupt the cross-border criminal activity that does so much harm to vulnerable victims.

“Coordinating our resources and sharing intelligence further equips Surrey Police to tackle a huge range of offences, including county lines drug dealing, violence against women and girls, and burglary.

“Making sure residents here in Surrey not only are safe, but feel safe too, is a key priority for the Commissioner and I, and proactive operations like this are key in helping to achieve that goal.”

Dark blue graphic with heading, 'Policing your Community' and image of two female police officers behind text that says, 'Engagement events: Join Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and your local Borough Commander for an event discussing policing in your community. Further details of the events will be published on the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's website at surrey-pcc.gov.uk/policing-your-community Graphic contains white logos on blue background for Surrey Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.

Have your say on local policing as ‘Policing your Community’ roadshow returns

Posted on | by James Smith

Residents will get the chance to have their say on policing in their local communities as Surrey Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner team up to hold a series of public engagement events over the next three months.

The ‘Policing Your Community’ events will take place from 24 October 2023 – 29 January 2024 and offer residents the opportunity to put their questions about local policing to the Commissioner Lisa Townsend, Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and the Inspector responsible for the local policing where they live.

It comes at an exciting time for the Force, with more police officers in Surrey’s communities than ever before.

New Chief Constable Tim De Meyer was appointed by the Commissioner in April and will talk about the current challenges and plans for Surrey Police.

The events throughout this winter will also take place ahead of the Commissioner’s planned consultation on the amount that residents will contribute towards policing from next year’s council tax, giving residents a chance to learn more about how their money is used both visibly – and behind the scenes – to boost crime fighting across Surrey.

Arrival for in-person events begins at 6:30pm with presentations starting at 6:45pm. Events are free to attend but residents are urged to register their attendance by selecting the link for their local event below:

For those that can’t make it, additional virtual events will take place online for each borough and district from Monday 08 January until 29 January 2024:

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Listening to the views of local people is at the heart of my role as your Police and Crime Commissioner and strengthening the relationships between Surrey Police and residents is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan for the county.

“These events will give residents an opportunity to speak to us directly about the policing issues that matter where they live, as well as hear about the progress that my office and Surrey Police are making against that Plan which is based on the priorities of the public.

“It is a really exciting time, as we put more officers than ever before on the ground and aim to boost the service that residents receive. I hope that residents will join us at the event in their area so we can include their voice in our policing plans.”

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “We want to provide the best possible policing service and it is extremely important that our residents are kept up to date. These events will enable us to speak to the public about current challenges and our plans for Surrey Police and are an opportunity for you to ask questions. It would be great to see as many of you there as possible.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing in front of police cars with a special police officer

“It really does take someone special”: Deputy Commissioner joins three Special Constables on shift to celebrate Volunteers’ Week

Posted on | by Alex Winter

FROM late-night patrols through busy town centres to standing guard at the scene of serious assaults, Surrey’s Special Constables work hard to protect and serve the public.

But many Surrey residents will know little about what it takes to step up and volunteer for the police.

The county’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, has joined three Specials for shifts in the past few months. She spoke of their courage and determination following national Volunteers’ Week, which takes place every year from June 1-7.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, right, with Special Sergeant Sophie Yeates

During the first shift, Ellie teamed up with Special Sergeant Jonathan Bancroft to patrol Guildford. They were quickly called to reports of a repeat shoplifter who had allegedly behaved abusively to staff. Jonathan took statements and reassured the victims before launching a search for the suspect.

Ellie then joined airline pilot Ally Black, who serves as a sergeant with the Roads Policing Unit based at Burpham. During the evening, Sgt Black seized an untaxed car and helped a stranded motorist who had broken down in a live lane just beyond the Hindhead Tunnel.

In late May, Ellie travelled to Epsom to meet Special Sgt Sophie Yeates, who works full-time as a teaching assistant at a Guildford school. Among other incidents, Sgt Yeates was called to two reports involving a concern for welfare during the evening.

Special Constables volunteer within one of the Force’s frontline teams, wearing a uniform and carrying the same powers and responsibilities as regular officers. They complete 14 weeks of training – one evening per week and alternate weekends – to ensure they have the knowledge and skills they need for the role.

In total, Specials are asked to volunteer at least 16 hours per month, although many choose to do more. Sgt Yeates works around 40 hours a month, while Sgt Bancroft volunteers 100 hours.

Ellie said: “The title ‘Special Constable’ is very fitting – it really does take someone special to do this job.

“These men and women give some of their free time to making sure Surrey remains one of the safest counties in the country.

‘It takes someone special’

“I’ve think the role that Specials play is often misunderstood by the public. These volunteers are unpaid, but they wear the same uniform and have the same powers to do everything a police officer does, including making arrests. They are also often among the first to respond to emergencies.

“Joining volunteers on patrol recently has been a really eye-opening experience. It’s been wonderful to hear how much they value their time working with the Force, and the difference it makes to their lives. I’ve also hand the chance to see first-hand their courage and determination to serve the Surrey public.

“So many of the skills learned through volunteering are useful in everyday working life, including conflict resolution, keeping calm under pressure and approaching any situation with confidence.

“We have a brilliant team of Specials across Surrey, as well as many other volunteers, and I want to thank each and every one of them for the work they do to keep our county safe.”

For more information, visit surrey.police.uk/specials

Ellie also joined Special Sgt Jonathan Bancroft, who gives up to 100 hours of his time to Surrey Police every month

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend standing in front of police vans

“They should feel ashamed”: Commissioner blasts “appallingly selfish” drivers who snapped serious crash pics

Posted on | by Alex Winter

DRIVERS caught taking photos of a serious crash while behind the wheel will face consequences, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned.

Lisa Townsend has told of her fury at the “appallingly selfish” motorists who were spotted by officers from the Roads Policing Unit snapping images of a collision earlier this month.

Officers captured images of a number of drivers with phones aloft on their body worn video cameras as they worked at the scene of a serious incident on the M25 on May 13.

A man was taken to hospital after his motorbike was involved in a collision with a blue Tesla in the anticlockwise carriageway of the motorway between junctions 9 and 8.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend outside office at the Surrey Police HQ

All of those caught taking photographs by the team will be issued with six points and a £200 fine.

Using a mobile phone, tablet or any other device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorbike is illegal, even if the device is offline. The law applies when motorists are stuck in traffic or stopped at a red light.

Exceptions are made when a driver needs to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop, when they’re safely parked, or if they’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that isn’t moving, such as at a drive-through restaurant.

Hands-free devices can be used as long as they’re not held at any time.

Lisa, who has road safety at the heart of her Police and Crime Plan and recently announced that she is the new national lead for roads policing and transport for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “During this incident, our fantastic Roads Policing Unit were working at the scene of a crash that resulted in serious injury to a motorcyclist.

‘It puts lives at risk’

“Unbelievably, some drivers were passing in the opposite lane with their phones out so they could take photos and video of the collision.

“This is a crime, and it’s very well known that drivers cannot have their phones in their hands when they’re driving – it’s appallingly selfish behaviour that puts lives at risk.

“Quite apart from the danger they have caused, I cannot understand what motivates someone to film such distressing footage.

“These drivers would do well to remind themselves that a person has been badly hurt. Collisions are not an entertaining sideshow for TikTok, but real, traumatic incidents that can change lives forever.

“Every driver who did this should feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend smiling on sunny day next to sign that says Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.

Surrey Commissioner celebrates two years with £9million funding announcement

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner is celebrating two years in the job with the news that her team has secured almost £9million for key services around the county since her election.

Since Lisa Townsend was elected in 2021, her office has helped fund vital projects that support vulnerable victims of sexual and domestic abuse, reduce violence against women and girls and prevent crime in local communities across Surrey.

Members of Lisa’s Commissioning team are responsible for the dedicated funding streams that aim to increase community safety, reduce re-offending, support young people and help victims to cope and recover from their experiences.

Over the last two years that team have also successfully bid for millions of pounds of extra funding from government pots to support services and charities around the county.

In total, just under £9m has been secured, which the Commissioner says has made a real difference to the lives of people across Surrey.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend is celebrating two years since her election with a huge funding announcement

The Commissioner has her own budget drawn from the precept part of Surrey taxpayers’ council tax. Members of her commissioning team also bid for Government funding pots, which are used in their entirety to support projects and charities around the county.

Over the past two years, almost £9million in additional funding has been granted to support agencies working in victim support, sexual abuse, reducing reoffending, fraud and a range of other issues.

This includes:

Elsewhere, Surrey Police now has more officers than ever before following the government’s Operation Uplift. In total, the Force now has an additional 395 officers through a combination of Uplift funding and council tax contributions from the Surrey oublic – 136 more than the 259 target set by the government.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend with Surrey Police officers on electric bikes along the Woking Canal on a sunny day

In April, the Commissioner also welcomed Surrey Police’s new Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, who was appointed following a thorough interview process earlier this year.

In order to ensure complete transparency with Surrey residents on policing matters, Lisa launched a dedicated Data Hub in February – becoming the first Police and Crime Commissioner to do so. The Hub includes information on emergency and non-emergency response times and the outcomes against specific offences, including burglary, domestic abuse and road safety offences. It also provides more information on Surrey Police’s budget and staffing.

£9m funding boost

But Lisa has acknowledged there are challenges facing the Force and Surrey’s residents, highlighting the work that remains to be done to retain officers and staff during the cost of living crisis.

There are also challenges for policing nationally to rebuild trust with communities and to support victims and witnesses of crime entering the criminal justice system.

Lisa said: “The last two years have flown by, but so far I have loved every minute of being Commissioner for this county.

“People often focus on the ‘crime’ side of being a Police and Crime Commissioner, but it is really important that we do not forget the amazing work my office does on the ‘commissioning’ side.

“We have helped support some vital projects and services across the county that provide a real lifeline for some of our most vulnerable residents.

‘Just fantastic’

“They really do make a huge difference to a wide range of people in Surrey whether that be tackling anti-social behaviour in one of our communities or supporting a victim of domestic abuse in refuge who has nowhere else to turn.

“To secure nearly £9m in funding over the last two years is just fantastic and I am so proud of the hard work of my team – much of which happens behind the scenes.

“It is going to be an exciting but challenging next year ahead for policing in Surrey, but I am delighted to welcome the new Chief Constable who will take over a Force which is now the biggest it has ever been after the recruitment target was exceeded.

“I really hope that once these new officers are trained and serving our communities that our residents will see reap the benefits for years to come.

“As always, I look forward to speaking with members of the public and continuing to hear their views on policing so that we can continue to improve our service for the people of Surrey.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend speaking at a podium

Commissioner’s warning as crisis in care ‘takes officers off the frontline’

Posted on | by Alex Winter

THE crisis in mental health care is taking Surrey Police officers off the frontline – with two officers recently spending a full week with a single vulnerable person, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned.

As national Mental Health Awareness Week begins, Lisa Townsend said the burden of care is falling on officer’s shoulders amid nation-wide challenges to provide support to the most vulnerable.

However, a new national model that will take the responsibility away from police will bring “real and fundamental change”, she said.

Over the past seven years, the number of hours police in Surrey are spending with people in crisis has almost trebled.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend speaks about the Right Care, Right Person model at the NPCC’s Mental Health and Policing Conference

In 2022/23, officers dedicated 3,875 hours to supporting those in need under section 136 of the Mental Health Act, which gives police the power to remove a person believed to be suffering from a mental disorder and in need of immediate care to a place of safety. All section 136 incidents are double-crewed, meaning more than one officer must attend.

In February 2023 alone, officers spent 515 hours on incidents relating to mental health – the highest number of hours ever recorded in a single month by the Force.

More than 60 people were detained when they were in crisis in February. The detentions were mostly in police vehicles as a result of ambulance shortages.

During March, two officers spent a full week supporting a vulnerable person – taking the officers away from their other duties.

‘Huge damage’

Across England and Wales, there was a 20 per cent increase in the number of mental health incidents police had to attend last year, according to data from 29 of 43 forces.

Lisa, the national lead for mental health and custody for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), said the issue draws officers away from fighting crime and may even be “dangerous” for a vulnerable person’s wellbeing.

“These figures show the huge damage caused across society when appropriate interventions aren’t made by the NHS,” she said.

“It is neither safe nor appropriate for police to pick up the pieces of a failing mental health care system, and may even be dangerous for the wellbeing of a person in crisis, although officers should be applauded for the fantastic job they do under a great deal of pressure.

“Unlike doctor’s surgeries, community health outreach programmes or council services, the police are available 24 hours a day.

Commissioner’s warning

“We have seen time and time again that 999 calls to help someone in distress spike as other agencies close their doors.

“The time has come for real and fundamental change.

“In the coming months, we hope that forces around the country will no longer have to attend every mental health incident reported. We’ll instead follow a new initiative called Right Care, Right Person, which began in Humberside and has saved officers there more than 1,100 hours per month.

“It means that when there are concerns for a person’s welfare that’s linked to their mental health, medical or social care issues, they’ll be seen by the right person with the best skills, training and experience.

“This will help officers return to the job they have chosen – that of keeping Surrey safe.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and police officers at a Surrey Police attestation event

“Brilliant news for residents” – Commissioner welcomes announcement that Surrey Police is the biggest it has ever been

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has hailed today’s announcement that Surrey Police has added 395 extra officers to its ranks since 2019 – making the Force the biggest it’s ever been.

It was confirmed that the Force has exceeded its target under the government’s three year Operation Uplift programme to recruit 20,000 officers across the country, which ended last month.

Home Office figures show that since April 2019 when the programme started, the Force has recruited an extra 395 officers through a combination of Uplift funding and council tax contributions from the Surrey public. This is 136 more than the 259 target the government had set.

This has swelled the total Force number to 2,325 – making it the biggest it has ever been.

Since 2019, Surrey Police has had a total of 44 different intakes of recruits. Around 10 per cent of these new officers are from black and minority ethnic backgrounds while over 46 per cent were female.

The Commissioner said Surrey Police had done an amazing job recruiting the extra numbers in a tough job market following an extensive recruitment campaign run by the Force.

She said: “It has taken a mammoth effort from a whole range of teams within the Force to get to this point today, and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked so incredibly hard over the last three years to achieve this target.

‘More officers than ever before’

“We now have more officers in the Surrey Police ranks than ever before and that is fantastic news for residents. 

“I was really pleased to see the Force have also managed to significantly increase the number of female officers and those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

“I believe this will help give the Force an even more diverse workforce and be more representative of the communities they serve in Surrey.

“I had the pleasure of attending the last attestation ceremony at the end of March where 91 of those new recruits pledged to serve the King before going off to complete their training courses.

Huge achievement

“Whilst it has been fantastic to reach this milestone – there is still plenty of hard work to be done. The retention of officers and staff is one of the biggest issues policing is dealing with across the country and this will continue to be a challenge for the Force over the coming months.

“Surrey residents have told me loud and clear they are keen to see more officers on their streets, taking the fight to criminals and tackling those issues important to them where they live.

“So this is really great news today and my office will give all the support we can to our new Chief Constable Tim De Meyer so that we can get these new recruits fully trained and serving our communities as quickly as possible.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with a female PCSO

Commissioner joins PCSO on foot patrol in Guildford – and urges others to join Surrey Police

Posted on | by Alex Winter

COMMISSIONER Lisa Townsend joined a Surrey Police Community Support Office (PCSO) on a foot patrol in Guildford last week – and urged anyone with an interest in the job to apply to the Force.

On a two-hour walk through the town centre, Lisa and PCSO Chris Moyes spoke with members of the public, visited areas known for anti-social behaviour, and were called to a department store following reports of a shoplifter.

PCSOs work alongside police and share some of their powers. While they are unable to make an arrest, they can issue fixed penalty notices, demand the name and address of anyone behaving anti-socially, and take alcohol from a person aged under 18.

In Surrey, individual PCSOs are well-known for their work in the communities they patrol, and act as a visible presence to deter crime and build relationships between residents and police.

Applications to become a PCSO with Surrey Police are currently being accepted.

Lisa said: “Our PCSOs are absolutely vital, and I had a chance to see exactly how much good they do in Surrey during my patrol with Chris.

“During my brief visit, she was stopped by a number of people who knew her. While some had a concern to discuss, many simply wanted to say hello. This is a testament to her 21 years of service with the Force.

‘Absolutely vital’

“Two of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan are to protect communities from harm and work with our residents so they feel safe. PCSOs often provide that link between frontline policing and the people who live in our county.

“It’s a job like no other, and that’s what I’d urge anyone with an interest to apply. PCSOs make a huge difference to the lives of Surrey residents.”

PCSO Moyes said: “Being a PCSO is a brilliant job.

“I particularly enjoy the variety and speaking to so many different people of all ages and backgrounds.

“There’s nothing like putting a smile on a victim’s face by supporting and solving problems for them.”

Vacancies are currently available in Spelthorne, Elmbridge, Guildford, Surrey Heath, Woking and Waverley.

PCSOs work alongside Safer Neighbourhood Teams to prevent and tackle issues by building relationships and winning the trust of the public.

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

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend sat at a desk with local police officer in a town hall

Commissioner and Deputy join residents at two meetings amid concerns over anti-social behaviour and speeding

Posted on | by Alex Winter

The Police and Crime Commissioner and her Deputy have been speaking to residents in south west Surrey this week about their concerns over anti-social behaviour and speeding.

Lisa Townsend visited Farnham for a meeting on Tuesday night, while Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson spoke with Haslemere residents on Wednesday evening.

During the first event, attendees spoke with Lisa and Sergeant Michael Knight about damage to 14 businesses and homes in the early hours of September 25 2022.

Those who attended the second event told of their worries about speeding drivers and shed break-ins.

The meetings were held just over a fortnight after Lisa was invited to a round table discussion on anti-social behaviour at No10. She was one of a number of experts who visited Downing Street last month after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has identified the issue as a key priority for his Government.

Lisa said: “Anti-social behaviour blights communities around the country and can cause misery to victims.

“It’s important that we look at the harm caused by such offences, because every victim is different.

“My advice to anyone affected by anti-social behaviour is to report it to the police using 101 or our online tools. It may be that officers aren’t always able to attend, but every report enables local officers to build an intelligence-based picture of trouble spots and change their patrol tactics accordingly.

“As always, in the event of an emergency, call 999.

“Much is already done in Surrey to support victims of this offence. My office commissions both Mediation Surrey’s Anti-Social Behaviour Support Service and the Cuckooing Service, the latter of which specifically helps those who have their homes taken over by criminals.

“In addition, residents who have reported anti-social behaviour three times or more in a six-month period, and feel that little action has been taken, can activate a community trigger. The trigger draws in a number of agencies, including my office, to work together to find a more permanent solution to the problem.

“I strongly believe that tackling this issue isn’t solely a police responsibility.

“The NHS, mental health services, youth workers and local authorities all have a part to play, particularly where incidents don’t cross the line into criminality.

“I don’t underestimate how difficult this is for those affected. Everyone has a right to feel safe, whether they’re out and about or at their home.

“I want all relevant organisations to work together in order to deal with the root causes of anti-social behaviour, as I believe it’s the only way to truly tackle the problem.”

‘Blights communities’

Ellie told residents in Haslemere that she will write to Surrey County Council regarding the concerns of residents to understand any measures they are currently looking to implement.

She said: “I understand residents’ fears over dangerous driving on their roads, and the safety concerns around speeding, both within Haslemere itself and on A roads on the outskirts, such as that to Godalming.

“Making Surrey’s roads safer is a key priority in our Police and Crime Plan, and our office will do all we can, working with Surrey Police, to help make residents safer and ensure they feel safer too.”

For more information on the community trigger programme, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/funding/community-trigger

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Michael Gove MP

Commissioner warns of the impact of anti-social behaviour at No10 meeting

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has warned that tackling anti-social behaviour isn’t solely a police responsibility as she joined a round table discussion at No10 this morning.

Lisa Townsend said the issue can have a “very high impact” on victims and blights communities around the country.

However, councils, mental health services and the NHS have just as important a role to play in ending the scourge of anti-social behaviour as police do, she said.

Lisa was one of a number of experts invited to Downing Street today for the first in a series of meetings on the problem. It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak identified anti-social behaviour as a key priority for his Government in a speech earlier this month.

Lisa joined MP Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Will Tanner, Mr Sunak’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert, and Victims’ Commissioner CEO Katie Kempen, among others from charities, police forces and the National Police Chiefs Council.

The panel discussed existing solutions, including visible policing and fixed penalty notices, as well as longer-term programmes such as the re-invigoration of Britain’s high streets. They will meet again in the future to continue their work.

Surrey Police supports victims through the Anti-Social Behaviour Support Service and the Cuckooing Service, the latter of which specifically helps those who have their homes taken over by criminals. Both services are commissioned by Lisa’s office.

Lisa said: “It is quite right that we push anti-social behaviour away from our public spaces, although my concern is that by dispersing it, we send it to residents’ front doors, giving them no safe refuge.

“I believe that in order to end anti-social behaviour, we have to tackle the underlying issues, such as trouble at home or a lack of investment in mental health treatment. This can and should be done by local authorities, schools and social workers, among others, rather than the police.

“I do not underestimate the impact this particular type of offending can have.

“While anti-social behaviour may appear to be a minor crime at first glance, the reality is very different, and it can have a very high impact on victims.

‘Very high impact’

“It makes the streets feel less safe for everyone, particularly women and girls. These issues are key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.

“That’s why we have to take this seriously and deal with the root causes.

“In addition, because every victim is different, it’s important to look at the harm caused by such offences, rather than the offence itself or the number committed.

“I’m pleased to say that in Surrey, we work closely with partners including local authorities to reduce the number of times victims are pushed between different organisations.

“The Community Harm Partnership is also running a series of webinars to increase awareness of anti-social behaviour and improve its response.

“But Forces around the country can and must do more, and I’d like to see joined-up thinking between different agencies to get to the bottom of this offence.”