Category: News

Merger plans would cause years of chaos says Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said she fears policing faces years of chaos and disruption should plans for proposed force mergers be given the go-ahead.

Reports this week suggest that a government review due to published by the end of the year will recommend the number of police forces in England being dramatically reduced to as little as nine ‘mega-forces’.

That would likely mean Surrey Police will disappear and be merged with their neighbours which could include Sussex, Thames Valley, Kent and Hampshire.

Lisa said she believes the ‘disastrous’ plans would result in precious policing resources being diverted away from communities in Surrey.

This summer, the Commissioner carried out a survey in which 80% of the 3,500 residents who took part said they did not want to see Surrey Police merged with neighbouring forces.

Lisa said: “The overwhelming majority of Surrey residents I surveyed told me loud and clear they do not believe these merger plans are a good idea.

“In my view, these proposals are not in any way taking into account what the public want to see from their local policing service and are not in the best interests of our residents.

“These planned reforms seem based on assumptions that bigger forces are better at cutting crime but current data tells a different story with local county forces outperforming some of the much bigger policing areas.

Prospect of a diluted service

“The public want to see crime tackled in their communities, victims supported and to feel safe where they live. These deserve better than these plans and the prospect of a diluted local policing service.

“Last week, the Government announced that Surrey would be getting a mayor which I think is great news. But how will a mayoral authority align with a regional mega-force?

“It risks undermining the benefits of devolution and compromising any accountability for policing in our county.”

An event organised by the Metropolitan Police is taking place in Manchester today (Friday 6 November) where senior policing figures are expected to press for a reduction in the number of forces.

This comes ahead of the expected publication of Lord Hogan-Howe’s review of proposals for police reform which are due before the end of the year.

Lisa added: “I am not saying police reform is not required. On the contrary, it is needed now more than ever and I support the creation of a national police service which can tackle those issues which cross our policing borders such as counter-terrorism, fraud and serious and organised crime.

“But these plans risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater and diminishing that local policing presence which I know our residents in Surrey value so greatly.

“Local policing priorities, accountability, police response and officer visibility would languish and the cost to the tax-payer to implement these plans would be enormous.

“I believe policing would face years of chaos and disruption which would ultimately mean the service our hard-working officers and staff provide to the public would inevitably suffer.”

“We’re listening and we’re taking action” – Commissioner and Chief Constable wrap up their Policing Your Community 2026 event programme

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Chief Constable Tim De Meyer have pledged to take action on those issues raised by Surrey residents during a series of ‘Policing your Community’ events held across the county.

The roadshow of public engagement events hosted by the Commissioner and Chief Constable were held in all 11 Surrey boroughs and districts alongside their respective Borough Commanders between May and September. 

They thanked the hundreds of Surrey residents who came along to hear policing plans and priorities as well as having the opportunity to have their say in a Q & A session. There was also an online event for those unable to make their local in-person meeting which can be viewed here: Policing Your Community

Priority issues

Anti-social behaviour, including the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters, car meets, and drug use in open spaces came up as priority issues in a number of areas of the county. Other matters raised by residents included concerns over visible policing, speeding and burglary.

Each of the events was opened by Lisa Townsend who explained her role and discussed the future direction of policing in Surrey including the national proposals for wider police reform. The Commissioner also reflected on local services that her office helps to fund and her ongoing commitment to supporting victims.   

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer followed Lisa by setting out his ten priorities in Surrey Police’s strategy, starting with the importance of visible local policing to prevent crime and build trust with communities.

He also outlined work underway to ensure the Force is prepared to respond effectively to a wide range of incidents, including public disorder, cyber-related threats, severe weather events and other major emergencies.

Borough Commanders explained the roles and responsibilities of their Neighbourhood Policing Teams as well as an overview of the specialist teams that they work alongside and  highlighted their local community priorities, performance, and partnership working.  

“Ideal forum”

Lisa Townsend said: “Listening to the views of Surrey residents is one of the most vital aspects of my role.  The Policing Your Community events provide the ideal forum for questions to be raised and concerns to be addressed. I want our communities to know that we’re listening and we’re taking action.

“I’ve heard how ASB remains a key area of concern for our residents.  The Force has just launched Operation Scramble to disrupt the illegal and antisocial use of e-bikes and e-scooters which was a specific issue that was raised at almost every event.  Soon, I’ll be joining officers on a burglary patrol and following up on the other issues raised that I know matter to you.

“I’m proud that Surrey continues to be one of the safest counties in the country.  We know that visible policing is important and the fear of crime is real – the Force has been working hard to boost visible policing by recruiting the most officers we’ve ever had and vastly improving 101 and 999 response times.  The number of charges across the board has more than doubled while 40 per cent more crimes have been solved.  

“However, we don’t rest on our laurels – we’ve heard the issues you care about and I’ll be working with the Chief Constable to ensure our police teams continue to tackle those matters important to our communities across Surrey.”

“Good feedback”

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “I found the Policing Your Community events invaluable and am very grateful to all of those who attended. 

“Several people approached me afterwards to discuss particular cases and share lessons of how our service could been improved, which was very useful.  Surrey residents are clearly concerned about violence against women and girls, the antisocial use of e-bikes, road safety and burglary and I was pleased to have the opportunity to explain our plans to tackle these, along with crimes such as shoplifting. 

“We received good feedback for our much-improved call handling and response times along with the huge increase in crime solved and suspects charged.  I am determined that next year we shall have even more positive news to report.”

“We want to take these dangerous machines off our streets for good!” – Commissioner joins police operation targeting illegal e-scooters and e-bikes

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has warned illegal e-scooter and e-bike riders in Surrey that their machines will be seized and destroyed after joining a new police operation to crackdown on their use.

The Commissioner accompanied officers on a dedicated patrol in Surrey Heath on Halloween as part of Operation Scramble which sees police teams target hot-spot areas.

From November 1, a new procedure for e-scooters, illegal e-bikes, e-motorcycles and unregistered off-road motorcycles came into effect in Surrey with a ‘no returns’ approach for vehicles seized by police.

That means where police officers catch e-scooters and e-bikes being used unlawfully on the county’s roads and public spaces – they will be taken away and destroyed.

Before the operation began in October, Surrey Police had already seized 136 e-bikes and e-scooters so far this year and seen two collisions leading to serious injury in the county involving e-scooters, and three road traffic accidents involving e-bikes. 

E-bikes must meet strict legal requirements to be ridden in public and e-scooters are illegal to use in public, unless through an authorised rental scheme.

There are no e-scooter rental schemes in Surrey which means if you see an e-scooter being ridden on one of our roads or pavements anywhere in the county, it is being done so illegally.

“Significant threat to pedestrians”

During the Policing Your Community events throughout the summer, residents consistently said that illegal e-bikes and e-scooters were causing problems in their towns and villages across Surrey.

PCC Lisa Townsend, said of the operation: ” E-bikes and e-scooters pose a significant threat to innocent motorists and pedestrians when used illegally or irresponsibly and we know their use can often be linked to wider criminal activity.

“Residents have told me in some areas they have been left some fearful to walk in our town centres because of illegal riding of these vehicles.

“That is simply not acceptable which is why I fully support this operation getting tough on those using these machines.

“This operation will continue over the coming months right across the county and where our officers find them and seize them – they will be sent for immediate destruction. 

“The message is clear – illegal e-bikes and e-scooters are not welcome in Surrey and we want to take them off our streets for good.

“These high-powered machines can be incredibly dangerous when ridden in public places and residents across the county have told me they have had enough. 

“That is why our police teams are getting tough on their reckless use in our communities. From now on if you are caught riding one in Surrey, it will be seized and you won’t be getting it back.” 

“No matter how dark the moment, they are not forgotten” – Deputy Commissioner promotes the Forcer Protocol at ATC Pirbright

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson has highlighted the significance of the Forcer Protocol at the launch of the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) Surrey poppy appeal at the Army training Centre (ATC) in Pirbright.

Ellie recently attended the ceremony which saw Lieutenant Colonel Emma Cameron, Commanding Officer from the Royal Corps of Signals at the ATC welcome guests from across the county.

Prayers were led by ATC’s Chaplain The Reverend Peter Atkinson CF with an Act of Remembrance spoken by Surrey’s President of the RBL, Brigadier (Retired) David Neal. A musical performance was played by the Rendle VC Troop of the Royal Military School of Music with a closing address provided by HM Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Neelam Dharni Devesher MBE.

The Forcer Protocol is an online registration scheme designed for service personnel, veterans and reservists to log vital details that can be accessed when a person goes missing or is in mental health crisis.

Providing rapid, compassionate intervention, the Forcer Protocol ensures that key information, including health conditions, triggers, and notable places are made available to the police and other support agencies.

Family members, friends, informal and professional carers can also register a form with consent. Data is stored confidentially, securely and only accessed in the event of a reported missing person or when authorised professionals need to update an individual’s record.

“A preventative measure”

Ellie said: “At this time of remembrance when we pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe, we should also make a promise that no veteran or serving member of our Armed Forces should have to face a crisis unseen or unsupported.

“The Forcer Protocol is a preventative measure that holds vital information when a crisis occurs, facilitating the acceleration to search for anyone missing from the miliary family, and ensuring that the right support reaches them when every second counts.

“Behind every missing person is a vulnerable human being, a story, and a family living in fear. The Forcer Protocol has the potential to save lives and remind all members from our Armed Forces community including reservists and veterans, that no matter how dark the moment, they are not forgotten, and they are not alone.”

For more information on the Forcer Protocol, go to forcerprotocol.org. 

“We are cracking down on this type of criminality” – Commissioner hails M25 operation to tackle rogue traders

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has hailed the success of another operation in the fight against rogue traders in Surrey, with over 80% of vehicle stops leading to prosecution in just one day.   

Stop checks were carried out on 26 trade vehicles during the day of action at Clacket Lane services on the M25.  

It was part of Operation Replicate – where police and partners targeted criminals over the course of a week in locations in Surrey and bordering counties. 

Police teams at Clacket Lane were joined by partners from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards, Motor Insurance Bureau, the Environment Agency and Tandridge District Council.  

Surreys’ officers helped to determine whether there were any insurance, driver licence, operating licence or motor offences, checked for any stolen goods or metals on board vehicles and for any signs of modern slavery or immigration offences.  

Six arrests were made – three on suspicion of theft, two for drug driving and one for assaulting police. Eight vehicles were seized, five drivers were reported for summons, five vehicles prohibited from use and eight fixed penalty notices were issued.  

Despicable crime

The operation was arranged by Surrey’s Serious Organised Crime Partnership, chaired by the PCC, which helps co-ordinate the approach to tackling the issue of rogue trading in Surrey.  

Residents in the UK lose over £400m a year to ‘doorstep crime’ where they are pressured into paying huge sums of money for work to their homes that is either not needed or is vastly overcharged. The true figure is likely to be much higher.  

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Rogue trading is a despicable crime, often targeting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities in their own homes. 

“We know that much of this type of offending is perpetrated by organised criminal gangs crossing county borders in search of victims. That is why operations like this are so important in disrupting this type of activity and making life harder for those criminals.  

“It was fantastic to join the operation on the M25 and see at close quarters how police and other agencies work together to crackdown on rogue trader criminals coming into Surrey.”  

“Tackling modern slavery requires collective action”: Deputy Commissioner marks anti-slavery day

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

We all have a responsibility to recognise the warning signs of modern slavery and report our concerns – that is the message from Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson on this year’s anti-slavery day.

Ellie chose to speak about the scourge of human exploitation to mark the global awareness event that takes place annually on October 18th.

Modern slavery covers crimes in which people are exploited through force, threats, deception or coercion. Victims may be unable to leave their situation because they fear violence, have no access to money or identity documents, or have been threatened with harm to themselves or their families.

It is currently estimated that 130,000 people are held in slavery in the UK.*

Crime hiding in plain sight

Modern slavery is often described as a crime hiding in plain sight. Victims may be forced to work in car washes, nail bars, factories, farms or restaurants. Alongside forced labour, modern slavery can also take other forms including domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, human trafficking and criminal exploitation. Anyone can become a victim, regardless of their age, nationality or background, including children.

There were 119 offences of modern slavery recorded by Surrey Police from January to June 2026. Within these investigations, 104 potential victims of modern slavery were referred into the National Referral Mechanism for consideration of further support.  Surrey’s road network and proximity to Channel ports make the county a potentially ripe transit route for human traffickers.

Surrey Police’s Strategic Lead for modern slavery and organised immigration crime, T/DCI Dan Voller said:  “Modern slavery exists in our communities. There is no typical victim, but it can be more prevalent among the most vulnerable or within minority or socially excluded groups.

“It can remain unseen until recognised and acted upon. Understand the signs of exploitation and report any concerns you have. You may be the person who changes a life by helping to free someone from abuse and exploitation.”

How to spot the signs

Victims of modern slavery may exhibit the following signs:

  • Appear under the control of others
  • Not be able to travel alone, nor interact with other people
  • Appear lost, withdrawn or afraid
  • Malnourished, unkempt and possibly wearing the same clothes everyday
  • Showing signs of physical abuse or injury
  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Working long hours with no breaks
  • Having few possessions
  • Lacking in identity documents such as passport or driving licence
  • Not familiar with the area in which they live and work
  • Living in cramped, dirty or overcrowded conditions
  • Unusual travel arrangements such as being picked up very early and dropped off late at night.

Ellie Vesey-Thompson said: “Tackling modern slavery requires collective action.  Police and specialist organisations cannot identify every victim without information from the public.

“We all have a responsibility to recognise the warning signs of modern slavery and report our concerns.  Modern slavery thrives when exploitation goes unnoticed and so victims remain hidden.

“Let’s make Surrey a place where modern slavery is recognised, reported and challenged – not ignored.

“ If something doesn’t look or feel right, don’t ignore it, report it to the police when it’s safe to do so.  Your actions could help save someone’s life.”

How to report modern slavery

If you suspect that someone is a victim of modern slavery, there are three main ways to report your concerns:

  • The Modern Slavery and Exploitation helpline operated by the charity, Unseen, is open throughout the year between the hours of 8am to 9pm – telephone number 08000 121 700.
  • Crimestoppers reporting can be done anonymously via their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
  • Surrey Police, via their website or by calling 101. You can also seek advice from your local safer neighbourhood policing team. If someone is in immediate danger, then always call 999.

*Source: Crimestoppers

Commissioner backs new football project working with young people in Surrey

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

A brand new football project helping young people across Surrey has been launched thanks to funding secured by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend. 

The Surrey Football Association’s ‘Stepover’ programme will work with young people aged 12-18 across Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge and Woking, and is designed to help them build a brighter future.   

It has been developed by the Serious Violence Reduction Partnership in Surrey and funding from the Home Office Serious Violence Programme Grant which is managed by the Commissioner’s office working alongside key partners in the county. 

Build confidence

Over the coming months – the PCC is supporting a number of projects that use sport to make a difference to young people, helping to get them off their phones and develop their skills and confidence. 

The pilot programme will use football to engage participants, build confidence and develop the skills they need both on and off the pitch.  

Surrey Football Association will work in partnership with The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey to deliver the programme, creating opportunities for young people to take part in football while developing their social, emotional, communication and leadership skills.  

The programme is built around the belief that football can be much more than a game. Through a series of football events and experiential learning, participants will be encouraged to develop positive behaviours, build confidence and strengthen the skills that can help them towards a brighter future.  

Step Over will move young people away from pathways to antisocial behaviour and violence and will give young people positive adult role models. The programme will use sport as an engagement tool, a strategy identified as high impact by the Youth Endowment Fund.  

Collaborative approach

The initiative will also bring together Surrey FA, Surrey Police, Adolescent Services, Children’s Safeguarding and the other members of the Surrey Serious Violence Reduction Partnership, creating a collaborative approach to supporting young people and helping them reach their potential.  

The programme was officially launched at Meadowbank Stadium in Dorking, with a small-sided football tournament featuring, Surrey FA, Surrey County Council and the programme’s partners.  

The Surrey-wide project will demonstrate how sport can create positive relationships, open new opportunities and provide young people with the confidence and skills to make positive choices.  

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “The Step Over project is designed to not only improve young people’s prowess on the pitch but more importantly to help them develop those vital life skills off it. 

“Sport provides a vital opportunity for young people to learn about communication and leadership, helps build their confidence and encourages them have a positive impact in the community around them.   

“That is why I am delighted to be able to provide funding for the Step Over programme and I’m really looking forward to seeing how it progresses over the coming months.”  

Nick West-Oram, Surrey FA CEO said: “Football has an incredible ability to bring people together. Step Over is about using that power to give young people positive experiences, build their confidence and help them develop skills that will benefit them well beyond the football pitch.  

“We want participants to feel that they have the opportunity to succeed, make positive choices and have people around them who believe in their potential.” 

“The Step Over programme reflects a shared commitment to using football to deliver, educate and improve lives, creating lasting positive change for the young people and communities involved.”

Illegal waste and firearms licencing on the agenda at Deputy PCC’s Rural Crime Forum

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Farmers and landowners in Surrey have shared their views on key issues during the latest Rural Crime Forum in the county hosted by the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.

Ellie Vesey-Thompson, Surrey Police’s Rural Crime Tactical Lead Chief Inspector Chris Tinney and the Force’s Rural Crime Officers answered questions from members of the rural community who had gathered for the meeting in Wootton near Dorking last week.

Among topics discussed were firearms licensing, the illegal dumping of waste and anti-social driving.

The audience were given an input around spotting the signs of domestic abuse in rural communities and updates on some of the recent Surrey Police initiatives to tackle rural crime issues.

This included details of a recent Force wide operation targeting illegal waste offences which saw 100 commercial vehicles stopped and ten on-the-spot £300 fines handed out.

Ellie is on the board of the National Rural Crime Network and holds the rural crime remit for the PCC’s office. 

Real impact

She said: “Rural crime can take many forms and where it occurs can often leave a real impact on those communities affected.

“Last week’s meeting was really constructive and helps give our farmers and landowners an opportunity to express their views and have their voice heard on issues that matter to them.

“That could be poaching, anti-social driving or concerns over the theft of fuel given the rising cost – all of which were discussed at the Forum.

Organised criminality

“We know that organised criminality is behind a lot of offences that take place in our rural communities and this type of engagement is really important in helping build the intelligence picture in Surrey.

“There is always more that can be done to tackle criminality impacting our countryside but I hope that holding events like this do give a clear message that rural crime matters and we do take the concerns of our communities seriously.”

Nearly 300 motoring offences identified during week-long operation on the M25 in Surrey

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has hailed the vital work of the county’s Roads Policing Unit after joining an operation targeting dangerous and reckless driving on the M25. 

Nearly 300 offences were identified by officers who used an unmarked HGV to patrol Surrey’s stretch of the motorway during a week of action known as Operation Tramline. 

Higher viewpoint

The higher viewpoint from the HGV cab means officers can spot and record driving offences such as using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt more easily than they can form standard patrol vehicles. 

When officers spot offences, they radio to colleagues using unmarked cars and motorbikes to pull the driver over onto the hard shoulder where they may be issued with a fine and penalty points, or a court summons, or potentially be arrested. 

The PCC joined officers on one of the days of the operation and witnessed a number of offences being committed, including a van driver who was caught taking a photo on his phone with no hands on the steering wheel in the outside lane. 

Five days of action

Across the five days of action, which included one in Sussex, police teams stopped 240 motorists, seized 11 vehicles and arrested 12 people including nine for drug driving.  

A total of 155 drivers were fined and issued points on their licence for using their mobile phone at the wheel.  

Op Tramline is run nationally with the aim to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on Britain’s strategic road network. The HGV’s that are owned by National Highways are shared across the country helping to identify some of the most dangerous road offences.  

“Dangerous roads”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “The M25 in Surrey is one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in Europe and is used by thousands of motorists very single day.  

“That is why driving offences like speeding, using a mobile and drink or drug driving can have the most devastating consequences. 

“Whilst the vast majority of drivers are safe and follow the law, there are still a significant number of drivers putting themselves and other road users in danger with their reckless behaviour. 

“It is disappointing that our officers have witnessed so many driving offences over the course of the week, but it shows why operations like this are so important in tackling that offending and helping keep Surreys’ roads safe. 

“My message to those who continue to flout the rules of our road is simple – our policing teams are cracking down on reckless and dangerous driving. Whilst we can’t be everywhere, we could be anywhere.”

Have your say on community safety!

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Do you feel safe in your community? Do you feel supported by those around you? Do you feel like you belong in Surrey?  

Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend is calling on residents to take part in a survey about their experiences living in the county which will help shape the future of community safety in our neighbourhoods. 

Lisa chairs the Surrey Community Safety and Prevention Board in Surrey which is made up of partner agencies across the county who work together to make our communities feel safer for residents. 

Surrey County Council, on behalf of the board, have launched a survey to find out people’s perceptions of safety and what matters most to them where they live. 

It can be found here: Surrey Community Safety and Cohesion Survey 2026 | Healthy Surrey 

“Your feedback will help us”

Lisa said: “We hope that your feedback will help us identify emerging issues and inform what our priorities need to be going forward.  

“If you’re 16 or older and living in Surrey we want to hear about what matters most to you. Is it crime? Is it anti-social behaviour? Or is it community cohesion? We want to hear from you!” 

The survey is totally anonymous, takes less than 10 minutes to complete and can be found on the Surrey PCC website and social media pages. 

It closes on Monday 21st September 2026.