Category: News

New Safer Streets funding set to boost crime prevention in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Over £300,000 in funding from the Home Office has been secured by Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend to help tackle burglary and neighbourhood crime in East Surrey.

The ‘Safer Streets’ funding will be awarded to Surrey Police and partners after a bid was submitted in March for the Godstone and Bletchingley areas of Tandridge to support a reduction in incidents of burglary, particularly from sheds and outhouses, where bikes and other equipment have been targeted.

Lisa Townsend has also today welcomed the announcement of a further round of funding that will focus on projects to make women and girls feel safer over the next year, a key priority for the new PCC.

Plans for the Tandridge project, starting in June, include the use of cameras to deter and catch thieves, and extra resources such as locks, secure cabling for bikes and shed alarms to help local people prevent the loss of their valuables.

The initiative will receive £310,227 in Safer Street funding which will be backed by a further £83,000 from the PCCs own budget and from Surrey Police.

It is part of the second round of the Home Office’s Safer Streets funding which has seen £18m shared across 40 areas of England and Wales for projects in local communities.

It follows the completion of an original Safer Streets project in Spelthorne, that provided over half a million pounds to improve security and reduce anti-social behaviour at properties in Stanwell during 2020 and early 2021.

The third round of the Safer Streets Fund, which opens today, provides another opportunity to bid from a fund of £25 million for the year‚ÄØ2021/22 for projects designed to improve the safety of women and girls.‚ÄØThe PCC’s office will be working with partners in the county to prepare its bid in the coming weeks.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Burglary and shed break-ins cause misery in our local communities so I am delighted that the proposed project in Tandridge has been awarded substantial funds to tackle this issue.

“This funding will not only improve the safety and security of residents living in that area but will also act as a real deterrent to criminals who have been targeting properties and boost the prevention work our police teams are already carrying out.

“The Safer Streets Fund is an excellent initiative by the Home Office and I was particularly pleased to see the third round of funding open today with a focus on enhancing the safety of women and girls in our neighbourhoods.

“This is a really important issue to me as your PCC and I look forward to working with Surrey Police and our partners to make sure we put forward a bid that can make a real difference to our communities in Surrey.”

Borough Commander for Tandridge Inspector Karen Hughes said: “I’m really excited to bring this project for Tandridge to life in partnership with our colleagues in Tandridge District Council and the Office of the PCC.

“We’re committed to a safer Tandridge for everyone and the Safer Streets funding will help Surrey Police to go even further in preventing burglaries and ensuring local people feel safe, as well as enabling local officers to spend more time listening and providing advice in our communities.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

“We must drive criminal gangs and their drugs out of our communities in Surrey” – PCC Lisa Townsend hails ‘county lines’ crackdown

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The new Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has hailed a week of action to crackdown on ‘county lines’ criminality as an important step in the effort to drive drug gangs out of Surrey.

Surrey Police, together with partner agencies, carried out pro-active operations across the county and in neighbouring areas to disrupt the activities of criminal networks.

Officers made 11 arrests, seized drugs including crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis and recovered weapons including knives and a converted handgun as the county played its part in a national ‘Intensification Week’ to target organised drug crime.

Eight warrants were executed and officers seized cash, 26 mobile phones and disrupted at least eight ‘county lines’ as well as identifying and/or safeguarding 89 young or vulnerable people.

In addition, police teams across the county were out in communities raising awareness of the issue with over 80 educational visits made.

For more information on the action taken in Surrey – click here.

County lines is the name given to drug dealing which involves highly organised criminal networks using phone lines to facilitate the supply of class A drugs – such as heroin and crack cocaine.

The lines are valuable commodities to dealers, and are protected with extreme violence and intimidation.

She said: “County lines continues to be a growing threat to our communities so the kind of police intervention we saw last week is vital to disrupting the activities of these organised gangs.

The PCC joined local officers and PCSOs in Guildford last week where they teamed up with Crimestoppers on the last leg of their ad-van tour of the county warning the public of the danger signs.

“These criminal networks seek to exploit and groom young and vulnerable people to act as couriers and dealers and often use violence to control them.

“As lockdown restrictions ease over this summer, those involved in this sort of criminality might see that as an opportunity. Tackling this important issue and driving these gangs out of our communities is going to be a key priority for me as your PCC.

“Whilst the targeted police action last week will have sent a strong message out to county lines drug dealers – that effort must be sustained going forward.

“We all have a part to play in that and I would ask our communities in Surrey to remain vigilant to any suspicious activity that could be related to drug dealing and report it immediately. Equally, if you know of anyone being exploited by these gangs – please pass that information to police, or anonymously to Crimestoppers, so that action can be taken.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson

Lisa Townsend proposes new Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The new Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has proposed a Deputy PCC to join her team, it was announced today.

Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is 26, will become the youngest Deputy PCC in the country and will provide crucial support to the Commissioner with a particular focus on engaging with young people.

The role will also support the PCC on other key priorities such as violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, rural crime and pet theft.

Her nomination for the deputy position will go before the county’s Police and Crime Panel for a confirmation hearing at their next meeting on June 30.

Ellie has a background in policy, communications and youth engagement, and has worked in both public and private sector roles. Having joined the UK Youth Parliament in her early teens, she is experienced in voicing concerns for young people and representing others at all levels.

Ellie has a degree in Politics and a Graduate Diploma in Law. She has previously worked for the National Citizen Service and her most recent role was in digital design and communications.

Speaking of her decision to nominate a deputy, PCC Lisa Townsend said: “Ellie’s skills and experience make her the obvious choice, and I have seen first-hand the energy and commitment that she would bring to the post of deputy.

“A key part of her role will be about engaging with our residents in Surrey and in particular reaching out to our young people. I know she shares my passion to make a real difference to our communities and I think she will be a great asset to the PCC’s team.

“Ellie will be a fantastic deputy and I look forward to proposing her appointment to the Police and Crime Panel in June.”

Ellie was at Surrey Police’s Mount Browne Headquarters in Guildford this week to meet some of Surrey Police’s young Volunteer Police Cadets.

Outlining her plans for the role, she said: “I am honoured to have been nominated for the Deputy PCC role and I’m really excited about helping Lisa build and deliver her vision for policing in Surrey.

“I am particularly keen to enhance the work the PCC’s office does with young people in our county, and it was fantastic to meet some of the Cadets this week and learn about the role they play in the Surrey Police family.

“I aim to hit the ground running and be out and about with the PCC engaging with residents and communities across Surrey to make sure we reflect their priorities going forward.”

“Residents’ views will be at the heart of my policing plans” – new PCC Lisa Townsend takes up office following election win

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The new Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has pledged to keep residents’ views at the heart of her plans for the future as she took up office today following her election victory.

The Commissioner spent her first day in the role at the Surrey Police Headquarters in Mount Browne meeting some of her new team and spending time with the Chief Constable Gavin Stephens.

She said she is committed to addressing those key issues that residents of Surrey have told her are important to them such as tackling anti-social behaviour in our communities, improving police visibility, making the county’s roads safer and preventing violence against women and girls.

The PCC was voted in by the Surrey public following the election last week and said she wanted to repay the faith voters had put in her by making sure their priorities were her priorities.

PCC Lisa Townsend said: “I am proud and excited to be PCC for this great county and I can’t wait to get started.

“I have already said how I want to be really visible to the residents we serve so I will be out and about in our communities as much as I possibly can to meet people and listen to their concerns.

“I also want to spend time getting to know the policing teams across the county that are doing a fantastic job in keeping people safe and getting their views on how I can best support them as PCC.

“In addition, I want to be a champion for victims and I will be putting a real focus on the commissioning work the PCC’s office carries out to protect the most vulnerable people in our society whilst doing more to make sure women and girls feel safe in Surrey.

“I had a really positive and constructive meeting with the Chief Constable this afternoon to discuss how those key issues residents have raised with me during my campaign fit in with the Force’s commitments to our communities.

“I look forward to working with Gavin in the weeks and months ahead to see where we can improve our service to the Surrey public.

“Residents across the county have told me they want to see more police on our streets and I want to work with the Force to ensure the police presence in every area is proportionate and appropriate.

“The views of our communities should be heard at a national level and I will fight to get to a better deal for residents on the amount of funding we receive from central government.

“The Surrey public have put their faith in me by electing me for this role and I want to ensure I do everything I can to repay that and help make our streets safer. If anyone has any issues they want to raise about policing in their local area – please do get in touch with me.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

Lisa Townsend elected as next Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Lisa Townsend has this evening been voted in as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey for the next three years.

The Conservative candidate received 112,260 first preference votes from the Surrey public in the PCC election which took place on Thursday.

She was elected on second preference votes, after no candidates received more than 50% of first preference ballots.

The result was announced this afternoon in Addlestone after the votes were counted across the county. Turnout was 38.81%, compared to 28.07% in the last PCC election in 2016.

Lisa will formally start her role on Thursday 13 May and will replace the current PCC David Munro.

She said: “It is an absolute privilege and honour to become Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and I can’t wait to get started and help Surrey Police provide a service our residents can be proud of.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and the public who came out to vote. I am determined to repay the faith they have shown in me by doing everything I can in this role to be the residents voice on policing.

“I would also like to thank the outgoing Commissioner, David Munro for the dedication and care he has shown in the role for the last five years.

“I know from speaking to residents across the county during my election campaign that the job Surrey Police do a daily basis in our communities is greatly valued by the public. I look forward to working together with the Chief Constable and providing the best support I can to his officers and staff who work so hard to keep Surrey safe.”

Chief Constable of Surrey Police Gavin Stephens said: “I warmly congratulate Lisa on her election and welcome her to the Force. We will be working closely with her on her ambitions for the county and continuing to deliver ‘Our Commitments’ to our communities.

“I would also like to acknowledge the work of our outgoing Commissioner, David Munro, who has done a lot to support not only the Force, but the initiatives introduced during his tenure have made a significant difference to the residents of Surrey.”

More PCC funding to tackle burglaries and catalytic converter thefts in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey David Munro has provided additional funding to help Surrey Police prevent burglaries and catalytic converter thefts.

£14,000 from the PCC’s Community Safety Fund has been provided to enable local Surrey Police teams to develop targeted operations with the new Surrey Police Prevention and Problem Solving Team across six boroughs.

An additional £13,000 has been allocated to the Serious and Organised Crime Unit to work with the team to tackle a steep rise in catalytic converter thefts from vehicles in the county.

The problem solving team was paid for by the PCC’s increase to the policing element of local council tax in 2019-2020, alongside more police officers and staff in Surrey’s communities.

The county saw the fourth largest increase in catalytic converter thefts in the country in 2020, rising to over 1,100 incidents since April. Surrey Police records an average of eight domestic burglaries a day.

Working closely with the Prevention and Problem Solving Team enables officers to identify new trends and inform a bespoke approach based on the analysis of multiple incidents.

This involves a new way of thinking about crime prevention that is data led, and leads to a longer term reduction in crime.

Embedding a problem solving approach in the planning of operations saves time and money later on; with fewer but more targeted actions.

Analysis for new operations to prevent burglaries included actions such as reviewing every single crime committed in a target area in winter 2019.

Responses informed by the team and funded by the PCC include increased patrols and deterrents in specific locations where it is believed they will have the most impact. The distribution of catalytic converter marking kits and greater awareness of this crime will be carried out by local police.

PCC David Munro said: “Burglary is a devastating crime that has a long lasting impact on individuals, and is one of the main concerns expressed by local residents. Catalytic converter thefts have also increased in recent months.

“I know from our recent community events that this is a key concern of residents.

“As the problem solving team heads into its second year, I’m continuing to increase the resources available to Surrey Police to build on the improvements being made. This includes more analysts and investigators to lead problem solving across the Force, and more police officers in local teams to drive crime down.”

Chief Inspector and Prevention and Problem Solving Lead Mark Offord said: “Surrey Police are fully committed to ensuring that our residents feel safe in their communities. We understand that the harm caused to victims of burglary goes far beyond the material loss of property, and can have far-reaching financial and emotional consequences.

“As well as proactively targeting the individuals committing these offences, our problem solving approach seeks to understand how and why crimes are committed, with the intention of employing crime prevention techniques that will make offending a riskier prospect for potential offenders.”

Individual operations funded by the PCC will form part of Force’s dedicated response to burglary county-wide.

Every woman and girl has the right to feel safe

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey David Munro condemned the violence that led to the tragic death of Sarah Everard in London, saying it is important to continue to listen to the voices of women who feel unsafe.

He expressed his concern for all women who have experienced violence or unwanted attention in the past, saying meaningful action was needed to address all forms of male violence against women.

Welcoming news that Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary will work with police forces to identify how to better protect women and girls, he said he was supporting Surrey Police to tackle all forms of this violence that includes stalking and domestic abuse.

A call to review the response to violence against women and girls will also be held between Police Chiefs across the country today.

The PCC said: “Sarah’s death has resonated with everyone in our community, including women and girls that have been a victim of crime and others who have expressed their feelings of anger and fear. I’ve spoken with the Chief Constable and can say that Surrey Police is committed to ensure that every woman and girl can feel safe in our communities. This includes listening closely to the concerns of residents.

“I want to reassure every woman or girl who has experienced unwanted attention or violence, or are fearful for their safety, that Surrey Police is there for you. Please report it and it will be taken with the utmost seriousness.”

A statement from Surrey Police said that women should not have to live in fear or change their behaviour to keep themselves safe, but that gatherings remained unlawful.

The PCC is continuing to work with partners including Surrey Police to prevent violence against women and girls that includes all forms of sexual violence, abuse, harassment or stalking. Support from the PCC’s Office includes for training sexual violence specialists and for victim support organisations to continue services during the pandemic.

Funding from the PCC has also paid for more Independent Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Advisors in Surrey. He said the services provided by these specialists were highly valued to support women who may be living in fear of violence in Surrey.

The Office of the PCC has placed more funding towards these areas in the last 12 months than ever before, including supporting a new service to help those affected by stalking in Surrey.

Surrey PCC: Amendments to Domestic Abuse Bill are a welcome boost for survivors

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey David Munro has welcomed fresh amendments towards a new set of domestic abuse laws saying they will improve the crucial support available to survivors.

The draft Domestic Abuse Bill contains new measures to enhance the response to domestic abuse by police forces, specialist services, local authorities and the courts.

Areas of the bill include criminalising more forms of abuse, greater support for those affected and help for survivors to get justice

The Bill, which is currently being considered by the House of Lords, had obligated councils to provide support to survivors and their families in places of refuge and other accommodation.

The PCC signed a petition led by SafeLives and Action for Children that urged the Government to widen this support to include community based services. Community services such as helplines account for around 70% of the assistance provided to those affected

A new amendment will now obligate local authorities to assess the impact of the Bill on their relationships and funding for all domestic abuse services. It includes a statutory review by Domestic Abuse Commissioner, that will further outline the role of community services.

The PCC said it was a welcome step that recognised the enormous impact domestic abuse has on individuals and families.

Community based services provide a confidential listening service and can offer a range of practical advice and therapeutic support for adults and children. As part of a coordinated response by local partners, they play a fundamental part in halting the cycle of abuse and empowering victims to live free from harm.

PCC David Munro said: “Physical and emotional abuse can have a devastating impact on survivors and families. I wholeheartedly welcome the steps outlined in this Bill to improve the support we can provide, whilst taking the toughest possible action against perpetrators.

“We owe it to every person affected by domestic abuse to be there with quality support when and where they need it, including for those who may find it harder to access refuge – for example individuals with disabilities, those with substance misuse problems, or those with older children.

Head of Policy and Commissioning for the PCC’s office Lisa Herrington said, “Victims need to know they are not alone. Community based services are there to listen without judgement and we know this is what survivors value the most. This includes helping survivors to flee safely, and for longer term support when they feel able to return to independent living.

“We work with partners across the county to achieve this, so it is essential that this coordinated response is supported.”

“Talking about abuse takes tremendous courage. Often a victim won’t want to engage with criminal justice agencies – they just want the abuse to stop.”

In 2020/21 the Office of the PCC provided close to £900,000 in funding to support domestic abuse organisations, including extra money to support both refuges and community services to overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the height of first lockdown, this included working with Surrey County Council and partners to rapidly establish new refuge space for 18 families.

Since 2019, increased funding from the PCC’s office has also paid for more domestic abuse caseworkers in Surrey Police.

From April, the extra money raised by the PCC’s council tax rise means a further £600,000 will be made available to support victims in Surrey, including through domestic abuse services.

Anyone who is worried about, or affected by domestic abuse is encouraged to contact Surrey Police via 101, online or using social media. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Support is available by contacting the Your Sanctuary helpline 01483 776822 9am-9pm every day or by visiting the Healthy Surrey website.

“A step in the right direction for Surrey residents” – PCC’s verdict on potential location for the county’s first transit site

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has said news that a potential transit site has been identified to direct travellers to in Surrey is a ‘step in the right direction’ for the county’s residents.

An area of Surrey County Council managed land in Tandridge has been earmarked as the first site in the county that could provide a temporary stopping place which could be used by the travelling community.

The PCC has long been pressing for such a site with proper facilities which have proved successful in other areas of the country. Following continued collaboration involving all borough and district councils and the county council, a location has now been identified although no planning application has been submitted. The PCC has committed £100,000 from his office to help set the transit site up.

The Commissioner said he is also eagerly awaiting the results of a government consultation after reports that the Home Office are planning to change the law to make setting up unauthorised encampments a criminal offence.

The PCC responded to the consultation last year saying he supported the criminalising the act of trespass in relation to encampments which would give police tougher and more effective powers to deal with them when they appear.

PCC David Munro said: “During my term of office I have long been saying that there is an urgent need for transit sites for travellers in Surrey so I am pleased there is hopefully some good news on the horizon with a potential location identified in the Tandridge area.

“A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes involving all local agencies to address the need for transit sites. There is obviously still a long way to go and any site will have to go through the relevant planning processes but it is a step in the right direction for Surrey residents.

“We are approaching the time of year when the county begins to see an increase in unauthorised encampments and we have already seen a few in Surrey over recent weeks.

“The majority of travellers are law-abiding but I’m afraid there are a minority that cause disruption and concern to local communities and increase the strain on police and local authority resources.

“I have visited a number of communities where unauthorised encampments have been set up over the last four years and I have great sympathy with the plight of the residents whom I’ve met whose lives have been adversely affected.”

The legislation around unauthorised encampments is complex and there are requirements that must be met in order for local authorities and police to take action to move them on.

The act of trespass in relation to encampments currently remains a civil matter. When an unauthorised encampment is set up in Surrey, the occupiers are often served with orders by the police or local authority and then move on to another location nearby where the process begins again.

The PCC added: “There have been reports that the government will be seeking a change in law to make trespass in relation to unauthorised encampments a criminal offence. I would fully support this and submitted in my response to the government consultation that the legislation should be as simple and comprehensive as possible.

“I believe this change in law, coupled with the introduction of transit sites, is urgently needed to break the cycle of repeated unauthorised traveller encampments that continue to affect our local communities.”

asian female police contact staff

PCC calls for government to consider police staff funding

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey David Munro is calling on the government to consider funding for police staff alongside the rollout of an extra 20,000 police officers nationally.

The PCC has written to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlining his concerns that underfunding staff roles will result in “reverse civilianisation” where police officers will end up doing these jobs in years to come.

The Commissioner said modern policing was ‘a team effort’ requiring staff in specialist positions and the Police Funding Settlement, published in Parliament earlier this month, did not recognise their valuable contribution.

He urged the Chancellor to consider funding for police staff in the next Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) which is expected later this year.

Around £415m of government funding in 2021/22 will pay for the recruitment and training of the next tranche of new police officers, but is not extended to police staff. Surrey Police’s share will mean they will receive funding for a further 73 officers over the next year.

In addition, the PCC’s recently agreed council tax precept rise for the next financial year will mean an extra 10 officer and 67 operational support roles will also be added to the ranks.

PCC David Munro said: “Surrey residents tell me they want to see more police offices in their communities so of course I welcome the government’s commitment to adding 20,000 nationwide. But we need to make sure we get the balance right.

“Over the years specialist staff have been employed to ensure that officers can spend more time doing what they do best – being on the streets and catching criminals – and yet the valuable contribution these staff make does not seem to recognised in the settlement. The skills of a warranted officer are very different to those of, for example, a contact centre operative or analyst.

“The Treasury is rightly calling for police forces to become more efficient and here in Surrey we have delivered £75m in savings over the last 10 years and are budgeting for a further £6m in the year ahead.

“However I am concerned that with all the focus on police officer numbers, future savings can only come from reductions in police staff. This will mean over time that trained warranted officers will be required to do roles previously undertaken by police staff for which they are ill-equipped and not really what they joined the Force for in the first place.

“This “reverse civilianisation” is very wasteful not only of resources but also of talent.”

In the same letter, the PCC also urged that the opportunity was taken in the next CSR to review the central grant system used to allocate funds to police forces across England and Wales.

In 2021/22, Surrey residents will pay 55%of the total funding for Surrey Police through council tax, compared with 45% from Central Government (£143m and £119m).

The PCC said the current formula based on the central government grant system left Surrey short-changed: “Using the current grant system as the basis for allocation puts us at an unfair disadvantage. A more equitable distribution would be based on total net revenue budget; putting Surrey Police on a fair footing with other forces of a similar size.”

Read the full letter to the Chancellor here.