Category: Serious and Organised Crime

Planned reforms will silence residents’ voices on policing says Surrey’s Police Crime Commissioner

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has voiced her concerns that wide-ranging police reform announced today will take away the public’s voice on policing in Surrey.

The Commissioner said the new planned police structure unveiled in the Home Office’s white paper on police reform will place unprecedented power in the hands of just two people at the centre.

These two people are the Home Secretary and the Commissioner of a new National Police Service.

Lisa said she feared that, coupled with plans to merge local forces, this would result in any local accountability being lost.   

Police reform

While police reform is badly needed, there is little evidence base for many of the proposals outlined in today’s white paper, and that significant investment will be required to successfully implement many of the plans, she said.

The Commissioner said: “There is no argument that police reform is long overdue.

“There is merit in a National Police Service to handle some of the more complex crime investigation, such as fraud and counter terrorism.

“But the plans are to also draw functions such as roads policing into the centre, which I believe will be detrimental to those teams who will lose that local knowledge that is so important to the work they do.

Commissioner’s concern

“The white paper also outlines how targets will be set for 999 performance and deployment to incidents.

“Here in Surrey, we are already meeting those targets and I fail to see how this will drive further improvements.

“I have already said any potential Surrey Police merger with neighbouring forces would be a disaster for our residents.

Having now seen the detail in today’s white paper, there is little to allay my fears that resources would be diverted from Surrey communities, diluting our neighbourhood policing.

“How many years left?”

“Policing must be rooted in the local communities it serves.

“By placing all the power and decision-making in the hands of only two people, my fear is that local accountability will be lost and the ability of local residents to shape how policing affects their lives will be severely restricted.

“This year marks the 175th anniversary of Surrey Police.

“There will be many in the county wondering today how many years it has left.”

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman wearing a white shirt, standing in front of a large sign that reads 'Welcome to Surrey Police'. She is looking directly at the camera with a slight smile on her face.

Plans to merge police into ‘mega forces’ would be a ‘disaster’ for Surrey, says Police and Crime Commissioner

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend says any plans to merge Surrey Police with neighbouring forces would be a “complete disaster” for the county’s residents.

The Government’s anticipated White Paper on police reform, which is due to be published next week, is reported to include proposals to significantly reduce the current number of forces across England and Wales.

It could lead to the creation of ‘mega forces’, with Surrey potentially merging with other neighbouring forces in the south east.

The Government proposals are expected to say this is to save money and boost crime-fighting efforts, but Lisa says she fears this would divert resources from Surrey communities and dilute neighbourhood policing in the county.

“Disaster”

The Commissioner said: “I believe this would be a complete disaster for Surrey residents. We are the safest county in the south east with no city and much lower crime rates than our neighbours.

“My fear is that resources would be pulled away from our communities to support higher crime areas leaving Surrey with a second-rate service.

“Our residents already pay a high price for their policing through their council tax contributions and have told me loud and clear how much they value the local policing presence in their neighbourhoods.

“Surrey Police have made great strides in recent years in increasing visibility and tackling those crimes important to the public.

Commissioner’s concerns

“I believe the creation of regional forces would not only be expensive and complex to deliver, but here in Surrey would result in the dilution of both local accountability and the service our residents rightly expect.

“Police reform is absolutely necessary and we want to work with the Government to create better ways to tackle issues nationally, such as serious organised crime which is expected to form part of the White Paper next week.

“But my fear is that any merger plans could potentially delay and derail those ambitions.

“Local policing needs to be left to local police forces to deliver. At a time when we need to rebuild public confidence in policing, these potential merger plans serve only to distance our policing teams from the communities they serve.

“Our residents deserve better than this.”

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend walking through a town centre with two police officers in uniform. Lisa, who has blonde hair, stands on the right of the image. She wears a black jacket and trousers. The officers, one male and one female, are wearing their uniforms and police hats, and they are in the middle of a conversation with Lisa as they all walk past a branch of Marks and Spencer.

150 arrests as repeat offenders targeted during new Safer Epsom and Ewell partnership

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Police have made 150 arrests as part of a new Safer Epsom and Ewell partnership that has been partly-funded by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend.

Shoplifters, drug dealers, prolific offenders and those using vehicles like e-bikes and mopeds to commit crime are among those who have been targeted by policing teams.

The new initiative, designed to cut crime and foster pride in the town, brings together Surrey Police, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as local business and community partners.

The project adopts the College of Policing’s ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ framework, a three-stage approach where police ‘clear’ offenders from Epsom and Ewell and work in tandem with partners to ensure criminals don’t return.

It comes after a survey of residents found drug dealing and use is a major concern. Only 26 per cent of those surveyed said they feel the borough is a safe place to live.

Safer Epsom and Ewell

Over the past six months, 150 arrests have been made. Ten ‘county lines’ drug dealing gangs have been shut down and more than £20,000-worth of class A drugs seized, along with eight knives and £20,000 in cash.

Police have used data to identify the most prolific offenders, and are working with partners in criminal justice, local authorities and housing to tackle persistent criminality. Dedicated operations to tackle violence against women and girls are also taking place.

Borough Commander Inspector Tommy Pearson said: “The community of Epsom and Ewell has the right to feel safe in the area they call home, and this partnership represents a long-term commitment to that principle. 

“Policing action over the last six months has sought to target our prolific offenders, disrupt drug county lines and reduce the harm caused by criminality for members of the community. 

“Residents were keen for action in the town, and I am hopeful, along with the fellow officers on my team, that this is evident in our efforts so far.” 

Prolific offenders targeted

Throughout December, officers from the Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Team were deployed as part of Operation Jingle, which featured high-visibility patrols in town centres.

Detections for theft rose to 45 per cent during the operation, compared with a national average of 20 per cent.

Sergeant James Pegg of the Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “We are determined to drive crime and disorder out of the town centre and Operation Jingle, despite the jovial name, has set a hard-line stance against theft and drug offenders.  

“The operation has been hugely successful.

County lines tackled

“Being out in the community we serve in large numbers has received positive feedback from our residents and visitors alike, and has sent a strong message to those that wish to steal and harm: you are not welcome in our town.”

In the months to come, the Force will work alongside the North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT), Surrey County Council, Town and Country Housing and the borough council in a bid to make lasting change.

The focus of work will fall on six key areas: housing; anti-social behaviour; improving the local environment; increasing access to opportunities and resources to help women and girls; promoting youth voice; and employment.

The Commissioner has contributed £20,000 from her dedicated Serious Violence Duty fund and helped to secure further funding from the Government’s hotspot policing grant for Safer Epsom and Ewell.

The initiative follows the success of Safer Redhill, which also used Clear, Hold, Build and saw offending drop in the town.

“Lasting legacy”

She said: “The persistent offenders who have repeatedly committed crimes in Epsom and Ewell should be very worried. The message is clear – we are coming for you.

“Safer Epsom and Ewell uses intelligence and data to crack down on place-based harm.

“I believe it will leave a lasting legacy of safer streets, stronger communities, and excellent partnership working, and I am delighted to help fund the initiative.

“I wish Surrey Police’s officers and staff, as well as our brilliant partners across the borough, every success as they begin their journey.” 

The image shows two police officers photographed from behind walking down a busy high street.

Retail crime charges rise by 465 per cent in Surrey as report on the impact of offending is released

Posted on | by Alex Winter

More shoplifters are facing justice in Surrey as officers crack down on offenders targeting businesses. 

A 465 per cent increase in shoplifting charges has been recorded by Surrey Police over the past two years.

It comes as Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and retail crime leads from Surrey Police release their first-ever retail crime report, which sets out the Force’s commitment to victims. 

The report, available to download as PDF here, has been published following a survey of the business community earlier this year. 

Respondents to the survey shared their experiences with retail crime, with some saying insurance premiums had gone up because of repeat incidents. Others said they felt unable to protect themselves from theft. 

Report released

In the spring, Surrey Police launched its Retail Crime Strategy, which commits the Force to attending reports where appropriate, following all reasonable lines of enquiry, targeting repeat offenders and tackling organised criminal networks. 

Positive outcomes for shoplifting have increased since Surrey Police’s Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, launched his plan for the Force two years ago. 

Positive outcomes for shoplifting have increased dramatically since Surrey Police’s Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, launched his plan for the Force two years ago. 

Charges have risen by 465 per cent. A total of 1,347 crimes have been charged this year, 1,109 more than were charged in 2023.

Charges rise

The Force aims to increase its rate by 430 charges in the next nine months, which mean Surrey Police were charging one in every four retail crime offences.

More than a quarter – 27.3 per cent – of all shoplifting reports are now resulting in a ‘solved outcome’, which includes charges, summons, community resolutions and cautions. 

Overall, charges for all types of offending in Surrey have more than doubled in a year. 

“Retailers are exhausted”

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “The responses we had to our survey demonstrated very clearly the impact that retail crime has on the business community in Surrey. 

“Retailers are feeling demoralised, exhausted and, in some cases, frightened. It is not acceptable that anyone trying simply to do their job should be targeted by criminals. 

“Retail crime often goes hand-in-hand with other serious offending, including abuse, threats and violence, as well as organised criminality. 

“Its victims include every one of us impacted by rising costs, as well as entire communities who feel less safe. 

Force ‘on a journey’

“It is vital that it is taken seriously. 

“The overall picture in Surrey is one of significant improvement, although there is still a long road ahead to get to where we need to be. 

“We are committed to that journey. This type of offending is a priority for Surrey.” 

Chief Inspector Andy Hill, of Surrey Police, leads the Force’s response to retail crime. 

Work with business community

He said: “We have made positive steps towards tackling retail crime and keeping communities across the county safe. 

“However, we want to do more. 

“Tackling retail crime is a collective effort, and we are committed to working with the business community to drive out offending. 

“While the statistics show we are going in the right direction, it’s important to remember that at the heart of every offence are real victims who may be deeply affected. 

“We must continue to do the right thing for every one of them.” 

Four people stand together facing the camera. All are smiling, and two are in Surrey Police uniform. On the left is Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman in a dress. Beside her is Councillor Paul Woodward, who wears a blue top. Next in the line is Borough Commander Matt Walton, who wears police uniform. On the right of the photograph is T/Chief Superintendent Aimee Ramm, also in uniform.

“Fantastic news for residents”: Borough policing team solves 85 per cent of all shoplifting reports

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A SURREY Police team is turning the tide on shoplifting – as officers solve 85 per cent of the retail crime cases they are tasked with investigating. 

There has been a huge rise in reports of retail crime in Spelthorne after the borough’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, led by Inspector Matt Walton, urged the business community to report every incident. 

And at a residents’ meeting in Ashford town centre last week, Inspector Walton and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson shared news of the Force’s recent successes. 

Reports of retail crime are up by almost 150 per cent in Spelthorne. Around a quarter of all retail crime cases reported in the borough are solved. 

However, a huge 85 per cent of all retail crime cases assigned to Insp Walton’s team have been solved in the past three months as the team aim to bring every offender to justice. 

Team’s success

Meanwhile, Spelthorne has seen a 4.7 per cent decrease in all crime types over the past two months. 

Church Road in Ashford is one of four ‘hotspots’ in the borough, alongside the Elmsleigh Centre and Two Rivers in Staines, and Sunbury Cross. Hotspots have comparatively higher levels of crime than surrounding areas. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend secured £1million from the Government to fund additional policing resources in hotspot areas across the county. 

In September, four men were arrested after an alleged raid at a convenience store in Church Road. Enquiries continue. 

“Crime that blights communities”

Ellie said: “I was delighted to join the residents’ meeting in Ashford and answer questions on crime and policing in the town. 

“A huge amount of work is going on across Spelthorne to tackle the criminality that blights our communities, including anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, and retail crime. 

“Church Road in Ashford has recently been designated as a ‘hotspot’, which means there will be more high-visibility patrols – fantastic news for residents. Over the past two months alone, there have been 60 extra foot patrols.” 

Insp Walton said: “Until very recently, we had seen a sustained increase in crime across Spelthorne of between one and two per cent a year. 

‘Report it’ plea

“However, over the last couple of months, that has changed, and there has been a decrease of 4.7 per cent in Spelthorne. 

“We have made sure that we are maintaining our community engagement, with the key message that all crime should be reported to us. 

“In some areas, this has seen a large spike in reporting. For example, we have seen a 150 per cent increase in reports of retail crime. 

“Across the borough, 25 per cent of all shoplifting incidents are being solved. When it comes to retail crime cases allocated to my team, that rises to 85 per cent. 

“However, we know that when reports of crime drop, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s less crime, but rather that there’s less confidence in reporting crime. 

“I’d urge anyone affected by criminality to keep reporting it.” 

A group of people stand facing the camera. All have their hands clasped in front of them, and all are smiling. Five of the six people pictured are police officers and PCSOs in Surrey Police uniform. The last person pictured wears a blue dress.

Rural communities gather to discuss crime and policing at two landmark meetings

Posted on | by Alex Winter

FARMERS, equestrians, anglers, landowners, and representatives from rural organisations have joined Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner at two landmark meetings this month.

Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Surrey Police’s Rural Crime Tactical Lead, Chief Inspector Chris Tinney, hosted two Rural Crime Forum events for rural communities during September. 

The first, a public meeting in Busbridge, Waverley, drew in around 50 attendees who were invited to discuss issues of concern. 

Poaching, unauthorised encampments, recent arrests, anti-social behaviour and police’s relationships with the community were among the topics raised during the evening. 

Landmark meetings

Attendees were then invited to chat to PCs and PCSOs from Waverley and Guildford who had attended to support the event. 

A week later, Ellie and Ch Insp Tinney invited partners from the National Farmers Union (NFU), the Country, Land and Business Association (CLA), the National Trust, the Environment Agency and the British Association for Shooting and Conservancy (BASC) to discuss the matters raised. 

Further forum events are planned, and Ch Insp Tinney said he will remain focused on policing rural issues including poaching, reducing anti-social behaviour, acquisitive crime, and waste crime, including large-scale flytipping. 

The Deputy Commissioner, who leads on rural crime for the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I understand the challenges our rural communities face and how impactful crime can be. 

“Under-reported”

“Rural crime can be complex, is not always well-understood, and can often go under-reported.  

“I often visit rural communities through my work, and it is of key importance to me that those who live and work in Surrey’s countryside are given the opportunity to have their say.

“This is why I have established Surrey’s Rural Crime Forum.

“During the public meeting, members of these communities told me about the issues that concern them most, and I am grateful to all those who took the time to join us on the evening. 

Problem-solving

“These issues were then discussed at the partner meeting that took place at Mount Browne the following week.

“This second meeting enables better co-operation with partners to help us problem-solve together, and ultimately improve lives in our rural communities.

“I hope these meetings will reassure residents that Surrey Police takes rural crime seriously, and that their reports matter. 

“I look forward to providing further updates in the coming months.”

Read more about Ellie’s work:

The image shows a dark room filled with computers and desks. Across the length of one wall is a bank of television screens, many of which show CCTV images. In the far left corner is a mugshot of a bearded man with dark hair, who looks directly into the camera.

Brazen shoplifter highlighted to Commissioner on visit to Boots CCTV hub is jailed

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A shoplifter who brazenly stole goods worth more than £34,000 in a six-week spree has been jailed after he was caught trying to flee the country.

Wesley Maughan, 25, was one of the cases brought to Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s attention during a visit to the Boots CCTV Monitoring Centre over the summer.

Lisa met with security staff at the hub in Nottinghamshire after their work with Surrey Police led to the arrest and charge of 22-year-old Ashford man John Ward.

Ward, who stole items worth £60,000 from Boots, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Co-op stores was jailed for two years in April.

The hub has now worked with the Force once again to secure a conviction for Maughan, of Slough.

Shoplifters sentenced

Maughan, who admitted 13 counts of theft from a shop, raided Boots, Tesco and Co-op stores across Surrey, London, Buckinghamshire and Kent. He targeted nicotine, healthcare and cosmetics products.

CCTV captured him entering a Boots store before filling bags with goods, concealing items in his coat, and leaving without paying.

He was arrested at Harwich International Port in May after trying to flee the country under a false identity, and has this week been sentenced to 22 months in prison at Aylesbury Crown Court.

The Commissioner said: “The sentences received by Maughan and Ward should serve as a timely reminder to those who target our business communities.

“Surrey Police will not tolerate retail crime, and our officers will bring offenders to justice.

“We will not tolerate it”

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in these cases for their fantastic work.”

Retail crime is a key priority for both the Commissioner and senior leaders at Surrey Police.

In the past year, there have been 800 additional shoplifting charges, and the arrest rate for these crimes has more than doubled. 

Investigating officer PC Annalise Ware said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime.

“It can have a devastating impact on businesses and their communities. Staff can be left feeling vulnerable and powerless and customers are also often affected.

Force priority

“It is a priority for us to tackle retail crime head on, relentlessly pursuing those who steal from shops and getting them in front of the courts.

“Crucial to this is shoplifting being reported – irrespective of value – as it helps us build an intelligence picture of who the offenders are and the trends in their behaviour.

“In this case, working in partnership with retailers helped us to quickly identify Maughan as a suspect, charge and sentence him for multiple offences.

“I hope this outcome reassures our communities that we are committed to tackling shoplifting and serves as a reminder that we are working daily to drive retail crime out of Surrey.”

Two people stand and look at computer screens. One, a blonde woman in a green dress, is Commissioner Lisa Townsend. She stands next to a man in a suit, who wears a lanyard around his neck. A man is sitting at the computer with his back to the camera. In front of all three people pictured is a wall covered with screens, each of which shows CCTV images.

Inside the Boots nerve centre where operators track Surrey’s shoplifters in real time

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has visited a high-tech nerve centre which tackles retail crime at Boots branches across the country. 

Lisa Townsend travelled to Beeston in Nottinghamshire to see the work of the chain’s CCTV Monitoring Centre. 

The hub receives hundreds of alerts a day from its shops in the UK. Staff can press alarms for central support and live monitoring if they have suspicions about a customer.

Earlier this year, 22-year-old John Ward, of Ashford, was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting shoplifting items worth more than £60,000. 

Shoplifter jailed

Goods were stolen from Boots, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Co-op stores in Surrey, Thames Valley, Kent, London, Cleveland, Cheshire and Durham. 

Surrey Police arrested Ward after the Boots intelligence hub reported 19 connected incidents to the Force. 

The facility features 18 huge screens displaying live CCTV feeds. A team of security specialists respond in real time, either taking over a store’s loudspeakers to deter shoplifters, or warning the suspect that they’re being watched. 

Where a suspect is identified, the local police force is notified. 

In Surrey, 30 of the 36 Boots stores have reported an incident into Auror, a crime reporting network which connects retailers and local police forces, over the past 18 months. The top stores to report are in Walton-on-Thames and Farnham.

CCTV hub

In 2023, Boots contributed £800,000 towards Operation Pegasus, a national police operation which uses CCTV and facial recognition technology to target criminals. 

Retail crime is a key priority for both the Commissioner and senior leaders at Surrey Police.

In the past year, there have been 800 additional shoplifting charges, and the arrest rate for these crimes has more than doubled. 

Lisa said: “Retail crime harms communities in Surrey and across the UK. 

“Tackling it head on”

“It is not a victimless crime. Instead, it leads to fear and loss across huge swathes of our society, from business owners to employees and customers. 

“The Force is committed to tackling retail crime head on, and to do that, they need reports. 

“The tireless work of staff at Boots CCTV Monitoring Centre is helping our officers to secure convictions and drive offenders out of our high streets. 

“I commend Boots for its investment to protect staff and customers.” 

The image shows the inside of a dark room. The focus is a large wall along the back of the room, which is covered with television screens that show CCTV images. People are working at desks in front of the screens, and their computers also show CCTV images.

The hub shows live CCTV images from Boots stores across the UK

Deputy Commissioner joins countywide fight against fraud and serious organised crime

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

A series of disruption and engagement days have taken place across the county to tackle serious organised crime and raise awareness of rogue trading, fraud and scams.

The events, organised by the Surrey Organised Crime (SOC) Partnership, included action days which resulted in a series of arrests, as well as engagement stands in Mole Valley, Runnymede and Waverley.

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, joined the engagement stand where advice was shared with members of the public.

Elsewhere, roads policing teams and partners including the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency carried out checks on the A24 in Dorking, Hardwick Lane in Chertsey, and the B2130 Godalming to Cranleigh road.

Seven arrests

The teams conducted stop checks on commercial vehicles and the waste carriage industry.

Across the three locations, 96 vehicles were stopped, with 10 vehicles being seized and seven arrests made for drug driving.

One vehicle was found to be overloaded in excess of two tonnes and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) checked 62 fuel samples.

More than 600 people in Dorking, Chertsey and Farnham also visited stands run by Surrey Police’s Safer Communities Teams and the Economic Crimes Unit, Trading Standards, Crimestoppers and Age UK.

Advice given

Advice was given about doorstep rogue trading, financial abuse, investment fraud and romance scams.

Ellie said: “The brilliant results achieved across these six days of action are testament to the strong collaboration between partners to tackle fraud and support residents”.  

“Proactive engagement not only disrupts criminal enterprises on the ground but also works to protect Surrey residents and businesses for the future.

“Over half of crime committed in Surrey is fraud – it is this country’s fastest growing type of crime, with almost half of all adults being targeted, and perpetrators are using increasingly clever methods to target victims.

“A clear message”

“The partnership work including these events are a clear message to serious organised crime networks that we are working to disrupt activity, protect vulnerable people and make our communities safer.”

Lee Ormandy, chair of the Surrey SOC Partnership Board, said: “We will continue to bring together the expertise and resources of various agencies, enabling an effective and comprehensive approach to tackling SOC and protecting vulnerable individuals and businesses.

“By working together, we achieve outcomes that would be difficult or impossible for individual agencies to achieve alone.”

How to keep safe online and by phone:

  • Always question and verify unsolicited calls, texts or emails requesting your personal or financial information such as name, address or bank details.  Contact the company directly using a known email or phone number before sharing any personal or sensitive information.
  • Install up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall on your computer. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security.
  • Do not click on links in unexpected emails and text messages, even if they look genuine.  Banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details.  Call your bank instead using a known phone number or email or use a phone number from a genuine piece of correspondence or the back of your bank card.
  • Use Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option while shopping online. This involves you registering a password with your card company and adds an additional layer of security to online transactions with signed-up retailers.
  • Check your credit file regularly through companies such as Callcredit, Equifax and Experian, and look for any suspicious entries you don’t recognise.

How to keep safe from rogue traders:

  • Try to avoid talking to unexpected ‘tradespeople’ at your door as it is unusual that legitimate tradespeople will cold call you.
  • If possible, get quotes for work from at least three different companies.
  • Check that the trader is registered with an accredited trade body and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme.
  • Avoid paying for work at your doorstep and do not go to a cash machine if asked to by a trader.
  • Remember that even if you sign a contract, you are legally entitled to a 14-day cancellation period.
  • Make sure to report any rogue traders and scams to Trading Standards.

Report all incidents of doorstep crime to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or to the police on 101.

In the event of an emergency, call 999.

Five people stand in front of a council office building. All are formally dressed and look directly into the camera. They are the five south-east Police and Crime Commissioners, (from left) Matthew Barber, Donna Jones, Lisa Townsend, Katy Bourne, and Matthew Scott.

30 Wembley Stadiums full of waste: How criminals are making a fortune from rubbish

Posted on | by Alex Winter

FIVE Police and Crime Commissioners have joined forces to tackle waste crime as it was revealed that up to a fifth of all waste handled in the UK is done so illegally.

Surrey’s Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, joined her counterparts from Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Thames Valley at a summit this week to discuss the problem.

They were joined by representatives from the police, the Environment Agency, local government, land owning and farming groups, and the private sector to launch a partnership attack on waste crime.

Officials at the roundtable agreed to commission a strategic review of the situation, as well as an action plan which will focus on creating a joined-up approach.

The National Audit Office estimates waste crime is costing the English economy £900m a year.  Local authorities report there were 1.15 million incidents of fly-tipping in 2023-2024, an increase of 6% on the previous year. 

Waste warning

Lisa said: “Yesterday’s summit marks the first time since I was first elected that all five south-eastern Police and Crime Commissioners have come together as a group to deal with a single issue. That shows how seriously we all take this criminal enterprise. 

“The scale is astonishing. In just five years, agencies have dealt with 34million tonnes of waste – enough to fill 30 Wembley Stadiums.  Up to a fifth of all waste handled in the UK is done so illegally. 

“While many will know of the link between county lines drug dealing and organised criminality, in truth, these groups don’t distinguish. They can earn a fortune from the commodity of waste, and this money fuels further serious offending that does such harm to communities across the country. 

“I am delighted that policing, local government, HMRC, the Environment Agency, Heritage England and the National Farmers’ Union are forging strong partnerships to drive out offenders and return the UK’s waste industry to legitimate businesses.” 

Cost to economy

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott, who convened the meeting, said: “Large scale waste crime has become the new county lines.

“Organised criminal groups are dumping tonnes of illegal and often hazardous waste all around the region, polluting our countryside and costing taxpayers and individual landowners hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear up.

“What’s more, the money these gang are making from this illegal dumping often fuels other serious offending.   

“It’s not an easy problem to resolve, as there are so many agencies involved, but we have agreed to work together to improve data gathering and sharing, reporting, response times and develop strategies to tackle this growing problem. 

“No agency can do this alone, so I’m delighted my colleagues and partners have agreed to pursue this programme together.”