Police and Crime Plan Archives - Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Commissioner draws up plans for police priorities as roadshow attended by hundreds draws to a close

Posted on 20th January 2025 | by Alex Winter

Hundreds of Surrey residents have had their say on the issues that affect them most as the Policing Your Community roadshow returned during the autumn and winter.

The events, which took place in each of the county’s 11 boroughs, as well as online, gave audiences the opportunity to share their thoughts about crime and policing where they live.

The series kicked off in Guildford borough in late September, and concluded with an online meeting on January 13. Around 100 people attended the virtual event, where questions ranging from CCTV use in Guildford and Cobham to delays to court cases were asked.

During the meetings, hosted by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, Surrey Police Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, and each of the Borough Commanders, a number of common concerns emerged.

These include anti-social behaviour, burglary, police visibility and shoplifting.

Hundreds have their say

The Commissioner will shortly launch her Police and Crime Plan, created with the input of residents, community groups, businesses and victims’ services across Surrey.

The Plan, which provides a blueprint for policing priorities in the county until 2028, will reflect the concerns raised by communities.

Lisa is also currently asking residents what they’d be prepared to pay to support policing in Surrey. You can have your say HERE.

Surrey Police is dedicated to tackling crime. In the past 12 months, the force has more than doubled its charge rate, with an additional 3,500 offences prosecuted.

An additional 2,500 arrests have been made, and both burglary and assault with injury charges have increased by 90 per cent, while shoplifting offences have increased four-fold, with 876 more offences charged across the country.

Charges more than double

Meanwhile, charge rates for offences related to violence against women and girls, rape and child abuse have doubled.

Funding secured by the Commissioner is being used across the county to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime hotspots in 10 of the 11 boroughs.

The Commissioner said: “The most crucial part of my role is to represent the voices of Surrey’s residents when it comes to policing.

“The Policing Your Community events allowed both myself and the Chief Constable to hear what people are most concerned about where they live, and to answer any questions they may have.

‘Taking the fight to criminals’

“My upcoming Police and Crime Plan, which sets the priorities for police in Surrey, will reflect some of the issues we have heard during the roadshow.

“The Chief’s own plan, which is designed to take the fight to criminals by relentlessly pursuing the most prolific offenders, tackling pockets of lawlessness, and driving drug dealers and shoplifting gangs out of the county, is working.

“Surrey Police is one of the fastest-improving forces in the country, and our officers and staff are more determined than ever to make this county a hostile place for criminality.

“In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about my plans for the coming years, and I’ll be highlighting some of the fantastic work that goes on day in, day out by our hard-working teams.”

Just days left to have your say on policing priorities in Surrey for the next three years

Posted on 9th December 2024 | by Alex Winter

It’s the last chance to have your say on what you think the policing priorities in your community should be.

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is urging residents to fill in a brief survey that will help shape policing in the county for the next three years.

The poll, which allows respondents to pick the issues they’d like to see Surrey Police focus on, closes this Thursday, December 12.

It is anonymous, takes just a few minutes to complete, and can be filled in here:

Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-2028

Just days remain to have your say

The answers will help the Commissioner draw up her Police and Crime Plan, which provides the blueprint for policing in Surrey until 2028.

It will be published in early 2025 and will cover her current term of office.

Lisa was re-elected for a second term of office in May this year and has pledged to ensure Surrey Police implement a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to policing in the county.

She said: “Time is running out for Surrey’s residents to put their voices at the heart of policing.

‘Get offenders off our streets’

“My survey will close on Thursday, and I’d urge anyone who hasn’t yet had their say to fill it in.

“I want Surrey Police to focus on tackling those crimes that blight our local communities and to target persistent offenders and take them off our streets.

“But it’s really important that I hear from as many people as possible about what is happening where you live and what you want to see your police teams focus on in the future.

“The Force is making great strides, with an additional 3,500 charges across all crime types in the past 12 months. We must sustain that fantastic progress, but there are challenges ahead and tough choices will have to be made on where we focus resources.

“That’s why I want to concentrate on what Surrey residents say is most important to them.”

Join local events

For more information on the Police and Crime Plan, visit Surrey-PCC.gov.uk/police-and-crime-plan/consultation-2024

The Commissioner and Chief Constable Tim De Meyer are currently touring the county for the Policing Your Community roadshow.

The final in-person event takes place this Wednesday, December 11 at Haslemere Museum in Waverley borough. An online event for those who were unable to join their nearest meeting will then be hosted on January 13 next year.

For more information, or to sign up, visit Surrey.Police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/au/about-us/in-the-community/

Lisa Townsend speaks to an audience at the Policing Your Community event in Elmbridge this autumn

Police and Crime Commissioner walking through graffiti covered tunnel with two male police officers from the local team in Spelthorne

We want to hear from you! Still time to have your say on policing priorities for Surrey

Posted on 22nd November 2024 | by Nathan Rees

What crimes do you think police should be tackling where you live? Now is the chance to have your say!

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is urging Surrey residents to fill in a brief survey that will help shape policing in the county for the next three years.

You can select what issues you want to see Surrey Police focus on as part of the consultation for her new Police and Crime Plan which is currently underway.

Your answers will help the Commissioner draw up her Plan, which will launch early next year and provide the blueprint for policing in the county until 2028.

Have your say

But you will need to be quick – the survey, which launched in October, will close on December 12 2024. It is anonymous, only takes a few minutes to complete, and can be filled in here:

Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-28 Public Consultation

The Police and Crime Plan provides the basis for how the Commissioner holds the Chief Constable to account and sets the priorities for policing for the county.

It will be published in early 2025 and will cover her current term of office, which runs until 2028.

Lisa was re-elected for a second term of office in May this year and has pledged to ensure Surrey Police implement a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to policing in the county.

‘Back to basics’

She said: “My mission is clear – I want Surrey Police to focus on tackling those crimes that blight our local communities and to target persistent offenders and take them off our streets.

“Over the autumn months, our Policing Your Community roadshow has been visiting every borough in the county where hundreds of residents have been giving us their views on policing where they live.

“I know there are issues that consistently cause concern such as anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, drug crime, the safety of women and girls and visible policing in our communities.

“But I want to hear from more of you about what is happening where you live and what you want to see your police teams focus on in the future.

“We have a good response so far to the survey and I want to thank all those who have already filled it in.

“But it is really important to me to hear from as many people as possible so if you haven’t done so already – please do take a few minutes to let me know what you think.

More are being charged

“Surrey Police is making great strides in tackling crime across the county with another 3,500 more charges over the last year, which is great news for our residents.

“I want to sustain that progress, but there are financial challenges ahead and some tough choices will have to be made on where we focus our resources.

“That is why I want to concentrate on what the Surrey public tell me is important to them and create a Police and Crime Plan that helps delivers a policing service they can be proud of.”

Share your priorities

For more information, visit our dedicated webpage, Surrey-PCC.gov.uk/police-and-crime-plan/consultation-2024

Our last three Policing Your Community events are taking place in Runnymede, Surrey Heath and Waverley in the next few weeks.

To sign up to an event, visit Surrey.Police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/au/about-us/in-the-community/

Have your say on the policing priorities for Surrey for the next three years

Posted on 17th October 2024 | by Nathan Rees

What would you like to see Surrey Police focus on in your local community over the next three years?

That is the question Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking the county’s residents as she launches a public consultation today which will help shape her new Police and Crime Plan.

Those who live and work in Surrey are being invited to have their say on what they think the policing priorities should be by filling in a brief survey.

It only takes a few minutes to complete and can be filled in here:

Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-28 public consultation

The survey will remain open until December 12 2024.

Have your say

The answers will help the Commissioner complete her Plan, which will be a blueprint for policing in Surrey for the next three years and provides the basis for how she holds the Chief Constable to account.

It will be published in early 2025 and will cover her current term of office, which runs until 2028.

The development of the Plan is already underway, with the Commissioner’s office holding a series of in-depth consultation events over the last two months.

This has included speaking to a number of key groups in Surrey such as victim and survivor groups, young people, professionals in crime reduction and safety, rural crime groups and representatives from Surrey’s business community.

The Commissioner now wants to seek the views of the wider Surrey public on what they want to see in the Plan.

Policing priorities

Lisa was re-elected for a second term of office in May this year. She was first elected in 2021 when she set her original Police and Crime Plan.

She said: “The single most important part of my role as Police and Crime Commissioner for this county is to represent you, the residents of Surrey.

“It is my job to ensure your views on policing in Surrey are heard and that is why I now ask for your help in creating my new Police and Crime Plan.

“I want to make sure the public’s priorities for policing are my priorities too. This is why I want as many people as possible to fill out the survey and let me know your views.

“Over the last four years, I have spoken with thousands of residents across our county and I know there are issues that consistently cause concern such as road safety, anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, drug crime, the safety of women and girls and visible policing in our communities.

‘The public’s priorities are my priorities’

“When I was re-elected in May, I pledged to focus on a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to policing in Surrey which focuses on tackling those crimes that blight our communities and targeting persistent offenders.

“This is a commitment I share with our Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, and I believe this approach is already starting to pay dividends.

“However, the road ahead is not easy and there are challenges that Surrey Police must face in the coming years.

“There are significant financial savings that must be made, an ever-increasing demand on our policing teams and retaining our officers and staff in a tough job market.

Back to basics

“It is crucial that our resources are targeted where they are most needed, and Surrey Police finds the right balance between visible community policing and the need to combat that hidden criminality happening behind closed doors.

“I want my Police and Crime Plan to reflect a wide a range of views from people in every borough in Surrey on those issues that are important to them where they live.

“With that in mind, I ask you all to fill out my survey and let me know what you want to see in my plan. The consultation only takes just a few minutes so please do fill it in and let me know what you think.”

Lisa will be promoting the survey at the Policing Your Community roadshow, which is taking place around the county this autumn and winter. Sign up for your local event here.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with members of the Surrey Police road safety team at an awareness raising stall

Commissioner visits driver safety roadshow – amid warnings that collisions are rising following lockdowns

Posted on 19th May 2023 | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has joined a roadshow dedicated to reducing crash casualties – as she warned that collisions in the county are rising following lockdowns.

Lisa Townsend visited a college in Epsom on Tuesday morning to mark Project EDWARD (Every Day Without a Road Death).

Project EDWARD is the UK’s biggest platform showcasing best practice in road safety. Working alongside partners in the emergency services, members of the team have hosted a tour around the south for its week of action, which ends today.

During two busy events at Nescot and Brooklands colleges in Surrey, police officers from the casualty reduction team and roads policing unit, firefighters, the Surrey RoadSafe team and representatives from Kwik Fit engaged with young people about the importance of keeping their vehicles and themselves safe on the roads.

Students were given advice on vehicle maintenance, with demonstrations about tyre and engine safety.

Police officers also used goggles mimicking impairment to show the impact drink and drugs have on cognition, and attendees were invited to participate in a virtual reality experience highlighting the impact that distraction behind the wheel can have.

Commissioner’s roads plea

Data on serious and fatal collisions in Surrey last year has not yet been fully verified. However, police have recorded more than 700 collisions that resulted in a serious injury during 2022 – an increase on 2021, when 646 people were badly hurt. During the first half of 2021, the country was in lockdown.

Road safety is a key priority in Lisa’s Police and Crime Plan, and her office funds a series of initiatives aimed at keeping younger drivers safe.

Lisa also recently announced that she is the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ new lead for road safety nationally. The role will encompass rail and maritime travel and road safety.

She said: “Surrey is home to the busiest stretch of motorway in Europe – and it’s one of the most dangerous carriageways as a direct result of the sheer number of drivers who travel on it every day.

Lisa joined casualty reduction officers from Surrey Police at a Project EDWARD roadshow on Tuesday

“But we also have huge diversity in the county when it comes to our roads. There are many rural stretches of highway, particularly in the south.

“What’s most important to remember is that any road is a risk if a motorist is distracted or driving dangerously, and this is a critically important issue for our two fantastic traffic teams, the Roads Policing Unit and Vanguard Road Safety Team.

“Due to their inexperience, young people are particularly at risk from crashes, and it’s absolutely key to provide sensible, clear education on driving as early as possible.

“That’s why I was so pleased to join the team at Project EDWARD and Surrey RoadSafe on Tuesday.

“Project EDWARD’s ultimate aim is to create a road traffic system that is completely free of death and serious injury.

“They promote the Safe System approach, which focuses on designing roads, vehicles and speeds that work together to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.

“I wish them every success in their campaign to keep motorists around the country safe.”

The Commissioner also signed Project EDWARD’s safe driving pledge

For more information, visit https://projectedward.org or https://facebook.com/surreyroadsafe

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing in front of a Surrey Police car

Commissioner takes on major national role for transport safety

Posted on 11th April 2023 | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Commissioner has taken on a major national role for transport safety – as she vowed to pursue greater penalties for those who put lives at risk while behind the wheel, on a bicycle, or astride an e-scooter.

Lisa Townsend is now the Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s lead for roads policing and transport, which will encompass rail and maritime travel and road safety.

As part of the role, previously held by Sussex Commissioner Katy Bourne, Lisa will work to improve the safety of transport around the country. She will be supported by her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and looks to work closely with the British Transport Police.

Lisa said: “Keeping road users safe is already a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. Surrey’s motorways are some of the most highly-used in Europe, and I am keenly aware of how important an issue this is to our residents.

“We are very lucky in Surrey to have two teams specifically dedicated to poor driving – the Roads Policing Unit and the Vanguard Road Safety Team, both of which aim to keep road users safe.

“But across the country, there is far more to be done on both roads and railways to keep British travellers safe.

“One of the most critical aspects of my remit will be dealing with distracted and dangerous driving, which is an appalling and unnecessary risk to take on any road.

“While most people are safe motorists, there are some who selfishly risk both their own lives and the lives of others. Members of the public have had enough of seeing those drivers flouting the laws created to protect them.

‘Appalling and unnecessary’

“There are many benefits to getting people out of their cars and onto bicycles instead, but not everyone feels safe using this mode of transport. Cyclists, as well as motorists, horse riders and pedestrians, have a responsibility to observe the Highway Code.

“In addition, e-scooters have become a blight in many communities around the country in recent years.

“According to recent Department for Transport data, collisions involving e-scooters in the UK almost tripled within just a year between 2020 and 2021.

“More must clearly be done to prevent harm to the public.”

Commissioner’s new role

Ellie said: “Pedestrians are the most vulnerable cohort to use Britain’s streets, and we are determined to do all we can to put an end to activities that threaten their safety.

“This remit will allow both Lisa and I to apply pressure to a range of issues, from a system that allows thousands of people to legally drive with more than 12 points on their licence, to the sex offenders who target their victims on London’s Tube network.

“Safe travel is important to every member of the public, and we are determined to make some real and lasting changes.”

group photo of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, police officer and local councillors

Commissioner joins community meetings around Surrey to discuss the issues that matter most to residents

Posted on 27th February 2023 | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has been visiting communities around the county to discuss the policing issues that matter most to residents.

Lisa Townsend regularly speaks at meetings in Surrey’s towns and villages, and in the past fortnight has addressed packed halls in Thorpe, alongside Runneymede’s Borough Commander James Wyatt, Horley, where she was joined by Borough Commander Alex Maguire, and Lower Sunbury, which was also attended by Sergeant Matthew Rogers.

This week, she will speak at the Merstham Community Hub in Redhill on Wednesday, March 1 between 6pm and 7pm.

Her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, will address Long Ditton residents at the Surbiton Hockey Club between 7pm and 8pm on the same day.

On March 7, both Lisa and Ellie will speak to residents in Cobham, and a further meeting is set to take place in Pooley Green, Egham on March 15.

All of Lisa and Ellie’s community events are now available to view by visiting surrey-pcc.gov.uk/about-your-commissioner/residents-meetings/

Lisa said: “Speaking with Surrey residents about the issues that most concern them is one of the most important roles to be tasked to me when I was elected as Commissioner.

“A key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, which sets out the issues that matter most for residents, is to work with communities so they feel safe.

“Since the beginning of the year, Ellie and I have been able to answer questions about anti-social behaviour in Farnham, speeding drivers in Haslemere and business crime in Sunbury, to name just a few.

“During each meeting, I’m joined by officers from the local policing team, who are able to provide answers and reassurance on operational issues.

“These events are hugely important, both for me and for residents.

“I would encourage anyone with comments or concerns to either attend one of the meetings, or to organise one of their own.

“I will always be glad to attend and speak to all residents directly about the issues that have an impact on their lives.”

For more information, or to sign up to Lisa’s monthly newsletter, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend stands outside the reception of the Surrey Police Headquarters near Guildford

Commissioner launches dedicated Data Hub – where you can see the information she uses to hold Surrey’s Chief to account

Posted on 15th February 2023 | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has become the first to launch a dedicated online Data Hub containing rolling updates on Surrey Police performance.

The Hub gives Surrey residents access to a wide range of monthly data on local policing performance and the work of her office, including the crucial funding that is provided to local organisations to support community safety, help victims, and tackle the cycle of offending.

The platform features more information than was previously made available from public performance meetings held each quarter with the Chief Constable, with more regular updates that make it easier to see longer term progress and changes in the outcomes of Surrey Police.

Members of the public can access the data hub now at https://data.surrey-pcc.gov.uk

It includes information on emergency and non-emergency response times and the outcomes against specific crime types including burglary, domestic abuse and road safety offences. It also provides more information on Surrey Police’s budget and staffing – such as progress towards the recruitment of over 450 extra police officers and staff since 2019. Where possible, the platform provides national comparisons to put the data in context.

The current data shows a significant reduction in serial domestic abusers since January 2021, and recent increases in the solved rate for residential burglaries and vehicle crime.

It also provides a unique insight into the varied role of the Commissioner and her team based at the Force’s HQ in Guildford. It shows how many people contact the Commissioner each month, how many complaint outcomes from Surrey Police are independently reviewed by her office, and the number of random visits that are carried out by Independent Custody Visiting volunteers.

The Data Hub also shows how the Commissioner’s investment in local victim support services and community safety initiatives has almost doubled in the last three years – to over £4m in 2022.

“As the bridge between the public and Surrey Police, it is really important that I give individuals access to a full picture of how the Force is performing”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said the new Hub will strengthen the relationships between Surrey Police and Surrey residents – a key focus of her Police and Crime Plan for the county: “When I became Commissioner, I made a commitment to not only represent but to enhance the voice of Surrey residents on the policing service they receive.

“As the bridge between the public and Surrey Police, it is really important that I give individuals access to a full picture of how the Force is performing over time, and that individuals can clearly see what is happening in those areas they told me were most important.

“Surrey remains the fourth safest county in England and Wales. The number of burglaries being solved is on the increase, a huge focus has been put into reducing violence against women and girls and the Force received an outstanding rating from our inspectors on preventing crime.

“But we’ve seen increasing scrutiny on policing in the last couple of years and is right that my office continues to work with the Force to show that we are maintaining the high standard of policing that residents deserve. This includes embracing challenges to do better, and this is something that will remain at the top of my agenda as I continue discussions with Surrey’s new Chief Constable in the spring.”

Questions about the performance of Surrey Police can be sent to the Commissioner’s office using the contact page on her website.

More information about funding provided by the Commissioner can be found here.