Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, has visited the police station front counter in Epsom where a Surrey resident recently handed in an unexploded mortar shell.
On the morning of March 30, 2026, the unexploded ordnance was brought into Epsom Town Hall for disposal, prompting a mass evacuation and police safety cordon within a 100-metre radius.
Officers with the support of Surrey Fire and Rescue crews evacuated Epsom and Ewell council offices, nearby hotel, businesses and surrounding homes. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team (EOD) was alerted and bomb disposal experts came to safely take the mortar shell to Epsom Downs for a controlled explosion.
The Commissioner’s visit was prompted by this year’s Surrey Day which is being celebrated today (Saturday May 9, 2026) with events and gatherings all over the county. The theme of this year’s Surrey Day is ‘what lies beneath’ or ‘underground Surrey’.
Lisa has used this opportunity to further explore Surrey Police’s history as she continues to mark the Force’s 175th anniversary throughout the year.
Lisa said: “Since the end of the Second World War, Surrey Police has been called to assess hundreds of unexploded ordnances.
“In Surrey alone, there were more than three thousand bombing incidents during World War II. Not all ammunition would have exploded, and so there are still ordnances that are undiscovered or remain obscured underground throughout the county.
“In 2025, EOD from Aldershot Troop responded to 86 call outs for the disposal of suspected ordnances in Surrey and Hampshire.
“The priority for Surrey Police is public safety. If you come across a potential suspicious looking ordnance, the advice is to not touch it and call 999 immediately.”
Organised criminals targeting Surrey’s shops for razors and Champagne are being brought to justice, the Police and Crime Commissioner said after a TV show following a Force investigation aired.
Lisa Townsend said fragrances, alcohol and chocolate are among the items that are “stolen to order” to fund criminal activity.
Overall retail crime ‘solved rates’ – a term which refers to successful outcomes including charges, summons, community resolutions and cautions – have risen by 20 per cent since 2023.
Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Members of the gang who featured in last night’s episode of Police Interceptors were not only prolific, but organised.
“They targeted high-value items that are easy to sell on, including electricals, cosmetics, Champagne and razors.
“Offending committed by groups like these fuel further crime sprees. It harms not only Surrey’s retail community, but all residents.
“We will all have seen that perfume, cheese, coffee, alcohol and now even chocolate bars are often being locked away in anti-theft boxes at supermarkets.
Chocolate locked away
“These are among the items stolen to order by gangs who sell them on through illicit markets that help fund wider criminal activity.
“We are determined to deal with the offenders behind this behaviour.
“There is more to do, but I am proud of the progress that continues to be made as our policing teams work with retailers, investigate offending thoroughly, and bring criminals to justice.”
A mother who hugged the man who cut her son’s throat is one of the victims supported through a little-known scheme funded by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
Lisa Townsend runs the county’s Restorative Justice Hub, which aims to bring together offenders and victims to discuss the impact of criminality.
In a new video, the Commissioner is joined by facilitator Mike Ledwidge and two members of her criminal justice policy team, George Bell and Craig Jones, to discuss the impact restorative justice can have.
The process gives both victims and offenders the opportunity to communicate in a face-to-face meeting, or via a letter, a recorded audio interview or a video.
The scheme is voluntary, and trained facilitators assess risks and ensure the safety of those involved.
Rather than focusing only on punishment, restorative justice gives victims a voice – and offenders a chance to understand the real impact of their actions.
In the video, Mike discusses some of the restorative processes he has facilitated in Surrey.
“I want to hug you”
He said: “I took a lady to meet the man who cut her son’s throat.
“It was a meeting in the prison. At the end of the meeting, she said, ‘I’m not sure if I’m supposed to do this, but I want to hug you’, and she stood up and hugged him.
“I had a situation where I had a girl who had been in trouble six times in as many months. When she was drunk, she kicked the living daylights out of another girl. It was a very nasty attack.
“The parents of the victim came very angry to the meeting. At the end of the meeting, they left saying, ‘I hope that this works for you’. The offender never came to notice again.”
Hope for victims
The Commissioner said: “For many people, justice is something that happens only in a courtroom.
“But we believe it should also be something that gives victims a voice and provides a chance for offenders to truly understand the impact of their criminality.
“Restorative justice is about more than words. It’s about empathy, responsibility, and hope.
“By bringing people together in a safe and supported way, we can help victims to move forwards and reduce the chances of reoffending in our communities.
“Mike Ledwidge’s work is transforming the lives of both victims and offenders, and I’m delighted to support this process through my dedicated Reducing Reoffending Fund.”
A new Surrey Police base is set to be created following the successful purchase of a site in the Redhill area, the Police and Crime Commissioner has announced today.
But the Police and Crime Commissioner and senior Force leaders also wanted to find a secondary site in the Reigate and Banstead area for a police station and front counter service for residents.
The building at Perrywood Business Park was the only site in the area that met the requirements and will be funded by the sale of the previous Reigate Police Station.
The Commissioner believes the new building will be fit for purpose offering sufficient space and facilities for policing teams with ample parking and good local transport links which will help Surrey Police to continue delivering the high levels of service residents expect.
“Bright future”
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I know how much residents value their local policing presence so this is really fantastic news for our communities in the area.
“The discovery of RAAC and subsequent closure of Reigate Police Station has meant it has been a disruptive time for our hard-working teams in East Surrey.
“I want to pay tribute to their continued patience, professionalism and resilience in challenging circumstances.
“The search for a site in the Reigate and Banstead area has been extensive and Perrywood was the only building which met our needs so I am delighted that we have been able to secure the purchase.
“I believe that together with the progress being made on our new Eastern Division HQ in Leatherhead, this heralds a bright future for policing in East Surrey.”
Deputy Chief Constable of Surrey Police Mark McEwan said: “We believe this new building will provide sufficient space and facilities for our teams, be fit for purpose and enable us to continue delivering the high levels of service our residents expect.
“Whilst we are still at the very early stages, considerations continue into where individual teams across the Eastern division will be based in the future and we will provide updates as and when we have them.
“The safety of our communities remains our priority and there will be no change to officers continuing to patrol across the towns and villages of the local area as they already do. ”
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.
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 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.
“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.”
While it is a criminal offence to racially or religiously abuse someone in public, this previously did not extend to incidents occurring in homes.
It meant that those who visit private addresses as part of their work – including police officers, care staff and other emergency workers – had no legal protection from such attacks during home visits.
Law change
Sgt Gill battled for the law change after experiencing racial abuse in a private home.
She was supported by DCC Kemp, who capitalised on opportunities to brief ministers and wrote a number of letters, and the Commissioner, who joined a trip to Parliament to make the case for change.
Over the summer, it was confirmed that the Government will make an amendment to the law, subject to the Police and Crime Bill receiving Royal Assent later this year.
Two new offences are set to be introduced, ensuring that emergency workers are covered under the law when doing their jobs in private homes.
“Long overdue”
Lisa said: “This long-overdue change to the law would never have happened without Sgt Gill’s courage and determination.
“All too often, those who serve on the frontlines face abuse, threats, and physical violence.
“We must never accept such behaviour, and this change in legislation will make sure there is justice for all those whose work takes them into private homes, including police officers and staff, those who work in care, paramedics and firefighters.”
Sgt Gill said: “I am absolutely delighted to have heard that my proposal to have the law changed has been agreed.
Sergeant’s pride
“I hope the change will go some way into making all officers, but particularly the officers who are ethnically or religiously diverse, feel more protected and more valued while doing one of the hardest jobs out there.
“The positive impact is widespread across all police forces and other emergency services.”
DCC Kemp said the law change “is a reminder of the difference we can make with determination and teamwork”.
A team of specially-trained volunteers – and their dogs – are on call in Surrey 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to search for lost or missing people.
Surrey Search and Rescue is one of the busiest lowland teams in the UK, and their work can make a life-or-death difference to the county’s most vulnerable residents.
Volunteers, all of whom are members of the public, are trained to give first aid to those in need before evacuating them to safety.
Searches can be carried out across a range of terrain, including woodland, farmland, in urban environments, and near water. There is also an aerial capacity using drones.
Around 80 people volunteer their time to the organisation, helping to search for some of the 2,100 people who go missing in Surrey each year.
During the evening, volunteers trained their dogs to search over large distances. Both Lisa and Ellie were recruited to hide in the woods for the dogs to find.
The Commissioner said: “This voluntary specialist search team support Surrey Police and other emergency services to find missing vulnerable adults and children.
“No matter the time of day or night, teams respond as quickly as possible to minimise the time a person is at risk.
Unsung heroes
“They operate in farmland, urban areas and woodland, while some volunteers specialise in water rescues and search dog training.
“Surrey Search and Rescue relies wholly on donations, and the work of these unsung heroes is absolutely invaluable.
“Seeing the team in action has been fantastic, and although we’ve had just a brief glimpse of the challenges they face, it’s so impressive to see their professionalism and dedication.”
Ellie said: “I’d like to thank everyone who gives their time to Surrey Search and Rescue to support the emergency services and help save the lives of some truly vulnerable people.”
A MAJOR new campaign to keep Surrey’s town centres safe over the summer has launched.
The Home Office-backed Safer Streets Summer Initiative will see a focus on the busiest areas of the county to bolster crime prevention and community safety.
The scheme, which brings together the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Surrey Police and partners across Surrey, including schools, councils, health services, businesses, and transport and community organisations, aims to tackle crimes that blight communities.
Anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, retail crime and violent offending will be among the types of criminality targeted with visible patrols and special police operations. These crime types typically increase during the summer months.
Officers will also proactively use anti-social behaviour powers and visit retail premises to offer advice, reassurance and support.
Major summer campaign begins
Locations for the initiative span the county, including Staines and Addlestone in the north, Farnham and Camberley in the west, Dorking further to the south, and Caterham in the east.
Targeted activity will take place until September, with a range of activities planned in each of the towns.
Plain-clothed officers will spot signs of suspicious behaviour in the county’s busiest nightspots, while joint operations are set to target crime enabled by motorbikes and mopeds.
Youth engagement officers will work with partners to find opportunities for young people during school holidays, and roads policing teams will be on the lookout for dangerous or distracted drivers.
Targeted operations
Officers will also mount specific patrols tackling retail crime and anti-social behaviour in tandem with partners from environmental health, licensing and trading standards.
News of the initiative comes as Surrey marks national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.
Anti-social behaviour is a key priority for the county’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams throughout the year, and more information on how to report anti-social behaviour or access help can be found here.
The Commissioner said: “While Surrey remains one of the safest places to live in the country, I know that anti-social behaviour, retail crime and violence against women and girls are among the issues that matter most in our communities.
“It’s what residents want to see”
“The Safer Streets Summer Initiative will allow police officers and staff, along with our fantastic partners, to put a spotlight on neighbourhood policing and community safety.
“This type of visibility is what residents have told me they want to see.
“The aim isn’t simply police enforcement – it’s collaboration, and we aim not only to respond to crime, but to prevent it altogether.
“A huge range of activities will be taking place across the summer.
“More anti-social behaviour warning letters will be sent out, while data and intelligence will be used to identify areas that are disproportionately impacted by specific crime types.
Tailored plan of action
“There will also be various days of targeted action and close working with some of our key partners.
“We will work with Business Improvement Districts to protect retailers and support vulnerable children to divert them away from crime.
“Each of the town centres identified for additional work as part of the scheme will see its own tailored plan of action unfolding over the summer months.
“I look forward to sharing more about this initiative in the weeks to come, and I wish all residents a Safer Streets Summer of their own.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has gone behind the scenes at Surrey’s biggest pre-planned policing operation.
The Epsom Derby, which took place over the weekend, is one of the most significant sporting events in the county.
Officers, staff, and volunteers from Surrey Police and Sussex Police, including specialist resources such as planning, intelligence, drones, and public order, worked closely with The Jockey Club to ensure this year’s event was carried out safely.
Lisa joined officers for Ladies’ Day, attending a morning briefing and travelling into Epsom town centre during the afternoon to talk to residents.
Extra powers
Police were handed extra powers during the weekend to tackle incidents of anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder. Officers were given a Section 35 Dispersal Order which covers all of Epsom, Walton Downs, and Langley Vale.
The order gives officers and PCSOs the power to remove individuals from a specified area where their behaviour is contributing, or likely to contribute, to anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder.
Lisa said: “The Derby is a real team effort, with officers and staff from across the Force supporting the operation in a number of roles, including neighbourhood policing, roads policing, public order, intelligence and drone operations.
“Their role to ensure the safe running of the Derby varies widely, from assisting with traffic management to investigating crime and providing a reassuring presence around the racecourse.
“Of course, the policing operation isn’t just confined to the festival itself, and across the weekend, teams minimised the impact on our local communities in the surrounding area with proactive patrols.
Commissioner’s thanks
“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure people at the festival and beyond have a safe, fun weekend, and I’d like to say a big thank you to all of those who worked tirelessly as part of this event.”
Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett said: “We have been policing the Derby at Epsom Downs for 26 years, but no two years are ever the same.
“Our officers, staff, and volunteers all worked incredibly hard this weekend to support the safe running of this event, which is the largest pre-planned policing operation in Surrey each year.
“Working closely with the event organisers and our local partner agencies, those who attended were able to enjoy the event safely.
“We appreciate this event can be disruptive for Epsom residents and those travelling through the area, and I’d like to thank the local community for their understanding and patience this weekend.
Four arrests
“Alongside supporting the safe running of the event itself, we also provided an increased policing presence in and around Epsom town centre throughout the weekend, and our teams worked tirelessly to prevent and respond to reports of crime and anti-social behaviour related to the Derby.”
On Friday, June 6, a 45-year-old man from North Cheam was arrested and cautioned for being drunk and disorderly. A 20-year-old man from Worcester Park was arrested on suspicion of assault. He has been released with no further action and dispersed from the area under a Section 35 Dispersal Order.
On Saturday, June 7, a 63-year-old man was arrested and given a community resolution for being drunk and disorderly. A 24-year-old man from Redhill was arrested on suspicion of assault and sexual assault by touching. He has been bailed while enquiries continue.
An extensive programme of renovations was carried out with the grant, and the site has now secured a Safer Parking Award.
The award is a national standard for UK car parks that have implemented measures to ensure the safety of both vehicles and their owners.
Safer Streets success
Managed by the British Parking Association (BPA) on behalf of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives Ltd, the scheme aims to reduce crime and the fear of crime in parking facilities.
To receive the award, car parks must undergo a rigorous risk assessment conducted by the police. This assessment ensures that the car park has appropriate measures in place, such as effective surveillance, good lighting, and a clean environment, all of which are known to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.
The award signifies that a car park is a safer environment for users, providing peace of mind for those parking their vehicles there.
Car park improvements
The enhancements include:
Upgraded lighting for better visibility
New directional arrows to improve traffic flow
Reviewed and improved speed humps
A refurbished stairwell with a fresh coat of paint, new mirrors, and the application of urine repellent and anti-graffiti paints
Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “It’s been wonderful to see how the team in Elmbridge have used Safer Streets funding to invest in the safety and health of communities in the borough.
“Residents had told police and councillors of their concerns around the Drewitts Court car park, and the improvements made demonstrate the real impact that properly directed funding can have.
“I’m delighted that the efforts of the team have been recognised with a Safer Parking Award.”
Councillor Kirsty Hewens, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Parking and Local Economy, said: “Keeping residents safe and enhancing the feeling of safety is a key priority for the Elmbridge Community and Safety Partnership.
“We want people to feel safe visiting our high street car parks at all times of day.”
Funding boost
Walton was one of three Surrey towns to be allocated a combined total of almost £1million last year as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund. Redhill and Guildford also benefited from the grant.
In Walton, the funding is being used to tackle anti-social behaviour in public spaces after drugs, vandalism and littering were identified as particular concerns for residents.
Additional CCTV has been installed in the town, and a targeted youth outreach programme is under way.
The fund has also paid for improvements to the community garden at St Johns Drive in Walton, which now features new flowerbeds, vegetable patches and a bug hotel to encourage wildlife and support biodiversity in the area.
