Category: Protecting people from harm

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend watches from a front door as Surrey Police officers execute a warrant at a property linked to possible county lines drug dealing.

Policing Your Community – Commissioner says police teams are taking the fight to drug gangs after joining county lines crackdown

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said officers will continue the battle to drive drug gangs out of Surrey after she joined Surrey Police teams cracking down on ‘county lines’ criminality.

The Force and partner agencies carried out targeted operations across the county last week to disrupt the activities of criminal networks dealing drugs in our communities.

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

Drugs and drug related crime was one of the key issues that residents raised during the Commissioner’s recent ‘Policing Your Community’ roadshow in which she teamed up with the Chief Constable to hold in-person and online events in all 11 boroughs across the county.

It was also one of the top three priorities that those who filled in the Commissioner’s council tax survey this winter said they wanted to see Surrey Police focus on over the next year.

On Tuesday, the Commissioner joined a pro-active patrol in Stanwell including covert officers and the passive dog unit. And on Thursday she joined early morning raids in the Spelthorne and Elmbridge areas that targeted suspected dealers, supported by the specialist Force’s Child Exploitation and Missing Unit.

The Commissioner said these types of operations send a strong message to those gangs that police will continue to take the fight to them and dismantle their networks in Surrey.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend watches as Surrey Police officers carry out a warrant

During the week, officers made 21 arrests and seized drugs including cocaine, cannabis and crystal methamphetamine. They also recovered a large number of mobile phones suspected of being used to coordinate drug deals and seized over £30,000 in cash.

7 warrants were executed as officers disrupted so called ‘county lines’, accompanied by activity throughout the week to safeguard more than 30 young or vulnerable people.

In addition, police teams across the county were out in communities raising awareness of the issue, including accompanying the CrimeStoppers ad van at several locations, engaging with students at 24 schools and visiting hotels and landlords, taxi firms and gyms and sport centres in Surrey.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “County lines criminality continues to be a threat to our communities and the kind of action we saw last week highlights how our police teams are taking the fight to those organised gangs.

“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.

“Drugs and drug related crime were one of the top three priorities residents who filled in our recent council tax survey told me they wanted to see Surrey Police tackling over the coming year.

“So I am delighted to have been out with our policing teams this week to see first-hand the kind of targeted police intervention that is taking place to disrupt the activities of these county lines networks and drive them out of our county.

“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.”

You can report crime to Surrey Police on 101, at surrey.police.uk or on any official Surrey Police social media page. You can also report any suspicious activity you witness using the Force’s dedicated Suspicious Activity Portal.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who is concerned about a child should contact Surrey Children’s Services Single Point of Contact by calling 0300 470 9100 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) or by email to: cspa@surreycc.gov.uk

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

Million-pound crackdown on anti-social behaviour as Commissioner receives funding for hotspot patrols

Posted on | by James Smith

A FUNDING BOOST of £1million to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in hotspots across Surrey has been welcomed by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend. 

The money from the Home Office will help increase police presence and visibility in locations across the county where issues are identified and tackle violence and ASB with powers including stop and search, public space protection orders and closure notices. 

It’s part of a £66m package from government that will begin in April, after trials in counties including Essex and Lancashire cut ASB by as much as half. 

While neighbourhood crime in Surrey remains low, the Commissioner said she was listening to residents who identified ASB, burglary and drug-dealing as top priorities in a joint series of ‘Policing your Community’ events with Surrey Police this winter. 

Concerns about visible policing and drug use also featured among the 1,600 comments that she received in her Council tax survey; with over half of respondents selecting ASB as a key area they wanted Surrey Police to focus on in 2024.

In February, the Commissioner set the amount that residents will pay to help fund Surrey Police in the year ahead, saying that she wanted to support the Chief Constable’s Plan to tackle issues that matter most to local people, improve crime outcomes and drive out drug dealers and shoplifting gangs as part of major crime fighting operations. 
 
Surrey remains the fourth safest county in England and Wales and Surrey Police lead dedicated partnerships for reducing ASB and tackling the root causes of serious violence. Those partnerships include Surrey County Council and local borough councils, health and housing agencies so that problems can be tackled from multiple angles.

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

Anti-social behaviour is sometimes viewed as ‘low level’, but persistent problems are often linked to a bigger picture that includes serious violence and the exploitation of the most vulnerable people in our community.
 
The Force and Commissioner’s office are focused on the support that is available to victims of ASB in Surrey, that includes help from Mediation Surrey and the dedicated Surrey Victim and Witness Care Unit that are funded by the Commissioner. 

Her office also plays a key role in the ASB Case Review process (formerly known as ‘Community Trigger’) that gives residents that have reported a problem three or more times over a six-month period the power to bring different organisations together to find a more permanent solution.

Sunny photo of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend speaking to local Surrey Police officers on their bikes on the Woking canal path

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Protecting people from harm and ensuring people feel safe are key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan for Surrey. 
 
“I am delighted that this money from the Home Office will directly boost the response to those issues that local residents have told me are the most important to them where they live, including reducing ASB and taking drug dealers off our streets.  
 
“People in Surrey regularly tell me that they want to see our police officers in their local community so I am really pleased that these extra patrols will also raise the visibility of those officers that are already working every day to protect our communities. 
 
“Surrey remains a safe place to live and the Force is now the biggest it has ever been. Following the feedback from our communities this winter – this investment will be a fantastic complement to the work that my office and Surrey Police are doing to improve the service that the public receive.” 
 
Chief Constable for Surrey Police Tim De Meyer said: “Hotspot policing cuts crime through highly visible policing and strong law enforcement in the areas that need it most.  It is proven to tackle problems such as anti-social behaviour, violence and drug dealing.  We will use technology and data to identify hotspots and target these with the traditional policing that we know people want to see.  I am sure that people will notice improvements and I look forward to reporting our progress in fighting crime and protecting people.

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner logo

Deputy Commissioner praises proactive Surrey Police operation after 68 arrests made

Posted on | by Alex Winter

AN OPERATION to target criminals exploiting major road and rail networks to commit serious and acquisitive crime resulted in 68 arrests between the 10 – 12 October.

During the operation, nine police forces worked together to share intelligence and co-ordinate resources to pursue high harm criminals and disrupt organised crime groups operating across borders.

Officers from Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, the Met, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and the British Transport Police participated in the operation.

This included the deployment of specialist units such as intelligence, covert, police dogs and the National Police Air Service, who worked together with officers on the ground to pursue criminals travelling between counties to commit serious crime.

The operation also resulted in:

  • 26 weapons being seized;
  • Over £9,000 in cash being seized;
  • 51 vehicles being seized;
  • 66 instances in which drugs being seized.

Criminals suspected of operating county line networks, carrying out organised burglaries and thefts of high value cars were among some of those who found themselves in handcuffs last week.

Detective Inspector James Ansell, who co-ordinated the operation, said: “Whilst we work across borders and share intelligence with neighbouring forces all year-round, this operation was an intensive effort to pursue some of the south-east’s most dangerous criminals.

“Organised crime groups exploit the most vulnerable and bring violence and misery to our communities, which is why putting a stop to serious and acquisitive crime is a priority we all share.

“Our work does not stop here, and criminals should know that we will relentlessly pursue them until they are brought to justice and our communities are safeguarded from their deplorable crimes.”

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, joined officers on patrol in the north of the county on Wednesday night.

She said: “During the evening, I had the opportunity to see first-hand the incredible work officers do to tackle serious criminality, both in Surrey and further afield.

“This teamwork approach with other forces around the country allows our offices to disrupt the cross-border criminal activity that does so much harm to vulnerable victims.

“Coordinating our resources and sharing intelligence further equips Surrey Police to tackle a huge range of offences, including county lines drug dealing, violence against women and girls, and burglary.

“Making sure residents here in Surrey not only are safe, but feel safe too, is a key priority for the Commissioner and I, and proactive operations like this are key in helping to achieve that goal.”

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

Commissioner highlights support for residents affected by anti-social behaviour

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is encouraging residents to report anti-social behaviour as this year’s ASB Awareness Week continues with the theme of ‘Know your rights’.

Anti-social behaviour takes many forms, ranging from rowdy behaviour to anti-social driving, neighbourhood disputes and criminal damage. It happens where an individual lives and can often leave them feeling that there is no escape.

It is tackled in Surrey by the Anti-social Behaviour and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group that includes Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, local councils, health, housing and support services.

Graffiti and rubbish by wall



Building on an ‘outstanding’ rating for preventing crime and anti-social behaviour received by Surrey Police in an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) last year, the team said that more work was needed to ensure that victims of ASB knew how to access support – and were kept at the heart of a response that is tailored to their individual needs.

‘Without mediation and coaching, I honestly believe I would not be here.’

In Surrey, help is available via a dedicated mediation service that provides a listening ear and supports individuals to access further help.

Mediation is offered to those in conflict, with mediators facilitating communication between individuals who work through their differences and reach agreements to live peacefully.

A Surrey resident who recently engaged with the service said: “With support from Surrey Police and Mediation Surrey, an agreement between us and our neighbour was reached. Without mediation and coaching, I honestly believe I would not be here.”

While mediation requires the agreement of all involved, individuals can receive expert Support Coaching that provides practical support to develop coping strategies. By focusing on more positive aspects of their life, Coaching helps them to support their mental and physical health.

Supported by the Commissioner’s office, the service received over 400 referrals from individuals and agencies in the last financial year. One victim of ASB said, “I’ve benefited from the sessions and grateful for the extra tools which really help me, I wasn’t aware of this service before and very grateful and delighted to have received it.”



Victims are also linked into a local Community Harm Risk Management Meeting to ensure there is additional support or action taken to stop the problem.

Mandy Hargreaves, Director of Services at Mediation Surrey said: “I would urge anyone in conflict with their neighbour to contact us. We are here to help, and our team of coordinators will know which service is best for you. By providing support & advice, we’re committed to helping you to live peacefully.”

Residents can find out more about both services here.

The PCC’s office also plays a key role in carrying out ASB Case Reviews (formerly known as the Community Trigger process), that gives residents that have reported a problem three or more times over a six-month period a way to ask for more help.

By requiring multiple partners to come together to find a more permanent solution, a Case Review is a powerful tool that puts the spotlight on their problem. Between April and December last year, 25 requests for Case Reviews were received.

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said making sure residents feel safe was a key priority in her Police and Crime Plan for Surrey:

“Anti-social behaviour is often described as a ‘low level’ crime, but it can have a lasting and devastating impact on people’s lives.

“I regularly hear from residents affected by ASB and they often feel there is no escape. That’s why it is vital that we raise more awareness of how to report problems and the dedicated support that is available in Surrey.

“The Case Review process is really important. It gives people an avenue to escalate their concerns and be heard. By bringing together a mix of organisations, it is a key part of the coordinated approach that we are taking to tackle harm in Surrey.”

More information on how to report anti-social behaviour or access help can be found at https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

Rowdy and nuisance behaviour, drug use, anti-social use of vehicles, anti-social drinking and criminal damage are examples of ASB that should be reported to the police. Contact Surrey Police on 101, via Surrey Police social media channels or at https://surrey.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

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

Spotlight on anti-social behaviour as Commissioner leads work to improve response in Surrey

Posted on | by James Smith

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said residents’ voices must continue to be heard as a vital project in Surrey to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) moves into its next phase.

Earlier this year around 2,000 Surrey residents completed a survey giving their views on ASB as part of a project being supported by partners across the county to strengthen the response that communities receive.

That data is now being drawn together with the outcome of a number of focus groups being held to help agencies develop plans to work together to target actions where they are needed the most.

To mark the start of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, the Commissioner is throwing a spotlight on the issue which can take many forms, ranging from rowdy behaviour to neighbourhood disputes and criminal damage.

Over a third of those who responded to the survey said that anti-social driving, littering and anti-social parking were among top concerns where they live. The survey revealed that drug use and dealing, inconsiderate dog ownership, groups hanging around and vandalism were also key issues.

Reducing ASB is the key priority for Surrey’s Anti-Social Behaviour and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group that includes the Commissioner’s office, Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, local councils, health, housing and support services.

The survey response has helped the Partnership build a fresh picture of the challenges faced in communities across the county which will help shape plans to tackle the problem going forward.

An average of 49% of residents reported that ASB where they lived had got worse in the previous 12 months – with the vast majority saying they would contact the police in the first instance, followed by their local council.

Over 200 people who completed the survey also expressed their interest in joining in-person focus groups to provide more information on ASB in their area.

In June, workshops independently carried out by ASB Help were commissioned by the Commissioner’s office to ensure that personal experiences were captured in the plans that will be developed by the Partnership this year.

Building on an ‘outstanding’ rating for preventing crime and anti-social behaviour received by Surrey Police in an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) last year, Commissioner Lisa Townsend said the work was vital to ensure individuals affected by ASB were kept at the heart of a response by partners working together: 

She said: “Whenever I speak to residents across the county, anti-social behaviour is one of those topics that regularly causes concern in our communities.

“Whilst ASB can often be regarded as a low-level crime – we know that the impact on people’s physical and mental health can be enormous.

“I’m proud of the partnership work that my office and Surrey Police are supporting to address the root causes of anti-social behaviour in Surrey. But the reality is that ASB can cause misery for those on the receiving end, making it essential that we continue to listen to our communities and work together to improve the response that our residents receive.

“Every experience of ASB is different and understanding the bigger picture behind persistent cases of ASB is important to address related concerns that range from health and environmental issues, to the risk of violence or ‘hidden’ crimes that can include hate and exploitation.

“I’m incredibly grateful to every person who has taken part in our survey and focus groups that will inform the progress of the whole Partnership in this area over the next year.”

Joanna Grimshaw, Head of ASB and Partnerships at Surrey Police, added: “As a partnership we are currently looking at how we can improve our support for victims of ASB. We want to make sure that police and partners recognise the harm caused by ASB and do not see it as low-level incidents that happen in isolation.

“The survey and focus groups will help us to hear the victims voice and shape our victim support offer in the future. I would also encourage victims or witnesses to report ASB to the appropriate agency.”

Information on how to report anti-social behaviour or access help with persistent ASB can be found at https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

Mediation Surrey provide a dedicated mediation service that provides a listening ear and supports individuals to access further help.

Rowdy and nuisance behaviour, drug use, anti-social use of vehicles, anti-social drinking and criminal damage are examples of ASB that should be reported to the police.

Contact Surrey Police on 101, via Surrey Police social media channels or at https://surrey.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

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

Commissioner’s fury at attacks on police – as she warns of ‘hidden’ PTSD threat

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has told of her fury at assaults on “outstanding” police personnel – and warned of the “hidden” mental health challenges faced by those who serve the public.

In 2022, the Force recorded 602 attacks on officers, volunteers and police staff in Surrey, 173 of which resulted in an injury. The numbers have risen by almost 10 per cent on the previous year, when 548 assaults were reported, 175 of which involved an injury.

Nationally, there were 41,221 assaults on police personnel in England and Wales in 2022 – an increase of 11.5 per cent on 2021, when 36,969 assaults were recorded.

Ahead of national Mental Health Awareness Week, which is happening this week, Lisa visited Woking-based charity Police Care UK.

The organisation discovered through a commissioned report that around one in five of those who serve suffer with PTSD, a rate four to five times that seen in the general population.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend, on right, with Police Care UK’s Chief Executive Gill Scott-Moore

Lisa, the national lead for mental health and custody for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “It doesn’t matter what the job is – no one deserves to be fearful when they go to work.

“Our police personnel are outstanding and do an incredibly difficult job of protecting us.

“They run towards danger while we run away.

“We should all be outraged by these statistics, and concerned about the hidden toll such assaults are having, both in Surrey and around the country.

“As part of an officer’s working day, they may be dealing with car crashes, violent crime or abuse against children, meaning it’s perhaps no surprise that they may struggle already with their mental health.

‘Appalling’

“To then face an assault at work is appalling.

“The wellbeing of those who serve in Surrey is a key priority, both for myself and our new Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, and for the new chair of Surrey’s Police Federation, Darren Pemble.

“We must do everything we can to support those who give so much to Surrey’s residents.

“I urge anyone who needs help to reach out, either within their force through their EAP provision, or in the event that adequate support is not forthcoming, by contacting Police Care UK.

“If you have already left, that is no barrier – the charity will work with anyone who has suffered harm as a result of their policing role, although I urge police personnel to work with their forces first.”

Fury at attacks

Mr Pemble said: “By its very nature, policing will often involve intervening in extremely traumatic events. This can result in huge mental distress for those who serve.

“When anyone working on the frontline is then attacked simply for doing their job, the impact can be significant.

“Beyond that, it also has a knock-on effect to forces around the country, many of which are already struggling to support officers with their mental health.

“If officers are forced out of their roles either temporarily or in the longer-term as the result of an assault, it means there are fewer available to keep the public safe.

“Any form of violence, harassment or intimidation towards those who serve is always unacceptable. The role is tough enough – physically, mentally and emotionally – without the added impact of an assault.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with a female PCSO

Commissioner joins PCSO on foot patrol in Guildford – and urges others to join Surrey Police

Posted on | by Alex Winter

COMMISSIONER Lisa Townsend joined a Surrey Police Community Support Office (PCSO) on a foot patrol in Guildford last week – and urged anyone with an interest in the job to apply to the Force.

On a two-hour walk through the town centre, Lisa and PCSO Chris Moyes spoke with members of the public, visited areas known for anti-social behaviour, and were called to a department store following reports of a shoplifter.

PCSOs work alongside police and share some of their powers. While they are unable to make an arrest, they can issue fixed penalty notices, demand the name and address of anyone behaving anti-socially, and take alcohol from a person aged under 18.

In Surrey, individual PCSOs are well-known for their work in the communities they patrol, and act as a visible presence to deter crime and build relationships between residents and police.

Applications to become a PCSO with Surrey Police are currently being accepted.

Lisa said: “Our PCSOs are absolutely vital, and I had a chance to see exactly how much good they do in Surrey during my patrol with Chris.

“During my brief visit, she was stopped by a number of people who knew her. While some had a concern to discuss, many simply wanted to say hello. This is a testament to her 21 years of service with the Force.

‘Absolutely vital’

“Two of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan are to protect communities from harm and work with our residents so they feel safe. PCSOs often provide that link between frontline policing and the people who live in our county.

“It’s a job like no other, and that’s what I’d urge anyone with an interest to apply. PCSOs make a huge difference to the lives of Surrey residents.”

PCSO Moyes said: “Being a PCSO is a brilliant job.

“I particularly enjoy the variety and speaking to so many different people of all ages and backgrounds.

“There’s nothing like putting a smile on a victim’s face by supporting and solving problems for them.”

Vacancies are currently available in Spelthorne, Elmbridge, Guildford, Surrey Heath, Woking and Waverley.

PCSOs work alongside Safer Neighbourhood Teams to prevent and tackle issues by building relationships and winning the trust of the public.

For more information, visit surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/careers/careers/pcso/

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with local police officer in Stanwell

Commissioner secures £700,000 in Safer Streets funding for projects to improve safety in three Surrey communities

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has secured over £700,000 in government funding to help tackle anti-social behaviour and improve safety in three areas of the county.

The ‘Safer Streets’ funding will help projects in Epsom town centre, Sunbury Cross and the Surrey Towers housing development in Addlestone after it was announced today that all three bids submitted for the county earlier this year have been successful.

The Commissioner said it was brilliant news for residents in all three communities who will benefit from a number of planned measures designed to make the areas safer places to live.

It is part of the latest round of the Home Office’s Safer Streets funding which has so far seen £120m shared across England and Wales for projects to tackle crime and improve safety.

The Police and Crime Commissioners Office submitted three bids totalling £707,320 after working with Surrey Police and borough and district council partners to identify areas most in need of support.

Around £270,000 will go towards improving safety and combatting anti-social behaviour, town centre violence and criminal damage in Epsom.

The funding will go towards helping modernise CCTV use, deliver training packages for licenced premises and the provision of safe spaces by accredited businesses in the town.

It will also be used to promote the services of the Street Angels and Street Pastors and the availability of free spiking detection devices.

In Addlestone, over £195,000 will be spent to tackle issues such as drug use, noise nuisance, intimidating behaviour and criminal damage to communal areas at the Surrey Towers development.

It will fund improvements to the security of the estate including resident only access to stairwells, the purchase and installation of CCTV cameras and additional lighting.

Increased police patrols and presence are also part of the plans as well as a new youth café in Addlestone which will employ a full time youth worker and give young people a place to go.

The third successful bid was for around £237,000 which will help introduce a number of measures to tackle youth-related anti-social behaviour in the Sunbury Cross area.

This will include residents only access, improved CCTV provision in the location, including the subways, and opportunities for young people in the area.

Previously, Safer Streets funding has supported projects in Woking, Spelthorne and Tandridge where funding helped improve security for women and girls using the Basingstoke Canal, reduce anti-social behaviour in Stanwell and tackle burglary offences in Godstone and Bletchingley.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Safer Streets bids for all three projects in Surrey were successful which is great news for those living and working in those areas.

“I have spoken to residents across the county and one of the key issues that is raised repeatedly with me is the impact of anti-social behaviour on our communities.

“This announcement comes off the back of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week where I pledged to continue working with our partners in the county to take positive steps to combat ASB.

“So I am really pleased to see that the funding we have been able to secure will help tackle those issues which have been causing concern for local people and make these three areas safer places for everyone to live in.

“The Safer Streets Fund is an excellent initiative by the Home Office which is continuing to make a real difference to our communities. I will ensure my office continues to work with Surrey Police and our partners to identify other areas that could benefit from this extra funding in the future.”

Ali Barlow, T/Assistant Chief Constable with responsibility for Local Policing said: “I’m delighted that Surrey has been successful in securing funding through the Home Office Safer Streets initiative which will see investment in key projects in Epsom, Sunbury and Addlestone.

“I know how much time and effort goes in to submitting applications for funding and we have seen, through previous successful bids, how this money can make a real difference to the lives of communities involved.

“This £700k investment will be used to improve the environment and tackle anti-social behaviour which continues to be a key priority for the Force working with our partners and with the continued support of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

“Surrey Police has made a commitment to the public that they will be kept safe and will feel safe living and working in the county and Safer Streets funding helps us to do just that.”

Community Safety Assembly

Services commit to joined up response at first Community Safety Assembly in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The first Community Safety Assembly in the county was held this May as Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend united partner organisations with a shared commitment to work more closely together.

The event launched the new Community Safety Agreement between partners that include Surrey Police, local authorities, health and victim support services across Surrey. The Agreement outlines how partners will work together to improve community safety, by enhancing the support for individuals affected or at risk of harm, reducing inequalities and strengthening collaboration between different agencies.

The Assembly organised by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey welcomed representatives from over 30 organisations to the Dorking Halls, where they discussed how to improve the joint response to community issues including antisocial behaviour, mental ill-health, and criminal exploitation. The meeting was also the first time that representatives from each of the organisations had met in person since the start of the pandemic.

Group work on a variety of topics was accompanied by presentations from Surrey Police and Surrey County Council, including the Force’s focus on reducing violence against women and embedding a problem-solving approach to preventing crime across the service.

Throughout the day, members were asked to consider the bigger picture of so-called ‘low level crime’, learn to spot the signs of hidden harm and discuss potential solutions to challenges including barriers to sharing information and building public trust.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Lisa Townsend, who is also the Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s national lead for Mental Health and Custody, said: “Every organisation has a role play in reducing vulnerabilities that can lead to harm in our communities.

“That’s why I’m proud that the Community Safety Assembly held for the first time by my office has brought such a wide spectrum of partners under one roof to discuss how we can all take steps to deliver a more joined-up response within the new Community Safety Agreement for Surrey.

“We heard from partners about what we can learn from the amazing work that is already happening across our county, but also had really open conversations about what doesn’t work so well and how we can improve.

“It is important that we spot the signs of harm earlier and address gaps between agencies that can prevent individuals from accessing the right support. For example, we know that mental ill-health has a significant impact on policing and this is one of the areas that I am already discussing with our health partners to ensure the response is coordinated so that individuals receive the best possible care.

“The Assembly was just the start of these conversations, that form part of our ongoing commitment to together improve safety right across our communities.”

Find out more about the Community Safety Partnership in Surrey and read the Community Safety Agreement here.

You can see our dedicated page for updates following the Community Safety Assembly here.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with members of Surrey Search and Rescue at night

Commissioner pays tribute to ‘fantastic’ Surrey Search and Rescue as they celebrate 1,000 call outs

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has applauded the incredible contribution of the Surrey Search and Rescue team who have recently celebrated their 1,000th call out in the county.

Surrey SAR are made up entirely of volunteers who provide crucial help to the emergency services in finding missing people particularly vulnerable adults and children.

The Commissioner and her Deputy Ellie Vesey-Thompson saw the team in action when they joined a recent live training exercise which simulated a search for a missing person in woodland at Newlands Corner near Guildford.

They also went to meet the team and present awards for hours volunteered at an event in March.

Surrey SAR rely solely on donations to fund life-saving equipment and training for the team of over 70 members and trainees who are on-call 24 hours a day to respond across Surrey. The PCC’s office provide them with an annual sponsorship grant and have also helped fund one of the team’s control vehicles.

The team operate in farmland, urban areas and woodland and have specialist teams in water rescue, search dogs and an aerial capability using drones.

Since they were formed in 2010, the team recently surpassed the milestone of 1,000 call outs to incidents across the county. Last year alone volunteers gave up nearly 5,000 hours of their time making them one of the busiest Lowland Rescue teams in the UK.

PCC Lisa Townsend said: “Searching for missing people can often be a race against time which is why the role Surrey Search and Rescue play to support our emergency services across the county is so vital.

“They respond to incidents which really can be a life or death situation where someone could be at their most desperate. That is why they deserve the thanks of all of us for volunteering their time to carry out the amazing work they do.

“It was fascinating to see the team in action at the recent exercise and although it was only a brief glimpse of the challenges they face, I was really impressed with the professionalism and dedication they displayed.

“The team has recently celebrated its 1,000th call out which is an incredible achievement and highlights the invaluable contribution they make when someone goes missing in our county.

“My office is a big supporter of the team and I hope they continue to provide that crucial support to the emergency services in keeping people safe in Surrey.”

For more information on the work of Surrey Search and Rescue – visit their website here: Surrey Search & Rescue (Surrey SAR) (sursar.org.uk)