Category: Protecting people from harm

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)

Teenager shoes

Commissioner’s office to fund dedicated service to protect children from exploitation

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey is looking to fund a dedicated service to work with young people affected by exploitation in the county.

Up to £100,000 is being made available from the Community Safety Fund to support a Surrey organisation that has a proven record of helping young people affected by, or at risk of serious criminal exploitation.

Most exploitation involves the use of children by ‘county lines’ networks that distribute drugs from major cities to local towns and villages.

Signs that a young person might be at risk include absence from education or going missing from home, becoming withdrawn or uninterested in usual activities, or relationships or gifts from new ‘friends’ that are older.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson said: “I’m really passionate about ensuring that our focus in Surrey includes supporting young people to stay safe, and to feel safe.

“That’s why I’m so excited that we’re making new funding available to deliver a dedicated service that will tackle the root causes of exploitation in direct partnership with the individuals affected. If this is an area where your organisation can make a difference – please get in touch.”

In the year to February 2021, Surrey Police and partners identified 206 young people at risk of

exploitation, of which 14% were already experiencing it. The majority of young people will grow up happy and healthy with no intervention from services including Surrey Police.

Focussing on early intervention that recognises the family, health and social factors that can lead to exploitation, the three-year project aims to support over 300 young people.

The successful recipient of the funding will work with young people identified as being at risk of exploitation to tackle the root causes of their vulnerability.

As part of a partnership across Surrey that includes the Commissioner’s Office, they will develop trusted relationships that lead to new opportunities for the individual, such as entry or re-entry into education, or improved access to physical and mental health care.

Interested organisations can find out more here.

“Embrace new normal with common sense.” – PCC Lisa Townsend welcomes Covid-19 announcement

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has welcomed the confirmed easing of remaining Covid-19 restrictions that will take place on Monday.

19 July will see the removal of all legal limits on meeting others, on the types of businesses that can operate and restrictions such as the wearing of face coverings.

The rules will also be eased for fully vaccinated travellers returning from ‘Amber list’ countries, while some safeguards will remain in place in settings such as hospitals.

PCC Lisa Townsend said: “Next week marks an exciting stride towards the ‘new normal’ for our communities right across the country; including business owners and others in Surrey who have had their lives placed on hold by Covid-19.

“We’ve seen an amazing determination over the last 16 months to keep Surrey’s communities safe. As cases continue to rise, it is so important we embrace the new normal with common sense, regular testing and respect for those around us.

“In some settings, there may be continued measures in place to protect us all. I ask Surrey residents to show patience as we all adjust to what the next few months will mean for our lives.”

Surrey Police has seen an increase in demand via 101, 999, and digital contact since the previous easing of restrictions in May.

PCC Lisa Townsend said: “Surrey Police officers and staff have played a central role in protecting our communities throughout the events of the last year.

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.

I want to stress my eternal gratitude on behalf of all residents for their determination, and for the sacrifices that they have made and will continue to make after July 19.

“While legal Covid-19 restrictions will ease on Monday, this is just one of the areas of focus for Surrey Police. As we enjoy new freedoms, officers and staff will continue to be there visibly and behind the scenes to protect the public, support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

“You can play your part by reporting anything suspicious, or that just doesn’t feel right. Your information could play a part in preventing modern slavery, a burglary, or providing support to a survivor of abuse.”

Surrey Police can be contacted on Surrey Police social media pages, live chat on the Surrey Police website or via the 101 non-emergency number. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend standing next to a police car

PCC backs Surrey Police summer drink and drug-drive crackdown

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

A summer campaign to crack down on drink and drug-drivers kicks off today (Friday 11 June), in conjunction with the Euro 2020 football tournament.

Both Surrey Police and Sussex Police will deploy increased resources to tackle one of the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads.

The goal is to keep all road users safe, and to take robust action against those who put the lives of themselves and others at risk.
Working with partners including Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and Drive Smart Surrey, the forces are urging motorists to stay onside of the law – or face the penalties.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our aim is to reduce the possibility of people being injured or killed through collisions whereby the driver has been under the influence of drink or drugs.

“However, we cannot do this on our own. I need your help to take responsibility for your own actions and the actions of others – do not drive if you are going to drink or use drugs, as the consequences can be fatal for yourself or an innocent member of the public.

“And if you suspect someone is driving under the influence of drink or drugs, report it to us immediately – you could save a life.

“We all know that drinking or using drugs whilst driving is not only dangerous, but socially unacceptable, and my plea is that we work together to protect everyone on the roads from harm.

“There are a lot of miles to cover across Surrey and Sussex, and while we may not be everywhere all the time, we could be anywhere.”

The dedicated campaign runs from Friday 11 June to Sunday 11 July, and is in addition to routine roads policing 365 days a year.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said: “Even having one drink and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle can have fatal results. The message couldn’t be clearer – just don’t take the risk.

“People will of course want to enjoy the summer, particularly as lockdown restrictions begin to ease. But that reckless and selfish minority who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs are gambling with their own and other people’s lives.

“Those caught driving over the limit should be in no doubt that they will face the consequences of their actions.”

In keeping with previous campaigns, the identities of anyone arrested for drink or drug-driving during this period and subsequently convicted, will be published on our website and social media channels.

Chief Insp Hodder added: “We hope that by maximising publication of this campaign, people will think twice about their actions. We appreciate that the vast majority of motorists are safe and competent road users, but there is always a minority who ignore our advice and risk lives.

“Our advice to everyone – whether you’re watching the football or socialising with friends or family this summer – is to drink or drive; never both. Alcohol affects different people in different ways, and the only way to guarantee you are safe to drive is to have no alcohol at all. Even one pint of beer, or one glass of wine, can be enough to put you over the limit and significantly impair your ability to drive safely.

“Think about it before you get behind the wheel. Don’t let your next journey be your last.”

Between April 2020 and March 2021, 291 people casualties were involved in a drink or drug-driving related collision in Sussex; three of these were fatal.

Between April 2020 and March 2021, 212 people casualties were involved in a drink or drug-driving related collision in Surrey; two of these were fatal.

The consequences of drink or drug-driving could include the following:
A minimum 12 month ban;
An unlimited fine;
A possible prison sentence;
A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;
An increase in your car insurance;
Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA;
You could also kill or seriously injure yourself or someone else.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online. www.crimestoppers-uk.org

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

New Safer Streets funding set to boost crime prevention in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

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

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“One death is too many.” – Surrey PCC responds to fresh call for ‘Stanley’s Law’

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has responded to fresh calls for ‘Stanley’s Law’, to license the use of air guns in England and Wales.

The call follows the announcement of a new Government consultation on the use of air guns in England and Wales.

A review into air gun law was held by The Government in 2017, after the accidental death of 13 year old Ben Wragge by a friend the same year. It was followed by the death of six year old Stanley Metcalf involving an air gun in 2018.

The PCC for Surrey said: “While the number of deaths from these weapons is small, one death is still too many. The tragic deaths of Ben and Stanley should never be forgotten.

“But there are many implications to the licensing of airguns, including the potential significant burden on police forces to meet demand.

“I welcome the new consultation by Government that proposes that the existing control and access to air guns is strengthened; in particular to ensure that those under 18 years of age are prevented from unsupervised use that could cause serious harm.”

Since 2005, it is estimated that air guns have been responsible for 25 fatalities in the UK. It is believed that in nine cases, the person holding the air gun was under 18.

While air weapons are not currently licensed in England and Wales, it is illegal to carry an air gun in a public place, or for a person under the age of 14 to use an air gun unsupervised.

The current law does allow for under 18’s to use an airgun under the supervision of an adult over 21 years old, and for a child over 14 years of age to use an airgun unsupervised on private premises, with the permission of the land owner.

Guns including air guns above a set power require a license and are subject to strict firearms regulations.

Licensing of air guns is already in place in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Police Scotland has seen considerable demand for licenses in the last three years.

A new Government consultation announced in November does not propose licensing, but suggests the removal from law of unsupervised use of air guns by those as young as 14 years old, and the strengthening of rules on the use and safekeeping of air guns.

Surrey PCC David Munro added: “I urge that the results of this consultation are widely shared, and that there is a clearly communicated plan to review any changes made after a suitable period of time.

“We all have a responsibility to prevent a situation in which these weapons could be misused.”