Category: Strengthening relationships

Commissioner urges Surrey residents to report anti-social behaviour and access support

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is encouraging victims of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in Surrey to report all concerns straightaway and to the right organisation so that problems are dealt with effectively.

The Commissioner says ASB covers a wide range of issues and it is important for residents to be aware that it is tackled by different agencies, including Surrey Police, local councils and housing providers.

Coinciding with the start of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, research out today by You Gov and Resolve – the UK’s leading community safety organisation – reveals that ASB continues to have a significant impact on public confidence. According to the survey, more than 1 in 4 adults (28%) say that ASB has made them feel unsafe in their local area. However, almost two-thirds (63%) of victims and witnesses who have experienced anti-social behaviour in the past three years did not report it to anyone.

Three broad categories

Under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 and the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, ASB is defined as behaviour that ‘causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to people outside the offender’s household’. It usually falls into three broad categories: personal ASB, where an individual or group is targeted; nuisance ASB, which causes annoyance or suffering to a wider community; and environmental ASB, where behaviour affects public spaces or buildings.

Within those categories are a wide range of behaviours, including offences such as criminal damage, graffiti, taking drugs in public, anti-social use of vehicles, drunken, rowdy or threatening behaviour and vandalism. Other issues, such as persistent noise nuisance, littering or abandoned vehicles, may not always be criminal offences and are often dealt with by councils, housing providers or other agencies.

Dedicated anti-social behaviour team

Because ASB covers such a broad spectrum of incidents, responsibility is shared between a number of organisations. In Surrey, there is a dedicated anti-social behaviour team within Surrey Police that works alongside 30 partner agencies, including local councils, to tackle problems and provide lasting solutions.

The Commissioner has committed to working with Surrey Police and partners to ensure that residents feel listened to, protected and supported.  Last year, Lisa launched the Community Safety and Prevention Board to strengthen collaboration between organisations across Surrey and to close gaps in support available to residents concerned about a number of matters including ASB. The Commissioner’s office also funds Mediation Surrey to provide support free of charge that helps resolve neighbourhood disputes before they escalate.

Persistent anti-social behaviour

Alongside this, the Commissioner supports the Anti-Social Case Review process which gives victims who have reported persistent anti-social behaviour on three or more occasions over a six-month period the opportunity to request a review of their case. If the threshold is met, the local Community Safety Partnership brings together agencies including the police, councils and housing providers to review the action taken and identify whether further measures are needed. The Police and Crime Commissioner’s office provides a route for victims to challenge decisions if they remain dissatisfied after the review. 

Anti-social behaviour is an issue that is frequently raised with the Commissioner.  Lisa is currently hosting a series of Policing your Community engagement events across the county alongside Surrey Police and matters such as the dangerous use of e-bikes and catapult crime have most recently been brought up for discussion.

‘Detrimental impact’

Lisa Townsend said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a detrimental impact on people’s lives and not dealing with it effectively can be devastating.

“It’s concerning that almost two out of three people affected by anti-social behaviour do not report it.  That’s why I want to highlight the different types of anti-social behaviour and the relevant agencies to contact; the importance of timely reporting; and the support available to everyone. 

“It’s deplorable that residents affected by anti-social behaviour feel trapped and helpless as they try to go about their daily lives. I’m committed to listening to residents’ concerns, creating safer communities and providing support to victims.”

More information

Residents can find more information about the different types of ASB, reporting ASB, accessing support and the ASB Case Review process at www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb.   All ASB policing matters should be reported directly to Surrey Police via 101, online or by calling 999 in an emergency.

Commissioner shines a light on the role of PCSOs and celebrates all officers, staff and volunteers this Neighbourhood Policing Week

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

“Neighbourhood policing is more than a job – it’s a vocation for police officers, staff and volunteers who work hard to keep communities safe and where no two days are ever the same”. That’s according to Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, who has paid tribute to Surrey Police’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) to mark the start of this year’s Neighbourhood Policing Week.

Each of Surrey’s boroughs and districts have a SNT that consist of officers and staff who work together to support residents and businesses, in response to retail crime, violence against women and girls, and anti-social behaviour.  Hotspot patrols are also a vital part of neighbourhood policing as they build community engagement and strengthen partnerships.

PCSOs

Police Community Support Officers – or PCSOs – provide an important, visible presence and serve as a key liaison between the public and policing within Surrey’s SNTs. Their fundamental role is to gather information, preserve community safety by reducing conflict, and foster positive relations within neighbourhoods through targeted visible patrols. PCSOs hold designated legal powers of enforcement, although they are not fully warranted police officers.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, recently joined PCSO Huw Keepence and trainee PCSO Isobelle Robinson on patrol in Woking town centre.

Lisa said: “PCSOs provide a valuable uniformed presence within our towns and villages.  Not only do they improve confidence in public safety by developing close working relationships with businesses, community-based organisations and residents, they help to tackle anti-social behaviour and support other ongoing police operations.

‘Strong partnership work’

“It was fantastic to join Huw and Isobelle on patrol and see first-hand the difference they are making. There’s some strong partnership work and engagement happening in Woking, and it was great to look more closely at the security operation around Victoria Place.”

Huw Keepence has been a PCSO in Woking for just over two years.  He said: “I enjoy getting out into the communities that I work in, patrolling the streets and public areas to provide a real visible policing presence and actively engaging in their communities.

“I like being able to speak to people and give them the comfort of knowing that their concerns are being taken seriously and that police are actively dealing with it. It’s fulfilling to be able to help people and quell some of their fears or uncertainties”.

Isobelle Robinson, trainee PCSO, has been with the Force for six months.  She said: “The most exciting part about my job as a PCSO is that every day is a new day. You could be dealing with victims of fraud one day and the next, you’re guarding a crime scene.

“I love my job because it means that I can help those that need it the most. It’s very cliché but it’s true. I thrive on helping people and animals.”

Lisa Townsend said: “Thank you to all the PCSOs and other staff and officers who contribute to Surrey Police’s neighbourhood policing teams. Your hard work, care and dedication provide a lifeline to the communities that you serve.”

PCSO recruitment

PCSOs numbers have increased right across Surrey by almost a quarter in the year ending September 2025.  However, Surrey police recruitment is currently open until 30th June for PCSOs.  Click here for further details: www.surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/careers/careers/pcso/

New policing structure in Surrey is bedding in, says Commissioner

Posted on | by Chantal Robehmed

It’s business as usual for our policing teams in Surrey. That’s the message from Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend after a new policing structure for the county went live in the last month.

The Force announced that following a review of how it operates in communities across Surrey – it is moving from having three divisions in the county to two.

Previously – Waverley, Guildford, Woking and Surrey Heath made up West Surrey; East Surrey covered Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge and Epsom and Ewell and in North Surrey you had Spelthorne, Runnymede and Elmbridge.

Under the new model – Spelthorne and Runnymede will now become part of the West Surrey division while Elmbridge will join the Eastern Division.

Business as usual

The Commissioner said that whilst the move had been the culmination of a lot of hard work behind the scenes – the most important aspect is that the service the residents of Surrey receive is the same.

Lisa said: “All the work that has gone into the planning of this model is to ensure it will be business as usual for our policing teams. Their presence across the county will continue as normal and our communities should not notice any difference.

“This move is not about cutting costs or reducing the number of police officers in the county – on the contrary, Surrey Police has got more police officers in its ranks than ever before and that will not change.

“What this will do is enable Surrey Police to modernise its practices and ensure we have the right people in the right places to meet the increased demand and complexities of policing in 2026 and beyond.

Two unitary authority model

“It will also mean the Force structure will be more closely aligned with the two unitary authority model which the people of Surrey went to the polls on earlier this month. That will come into effect in 2027 and will mean our policing teams can continue to work closely with our partner agencies across Surrey. 

“The new model is bedding in at the moment and I will be closely monitoring its progress to ensure the Surrey public continue to receive the best policing service our teams can offer which will continue to make our communities right across Surrey safer.” 

The image shows Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman who wears a grey jumper, white shirt with collar, and black trousers, standing in a large room. She is smiling at someone off camera and holds papers in her hand. In the background of the room is a decal along a wall that shows a city scene.

Commissioner visits Salfords site of Surrey’s newest police hub and front counter service

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, has visited the Force’s newest police hub.

As reported in December, a site in the Redhill area has been purchased with a view to providing a permanent police station and front counter for the public.

The building stands at Perrywood Business Park in Honeycrock Lane, Salfords.

In the coming months, it will be transformed into a police base for hundreds of officers.



New hub

Commissioner Lisa Townsend, working in partnership with the Force, has been searching for a potential site in Reigate and Banstead since 2023.

The hunt began after police teams were forced to move out of the old Reigate Police Station following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Many have been operating out of a temporary location at nearby Wray Park in the meantime.

The building at the business park is the only site in the area that met the requirements and will be funded by the sale of the previous Reigate Police Station.

Changes in East Surrey

Surrey Police announced plans to build a brand new Eastern Divisional HQ at a site in Leatherhead, Mole Valley, in 2024.

The land is already owned by the Commissioner as part of her estate.

However, Lisa also wanted to find another site for a police station and front counter in Reigate and Banstead.

During her visit to the new site in late March, Lisa toured the building and discussed the new layout for the site.

Local presence

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “It was wonderful to revisit our new base at the Perrywood Business Park.

“There are big changes ahead for this building, and I look forward to seeing the development progress.

“Over the years, I have spoken with thousands of residents about what matters most to them.

“A local policing presence is particularly valuable for many, and this is a really important step forwards for policing in East Surrey.”

The image shows Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a yellow t-shirt, and a Surrey Police contact officer in branded uniform. Both women are wearing headsets and looking intently at a screen just off camera.

Commissioner hails “dramatic improvements” as Surrey Police becomes second-fastest at answering 999 calls

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has hailed a “dramatic improvement” in the time it takes Surrey Police to answer and respond to 999 and 101 calls. 

Lisa Townsend praised contact centre staff and officers for a slew of significant changes, which have seen the Force climb national league tables for 999 call answering times. 

It comes as His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire lifts its ‘causes of concern’ for Surrey Police after an inspection in 2023.

During the inspection for the Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) review, issues around the service residents receive when they contact their police were highlighted. 

In the time since the review, the operation of Surrey Police’s contact centre – based at Force HQ in Guildford – has been overhauled. 



Contact centre overhaul

The control room and contact centre were merged, with staff now working from the same location. The number of supervisors and call takers increased, and a new grading system for triaging calls was implemented.

As a result of the changes, officers now attend the most serious calls for service – known as a Grade 1 response – within 13 minutes. This is seven minutes quicker than the 20-minute national standard. 

Non-emergency calls made to 101 are now answered six minutes faster than in December 2024, with an average answer time of 12 seconds – down from 3.4 minutes. Call abandonment rates have dropped from 36 per cent to seven per cent. 

999 calls are answered in an average of three seconds and dealt with three minutes faster. The abandonment rate has dropped from 11 per cent to two per cent. 

The Force is now the second-fastest in the country when it comes to answering 999 calls. 

“Delighted”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I am delighted with the dramatic improvements Surrey Police has made since our 2023 PEEL review. 

“It is fantastic news that the average waiting time for a 999 call in Surrey is now just two seconds, and that the Force is the second-fastest in the country to answer these emergency calls. 

“These changes are not only significant, but sustained. The Force’s progress continues to this day. 

“I know from speaking to residents that being able to get hold of Surrey Police when you need them is absolutely vital and a call into our contact centre can be a matter of life or death.

Commissioner’s thanks

“Since I recruited Chief Constable Tim De Meyer three years ago, a key priority for both us was making sure that when the Surrey public needed police, they receive the quick and effective response they rightly expect.

“I’d like to thank every officer and member of staff who has worked tirelessly to achieve this turnaround and deliver the results we are seeing for Surrey’s residents.

“Their efforts make a real difference to those facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives.” 

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Grahame said: “These are not just statistics.

‘Concern’ lifted

“They represent real people receiving help more quickly; victims feeling heard; vulnerable individuals getting a timely response; and communities gaining confidence in their local police.

“Having the causes of concern lifted is a significant achievement, but it is not the end of the journey. The public’s expectations continue to rise, and so do ours. Our responsibility now is to maintain this level of service, continue to learn, and keep improving.”

His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Inspector Roy Wilsher, who has responsibility for Surrey Police, said: “I am pleased that Surrey Police has made significant progress in these areas since we raised these causes of concern.”

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

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

Posted on | by Alex Winter

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

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

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

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

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

Safer Epsom and Ewell

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

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

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

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

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

Prolific offenders targeted

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

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

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

“The operation has been hugely successful.

County lines tackled

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

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

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

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

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

“Lasting legacy”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on | by Alex Winter

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

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

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

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

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

Team’s success

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

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

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

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

“Crime that blights communities”

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

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

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

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

‘Report it’ plea

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

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

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

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

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

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

The image shows PCSO Becca Bullock, Woking MP Will Forster, Dame Diana Johnson, Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, and Woking Borough Commander Inspector Ed Lyons standing in Woking town centre. Everyone is looking forwards and smiling in the posed shot.

Six days without a report of crime: How police are ‘problem-solving’ offending in Woking town centre

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Not a single crime was reported in Woking town centre for six days in a row this summer as police use data to ‘problem-solve’ offending. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said the Force is turning the tide on criminals with “back-to-basics” policing – a key priority in her Police and Crime Plan. 

The Commissioner joined Woking’s Borough Commander Inspector Ed Lyons, Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson, and Woking MP Will Forster for a summit in the town this week. 

During the meeting, Inspector Lyons said partnership working between Surrey Police, Woking Borough Council, local retailers and The Peacocks Centre is having a dramatic effect. 

One initiative has seen PCSOs and officers hosting regular Meet the Beat sessions at eight local retailers across Woking, as well as making routine visits to chat with staff and customers. Across these eight stores, retail crime has dropped by a total of 60 per cent.

Crime drops in Woking

The Force is also using an empty retail space in the Victoria Place Shopping Centre to host a Cop Shop Stop for residents and visitors to attend, as well as meetings with partners. 

This work forms part of Surrey’s Safer Streets Summer, a wide-ranging programme of events across 11 town centres in the county. The initiative targets crime types that typically increase during the summer months, including anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, retail crime, and violent offending. 

Lisa said: “I’d like to thank Dame Diana for joining the team in Woking for this fantastic event. 

“Police in the town used data and intelligence to pinpoint the areas where criminality was proportionately more common. Their aim is not just to respond to offending, but to stop it taking place altogether. 

“Recently, there were six consecutive days where no crimes were reported in the town centre, with another 48 hours of no reports shortly after that. However, we urge anyone who needs to contact their police to do so, either on 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency. 

“Back to basics”

“This problem-solving work is back-to-basics policing at its finest, which is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan. 

“By working with businesses and the borough council, the team are making a huge difference to one of Surrey’s most vibrant and busy town centres.” 

Insp Lyons told Dame Diana: “We want to make sure people in Woking are aware that this is their town, and they have a right to feel safe and secure.

“We are using intelligence-led policing backed by data to determine crime patterns, and then deploying high-visibility patrols and enhanced CCTV use.

“This hard work can be seen across the county having obtained over 1,200 shoplifting charges, a 32.3% increase on the previous year, and increased arrest rates by 12.1%.

“We are also working closely with our partners to ensure this work can last.”

The picture shows a large group of people standing in front of a van with an awning over it. Among the group are people wearing Surrey Police-branded outfits. At the forefront stand Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who wears yellow trousers, and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is in jeans. To their left is Borough Commander Matt Walton, who wears a shirt and tie. All of those in the image are standing on a field. They are all looking at the camera and smiling.

Students have a field day as officers join teams for Spelthorne’s annual Cop Cup

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Dozens of students from Spelthorne schools faced off for the second annual Cop Cup at Halliford School in Shepperton during June.

The contest, organised by the Safer Neighbourhood Team, sees officers and PCSOs from across the borough joining pupils’ teams for a series of games.

As well as the competition for the trophy, young people who are currently in Year 9 had the opportunity to take part in a range of activities, including tug of war competitions and sporting challenges organised by Active Surrey.

Brentford FC also attended to chat to attendees and hand out kit, and officers involved in conflict training gave demonstrations with riot shields and fake ‘pepper spray’.

The event aims to help build relationships and trust between Surrey Police teams and students, as well as diverting young people away from crime.

Relationship building

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson enjoyed the final game, which saw Halliford pupils facing off against students from Thomas Knyvett in Ashford.

Thomas Knyvett’s team eventually lifted the trophy, which was presented by the Deputy Commissioner.

Spelthorne’s Borough Commander Matt Walton then gave a speech to commemorate the day before students boarded buses back to school.

Lisa said: “It is such a pleasure for Ellie and I to join events like these.

“Every student was polite and well-mannered, and I hope they all had a fantastic time.

“Such a pleasure”

“Officers and PCSOs enjoyed the opportunity to chat to young people and help break down some barriers.

“Their work today will build relationships that I believe will last long into the future.

“We saw some truly sportsmanlike behaviour, and I’d like to thank everyone who gave their time to make the event as wonderful as it was.

“I look forward to joining the current Year 8s next year.”

155 arrests, 25 years in prison for offenders and 10kg of suspected cocaine seized – Safer Redhill celebrates a year of success

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A YEAR of partnership working in Redhill has led to 25 years in prison for offenders and the seizure of 10kg of suspected cocaine.

Safer Redhill, an initiative designed to cut crime and foster pride in the town, brings together Surrey Police, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and YMCA East Surrey, as well as local business and community partners.

The initiative is supported by funding secured through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, including £265,000 of Safer Streets funding and £58,000 from the Community Safety Fund.

The project adopts the College of Policing’s ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ framework, a three-stage approach where police ‘clear’ offenders from Redhill and work in tandem with interventions from partners to ensure it remains that way.

Campaign’s success

From joint drugs operations at Redhill train station to plain clothed officers deployed at night to spot suspicious behaviour, a huge range of activity has had extensive results, including:

  • 155 arrests for offences including assaults, burglary, drink driving, drug supply and shoplifting
  • 93 charges, of which 81 were charged and remanded
  • A combined prison time of 25 years for local offenders, with many more still to appear for trial
  • Two Criminal Behaviour Orders issued for anti-social behaviour and 80 Community Resolutions issued for offences such as possession of a small quantity of drugs, low value and first time shoplifting offences and minor public order incidents
  • Over £7,000 worth of fines, court costs and victim surcharges issued by the courts
  • 86 drug seizures, including 10kg of suspected cocaine
  • £89,000 cash recovered and weapons taken off the streets
  • 15 vehicles seized and driving disqualification penalties issued that total 8.5 years.

Alongside enforcement activity, the local policing team has built strong relationships within the town, from engaging with students at colleges and holding Meet the Beat sessions to licensing visits with the council’s Joint Enforcement Team.

‘Incredibly proud’

Borough Commander Jon Vale said: “I’m incredibly proud of the efforts of all our partners to address crime in Redhill and help people feel safer in the town.

“It’s a team effort and I’m grateful to all the businesses, organisations and residents who are supporting this project to take pride in Redhill.

“When our communities look at the number of arrests and charges we’ve made over the past year, I want to reassure residents that it’s through the work we’ve been doing that we’re able to seek out and clear this crime from the town.

“Surrey remains one of the safest counties in the UK and our enforcement activities have had a strong impact in Redhill. Since we began our increased police activity, we’ve seen a significant decrease in crimes such as shoplifting, sexual assaults, serious attacks, robbery and anti-social behaviour.”

Safer Redhill aims to have a lasting impact and there is significant work going on to improve the area.

Lasting impact

Local initiatives include solar lighting and a mural designed by young people in Memorial Park, detached youth work by the YMCA and women’s self defence classes by Redhill Boxing Club.

The latest addition to the town will be the installation of two bleed kits by the Safer Redhill partnership, which have been installed next to defibrillators as part of the town’s provision to support people in medical emergencies.

Results from the Force’s regular neighbourhood survey indicate these changes are making a difference, showing an increase in the community’s trust and confidence in the police.

Surrey Police will soon launch a bespoke survey for residents and visitors to Redhill to tell officers where to focus their continued efforts.