Category: Violence against women and girls

Campaign to prevent “widespread” issue of youth-produced sexual images to be rolled out in Surrey’s schools

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A CAMPAIGN to prevent children and young people asking their peers for sexual images will now be available for use by schools in Surrey.

“Ok To Ask?” launched on social media in March 2024 with a series of short video clips depicting teenagers responding to pressure from their peers to share or request nudes.

The campaign, led by Surrey Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), actively involved young people throughout the research and development phases. It was designed to initiate thought, challenge perceptions, and empower young people to reject harmful behaviour while supporting their peers.

Now, a teaching and learning resource developed by Surrey Healthy Schools in partnership with the OPCC will ensure the initiative can be used as a cornerstone of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) classes across the county.

Funding for both initiatives was secured by the OPCC from the Home Office’s What Works Fund in 2022. The former Government granted £1million to provide a package of support for young people to help combat violence against women and girls.

The funding supported both the Ok To Ask? campaign and specialist training for PSHE leads in schools and a host of professionals in Surrey to develop life skills and support their health and wellbeing.

As the project draws to an end, Surrey Healthy Schools has developed a package of teaching and learning resources for children in Key Stages three to five.

This includes guidance on facilitating effective PSHE lessons with a focus on digital safety, assessment guidance and activities, three lesson plans, and advice for teachers.

Schools boost

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “Youth-produced sexual imagery is a widespread issue across the country, and has considerable risks for young people.

“We want to challenge perceptions that it should be considered just a ‘normal’ part of teenage life and provide support for those who might be in a situation where they are under pressure to do so.

“Nearly a third of all sexual images of children found online are youth-produced, showing how harmful this behaviour can be.

“The crime of ‘sextortion’ – a form of blackmail using sexual images for gain – is rising in the county. Supporting young people with making decisions and understanding the impact of these is an important part of preventing this harm.

‘Insightful’

“The Force’s primary aim will be to safeguard young people, but it is also a crime to take, make, show or possess indecent images of any person below the age of 18. That is true even if the person with those images is also under 18.

“Ok To Ask? has been hugely successful, with millions of views, and we are determined to work alongside young people to support them in navigating some of these challenging issues.

“I’m delighted that my brilliant Commissioning team were able to secure funding for this crucial project, and that Surrey Police, working closely with young people from across the county, have produced such an insightful campaign.”

For more information, or to access the resources, visit the Surrey Healthy Schools website. Parents and carers can also access support via the Ok To Ask? homepage.   

“Ok To Ask?” launched in March 2024 with a series of short video clips depicting teenagers responding to pressure from their peers to share or request nudes. The campaign, which actively involved young people throughout the research and development phases, was designed to trigger thought, challenge perceptions, and empower young people to reject harmful behaviour while supporting their peers.

The digital performance of the “Ok To Ask?” campaign is extremely promising, with more than six million impressions to our target audiences. But, when evaluating the success of a digital campaign aimed at behaviour change, particularly one encouraging young people to reflect on their beliefs and attitudes, the metrics of success differ from traditional campaigns focused on clicks and sales. Success isn’t about immediate transactional outcomes but about deep, reflective engagement with the content. And that’s where you come in…

The “Ok To Ask?” campaign has proven to be both impactful and effective, sparking conversations among young people about consent, boundaries, and respect, but we need these conversations to continue to create meaningful change.
Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend stands beside a large blue sign that reads 'Welcome to Surrey Police headquarters'. Her hands are clasped and she is smiling at the camera. Lisa is wearing pink trousers and a green long-sleeved top.

“Back-to-basics policing is the cornerstone”: Commissioner launches new Police and Crime Plan for Surrey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has unveiled a new blueprint for policing in the county over the next three years.

The Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan sets out the priorities she wants Surrey Police to concentrate on during the rest of her current term of office, which ends in 2028.

The Plan features a focus on ‘back to basics’ policing, preventing violence against women and girls, protecting Surrey’s most vulnerable residents, and ensuring the accountability, integrity and wellbeing of the Force’s officers and staff.

It was created following an extensive consultation period where nearly 3,000 residents gave their views, together with community groups, businesses, partners and victims’ services.

Police and Crime Commissioners are required to produce a Police and Crime Plan every four years and it will form the basis upon which Lisa holds the Chief Constable to account for the policing service Surrey Police provide.

Surrey Police is one of the fastest-improving forces in the country having more than doubled its charge rate in the past 12 months, with an additional 3,500 offences prosecuted.

Charges for burglary, assault, retail crime, rape and child abuse have significantly increased, and an additional 2,500 arrests have been made across all crime types.

But the Commissioner said there are challenges ahead. The Force has to find around £18million in savings over the next four years, while criminal justice delays are putting additional pressure on victims’ services.

The Force is also facing increasing demand on ‘hidden’ crime, such as domestic abuse, fraud, and the online exploitation of children, which target some of the most vulnerable people in Surrey.



Force among fastest-improving

Lisa said: “My mission as your Police and Crime Commissioner is clear.

“I want Surrey Police to focus on tackling those crimes that blight our local communities, while also taking persistent offenders off our streets.

“I promised that we would return to a ‘back to basics’ approach to policing, and this pledge forms the cornerstone of my Police and Crime Plan.

“Fighting crime, getting tough on offenders, and protecting Surrey’s most vulnerable residents must be at the heart of the Force’s priorities in the coming years.

“We carried out extensive consultation with residents, community groups, business leaders and victims’ services, as well as hosting 12 in-person and online Policing Your Community events over the autumn and winter.



‘Back to basics’

“I have heard loud and clear what those who live and work in Surrey want to see their policing teams do in our communities and they are making great progress.

“Surrey Police is one of the fastest-improving forces in the country, with 3,500 additional charges across all crime types in 12 months, as well as 2,500 more arrests.

“Charges for some of the crime types that are particularly important to residents, such as child abuse, burglary and retail crime, have dramatically improved.

“It is crucial that this fantastic progress is sustained so we can continue taking the fight to criminals who seek to gain a foothold in our communities.

“Surrey remains a wonderful place in which to live and work, and I am committed to working with the Chief Constable to deliver on the priorities outlined in my Plan.”

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, at Guildford train station with the Street Angels

20 ambulance call-outs averted each year by the team with pockets full of lollipops – meet the Street Angels

Posted on | by Alex Winter

THOUSANDS of conversations, 20 ambulance calls averted – and 3,500 lollipops handed out.

These are just some of the successes achieved by Guildford’s Street Angel volunteers every year.

The team, managed by Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy, receive a crucial £5,000 grant each year from Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend‘s Community Safety Fund for a coordinator.

And last week, the Commissioner joined a Saturday night shift.

During the evening, Lisa and the team helped a young man who’d had too much to drink, visited the train station to make sure travellers were safe, and picked up glass bottles that could otherwise be used as weapons.

The volunteers give their time once a month between 11pm and 4am on a Friday or Saturday night to provide practical care and support to anyone who may have found themselves in a vulnerable state.

They help those who are intoxicated, homeless, or victims of assault – and are perhaps best-known for their pockets filled with lollipops.

Lisa has often supported the Angels with grants, most recently contributing £500 for volunteer uniforms, first aid kits, emergency blankets and flip-flops.

Volunteers have been giving their time for the past 17 years. The current team of 50 encounter 3,400 people, including 50 homeless people, and pick up more than 3,100 bottles in an average year. During their shifts, they walk around 10,000 steps.

Anyone interested in volunteering is urged to contact the Chaplaincy via their website, gtcc.org.uk/street-angels/

Lisa said: “I’m so proud to support the Street Angels, who make such a positive difference in Guildford.

Meet the Angels

“This evening, we’ve visited the train station, where we know trouble can happen during the evenings. We’ve spoken with door staff at a range of venues around the town and stopped to chat to young people enjoying their night out.

“The Angels all give their time to make sure their community is safe.

“Most people will know them for the lollipops, as well as the flip-flops they give to those who have given up on uncomfortable shoes, but all who encounter the team will remember their kindness and care.

“I’d encourage anyone with an interest to visit the team’s website and sign up for a trial volunteer shift.”

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

Posted on | by Alex Winter

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

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

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

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

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

Hundreds have their say

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

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

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

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

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

Charges more than double

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

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

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

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

‘Taking the fight to criminals’

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

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

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

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

Commissioner Lisa Townsend wears a long-sleeved dress, and has her hands clasped in front of her. Chief Constable Tim De Meyer stands to Lisa's left. He is wearing his uniform and smiling at the camera. He holds his police hat in his right hand. Between Lisa and Tim is a colourful waist-height sign that reads 'Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey'

Would you be prepared to pay a little extra council tax to maintain policing improvements? Have your say!

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking Surrey residents whether they would be prepared to pay a little extra to support the county’s “fastest-improving” police service over the coming year.

In the last 12 months, Surrey Police has more than DOUBLED its charge rate, with an additional 3,500 offences being prosecuted. It has also made over 2,500 more arrests and made dramatic improvements in tackling offences important to residents such as burglary, shoplifting, child abuse and rape.

The Commissioner says this has made Surrey Police one of the fastest-improving forces in the country.

But in order to maintain this momentum, protect victims and continue to make our communities even safer, Lisa says Surrey Police desperately need funding to ensure that hard work isn’t undone.  

Those who live in Surrey are being invited to fill in a brief survey on whether they would support an increase of a little over £1 extra a month on an average council tax bill for 2025/26.

Have your say here.

One of the Commissioner’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police. That includes determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, known as the precept, which funds the Force together with a grant from central government. 

In December, the Government announced their policing settlement for the next financial year which stated that Police and Crime Commissioners are allowed to request an additional £14 per Band D property.

This equates to little over £1.16 a month on an average household, or 4.3 per cent across all council tax bands.

Every pound of precept amounts to an extra half-a-million pounds in the policing budget.

The Commissioner said that the contributions the Surrey public make through their council tax contributions are “absolutely vital” and have been paying dividends over the last 12 months.

Burglary and assault with injury charges have both increased by 90 per cent, while shoplifting charges have increased four-fold with 876 more offences charged across the county.

Charge rates for offences related to violence against women and girls (VAWG), rape and child abuse have doubled, and the Force now among the fastest improving nationally for serious sexual offences and stalking and harassment.

There have been 20 per cent more arrests year-on-year,​ with an average of 50 more per week, while the number of outstanding suspects has reduced by a third.

‘Impressive’

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said: “When I set the police budget last year, I pledged that Surrey residents’ council tax contributions would be focused on what policing does best – fighting crime in our local communities, getting tough on offenders and protecting people.  

“The progress we have seen over the last 12 months has been really impressive. The charge rate has been doubled and huge strides have been made in tackling those crimes important to our residents such as burglary, shoplifting and violence against women and girls

“The Chief Constable’s plan is working, and Surrey Police is one of the fastest improving forces in the country. But there is still more to do.

“During our recent Policing Your Community roadshow, residents told me loud and clear how they value that visible local policing presence in their communities and getting a swift and effective police response when they need it.

Survey launches

“I want to ensure our local policing teams are properly funded so we can continue to improve that service to our communities.

“While it is great news that Surrey Police are arresting more criminals, and long may that continue, delays in the criminal justice system mean that victims are waiting longer for those cases to come to court.

“These can be some of the most vulnerable people in our society and it is really important that we properly support them through this difficult process. I want to ensure we invest in those fantastic services in the county that provide truly life-changing support to those victims of crime in Surrey.

“In order to achieve this and maintain the success of the last year, I need to make sure our police teams have the right resources in the face of some difficult financial challenges.

Have your say

“The reality is that the government settlement this year will not cover the increased costs we continue to face in Surrey, and we must make up a shortfall in both the police officers’ pay increase and the rise in employers National Insurance.

“The Force is making every effort to find efficiencies across the board to ensure we provide the very best value for money for our residents. But they still must find in the region of £18m in savings over the next four years. 

“That is why I must balance the burden on the public with ensuring I give the Chief Constable the tools to keep the Force’s head above water and continue to take the fight to criminals in our county.

“Any gap in funding will mean further savings having to be made, including cuts to the workforce. The Force may have no choice but to reduce some of the services which the public value the most – such as taking calls, investigating crimes and detaining suspects.

Force improvements

“Our policing teams do a fantastic job keeping our communities safe. I want Surrey Police to build on the brilliant progress they have made over the last year and continue to tackle those issues that are priorities for you.

“It is important to me to find out what Surrey residents think and whether they would be willing to pay a little extra to support our policing teams again this year.

“So I would ask everyone to take a minute to fill out our brief survey and give me their views.” 

The council tax survey will close at midnight on 1 February 2025. For more information, visit this link.

You can also read an open letter from the Commissioner here, and find frequently asked questions here.

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, stands at a lecturn in front of a crowd of people. She is speaking into a microphone, and beside her is a big screen which shows her name and the words, Is Surrey Safe For Women? The question is also the title of the conference Lisa is speaking at.

Commissioner’s plea to Government over funding cliff-edge – as Surrey Police records “dramatic” improvements

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has called for the Government to commit to further funding for organisations tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence – as the county’s police force dramatically increases its charging rate for offenders.

Speaking on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, Lisa Townsend said some Surrey services are facing a funding cliff-edge.

Woking-based Steps To Change, which draws together experts from a range of organisations focused on violence in the home, opened this year after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner secured £2million from the last government.

The hub, managed by Interventions Alliance, works with perpetrators to prevent domestic abuse.

Call to action

However, the new Labour government has not yet revealed its plans for further funding, with the current tranche for Steps To Change currently set to run out next spring.

Lisa, who recently joined the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips MP, at a Downing Street roundtable, said many services are reliant on the Government’s support.

Lisa directly helps fund a number of Surrey-based services, including the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, the Victim and Witness Care Unit, and the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership.

The Commissioner’s call for clarity comes as Surrey Police substantially increases its charging rate for offences specifically targeting women and girls.

“Dramatic” improvements

In the past 12 months, solved outcomes for serious sexual violence have almost doubled, and there has been a 59 per cent increase in charges for domestic abuse.

This time last year, Surrey Police was 32nd of the 43 police forces in England and Wales when it came to charges and summons for offences involving violence against women and girls. It is now seventh.

The Commissioner said: “Significant and dramatic improvements in the Force’s charge rate have been recorded in the past 12 months.

“Preventing violence against women and girls is a key priority for both myself and Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, and I am hugely proud of the considerable work that has gone into achieving these changes.

Funding cliff-edge

“Now, we need the Government to commit to funding the organisations that change perpetrator behaviour and support survivors of violence.

“While Surrey remains one of the safest counties in the UK, we know that nationally, violence against women and girls is an epidemic that policing alone cannot solve.

“Clarity and reassurance is urgently needed for those waiting with bated breath to find out whether they will face a funding cliff-edge next year.”

Office of the Commissioner and Surrey Police staff in a meeting at the PCCs office

“Time for change”: Commissioner hails new national programme aimed at driving up convictions for serious sexual offences

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has hailed the arrival of a new national programme aimed at driving up convictions for rape and other serious sexual offences.

Lisa Townsend spoke out after every police force in England and Wales signed up to Operation Soteria, a joint policing and prosecutions programme.

The Home Office-funded initiative aims to develop new operating models for the investigation and prosecution of rape in a bid to increase the number of cases reaching court by more than double.

Lisa recently hosted Edward Argar, the Minister for Victims and Sentencing, to discuss the implementation of Soteria.

Pictured l-r are DCC Nev Kemp, Lisa Townsend, Edward Argar, Head of Commissioning Lisa Herrington, and Chief Constable Tim De Meyer

During the MP’s visit to Guildford, he joined a tour of Surrey’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) to learn more about the work that is currently being done to support survivors.

One of the key priorities in Lisa’s Police and Crime Plan is to tackle violence against women and girls. Her office commissions a network of services focusing on crime prevention and victim support.

Police in Surrey are already dedicated to improving convictions for serious sexual offending, and specially-trained Sexual Offence Liaison Officers were introduced in 2020 to support victims.

As part of Soteria, officers dealing with traumatic cases will also receive more support.

‘We know something has to change’

Lisa said: “There are many wonderful initiatives that I’m proud to champion and support in this county.

“However, it indisputably remains that convictions for sexual violence in Surrey and the wider UK are shockingly low.

“While reports made about a serious sexual offence in the county have seen a sustained drop over the past 12 months, and Surrey’s solved outcome rate for these reports is currently higher than the national average, we know that something has to change.

“We’re absolutely committed to bringing more criminals to justice and supporting victims as they navigate the legal system.

Commissioner’s vow

“However, it’s also important to say that those who aren’t yet ready to disclose offences to the police can still access the services of both RASASC and the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, even if they decide to remain anonymous.

“We also know there is more work to be done to support those affected by this terrible crime. A key issue in this county is a lack of appropriate counselling services, and we are taking steps to address this.

“I would urge anyone suffering in silence to come forward, no matter the circumstances. You will find support and kindness from our officers here in Surrey, and from the organisations and charities established to help survivors.

“You are not alone.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and colleagues in sunny outside photo

Commissioner secures £2m in government funding for new Domestic Abuse Hub in Surrey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A major £2million project to tackle domestic abuse and stalking in Surrey has been given the green light following a successful bid for government funding by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.

The Home Office perpetrator funding was secured by Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s team as part of a national programme to provide support to those responsible for harmful behaviour with the aim of helping change the way they think and behave.

The funding, spread over the next two years, will be used to create a Domestic Abuse Hub which will be open to any adult in Surrey and give participants the skills to be able to make positive, long-lasting changes in their lives.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend, third from left, with commissioning team Louise Andrews, left, Lisa Herrington, second from left, and Lucy Thomas, right

It will be made up of a team of ‘intervention navigators’ who will be experts from a range of specialist services. They will provide support to adults and children affected by the individual’s harmful behaviour, helping them to feel safe, able to cope and heal from their experiences.  

There will also be specially tailored support for young people who may be using violence in their own young relationships or towards their parents or carers.

The Hub will work together with other agencies across the county to help those who have been abusers to address compulsive and obsessive behaviours and help protect all victims far earlier.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “This is really great news – my team have worked incredibly hard to secure this funding, which I believe will make a significant difference to the lives of many people in Surrey.

‘Great news’

“Reducing violence against women and girls is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and my commitment in Surrey is to work with our partners to create a county that is not only safe for all residents, but feels safe too.

“This initiative allows services to move away from a reactive approach – where an incident has already happened – to a more proactive system. This work will involve entire families and improve access to specialist services for those who may otherwise have no way of reaching out for help.

“It will also unite the organisations and charities already doing such fantastic work in this area so we can deliver a service that supports all who are in need.

“We know that working with those responsible for abusive and harmful behaviour can heighten the risk to those whose lives they have affected. This funding allows us to manage that risk far more effectively.”

Last year, Lisa announced a successful bid for a £1m Home Office grant to challenge violence and abuse. The grant has been used to fund teacher training and a public campaign to help children and young people.

Funding boost

She also recently secured £175,000 from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund to improve safety for women and girls using the Basingstoke Canal in Woking. The project claimed a prestigious Tilley Award at a ceremony in October.

Surrey Police‘s Domestic Abuse Lead, Detective Superintendent Amy Buffoni, said: “We are delighted the Police and Crime Commissioner has secured this funding, which will help us in providing effective interventions, focused on offending behaviour.

“The new hub will be staffed with skilled and experienced domestic abuse staff, navigating individuals into programmes which are specifically designed to enhance the safety of survivors.

“They will ensure we hold individuals accountable and responsible for their behaviour, while treating them with respect, and offering opportunities for lasting change.”

‘Vile crimes’

Safeguarding Minister Sarah Dines said: “Domestic abuse and stalking are vile crimes which cause victims to feel terror in their own homes and communities, where they should feel their safest.

“It is unacceptable and this government is determined to protect people from this horrific abuse.

“We know that intervention schemes like these are a crucial means of protecting victims, which is why we are investing millions in helping police identify abusive behaviour and stop it from escalating or happening again.”

  • Anyone in need of advice or support will be able to contact the Hub directly, and the service’s phone number will be shared across a number of services, including in Surrey schools. The Hub will also accept referrals from Surrey Checkpoint, a deferred prosecution scheme for lower-level offences that aims to reduce reoffending, as well as a range of other organisations, including local authorities and drug and alcohol abuse support services.
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

Warning over government alarm that could expose ‘lifeline’ phones hidden by abuse survivors

Posted on | by Alex Winter

COMMISSIONER Lisa Townsend is raising awareness of a Government alarm that could expose “lifeline” secret phones hidden by survivors of domestic violence.

The Emergency Alert System test, which will take place at 3pm this Sunday, April 23, will cause mobile devices to emit a siren-like sound for around ten seconds, even if the phone is set to silent.

Modelled on similar schemes used in the US, Canada, Japan and The Netherlands, emergency alerts will warn Brits of life-threatening situations like flooding or wildfires.

Services established to support abuse survivors both nationally and in Surrey have warned that perpetrators of violence could discover hidden phones when the alarm sounds.

There are also concerns that fraudsters will use the test to scam vulnerable people.

Lisa has sent a letter to the Government asking for victims of abuse to be issued with clear instructions on how to change the settings on their phone to prevent the alert from sounding.

The Cabinet Office has confirmed it is working with charities including Refuge to show those affected by violence how to disable the alarm.

Lisa said: “My office and Surrey Police stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Government’s aim of reducing violence against women and girls.

“I am encouraged by the progress to shine a light on perpetrators use of coercive and controlling behaviour, as well as the harm and isolation this causes and the ever-present danger adult and child victims are surviving day-to-day.

“This constant threat and fear of fatal abuse is why many victims may purposefully keep a secret phone as a vital lifeline.

“Other vulnerable groups may also be affected during this test. I am particularly concerned the fraudsters may use this event as an opportunity to target victims, as we saw during the pandemic.

“Fraud is now the most common crime in the UK, costing our economy billions of pounds each year, and its impact on those affected can be devastating, both psychologically and financially. As a result, I would also ask the Government to issue fraud prevention advice via its official channels.”

In a statement released this week, the Cabinet Office said: “We understand the concerns from women’s charities about victims of domestic abuse.

“That is why we have worked with groups like Refuge to get the message out about how to disable this alert on hidden mobile devices.”

How to disable the alert

While it is recommended that the alerts should be kept on if at all possible, those with a secret device can opt out via their phone’s settings.

On iOS devices, enter the ‘notifications’ tab and switch off ‘severe alerts’ and ‘extreme alerts’.

Those with an android device should search for ‘emergency alert’ before using the toggle to switch it off.

The emergency siren will not be received if a phone is in aeroplane mode. Older smartphones which cannot access either 4G or 5G will also not get the notification.

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

Forces must be unrelenting in rooting out the perpetrators within their ranks” – Commissioner responds to report on violence against women and girls in policing

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said police forces must be unrelenting in rooting out perpetrators of violence against women and girls (VAWG) within their ranks following a national report published today.

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) found more than 1,500 complaints were made against police officers and staff across the country relating to VAWG between October 2021 and March 2022.

During that six month period in Surrey, there were 11 conduct cases with allegations ranging from the use of inappropriate language to controlling behaviour, assault, and domestic abuse.  Of these, two remain ongoing but nine have concluded with seven resulting in sanctions – almost half of which barred those individuals from working in policing again.

Surrey Police also dealt with 13 complaints relating to VAWG during this period – the majority of which related to use of force on arrest or whilst in custody and general service.

The Commissioner said that while Surrey Police has made great strides in tackling the issue within its own workforce, she has also commissioned an independent project aimed at building on the anti-VAWG culture.

Lisa said: “I have been clear in my views that any police officer involved in violence towards women and girls is not fit to wear to wear the uniform and we must be unrelenting in rooting out perpetrators from the service.

“The vast majority of our officers and staff both here in Surrey and across the country are dedicated, committed and work around the clock to keep our communities safe.

“Sadly, as we have seen in recent times, they have been let down by the actions of a minority whose behaviour tarnishes their reputation and damages that public trust in policing which we know is so important.

““Policing is at a critical juncture where forces across the country are seeking to rebuild that trust and regain the confidence of our communities.

“Today’s NPCC report shows that police forces still have more to do to effectively tackle misogynistic and predatory behaviour in their ranks.

“Where there is clear evidence that anyone has been involved in this type of behaviour – I believe they must face the toughest possible sanctions including being sacked and barred from ever re-joining the service.

“In Surrey, the Force was one of the first in the UK to launch a VAWG strategy and have made great strides in tackling these issues and actively encouraging officers and staff to call out such behaviour.

“But this is too important to get wrong and I am committed to working with the Force and the new Chief Constable to ensure this remains a key priority going forward.

“Last summer, my office commissioned an independent project that will focus on improving working practices within Surrey Police through an extensive programme of work that is taking place over the next two years.

“This will involve a series of projects aimed at continuing to build on the anti-VAWG culture of the Force and working with officers and staff for long-term positive change.

“This is the first time a project of this kind has been carried out within Surrey Police and I see this as one of the most important pieces of work that will be undertaken during my tenure as Commissioner. “Tackling violence against women and girls is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan – in order to achieve this effectively we must ensure that as a police force we have a culture that not only we can be proud of, but our communities too.”