Category: Working with communities to feel safe

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with a female PCSO

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

Posted on | by Alex Winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Absolutely vital’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

broken window

Last chance to have your say in survey on anti-social behaviour in Surrey

Posted on | by James Smith

Time is running out to have your say on anti-social behaviour (ASB) as a county-wide survey launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend closes this weekend.

Getting tough on anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a key part of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, that includes making sure people are protected from harm and feel safe.

The survey by the county’s ASB and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group, that includes her office, aims to boost the service that residents receive.

In order to hear from more people, it has been extended to the end of this Sunday, 02 April.

It only takes a few minutes to fill in the survey and you can have your say here: https://smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GQZJN3/

Anti-social behaviour takes many forms, ranging from rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour to anti-social driving and criminal damage.

Responses to the survey will provide a fresh picture of the problems that communities in Surrey face and will be used to raise more awareness of how to report ASB and the support that is available to victims.

Persistent ASB can significantly increase the risk to an individual’s health and is often connected with the bigger picture of community safety. For example, repeat ASB might indicate that ‘hidden’ crimes including abuse or drug use are taking place, or that a vulnerable individual is being targeted or exploited.

Charity ASB Help supported the launch of the survey and will be working with the Commissioner’s office and Surrey Police to analyse the feedback and help amplify the voice of victims.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said ASB was a topic that is regularly raised by residents in Surrey, but that it could not be ‘solved’ by police alone:

“Anti-social behaviour is often described as a ‘low level’ crime but I don’t agree – it can have a lasting and devastating impact on people’s lives.

“I regularly hear from residents affected by ASB and they often feel there is no escape. It is happening where they are and may repeat weekly or even daily.

“Making sure our communities feel safe is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan for Surrey and I’m proud that we have a strong partnership tackling ASB in Surrey. By working together, we can see the bigger picture to reduce ASB in the longer term. But we can only do that by making sure we listen to victims and actively identify how to strengthen the support for those affected.

“There is more to do. Your views are really important for us to improve the response we provide, including raising more awareness of the ways you can report different problems and access help.”

The online survey will close at midnight on Sunday 02 April.

Anyone affected by ASB in Surrey can find out which agency to contact for different problems at https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb/who-deals-with-it

Parking issues and people gathering socially are not forms of ASB. ASB that should be reported to the police includes criminal damage, drug use and antisocial drinking, begging or antisocial use of vehicles.

Support is available if you are affected by persistent ASB in Surrey. Visit the Mediation Surrey website for more information about mediation and coaching to resolve community, neighbourhood or family disputes.

Visit our Community Trigger page to find out what to do if you have reported the same problem on multiple occasions in a six month period, but have not received a response that resolves the issue.

group photo of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, police officer and local councillors

Commissioner joins community meetings around Surrey to discuss the issues that matter most to residents

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has been visiting communities around the county to discuss the policing issues that matter most to residents.

Lisa Townsend regularly speaks at meetings in Surrey’s towns and villages, and in the past fortnight has addressed packed halls in Thorpe, alongside Runneymede’s Borough Commander James Wyatt, Horley, where she was joined by Borough Commander Alex Maguire, and Lower Sunbury, which was also attended by Sergeant Matthew Rogers.

This week, she will speak at the Merstham Community Hub in Redhill on Wednesday, March 1 between 6pm and 7pm.

Her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, will address Long Ditton residents at the Surbiton Hockey Club between 7pm and 8pm on the same day.

On March 7, both Lisa and Ellie will speak to residents in Cobham, and a further meeting is set to take place in Pooley Green, Egham on March 15.

All of Lisa and Ellie’s community events are now available to view by visiting surrey-pcc.gov.uk/about-your-commissioner/residents-meetings/

Lisa said: “Speaking with Surrey residents about the issues that most concern them is one of the most important roles to be tasked to me when I was elected as Commissioner.

“A key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, which sets out the issues that matter most for residents, is to work with communities so they feel safe.

“Since the beginning of the year, Ellie and I have been able to answer questions about anti-social behaviour in Farnham, speeding drivers in Haslemere and business crime in Sunbury, to name just a few.

“During each meeting, I’m joined by officers from the local policing team, who are able to provide answers and reassurance on operational issues.

“These events are hugely important, both for me and for residents.

“I would encourage anyone with comments or concerns to either attend one of the meetings, or to organise one of their own.

“I will always be glad to attend and speak to all residents directly about the issues that have an impact on their lives.”

For more information, or to sign up to Lisa’s monthly newsletter, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend sat at a desk with local police officer in a town hall

Commissioner and Deputy join residents at two meetings amid concerns over anti-social behaviour and speeding

Posted on | by Alex Winter

The Police and Crime Commissioner and her Deputy have been speaking to residents in south west Surrey this week about their concerns over anti-social behaviour and speeding.

Lisa Townsend visited Farnham for a meeting on Tuesday night, while Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson spoke with Haslemere residents on Wednesday evening.

During the first event, attendees spoke with Lisa and Sergeant Michael Knight about damage to 14 businesses and homes in the early hours of September 25 2022.

Those who attended the second event told of their worries about speeding drivers and shed break-ins.

The meetings were held just over a fortnight after Lisa was invited to a round table discussion on anti-social behaviour at No10. She was one of a number of experts who visited Downing Street last month after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has identified the issue as a key priority for his Government.

Lisa said: “Anti-social behaviour blights communities around the country and can cause misery to victims.

“It’s important that we look at the harm caused by such offences, because every victim is different.

“My advice to anyone affected by anti-social behaviour is to report it to the police using 101 or our online tools. It may be that officers aren’t always able to attend, but every report enables local officers to build an intelligence-based picture of trouble spots and change their patrol tactics accordingly.

“As always, in the event of an emergency, call 999.

“Much is already done in Surrey to support victims of this offence. My office commissions both Mediation Surrey’s Anti-Social Behaviour Support Service and the Cuckooing Service, the latter of which specifically helps those who have their homes taken over by criminals.

“In addition, residents who have reported anti-social behaviour three times or more in a six-month period, and feel that little action has been taken, can activate a community trigger. The trigger draws in a number of agencies, including my office, to work together to find a more permanent solution to the problem.

“I strongly believe that tackling this issue isn’t solely a police responsibility.

“The NHS, mental health services, youth workers and local authorities all have a part to play, particularly where incidents don’t cross the line into criminality.

“I don’t underestimate how difficult this is for those affected. Everyone has a right to feel safe, whether they’re out and about or at their home.

“I want all relevant organisations to work together in order to deal with the root causes of anti-social behaviour, as I believe it’s the only way to truly tackle the problem.”

‘Blights communities’

Ellie told residents in Haslemere that she will write to Surrey County Council regarding the concerns of residents to understand any measures they are currently looking to implement.

She said: “I understand residents’ fears over dangerous driving on their roads, and the safety concerns around speeding, both within Haslemere itself and on A roads on the outskirts, such as that to Godalming.

“Making Surrey’s roads safer is a key priority in our Police and Crime Plan, and our office will do all we can, working with Surrey Police, to help make residents safer and ensure they feel safer too.”

For more information on the community trigger programme, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/funding/community-trigger

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Michael Gove MP

Commissioner warns of the impact of anti-social behaviour at No10 meeting

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has warned that tackling anti-social behaviour isn’t solely a police responsibility as she joined a round table discussion at No10 this morning.

Lisa Townsend said the issue can have a “very high impact” on victims and blights communities around the country.

However, councils, mental health services and the NHS have just as important a role to play in ending the scourge of anti-social behaviour as police do, she said.

Lisa was one of a number of experts invited to Downing Street today for the first in a series of meetings on the problem. It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak identified anti-social behaviour as a key priority for his Government in a speech earlier this month.

Lisa joined MP Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Will Tanner, Mr Sunak’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert, and Victims’ Commissioner CEO Katie Kempen, among others from charities, police forces and the National Police Chiefs Council.

The panel discussed existing solutions, including visible policing and fixed penalty notices, as well as longer-term programmes such as the re-invigoration of Britain’s high streets. They will meet again in the future to continue their work.

Surrey Police supports victims through the Anti-Social Behaviour Support Service and the Cuckooing Service, the latter of which specifically helps those who have their homes taken over by criminals. Both services are commissioned by Lisa’s office.

Lisa said: “It is quite right that we push anti-social behaviour away from our public spaces, although my concern is that by dispersing it, we send it to residents’ front doors, giving them no safe refuge.

“I believe that in order to end anti-social behaviour, we have to tackle the underlying issues, such as trouble at home or a lack of investment in mental health treatment. This can and should be done by local authorities, schools and social workers, among others, rather than the police.

“I do not underestimate the impact this particular type of offending can have.

“While anti-social behaviour may appear to be a minor crime at first glance, the reality is very different, and it can have a very high impact on victims.

‘Very high impact’

“It makes the streets feel less safe for everyone, particularly women and girls. These issues are key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.

“That’s why we have to take this seriously and deal with the root causes.

“In addition, because every victim is different, it’s important to look at the harm caused by such offences, rather than the offence itself or the number committed.

“I’m pleased to say that in Surrey, we work closely with partners including local authorities to reduce the number of times victims are pushed between different organisations.

“The Community Harm Partnership is also running a series of webinars to increase awareness of anti-social behaviour and improve its response.

“But Forces around the country can and must do more, and I’d like to see joined-up thinking between different agencies to get to the bottom of this offence.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson with staff and members of the Surrey Police Problem Solving Team

Community project to improve safety for women and girls in Woking scoops national award

Posted on | by James Smith | Leave a Comment on Community project to improve safety for women and girls in Woking scoops national award

A community project backed by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner to improve safety for women and girls in Woking has won a prestigious national award.

The initiative, which was centred around a stretch of the Basingstoke Canal in the town, claimed the overall Tilley Award at a ceremony on Tuesday night as part of the National Problem-Solving Conference.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s office secured £175,000 from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund to improve security measures along the 13-mile canal path following a number of reports of indecent exposure in the area since 2019.

The grant was spent on a series of significant changes in the area. Overgrown trees and bushes were cleared, while new CCTV cameras covering the towpath were installed.

Graffiti was removed after some respondents to Surrey Police’s Call It Out Survey 2021 said they felt unsafe because certain spots looked run-down.

Officers from Woking’s Neighbourhood Policing Team and volunteers from the local Canal Watch group, which was set up thanks to funding from the Commissioner’s office, were also given electric bikes to patrol the path more effectively.

In addition, the Force teamed up with Woking Football Club to promote Do The Right Thing, a campaign which challenges bystanders to call out misogynistic and harmful behaviour against women and girls.

The project was one of five across the country to secure a Tilley Award in September, claiming victory in the ‘Business Support and Volunteers’ category.

The other category winners included a second Surrey scheme funded by the Commissioner’s office to tackle catalytic converter thefts in the county. Operation Blink, which was supported by a £13,500 grant from the office’s Community Safety Fund, resulted in 13 arrests being made and reports of catalytic converter thefts dropping by 71 per cent across Surrey.

The winners of all five categories presented their projects to a panel of judges this week and the Woking project was chosen as the overall winner. It will now be put forward for an international award.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I’m absolutely delighted that all the hard work put in by both our amazing local policing team and everyone involved in this project has been recognised with this fantastic award.

“It makes me incredibly proud to see the funding my office was able to secure make a real difference to the local community and ensure it is a much safer place, particularly for women and girls.

“I first visited the area and met the local team during my first week as Commissioner, and I know the huge effort that has gone in to tackling these issues along the canal so I’m thrilled to see that paying dividends.

“One of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan is to work with Surrey communities so they feel safe. I am absolutely dedicated not only to hearing residents’ concerns, but acting on them.”

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who attended the ceremony on Tuesday night, said: “It was fantastic to see the team take home the award for such a vital project.

“Schemes like this can make a huge difference to how safe people in our communities feel here in Surrey. It’s a huge achievement for the Force, and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of all of those involved.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing Alison Barlow said: “Winning this year’s overall Tilley Award for our project to make the Basingstoke Canal in Woking a safer place for all who use it – especially for women and girls – is a huge achievement.

“This is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and shows the true power of local policing teams working in partnership with the community. We are also grateful for the support of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in this winning project.

“We are proud to be a problem solving force with a determination to continue to build on what we have already achieved to make sure our communities are safe and feel safer. We are firm in the commitments we made to the Surrey public to spot problems early, act promptly, and avoid quick fixes that don’t last.”

To learn more about the Safer Streets project in Woking, read Safer Streets funding to improve safety for women and girls in Woking.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend signing up to anti-social behaviour principles

Commissioner signs up to principles to mark ASB Awareness Week

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has marked Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week by signing a commitment to continue working closely with partners to tackle issues in Surrey’s communities.

The Commissioner joined senior colleagues from Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue, Surrey Crimestoppers and Surrey County Council in agreeing to the National Anti-Social Behaviour Principles at an event this week.

The principles set out how partners commit to working together to tackle the causes of ASB, encourage victims to come forward and be taken seriously and to take appropriate action to solve problems in our local communities.

The Commissioner has also been out and about talking to councillors and residents in Woodhatch and Caterham to discuss ASB issues in those areas.

The PCC’s office has a key role to play in the Community Trigger process in the county which is powerful tool to help with persistent ASB problems.

It also funds a number of projects including a mediation service which includes a victim coaching service and a number of activities for young people in the county to divert them from criminality.

The Joint Enforcement Teams, or JETs, that were set up in a various parts of the county thanks to PCC funding also have an important role to play in tackling ASB across Surrey.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “”There is already a really strong partnership approach in the county so I was delighted to sign up to the Principles this week to cement that commitment to working together to tackle ASB.

“This type of criminality is often regarding by some as low level but we know that in truth it can destroy someone’s quality of life and escalate into something far more serious.

“I know from speaking to residents across the county how highly they value the role our local policing teams play in tackling ASB issues in our communities.

“So, I was really pleased to see Surrey Police maintain its ‘outstanding’ rating in preventing anti-social behaviour following our recent inspection by HMICFRS – an area that features prominently in my Police and Crime Plan for the county.

“This grading was primarily down to the problem-solving approach the Force has worked hard to adopt in recent years in tackling the causes of ASB. This is continuing to pay dividends and is really good news for residents.

“So this week, I am supporting ASB Awareness Week and making sure this remains one of my key priorities during my term of office as Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

PCC Lisa Townsend issues statement following death of Sir David Amess MP

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has issued the following statement in response to the death of Sir David Amess MP on Friday:

“Like everyone I was appalled and horrified by the senseless murder of Sir David Amess MP and I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues and all those affected by the awful events of Friday afternoon.

“Our MPs and elected representatives have a crucial role to play in listening to and serving their constituents in our local communities and should be able to carry out that duty without fear of intimidation or violence. Politics by its very nature can illicit strong emotions but there can be absolutely no justification for the sickening assault that took place in Essex.

“I am sure the terrible events of Friday afternoon will have been felt across all of our communities and understandably concerns have been raised about the security of MPs across the country.

“Surrey Police have been in contact with all of the county’s MPs and have been co-ordinating with our partners both nationally and locally to ensure appropriate security advice is given to our elected representatives.

“Communities defeat terror and whatever our political beliefs, we must all stand together in the face of such an attack on our democracy.”

Every woman and girl has the right to feel safe

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey David Munro condemned the violence that led to the tragic death of Sarah Everard in London, saying it is important to continue to listen to the voices of women who feel unsafe.

He expressed his concern for all women who have experienced violence or unwanted attention in the past, saying meaningful action was needed to address all forms of male violence against women.

Welcoming news that Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary will work with police forces to identify how to better protect women and girls, he said he was supporting Surrey Police to tackle all forms of this violence that includes stalking and domestic abuse.

A call to review the response to violence against women and girls will also be held between Police Chiefs across the country today.

The PCC said: “Sarah’s death has resonated with everyone in our community, including women and girls that have been a victim of crime and others who have expressed their feelings of anger and fear. I’ve spoken with the Chief Constable and can say that Surrey Police is committed to ensure that every woman and girl can feel safe in our communities. This includes listening closely to the concerns of residents.

“I want to reassure every woman or girl who has experienced unwanted attention or violence, or are fearful for their safety, that Surrey Police is there for you. Please report it and it will be taken with the utmost seriousness.”

A statement from Surrey Police said that women should not have to live in fear or change their behaviour to keep themselves safe, but that gatherings remained unlawful.

The PCC is continuing to work with partners including Surrey Police to prevent violence against women and girls that includes all forms of sexual violence, abuse, harassment or stalking. Support from the PCC’s Office includes for training sexual violence specialists and for victim support organisations to continue services during the pandemic.

Funding from the PCC has also paid for more Independent Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Advisors in Surrey. He said the services provided by these specialists were highly valued to support women who may be living in fear of violence in Surrey.

The Office of the PCC has placed more funding towards these areas in the last 12 months than ever before, including supporting a new service to help those affected by stalking in Surrey.