Working with communities to feel safe Archives - Page 3 of 7 - Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Two officers in high-vis jackets and hats stand in Epsom outside a parade of shops. Both are looking at Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, a woman with short blonde hair who wears pink trousers and a black and white polka dot blouse. All of the people in the image are smiling and a conversation is taking place.

Impacted by anti-social behaviour? Here’s why it matters (and where to get support)

Posted on 1st July 2025 | by Alex Winter

ARE you impacted by anti-social behaviour in your community?

This national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, is sharing information on how to get support.

Anti-social behaviour is one of the issues most frequently raised with the Commissioner by Surrey’s residents through consultations, surgeries and the Policing Your Community events.

As a result, one of the key priorities in Lisa’s refreshed Police and Crime Plan, which launched this year, is strengthening safe and resilient communities.

Over the coming years, she has committed to working with Surrey Police and partners to find effective, lasting solutions that create conditions for communities to thrive, and that allow residents to feel listened to and supported.

Reports of anti-social behaviour taking place during the summer have almost halved since 2018, when 6,770 reports were made. In 2024, 3,789 reports of anti-social behaviour were made to police.

Help is available

The issue remains a priority for Surrey Police. In the past few months, Lisa has joined officers on patrol in Guildford, where funding secured by her office has led to a significant reduction in youth-related anti-social behaviour on Sundays.

In Redhill, similar funding secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has led to a drop in a range of offences impacting the community, including retail crime.

Partnership work in the town has seen additional solar lighting set up at Memorial Park, while a shelter that had become a site for anti-social behaviour was removed, and new benches installed instead.

Meanwhile, Lisa has launched the Community Safety and Prevention Board, which is designed to bring partners from across the county together to close loopholes in the support offered to Surrey’s residents.

In addition, a range of measures are available for those impacted by anti-social behaviour.

Commissioner’s funding

The Commissioner’s office funds Mediation Surrey, which aims to resolve neighbourhood issues through discussion.

Those who feel failed after repeatedly reporting anti-social behaviour can turn to the ASB Case Review, which draws together key partners to review their actions.

More news on how Surrey Police is tackling anti-social behaviour will be announced this week.

The Commissioner said: “Surrey is already one of the safest places to live in the country.

“But we know anti-social behaviour can have an outsize impact that can seriously affect residents’ lives.

“Protected, supported, heard”

“Issues like anti-social behaviour require a targeted response from a range of agencies. Policing alone cannot solve the harms caused or prevent it from happening in the first place.

“That’s why we’re dedicated to working with partners to create safe communities where residents are protected, supported, and heard.”

To learn more about how to access support or report an issue, visit healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour covers a huge range of behaviours, including:	There are also some things that, while annoying, do not count as anti-social behaviour, which might include:
Antisocial driving/speeding	DIY or off-road car repairs (unless late at night or early in the morning)
Nuisance noise	Everyday living noises such as loud conversations, doors opening and closing, and lawnmowers in use
Drug use or drug dealing	One-off occasional events such as birthday parties, barbecues, or other celebrations
Dog fouling	Lawful use of fireworks
Fly-tipping	Property boundary disputes
Graffiti	Lifestyle differences, such as cooking odours or putting rubbish out on the wrong day
Littering	Children playing in or around their own home, in the street, or in the park, and not causing damage, being abusive, or being excessively noisy

A group of people stand in front of a Surrey Police banner. They are made up of a mix of officers and staff, as well as volunteers. All are looking into the camera and smiling.

“If you are a victim of fraud, you are a victim of crime”: Meet the volunteers working to protect Surrey residents

Posted on 12th June 2025 | by Alex Winter

IT’S the crime we are all most likely to experience.

And in Surrey, volunteers based in police stations around the county are dedicated to stopping criminals from exploiting more victims.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has joined celebrations for the Volunteer Fraud Prevention Programme, which aims to reach every fraud victim in the county.

Volunteers for the programme work alongside Surrey Police officers and staff to offer education and support to those impacted.

They also give talks in the community, working with organisations including Age Concern, the WI and the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People to share advice.

Celebrations for volunteers

During a single engagement event outside a Co-op branch, volunteers spoke with more than 100 residents.

Fraud is the most frequently reported crime across England and Wales, making up more than 40 per cent of all offending.

Once a victim has been defrauded for the first time, they are likely to be repeatedly targeted by criminals.

Surrey’s most vulnerable victims are identified and supported by the Force as part of Operation Signature, which aims to ensure they receive a uniformed safeguarding visit, risk assessment and fast-tracked safeguarding initiatives.

Those who are not considered vulnerable will be contacted by the fraud volunteers.

Changing perceptions

Simon Morris, who volunteers in Reigate and Banstead, said some of those targeted by fraudsters feel shame that they have become a victim.

But he added: “If you are a victim of fraud, you are a victim of crime.

“We can change that perception by recognising the true impact fraud has on people’s lives.”

Graham Hutchings, who also serves in Reigate and Banstead, said: “Fraud really can destroy people’s lives, and becoming a victim eats away at their confidence.

“We want to restore that confidence again.”

Vulnerable victims

Through working with the community, both Graham and Simon help raise understanding of how fraudsters operate, meaning fewer people become a victim.

In Surrey, courier fraud makes up almost 23 per cent of all Op Signature cases – those directly committed against vulnerable victims. The crime occurs when victims are contacted by telephone or email by a person purporting to be someone from a bank or the police.

Doorstep fraud – which involves criminals knocking at a person’s door to pressure sell or similar – makes up 16.1 per cent of Op Signature offences, while telephone fraud is the third most highly-reported in this category

Every victim of romance fraud is considered vulnerable and is categorised as an Op Signature case. Across both Surrey and Sussex, victims lost £7million to this type of criminality last year alone.

“Tireless efforts”

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Those who serve with the Volunteer Fraud Prevention Programme make a significant difference to the lives of Surrey residents.

“I’d like to thank them for their tireless efforts to stop more people becoming victims.

“These fantastic volunteers come from a range of backgrounds to protect others in their communities, and their work ensures that Surrey Police can reach every single person who reports a fraud in the county.

“For those who believe they are a victim of any type of fraud, I’d urge you to come forward and speak to Action Fraud or the police.

“You will not be judged or shamed – you are a victim of organised, sophisticated criminality, and we will support you.”

Applications to serve with the programme will reopen shortly.

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, stands between two uniformed officers at a race course. Behind them is a stand overlooking the course. The Commissioner has blonde hair. She is looking at one of the officers and laughing. She wears pink trousers and a blouse with polka dots on it. To the left of the image is a female officer in uniform, and to the right is a male officer in uniform. Both are looking at the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Commissioner goes behind the scenes at this year’s Epsom Derby as four arrests are made

Posted on 10th June 2025 | by Alex Winter

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has gone behind the scenes at Surrey’s biggest pre-planned policing operation.

The Epsom Derby, which took place over the weekend, is one of the most significant sporting events in the county.

Officers, staff, and volunteers from Surrey Police and Sussex Police, including specialist resources such as planning, intelligence, drones, and public order, worked closely with The Jockey Club to ensure this year’s event was carried out safely.

A total of four arrests were made over two days in the area in and around the racecourse.

Lisa joined officers for Ladies’ Day, attending a morning briefing and travelling into Epsom town centre during the afternoon to talk to residents.

Extra powers

Police were handed extra powers during the weekend to tackle incidents of anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder. Officers were given a Section 35 Dispersal Order which covers all of Epsom, Walton Downs, and Langley Vale.

The order gives officers and PCSOs the power to remove individuals from a specified area where their behaviour is contributing, or likely to contribute, to anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder.

Lisa said: “The Derby is a real team effort, with officers and staff from across the Force supporting the operation in a number of roles, including neighbourhood policing, roads policing, public order, intelligence and drone operations.

“Their role to ensure the safe running of the Derby varies widely, from assisting with traffic management to investigating crime and providing a reassuring presence around the racecourse.

“Of course, the policing operation isn’t just confined to the festival itself, and across the weekend, teams minimised the impact on our local communities in the surrounding area with proactive patrols.

Commissioner’s thanks

“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure people at the festival and beyond have a safe, fun weekend, and I’d like to say a big thank you to all of those who worked tirelessly as part of this event.”

Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett said: “We have been policing the Derby at Epsom Downs for 26 years, but no two years are ever the same.

“Our officers, staff, and volunteers all worked incredibly hard this weekend to support the safe running of this event, which is the largest pre-planned policing operation in Surrey each year.

“Working closely with the event organisers and our local partner agencies, those who attended were able to enjoy the event safely.

“We appreciate this event can be disruptive for Epsom residents and those travelling through the area, and I’d like to thank the local community for their understanding and patience this weekend.

Four arrests

“Alongside supporting the safe running of the event itself, we also provided an increased policing presence in and around Epsom town centre throughout the weekend, and our teams worked tirelessly to prevent and respond to reports of crime and anti-social behaviour related to the Derby.”

On Friday, June 6, a 45-year-old man from North Cheam was arrested and cautioned for being drunk and disorderly. A 20-year-old man from Worcester Park was arrested on suspicion of assault. He has been released with no further action and dispersed from the area under a Section 35 Dispersal Order.

On Saturday, June 7, a 63-year-old man was arrested and given a community resolution for being drunk and disorderly. A 24-year-old man from Redhill was arrested on suspicion of assault and sexual assault by touching. He has been bailed while enquiries continue.

“More than ever, we need to come together to prevent harm in our communities” – Commissioner sets up new board to improve safety and prevent crime

Posted on 9th May 2025 | by Nathan Rees

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has set up a new board designed to improve community safety and prevent crime across Surrey.

Lisa said she hoped the launch of the Community Safety and Prevention Board would mark a watershed moment in how partner agencies work together in the county.

Lisa chaired the first meeting of the board last week at Surrey Police’s Mount Browne HQ which set out its aims to reduce crime, disorder, serious violence and anti-social behaviour and prevent harm in communities.

The Commissioner was joined at the meeting by Surrey’s Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and key representatives of partner agencies across the county including Surrey Fire and Rescue, the Crown Prosecution Service and Surrey County Council.

The new board has been established to create a dedicated space for partner agencies to focus on community safety issues which were previously considered as part of the county’s Health and Wellbeing Board. It will focus on six priority areas going forward:

Violence against women and girls and domestic abuse
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and community harm
Serious Violence
The Prevent Strategy
Serious organised crime
Hate crime and community cohesion

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Surrey is already one of the safest places to live in the country but there is always more we can all do to prevent crime and protect our residents.

“That is why I am delighted to have chaired the first meeting of this new board which I hope will be a watershed moment in how we approach community safety in our county.

“There has been some amazing work already happening in Surrey but at a countywide level we need now, more than ever, to collectively come together to prevent harm in our communities.

“Issues such as ASB, violence, fraud, substance misuse, gang involvement and online threats are real risks for society across the UK and we are no different here in Surrey.

“Policing cannot solve this alone. That is why it is so important to get all of our key partners around the table, working together to create safe communities in Surrey where residents are protected and supported.”

Two people stand together with their hands clasped looking at the camera. To the left of the image is Lisa Townsend, wearing a yellow jumper and black trousers. To the right is PCSO John Savage, who wears full uniform and a hat. They are standing in Farncombe centre, and a sign above their heads reads 'Farncombe'.

“Shoplifters are warned – the person standing next to you in the aisle could be a plain-clothed officer”

Posted on 16th April 2025 | by Alex Winter

Plain-clothed officers are patrolling businesses across Guildford and Waverley as part of a new crackdown on retail crime in Surrey.

The Behavioural Detection Officers, who are trained to spot suspicious behaviour, joined uniformed colleagues for a week-long operation targeting shop theft across both boroughs.

Retail staff were also visited by officers and PCSOs during the initiative, which aims to drive down offences, provide advice to retail workers and reassure the business community.

Over the course of the week, eight people were arrested for theft offences, and four charged and remanded to court.

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, joined patrols in Guildford and Farncombe this month.

The Commissioner has vowed a return to “back-to-basics policing” in her Police and Crime Plan, a blueprint for the Force’s priorities over the next three years.

The Plan launched as the Force celebrates some significant recent successes.

This month, six thieves who travelled across the south of England stealing more than £130,0000-worth of goods from supermarkets were sentenced after Surrey PC Ben Marshall unravelled two years of offending.

Meanwhile, a targeted partnership initiative in Redhill has resulted in 155 arrests, including for retail theft, while a prolific shoplifter was held in the north of the county in January.

In the past 12 months, shoplifting charges have increased four-fold, with 876 more offences charged across the county.

Force’s success

Lisa said: “The progress we have seen over the course of the year has been really impressive, and Surrey Police is now one of the fastest-improving forces in the country.

“But I have heard, loud and clear, that more must be done to tackle retail crime.

“During patrols in Farncombe and Guildford this month, I spoke with retailers, officers, PCSOs and residents about the scale of the problem.

“I am in no doubt that retail crime has a significant impact to its victims, who are caused financial, emotional, and sometimes physical harm.

“Shoplifters are warned”

“This type of offending also harms wider communities, resulting in people feeling less safe.

“The campaign I have joined uses plain-clothed officers who blend in with the public to spot suspicious behaviour and halt offenders in their tracks.

“Shoplifters are warned – the person browsing the aisle beside them could be a Surrey Police officer.

“Our teams are committed to tackling retail crime and subjecting offenders to the full force of the law.”

Survey closes

A survey on the impact of retail crime has now closed.

More than 200 members of the business community had their say as part of the poll, which was launched by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Surrey Police in March.

A report on retail crime and the Force’s response will be published by the OPCC in the coming months.

Planning application submitted for Surrey Police’s Eastern Divisional Headquarters in Leatherhead

Posted on 14th April 2025 | by Surrey PCC

Surrey Police has submitted its planning application for the development of its Eastern Divisional Headquarters in Leatherhead.

Following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the construction of Reigate Police Station in September 2023, the Eastern Divisional HQ has been temporarily based at the former Surrey Fire & Rescue Services (SFRS) headquarters at Wray Park in Reigate.

Working closely with commercial surveyors Vail Williams, a number of options across the east of the county were reviewed, and a recommendation was approved last year at the Estates Strategy Board to base the Eastern Divisional HQ on a site on Cleeve Road in Leatherhead.

This site (the former Electrical Research Association (ERA) and Cobham Industries site) was purchased by Surrey Police in 2018 with a view to developing a new, purpose-built Force headquarters.

Plans submitted

However, following a review of the programme in November 2021, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Surrey Police Chief Officer team took the decision to retain Mount Browne, in Guildford, as the Force Headquarters, and redevelop the existing site.

The site at Leatherhead will provide the opportunity to build a bespoke, permanent divisional headquarters that will be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and ensure our officers and staff have the facilities they need to investigate crime and keep communities safe.

Late last year, the Force held a public consultation event with local residents, businesses, councillors, and community group representatives to share initial plans and gather feedback from those in the local area.

The Force is also working closely with key stakeholders in the community including, including Mole Valley District Council, to ensure that we can deliver the best possible service to our communities, both now and in the future.

“Exciting development”

In addition to the planning application for part of the site to become the Force’s Eastern Divisional HQ, an application has also been submitted to develop an area of the site into affordable housing.

Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp said: “Submitting this planning application is a key step in our journey to building a permanent location for us to deliver our policing operations for our communities in East Surrey.

“Our focus throughout these early stages has been on finding a site that will enable our staff and officers to be there for us when our communities need us most, to prevent and investigate crime, and to keep people safe.

“Having an Eastern Divisional HQ that is fit for purpose, serving both the public and our teams, is vital. Progressing with this application will enable us to create an environment where we can all achieve this.

“This is an exciting development that will further support Surrey Police continuing performance improvements.”

Image of the plans for Surrey Police’s headquarters at Mount Browne in Guildford

A police officer converses with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey on a city street, both appearing engaged in discussion.

Time is running out to have your say in new survey on the impact of retail crime in Surrey

Posted on 7th April 2025 | by Alex Winter

Time is running out for members of the business community to have their say on the impact of retail crime.

Just a week remains to fill in a new survey, launched by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with Surrey Police.

Respondents are being asked about their experiences of this type of offending, as well as any economic, emotional or physical harm suffered.

Retail crime has a significant impact in Surrey, and both Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Chief Constable Tim De Meyer are determined to deal with offenders robustly and listen closely to concerns.

Last week, six thieves who travelled across the south of England stealing more than £130,0000-worth of goods were sentenced after Surrey PC Ben Marshall unravelled two years of offending.

Meanwhile, a targeted partnership initiative in Redhill over the past year has resulted in 155 arrests, including for retail theft, while a prolific shoplifter was held in the north of the county in January.

While every effort has been made to share the survey with as many people as possible, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has urged recipients to share the link within their networks to allow us to hear from anyone who would like to respond.

“Far from a ‘victimless crime'”

The Commissioner said: “This type of criminality is far from a ‘victimless crime’, and we are determined to tackle it head-on.

“Entire communities can be affected by retail crime. It can make those who live and work in Surrey feel less safe on the streets.

“While arrests, convictions and out-of-court interventions for retail crime are improving in the county, we know there is more work to do, and I urge Surrey’s business community to share their thoughts in our survey.”

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

Posted on 10th March 2025 | 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.

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, stands in a high street. Behind her are shops and people walking. She wears a blue coat with its collar upturned. Her blonde hair is loose and she is smiling.

Surrey’s business community asked to have their say in retail crime survey

Posted on 5th March 2025 | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, and Surrey Police’s Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, are today asking members of the business community to have their say on the impact of retail crime.

It is recognised that retail crime has a significant impact in Surrey, and both the Commissioner and the Chief Constable are determined to deal with offenders robustly and listen closely to concerns.

Open letter to Surrey’s business community

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “Retail crime is far from a ‘victimless crime’. It leads to fear and loss across a whole network from business owners to employees and customers – who are all part of a community we are here to protect.

“We are committed to tackling retail crime head on, relentlessly pursuing those who steal from shops. To do so, we rely on thefts being reported so that we can identify hotspots and trends, act swiftly, and prevent crime from happening and catch the offenders where it does occur.

“Pursuing all appropriate avenues to identify offenders, collect evidence, recover stolen property, ensure witnesses are located and interviewed, and get these crimes to court, is a priority for our officers.

“Work continues to deal robustly with offenders of retail crime. We have made great strides in this area, but there is more to do. With your help, I am sure that we can improve even more.”

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “Retail crime can impact entire communities.

“As well as the economic, emotional and sometimes physical harm caused, this criminality can make those who live and work in Surrey feel less safe.

“Reports of retail crime are rising, not only in Surrey, but around the country. However, we are pleased to say that arrests, convictions and out-of-court interventions for retail crime are improving.

“There is more work to do and I urge Surrey’s business community to share their thoughts in our survey.”

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 28th February 2025 | 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.”