Category: Working with communities to feel safe

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson speaking at event

“The impact can be truly devastating”: Deputy Commissioner hails community heroes at anti-social behaviour awards ceremony

Posted on | by Alex Winter

At the start of September, we recognised and celebrated colleagues, partners and individuals who have worked hard to help tackle, reduce and resolve anti-social behaviour in Surrey across the last two years.

The evening highlighted best practice partnership working, excellent problem-solving skills and dedicated community engagement and reassurance work. 

Members from partner organisations such as Woking Borough Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team were recognised for their commitment to joint working with officers to investigate and solve numerous ASB incidents.

The reported incidents were coming from a property which was set up during lockdown to house 25 extremely vulnerable people.

Tackling ASB Awards evening.jpg

With a drive to protect the victims, a partial closure order was obtained for three months, which was then extended by another three months, and since the extension was granted, residents have stated that “this is now a nice place to live”.

PC Amy Norman was commended for her fantastic work in Spelthorne. Despite only joining the Neighbourhood Team a year ago, Amy has had a huge positive impact on the community.

After a spate of reports of petty theft and general nuisance to members of the public, it was identified that this was solely being committed by one individual.

Over several months Amy built a positive rapport with the young person and undertook safeguarding checks including regular welfare visits.

As a result of this, a social worker was assigned to the young individual and family, regular meetings with the local school have been put in place and the young person has reduced offending by 80 per cent.

Woking Council ASB team.jpg

Residents in Guildford had been suffering serious ASB issues for several years caused by one residential household.

Police Constables Isobel Parkinson and Madeline Neil began to tackle the problems and rebuild community trust and confidence.

Through their work, 15 anonymous impact statements were taken detailing personal suffering and torment by this resident. 

This resulted in the tenant being taken to court where a Closure Order was put in place and the tenant was evicted from the property.

PC Isobel Parkinson and PC Madeline Neil, along with the brave residents, were celebrated for their commitment to solving a longstanding issue and tackle ASB within their community.

PC Amy Norman.jpg

Jo Grimshaw, head of Anti-Social Behaviour for Surrey Police, said: “It was a fantastic evening and a great opportunity to celebrate and thank those who have worked tirelessly over the last two years to resolve and reduce ASB in their communities. 

“Anti-social behaviour cannot be solved by one agency alone and requires a real partnership approach. The partners that we work with are outstanding and help us to protect victims and ensure the right support is in place.

“Encouraging victims to stand up to and report ASB is paramount, and we are striving to create more resilient and confident communities. 

“I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to all those who attended the event and for their incredible work to combat ASB in Surrey.”

The event was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and Surrey Crimestoppers. 

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who opened the event, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the amazing work that’s being carried out by Surrey Police, partners and members of the public across the county to tackle anti-social behaviour in our communities. 

PC Maddie Neal and PC Izzy Parkinson.jpg

“These awards demonstrate the inspiring work that goes on to support victims and tackle anti-social behaviour by getting to the root cause of issues. 

“The impact of anti-social behaviour can be truly devastating for those affected, and we are dedicated to ensuring both that victims are always at the heart of our response and that serious and persistent offenders are brought to justice. 

“To those who are affected by anti-social behaviour, I urge you not to suffer in silence. Please report incidents to the appropriate agency. We are all here to help.” 

  • The Healthy Surrey website can help you understand what type of ASB you are experiencing, the best agency to report this to and how to access support services. If you feel you are not being listened to, or your ASB is continuing, the website also explains the ASB Case Review and how you can request one.
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend stands outside the reception of the Surrey Police Headquarters near Guildford

Commissioner applauds security operation following Epsom Derby Festival

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has applauded the security operation at this year’s Epsom Derby Festival which foiled activists attempts to disrupt the event.

Early today, police teams arrested 19 people based on intelligence received that groups were intent on illegal action during the race meeting.

One person managed to get on the track during the main Derby race but was detained following swift action from racecourse security staff and Surrey Police officers. A total of 31 arrests were made during the day in connection with planned criminality.

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

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “This year’s Derby Festival has seen the biggest security operation in its history and has been an incredibly challenging event for our police teams.

“Peaceful protest is one of the cornerstones of our democracy but sadly this year’s Festival has been the target of co-ordinated criminality by activists who made clear their intention to sabotage the event.

“Protesters were offered a safe space outside the main gates to demonstrate but there were a number who clearly signalled their determination to get onto the track and halt the race proceedings.

“I fully support the action taken by the Force in making those arrests early this morning in an effort to disrupt those plans.

“Attempting to enter a racetrack when horses are running or preparing to run not only puts the protester in danger but also risks the safety of other spectators and those involved in the racing.

“It is simply not acceptable and the vast majority of the public are fed up with such reckless behaviour being carried out in the name of protest.

“Thanks to the pro-active policing operation today and the quick reactions of security staff and officers, the race passed off on time and without major incident.

“I want to thank Surrey Police, and The Jockey Club, for the enormous effort that has gone into ensuring it was a safe and secure event for everyone who attended.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend smiling on sunny day next to sign that says Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.

Surrey Commissioner celebrates two years with £9million funding announcement

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner is celebrating two years in the job with the news that her team has secured almost £9million for key services around the county since her election.

Since Lisa Townsend was elected in 2021, her office has helped fund vital projects that support vulnerable victims of sexual and domestic abuse, reduce violence against women and girls and prevent crime in local communities across Surrey.

Members of Lisa’s Commissioning team are responsible for the dedicated funding streams that aim to increase community safety, reduce re-offending, support young people and help victims to cope and recover from their experiences.

Over the last two years that team have also successfully bid for millions of pounds of extra funding from government pots to support services and charities around the county.

In total, just under £9m has been secured, which the Commissioner says has made a real difference to the lives of people across Surrey.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend is celebrating two years since her election with a huge funding announcement

The Commissioner has her own budget drawn from the precept part of Surrey taxpayers’ council tax. Members of her commissioning team also bid for Government funding pots, which are used in their entirety to support projects and charities around the county.

Over the past two years, almost £9million in additional funding has been granted to support agencies working in victim support, sexual abuse, reducing reoffending, fraud and a range of other issues.

This includes:

Elsewhere, Surrey Police now has more officers than ever before following the government’s Operation Uplift. In total, the Force now has an additional 395 officers through a combination of Uplift funding and council tax contributions from the Surrey oublic – 136 more than the 259 target set by the government.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend with Surrey Police officers on electric bikes along the Woking Canal on a sunny day

In April, the Commissioner also welcomed Surrey Police’s new Chief Constable, Tim De Meyer, who was appointed following a thorough interview process earlier this year.

In order to ensure complete transparency with Surrey residents on policing matters, Lisa launched a dedicated Data Hub in February – becoming the first Police and Crime Commissioner to do so. The Hub includes information on emergency and non-emergency response times and the outcomes against specific offences, including burglary, domestic abuse and road safety offences. It also provides more information on Surrey Police’s budget and staffing.

£9m funding boost

But Lisa has acknowledged there are challenges facing the Force and Surrey’s residents, highlighting the work that remains to be done to retain officers and staff during the cost of living crisis.

There are also challenges for policing nationally to rebuild trust with communities and to support victims and witnesses of crime entering the criminal justice system.

Lisa said: “The last two years have flown by, but so far I have loved every minute of being Commissioner for this county.

“People often focus on the ‘crime’ side of being a Police and Crime Commissioner, but it is really important that we do not forget the amazing work my office does on the ‘commissioning’ side.

“We have helped support some vital projects and services across the county that provide a real lifeline for some of our most vulnerable residents.

‘Just fantastic’

“They really do make a huge difference to a wide range of people in Surrey whether that be tackling anti-social behaviour in one of our communities or supporting a victim of domestic abuse in refuge who has nowhere else to turn.

“To secure nearly £9m in funding over the last two years is just fantastic and I am so proud of the hard work of my team – much of which happens behind the scenes.

“It is going to be an exciting but challenging next year ahead for policing in Surrey, but I am delighted to welcome the new Chief Constable who will take over a Force which is now the biggest it has ever been after the recruitment target was exceeded.

“I really hope that once these new officers are trained and serving our communities that our residents will see reap the benefits for years to come.

“As always, I look forward to speaking with members of the public and continuing to hear their views on policing so that we can continue to improve our service for the people of Surrey.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and police officers at a Surrey Police attestation event

“Brilliant news for residents” – Commissioner welcomes announcement that Surrey Police is the biggest it has ever been

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has hailed today’s announcement that Surrey Police has added 395 extra officers to its ranks since 2019 – making the Force the biggest it’s ever been.

It was confirmed that the Force has exceeded its target under the government’s three year Operation Uplift programme to recruit 20,000 officers across the country, which ended last month.

Home Office figures show that since April 2019 when the programme started, the Force has recruited an extra 395 officers through a combination of Uplift funding and council tax contributions from the Surrey public. This is 136 more than the 259 target the government had set.

This has swelled the total Force number to 2,325 – making it the biggest it has ever been.

Since 2019, Surrey Police has had a total of 44 different intakes of recruits. Around 10 per cent of these new officers are from black and minority ethnic backgrounds while over 46 per cent were female.

The Commissioner said Surrey Police had done an amazing job recruiting the extra numbers in a tough job market following an extensive recruitment campaign run by the Force.

She said: “It has taken a mammoth effort from a whole range of teams within the Force to get to this point today, and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked so incredibly hard over the last three years to achieve this target.

‘More officers than ever before’

“We now have more officers in the Surrey Police ranks than ever before and that is fantastic news for residents. 

“I was really pleased to see the Force have also managed to significantly increase the number of female officers and those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

“I believe this will help give the Force an even more diverse workforce and be more representative of the communities they serve in Surrey.

“I had the pleasure of attending the last attestation ceremony at the end of March where 91 of those new recruits pledged to serve the King before going off to complete their training courses.

Huge achievement

“Whilst it has been fantastic to reach this milestone – there is still plenty of hard work to be done. The retention of officers and staff is one of the biggest issues policing is dealing with across the country and this will continue to be a challenge for the Force over the coming months.

“Surrey residents have told me loud and clear they are keen to see more officers on their streets, taking the fight to criminals and tackling those issues important to them where they live.

“So this is really great news today and my office will give all the support we can to our new Chief Constable Tim De Meyer so that we can get these new recruits fully trained and serving our communities as quickly as possible.”

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 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.”