Whilst not a separate priority in my Police and Crime Plan, rural crime is nevertheless a key area of focus for my team. My Deputy Commissioner has taken a lead on rural crime issues, and I am pleased that we now have dedicated rural crime teams in place.
Key areas of progress during 2022/23 have included:
- Training to ensure an improved understanding of rural crime amongst contact centre staff, ensuring that they are better able to identify risks and provide support to residents making contact.
- Use of national uplift capacity in some areas to introduce additional rural crime resources, such as in Mole Valley where the Borough Commander has introduced a dedicated post.
- Ongoing representation on the National Rural Crime Network and South-East Rural Partnership, which both champion a better understanding of crime in rural areas and effective ways to help to keep rural communities safe.
- Regular engagement with rural communities, including face-to-face meetings with farmers.
Latest News
Commissioner shines a light on the role of PCSOs and celebrates all officers, staff and volunteers this Neighbourhood Policing Week
Lisa Townsend joins two PCSOs on patrol in Woking and celebrates all police officers, staff and volunteers this Neighbourhood Policing Week
Commissioner helps fellow type 1 diabetic driver during emergency on motorway
Lisa Townsend shares a story of assisting a driver on the motorway who was having a diabetic emergency whilst out with Surrey Police's Roads Policing Unit.
Commissioner advocates phone-free schools to safeguard children from online harm and reduce anti-social behaviour
Lisa Townsend is supporting the approach to make phone-free schools the default after visiting a school in Woking that provides individual lockable phone pouches for students.