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 welcomes tough sentences for activists who blocked M25
The Commissioner said substantial jail terms given to five members of the Just Stop Oil group should act as a deterrent to others.
Great-gran, 93, and woman forced to sleep on kitchen floor are among “hidden” Surrey victims of cuckooing
Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner has met with experts at a service dedicated to supporting "hidden" victims of exploitation.
Commissioner says “We are listening”, as residents share views on anti-social behaviour
Residents revealed that littering, speeding and fly-tipping were among the biggest issues in a survey about anti-social behaviour.