Working with Surrey communities so that they feel safe

I want every resident to feel safe and supported in their local community. To achieve this, I believe in working collaboratively and taking early, preventative action to address the underlying causes that lead people into contact with the police and the wider criminal justice system. By focusing on prevention and partnership, we can reduce crime and anti-social behaviour while improving outcomes for victims across Surrey.

Key progress during 2024/25: 

• Boosting Visible Policing to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour in Surrey: Anti-social behaviour is one of the issues I hear about most often when speaking to residents across Surrey. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to ensure my team is actively supporting the work being done to reduce its impact and help people feel safer in their communities.
• This summer, I joined officers from Surrey Police on one of their targeted hotspot patrols, an initiative made possible by £1 million in funding secured by my office from the Home Office. The funding is being used to increase police visibility in the areas that need it most, based on the latest crime data.
• Since May, it has already funded over 900 extra patrols in 15 hotspot locations across the county, resulting in 34 arrests for offences including assault, drug possession, and breaches of ASB legislation. Officers have also engaged with more than 2,600 people and carried out 43 stop and searches – demonstrating a visible, proactive approach to tackling the types of behaviour that residents have told me cause real concern.
• The funding is part of a wider package of work that my office is delivering in partnership with Surrey Police, local councils, and other key agencies as part of our joined-up approach to ASB. From anti-social driving and persistent nuisance behaviour to drug dealing and theft, we are working hard to respond to what matters most to our communities. I’m proud that Surrey Police now has record officer numbers, and this investment is helping us put those resources where they can make the biggest difference, right at the heart of our towns and neighbourhoods.
  
  
• Building Safer, Stronger Communities Through Safer Streets 5: As part of our ongoing work to strengthen communities and tackle anti-social behaviour, I was pleased to secure just under £353,000 through the Safer Streets 5 fund for the period 2024-25. This funding was split between three key areas: Guildford, Redhill, and Walton-on-Thames, with each receiving over £115,000 to deliver community safety projects tailored to local needs.
• In Walton, the full allocation of £118,000 has already been put to excellent use. Five redeployable CCTV cameras are now fully operational, with footage already supporting police investigations. Additional cameras have been installed at St John’s Estate, an area known for drug activity, and security has been improved at Drewitts Court car park, which has since achieved Safer Parking Award status. Alongside these measures, the funding also supported the development of a community garden and a range of youth outreach activities, helping to bring local people together and reduce the risk of crime.
• The newly revitalised garden on the St John Estate is a brilliant example of what happens when we invest in community-led spaces. With new flowerbeds, vegetable patches, and even a bug hotel, it’s become a beautiful, welcoming space for people of all ages to enjoy. Joining residents for the celebration was a real highlight, and it was fantastic to have partners like Crimestoppers, Citizens Advice, Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue on hand, creating a real sense of community.
• Redhill has also spent its full allocation, installing solar lighting in Memorial Park to improve safety and visibility at night. A series of 36 detached youth work sessions have taken place, helping to build positive relationships with young people in the community. A targeted communications campaign was also launched to improve understanding of how to report anti-social behaviour and what support is available.
• In Guildford, the funding supported the deployment of street marshals to patrol crime and ASB hotspots, as well as the delivery of weekend youth engagement sessions. A dedicated communications strategy was also developed to help address local concerns around crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
• These projects demonstrate the power of local partnership working and community-driven solutions. I’m incredibly proud of the outcomes already being achieved through Safer Streets 5 – from improving public spaces and visibility to meaningful engagement with young people and targeted crime prevention. Together, we are making our communities safer, more resilient, and more connected.

Explore further data concerning Surrey Police progress against this priority.

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