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
The volunteers making a life-or-death difference to some of Surrey’s vulnerable missing people
Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined Surrey Search and Rescue for a training exercise.
Commissioner welcomes police officer pay increase – but urges Government to commit to future funding
Increased pay for officers is welcome - but future funding must be guaranteed from the Government, Lisa Townsend said.
Plain-clothed officers join revellers in Epsom and Guildford for Operation Shield
Operation Shield has taken place in two Surrey towns during July as part of the county's Safer Streets Summer Initiative.