“We’re listening and we’re taking action” – Commissioner and Chief Constable wrap up their Policing Your Community 2026 event programme

6th November 2026

Category: Anti-social behaviour, Children and young people, Communication and engagement, Local policing, News, Performance and Accountability, Public order, Role and responsibilities, Strengthening relationships, Working with communities to feel safe

Author: Chantal Robehmed,

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Chief Constable Tim De Meyer have pledged to take action on those issues raised by Surrey residents during a series of ‘Policing your Community’ events held across the county.

The roadshow of public engagement events hosted by the Commissioner and Chief Constable were held in all 11 Surrey boroughs and districts alongside their respective Borough Commanders between May and September. 

They thanked the hundreds of Surrey residents who came along to hear policing plans and priorities as well as having the opportunity to have their say in a Q & A session. There was also an online event for those unable to make their local in-person meeting which can be viewed here: Policing Your Community

Priority issues

Anti-social behaviour, including the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters, car meets, and drug use in open spaces came up as priority issues in a number of areas of the county. Other matters raised by residents included concerns over visible policing, speeding and burglary.

Each of the events was opened by Lisa Townsend who explained her role and discussed the future direction of policing in Surrey including the national proposals for wider police reform. The Commissioner also reflected on local services that her office helps to fund and her ongoing commitment to supporting victims.   

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer followed Lisa by setting out his ten priorities in Surrey Police’s strategy, starting with the importance of visible local policing to prevent crime and build trust with communities.

He also outlined work underway to ensure the Force is prepared to respond effectively to a wide range of incidents, including public disorder, cyber-related threats, severe weather events and other major emergencies.

Borough Commanders explained the roles and responsibilities of their Neighbourhood Policing Teams as well as an overview of the specialist teams that they work alongside and  highlighted their local community priorities, performance, and partnership working.  

“Ideal forum”

Lisa Townsend said: “Listening to the views of Surrey residents is one of the most vital aspects of my role.  The Policing Your Community events provide the ideal forum for questions to be raised and concerns to be addressed. I want our communities to know that we’re listening and we’re taking action.

“I’ve heard how ASB remains a key area of concern for our residents.  The Force has just launched Operation Scramble to disrupt the illegal and antisocial use of e-bikes and e-scooters which was a specific issue that was raised at almost every event.  Soon, I’ll be joining officers on a burglary patrol and following up on the other issues raised that I know matter to you.

“I’m proud that Surrey continues to be one of the safest counties in the country.  We know that visible policing is important and the fear of crime is real – the Force has been working hard to boost visible policing by recruiting the most officers we’ve ever had and vastly improving 101 and 999 response times.  The number of charges across the board has more than doubled while 40 per cent more crimes have been solved.  

“However, we don’t rest on our laurels – we’ve heard the issues you care about and I’ll be working with the Chief Constable to ensure our police teams continue to tackle those matters important to our communities across Surrey.”

“Good feedback”

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “I found the Policing Your Community events invaluable and am very grateful to all of those who attended. 

“Several people approached me afterwards to discuss particular cases and share lessons of how our service could been improved, which was very useful.  Surrey residents are clearly concerned about violence against women and girls, the antisocial use of e-bikes, road safety and burglary and I was pleased to have the opportunity to explain our plans to tackle these, along with crimes such as shoplifting. 

“We received good feedback for our much-improved call handling and response times along with the huge increase in crime solved and suspects charged.  I am determined that next year we shall have even more positive news to report.”

Share on: