Latest news & updates - Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Commissioner highlights support for residents affected by anti-social behaviour

Commissioner Lisa Townsend is encouraging residents to report anti-social behaviour (ASB) following a spotlight on the issue during this year’s Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.

Tackled by the Anti-Social Behaviour and Community Harm Reduction Partnership that includes our office, Surrey Police, Surrey County Council and a range of other agencies, ASB includes a range offences and behaviour that can have an enormous impact on the health and wellbeing of residents.

Earlier this year, 2,000 Surrey residents completed our survey giving their views on ASB as part of a project being supported by the partnership to strengthen the response that is provided.

Following a series of follow-on focus groups in June, your feedback is now being analysed to help develop plans to work together to target actions where they are needed the most.

In Surrey, help is available from Mediation Surrey who provide a listening ear and support individuals to access further help.

While mediation requires the agreement of all involved, individuals can also receive expert support coaching that provides practical support to develop coping strategies.

Our office also plays a role in carrying out ASB Case Reviews (formerly known as the Community Trigger process), that give residents that have reported a problem three or more times over a six-month period a way to ask for more help.

The Commissioner said making sure residents felt safe was a key priority in her Police and Crime Plan for Surrey:

“I regularly hear from residents affected by ASB and they often feel there is no escape. That’s why it is vital that we raise more awareness of how to report problems and the dedicated support that is available in Surrey.

More information on how to report anti-social behaviour or access help can be found at healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb

Deputy Commissioner joins 'Op Tramline' police patrols

Support for victims

The Surrey Police Victim and Witness Care Unit is funded by our office to help victims of crime cope and, as far as possible, recover from their experience.

Advice and support is offered to every victim of crime in Surrey, for as long as they need it. You can also request support from the team any time after a crime has occurred.

Specialist staff will then help identify and signpost services that are best suited to your unique situation, including making sure you are supported through the criminal justice system and afterwards.

Use the link to learn more or call the Unit direct on 01483 639949 (8am to 7pm Monday to Friday).

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Coming up...

Aug 04 - Commissioner's resident surgeries

Book a slot

Aug 28 - Office closed (bank holiday)

Sep 05 - LIVE Public Performance Meeting

Sep 06 - Surrey Anti-social Behaviour Awards

Sep 09 - Emergency Services Day

Surrey Youth Commission host 'Big Conversation' conference

Members of Surrey's first-ever Youth Commission have identified a series of priorities for policing after consulting with more than 1,600 of their peers.

The group, which launched last year thanks to funding from Lisa Townsend's office, say cyber-crime, drug misuse and violence against women and girls are among the top issues affecting them.

They presented their findings during a wide-ranging conference in Woking last month. Both Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Assistant Chief Constable Ali Barlow were in the audience.

Ellie, who has responsibility for children and young people as part of her remit, said the priorities identified “represent an opportunity for us all to learn and grow”.

Watch the video >

"Time for change" - New approach to serious sexual offences launched

Commissioner Lisa Townsend has hailed the arrival of a new national programme aimed at driving up convictions for rape and other serious sexual offences.

Operation Soteria is a new joint initiative by police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that is funded by the Home Office in a bid to increase the number of rape cases reaching court by more than double.

In March, the Commissioner met the Minister for Victims and Sentencing Edward Argar to discuss its implementation and accompany him on a visit to Surrey’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) to learn more about the work that is currently being done to support survivors.

She said: “Convictions for sexual violence in Surrey and the wider UK are shockingly low.

“While Surrey’s solved outcome rate for serious sexual offences is currently higher than the national average, we know that something has to change.

“We’re absolutely committed to bringing more criminals to justice and supporting victims as they navigate the legal system."