"Drivers be warned: the Vanguard team could be anywhere" |
Lisa Townsend is celebrating the work of a policing team dedicated to making Surrey's roads safer for all.
The Vanguard Road Safety Team, which was formed just over a year ago, has a special remit.
Officers specifically target motorists who the commit ‘Fatal 5’ offences of inappropriate speed, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, distracted driving, and careless driving.
Between 2020 and 2022, 33 per cent of all serious injury and fatal collisions on our roads involved speed, and 24 per cent involved careless driving.
In just 12 months, the Vanguard team made 930 interventions to prevent Fatal 5 offences, arrested 204 people and seized 283 vehicles.
Lisa said: "Anyone who drives in Surrey will be well aware how busy our roads are. We also have a range of carriageways in the county, from urban streets to country lanes and busy motorways.
"Road safety is a top issue for residents, and that's why it's a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan.
"We know that distracted and dangerous driving ruins lives.
"I’m thrilled to be able to join Vanguard to share their successes over the past year - I know there'll be even more to celebrate in the months and years ahead.
"And for drivers out there now committing Fatal 5 offences, be warned – our officers can’t be everywhere, but they could be anywhere."
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Hundreds of Surrey residents have their say at community events |
A series of Policing Your Community events, held both online and in person across each of the county's 11 boroughs, saw hundreds of Surrey residents have their say.
Audience members had the opportunity to ask questions on policing during the events, which were hosted by the Commissioner and Surrey Police's Chief Constable Tim De Meyer.
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Anti-social behaviour, burglary, speeding, police visibility and drug offences were among the topics most frequently raised.
Lisa said: "I'd like to thank everyone who joined us for the events over the autumn and winter.
"Listening to the public is one of the most important roles I perform.
"The opinions of Surrey's residents are crucial, both to myself and to the Chief Constable, and I'm grateful to all those who shared their thoughts or asked questions."
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Commissioner joins Scenes of Crime Investigators in serious offence probe |
Lisa Townsend has spent the day with a team of who can identify criminals using just a partially-formed shoe print.
Surrey Police’s Crime Scene Investigators can be deployed to almost any criminal incident, including burglaries, assaults and suspicious deaths.
As part of their work, they secure and protect crime scenes and collect evidence.
They process and categorise evidence so it can be used in criminal investigations. This might include gathering photographic evidence and physical samples, including fingerprints and samples of blood and saliva.
On the day of Lisa's visit, the team swabbed a car that is allegedly connected to serious criminality.
Lisa said: "I’m proud to have seen how our investigators respond to offences around the county."
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Commissioner speaks to the BBC about rural crime after lambs killed |
Lisa Townsend appeared on BBC Radio Surrey's morning show with James Cannon after 14 lambs were killed by a vehicle at a farm near Guildford.
The Commissioner said rural crime has a "massive impact" after the incident at Gate Street Farm in Bramley last month.
Farmer Nick Hutley found 12 dead lambs when he went to the field in the morning. Two more had to be put down due to the nature of their injuries.
Surrey Police has launched an investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Force on 101.
Lisa said: "This isn't happening in isolated situations - it affects all of us, and when something this devastating happens, I know it affects the entire community."
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February 2 - Surrey Police and Crime Panel's budget meeting
February 2 - Commissioner's online surgery
February 21 - Lisa Townsend to speak at a meeting of the Woking Rotary Club
February 21 - Deputy Commissioner to attend a Youth Justice Leaders' Summit
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Commissioner thanks residents for their views in council tax survey |
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Lisa Townsend has closed her annual consultation on council tax after thousands of Surrey residents had their say.
The Commissioner had asked for people's views on how much they'd be willing to pay to support Surrey Police each year.
She also polled respondents on the areas of crime they most want officers and staff to focus on.
Tomorrow, Friday, February 2, Lisa will take her proposals for council tax to the Police and Crime Panel for their consideration.
Surrey Police continues to face financial pressures, including increased costs for pay, energy and fuel, and more demand for policing services.
Lisa said: "I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to the survey.
"Balancing the needs of the Force with the burden Surrey taxpayers face, particularly during a cost of living crisis, is a challenging task, and I'm grateful to everyone who had their say.
"I will of course keep residents updated on this crucial area."
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Neighbourhood Policing Week
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The Commissioner has celebrated the tireless work of Surrey's Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) as she marked a national week of action in January.
Lisa Townsend thanked officers, PCSOs and volunteers working in communities across the county to tackle and prevent crime, build relationships with residents, and support victims.
Speaking during national Neighbourhood Policing Week, Lisa said: "Our NPTs play a crucial role in ensuring Surrey remains one of the safest places to live in the country.
“A big part of neighbourhood policing is getting out and about in the county to speak with residents, businesses and local partners.
"The relationships that are built through boots-on-the-ground police work help the Force to protect communities and arrest the criminals who would otherwise exploit residents."
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Youth Commissioners set their priorities |
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson discussed anti-social behaviour, substance misuse and safety at night at the launch of a youth forum last month.
The Surrey Youth Commission, which is taking place for the second year, invites young people aged between 14 and 25 to have their say on the policing issues that affect them most.
Ellie said: "The Commissioner and I are proud to have funded this initiative, which gives young people the opportunity to shape the future of crime prevention in Surrey, for a second time.
"We look forward to hearing recommendations for our office and Surrey Police from our newest Youth Commissioners."
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Student lands dream job after OPCC rebrand win
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A Camberley student who won a competition to redesign the logo for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey has been offered his dream job.
Jack Dunlop, who worked alongside Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson during his time in the office, also claimed a work placement with leading designers Akiko Design.
Akiko were so impressed with Jack’s work that he has now become the latest addition to their team, following the completion of his studies at the University for Creative Arts in Farnham.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson said: “I couldn’t be prouder that Jack’s experience through our office has helped him to hit the ground running in a really exciting career.
“I was incredibly impressed with Jack’s creativity, enthusiasm, and the diligence and commitment he brought to the redesign of our brand."
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