Trick or treat! Commissioner joins Halloween patrol in Runnymede |
Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner has joined a Halloween patrol - and warned that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated anywhere in the county.
During a busy shift with Runnymede's Safer Neighbourhood Team, Lisa Townsend was called to a disturbance at Royal Holloway university, a collision involving multiple vehicles, and a search for vandals throwing eggs at members of the public.
There was even time for Lisa and Borough Commander Ian Nash to chat to young trick-or-treaters.
In 2023, significant disorder was reported in Ashford.
Additional patrols were in place this year, and a dispersal order was in place across much of Spelthorne, including Ashford, Laleham and Staines-upon-Thames.
A dispersal order enables officers and PCSOs to direct anyone committing anti-social behaviour to leave the area for up to 48 hours. Those who fail to comply can face arrest.
Lisa said: "Last Halloween, we saw some absolutely disgraceful behaviour in Ashford, during which fireworks were thrown at members of the public, police officers and cars.
"Incidents like these have no place in Surrey, and the Force has responded with additional patrols so swift and decisive action can be taken against those who would use this night to cause trouble."
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Surrey's children and young people reveal the issues that matter most |
Surrey’s young people have spoken on the crime and policing priorities that impact them most as part of a forum funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.
Safety at night-time, healthy relationships, sexual exploitation, trust in the police and anti-social behaviour are among the key issues for young people living in the county, a poll of around 1,500 people has revealed.
The results were revealed by members of the Surrey Youth Commission at a wide-ranging forum held in Woking.
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Attendees at the Big Conversation Conference included officers from both Surrey Police and British Transport Police, Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and representatives from a range of key agencies including local authorities and charities.
Applications to join the third year of the Youth Commission, which is organised and administered by Leaders Unlocked, are now being accepted.
For more information, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/funding/surrey-youth-commission
The closing date for applications is November 22.
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"Imagine your home transforming from a refuge to a prison" |
Lisa Townsend joined staff at Surrey's "gold standard" Cuckooing Service last month as a new film on the little-known form of exploitation was premiered.
Steven’s Story, based on the real-life experiences of Surrey's cuckooing victims, shows how criminals take over homes to carry out county lines drug dealing.
Surrey's Cuckooing Service, run by Catalyst Support and partially funded through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, has received 518 referrals since its launch in 2018.
One of the victims was a 93-year-old great-grandmother, while another returned home to find a drugs supply line operating in the kitchen.
Lisa said: "Imagine your home transforming from a safe refuge to a terrifying prison.
"It’s difficult for most people to grasp, but that’s the reality for victims of cuckooing.
"I’m proud that my office helps to fund this fantastic service, which so ably supports those affected."
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11 Nov - 'Policing your Community' event, Woking
18 Nov - 'Policing your Community' event, Elmbridge
25 Nov - 'Policing your Community' event, Runnymede
02 Dec - 'Policing your Community' event, Surrey Heath
11 Dec - 'Policing your Community' event, Waverley
13 Jan - Policing your Community' event (online)
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Have your say on priorities for police |
What do you think the priorities for police in Surrey should be over the next three years?
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is urging all residents to have their say before she writes her next Police and Crime Plan.
The Plan will establish the public's priorities for the Force between 2025 and 2028.
All are welcome to have their say before the survey closes on December 12.
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Lisa has been sharing news of the consultation during the current round of Policing Your Community events, currently taking place in each of Surrey's 11 boroughs and online.
She said: "I want to ensure the voices of Surrey's residents are at the heart of my new Police and Crime Plan, which is set to be published early next year."
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Rural communities urged to report crime |
Surrey's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has urged rural communities to keep reporting crime to the police.
Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined Surrey Police officers and staff at a Dorking farm for a very special training day.
During the event, the team learned more about the organised crime groups behind the thefts of high-value farming machinery, the impact of livestock worrying, and how to help return stolen property to its owner.
Speaking out during National Rural Crime Week, which takes place each October to raise awareness of the issues faced by countryside communities, Ellie said: "We know rural crime is under-reported, and I urge our countryside communities to report all incidents of concern to Surrey Police."
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Hundreds attend policing roadshow |
Hundreds of Surrey residents have attended the Policing Your Community roadshow, with the final few dates set to take place in November and December.
Communities across the county have joined Commissioner Lisa Townsend, Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and their local Borough Commander at their nearest event.
Upcoming events will take place in Woking on November 11, Elmbridge on November 18 and Runnymede on November 25.
Two events will then take place next month - Surrey Heath on December 2 and Waverley on December 11.
An online event for those unable to attend in person will take place on January 13 2025.
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