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More than 800 extra arrests in a year as Force fights back on shoplifting

Surrey Police arrested around 830 more shoplifters in the past 12 months than the year before, Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner has revealed.

But Lisa Townsend said more must still be done to drive down retail crime in the county.

New figures published by the Office of National Statistics in October show reports of shoplifting in England and Wales are now at the highest levels on record.

Both Lisa and Surrey Police Chief Constable Tim De Meyer have reaffirmed their commitment to bring more offenders to justice.

In the past 12 months, huge efforts by officers and staff have resulted in 3,000 more charges for all crime types in Surrey.

And provisional figures show that 837 additional arrests of suspected shoplifters have been made.

The issue has been repeatedly referred to during the Policing Your Community roadshow, which is currently taking place at venues around the county.

At the event in Tandridge during late October, Borough Commander Lyndsey Whatley said three suspected members of an all-female organised crime group (OCG) have recently been charged, while in Spelthorne, Borough Commander Matt Walton revealed his team’s shoplifting detection rate is up by 50 per cent.

However, reports of shoplifting continue to increase in Surrey, with 6,344 offences reported in the year to June 2024.

Lisa said: "Strange though it may seem, I'm glad that reports are up.

"We were always aware that shoplifting rates were far more significant than were being reflected through reporting, and it's absolutely vital that police are told of all incidents.

"I encourage all retailers to keep reporting offences to Surrey Police.

"The Force takes this type of offending very seriously, as the additional arrests shows.

"However, we know there is more we can do, and we are committed to driving down offences."

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We will remember them

The Commissioner and her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, joined Remembrance services in Guildford and Ypres to honour those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.

The Deputy Commissioner travelled to Belgium with the Ceremonial Association of Surrey Police, where she visited the grave of Henry Bullen.

Henry, a Police Constable serving with Surrey Constabulary, was a former Grenadier Guard recalled during World War One.

He was killed in action on October 26 1914 - the first member of the Force to die during the war.

The Commissioner attended a service at Guildford Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday.

The following day, Armistice Day, she read a poem at the annual Remembrance service held at Surrey Police's Mount Browne headquarters.

During the service, officers and staff heard about the life of Captain Owen Allard, a Surrey Constabulary officer who returned to policing after the war.

Cpt Allard served with the King's Own Scottish Borderers, who fought in the Normandy campaign during the Second World War. He was the last surviving member of the battalion following D Day.

Lisa said: "It is always an immense privilege to join Remembrance events and learn more about those who gave their lives to allow future generations to live in peaceful times."

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Victims of anti-social behaviour "shouldn't have to suffer alone"

Lisa Townsend has urged victims of anti-social behaviour not to suffer alone.

Speaking during national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, which took place in November, the Commissioner said the offence can have a "severe and harmful impact".

And she shared some of the resources available to victims in Surrey.

More here >

Commissioner's statement following investigation into Staines incident

Lisa Townsend has issued a statement regarding the investigation into an incident in Staines-on-Thames in June this year where a cow was injured by a Surrey Police car.

It comes after Surrey Police last week confirmed that this incident has been thoroughly investigated as both a criminal and internal misconduct matter, and has now concluded.

The Force has determined that, while footage of the incident was distressing in nature, those involved in the incident acted within their duties, and the tactics adopted were both lawful and necessary to prevent harm to the public and property.

You can read the Force's statement here.

Read Lisa's statement here >

Share your views

02 Dec - 'Policing your Community' event, Surrey Heath

11 Dec - 'Policing your Community' event, Waverley

25 Dec - Christmas Day

1 Jan - New Year's Day

13 Jan - Policing your Community' event (online)

"A landmark moment"

Surrey Police's Guildford HQ has been given the green light for a wide-scale redevelopment.

Last month, Guildford Borough Council’s Planning Committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to legal agreement, as part of the redevelopment of Mount Browne.

The planned works will ensure the base is operational and fit for purpose for years to come.

Among the changes will be the replacement of ageing accommodation blocks with a new Contact and Deployment Centre, the modernisation of the world-renowned Dog School to include accommodation for students, and a new car park.

The historic Old House will be retained with a new Courtyard wing.

The Commissioner said: "The planning approval is really exciting news and represents a landmark moment in the history of Surrey Police.

“There are now some additional legal stages to go through in the coming weeks before we can take the initial steps towards redevelopment, which is an important part of the process.

“However, this decision marks a significant milestone for the Force."

Commissioner joins councillors in Stanwell

Lisa Townsend joined Stanwell councillors Jon Button, Robert Evans and Sean Beatty to discuss crime and policing last month.

The councillors shared the community's concerns about fly-tipping, shoplifting, burglary, fireworks and other key issues during the meeting at the library.

It was agreed that residents should be given opportunities to discuss crime and policing with their elected representatives and local police.

Lisa said: "I'd like to thank each of these dedicated councillors for taking the time to meet with me and share the concerns of their constituents."

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Last chance to have your say on policing

Just days remain to have your say on what the priorities for Surrey Police should be over the next three years.

A public survey for the Police and Crime Plan, which sets the blueprint for policing in Surrey between 2025 and 2028, will close on December 12.

Lisa has been sharing news of the consultation during the Policing Your Community events, which are currently taking place in each of the county's 11 boroughs.

There are just three events left on the roadshow.

These events are:

Surrey Heath tonight, Monday, December 2
Waverley on Wednesday, December 11
An online event for those unable to attend in person will also take place on January 13 2025

Lisa said: "Both the Policing Your Community events and the Police and Crime Plan survey allow me to hear what Surrey's residents have to say, and to ensure their concerns are addressed."

Have your say >

Commissioner's call over national insurance

Lisa Townsend has urged the Government to carefully consider how it will compensate police forces for the rise in employer’s national insurance amid fears Surrey Police could be left with a hefty bill to pay.

The Commissioner has written to the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper outlining her concerns over how policing will meet the costs of the increase in NI contributions announced as part of the budget.

The Commissioner fears that if the current ‘flawed’ police funding formula is used to allocate additional money to cover the rise, it could leave Surrey Police with a significant shortfall.