"Progress has been impressive - but we know there is still more to do" |
Would you pay a little extra to support one of the fastest-improving police forces in the country?
Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, is urging residents to have their say in a short survey.
The Government expects Commissioners across the country to raise an additional £14 per household for policing through council tax contributions this financial year, equating to an extra £1.16 per month for a Band D property.
This part of council tax is known as the precept. Every pound of precept amounts to an extra half-a-million pounds in the policing budget.
In the past 12 months, Surrey Police has more than doubled its charge rate, with an additional 3,500 offences being prosecuted. It has also made more than 2,500 additional arrests.
But Lisa said that to maintain this momentum, protect victims, and keep communities safe, the Force needs support.
“The progress we have seen over the past 12 months has been impressive, and huge strides have been made in tackling those crimes important to our residents,” the Commissioner said.
“But we know there is still more to do to take the fight to criminals in Surrey."
|
Three members of OCG behind bars after Surrey shoplifting spree |
Three members of an organised crime group (OCG) who are believed to be responsible for more than 100 crimes at large supermarkets have been brought to justice.
Commissioner Lisa Townsend has congratulated Surrey Police for their investigation after at least £200,000-worth of goods were stolen across the country.
In total, 11 of the offences were committed in Surrey.
The gang stole razors, alcohol, fragrances, and beauty and electric goods. In a single incident, champagne worth £4,500 was stolen.
|
Lisa said: "In the past 12 months, arrests of shoplifters has increased dramatically, with more than 800 additional suspects held than the previous year.
"Shoplifting is often tied to organised criminality, and in Surrey, the Force is determined to drive out criminals who cause so much distress to our communities.
"I'm absolutely delighted that these offenders are now behind bars, where they belong."
Last month, Lisa gave an interview about the impact of retail crime, where she discussed this specific case, on BBC 5 Live.
In the interview, she urged all victims of retail crime to call 999 if a crime is in progress.
And she told presenter Nicky Campbell that policing across the county must "change and adapt" to deal with the organised criminality behind the increase in retail crime rates.
"Please, to shopkeepers everywhere - report it when it happens. Call 999 if it's in action. We will get there as quickly as we can," she said.
|
Young people are recognised for their selflessness and courage |
Surrey's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has told of her pride in the inspirational winners of the Elmbridge Young Persons' Awards.
Ellie Vesey-Thompson handed out prizes to children and teens at the event, which celebrates exceptional conduct.
Young carers, teens who are turning their lives around after coming into contact with Surrey Police, and recently-bereaved children were among the winners.
The ceremony is organised each year by Youth Engagement Officer PC Phil Jebb and Lynn Hunt, who works for the Three Rivers Academy in Walton-on-Thames.
It was presented by Inspector Bert Dean, who is currently on a secondment and temporarily away from his role as Elmbridge's Borough Commander.
Ellie said: "What I really love about the Elmbridge Youth Awards is how personal the whole evening is.
"Every award winner has been nominated by someone who loves them and truly sees them, both for who they are and the good they are doing in the world."
|
Commissioner's drink- and drug-drive warning amid winter crackdown |
The Commissioner said there is "never, ever" an excuse for drink- or drug-driving as an annual campaign began last month.
During December, there were increased drug tests, breath tests, stop checks and patrols as part of Operation Limit.
The national campaign aims to tackle drink and drug driving. During December 2023, there were 199 arrests in Surrey during the operation.
Lisa said: "Drivers are not only responsible for themselves, but for their passengers and everyone else they encounter on their journey.
“That’s why it’s so appalling for motorists to drink or take drugs before driving. It’s a dangerous and selfish act that can forever change a life.
“There is no excuse whatsoever for this behaviour, and it is never, ever worth the risk.”
|
|
13 Jan - Policing your Community' event (online)
20 Jan - Commissioner to meet with Citizenship GCSE students in Camberley
28 Jan - PCC's monthly surgery
Sign up here
04 Feb - Public meeting with Dr Ben Spencer MP at New Haw Social Club in Addlestone
Sign up here
|
Statement following Sara Sharif murder trial |
The Police and Crime Commissioner has issued a statement following the sentencing of Sara Sharif's father and stepmother for murder.
Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool were sentenced to life in prison last month.
Sara's uncle, Faisal Malik, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for causing or allowing the death of a child.
Lisa Townsend said the torture Sara suffered is "almost impossible to contemplate".
"I can only admire the professionalism and diligence all those involved in this investigation have displayed in securing the appalling but vital evidence put before the court," she said.
“They have been driven throughout by a pursuit of justice for Sara.
"That justice has been secured today and I know this case will stay with them forever.”
|
Hundreds of homes visited on burglary patrol |
Police have visited hundreds of homes in Surrey Heath in a bid to prevent burglaries.
British Asian communities have been disproportionately affected for their gold jewellery, which is often bought as a wedding gift and passed down through generations.
Senior leaders at Surrey Police shared their efforts to track down burglars during the tenth Policing Your Community event, which took place in Frimley in December.
Borough Commander Gemma Taylor said two members of her team have voluntarily made a permanent move to late shifts to ensure they’re on-hand during the night to support burglary victims.
|
Meanwhile, her officers have visited hundreds of homes in recent weeks to reassure residents and issue burglary prevention advice.
Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined Surrey Heath’s Safer Neighbourhood Team for a shift last month.
During the evening, the team distributed almost 200 packs containing useful advice and vibration alarms.
Report all offences to Surrey Police via 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.
Incidents of concern can also be logged at the Suspicious Activity Portal, which can be found here.
|
Officers honoured for biggest-ever closure |
A police team responsible for shutting down 16 flats in a single housing block have been honoured with an award.
Spelthorne’s Safer Neighbourhood Team applied for the country’s biggest-ever closure order last year after the property, an assisted living facility in Ashford, became a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and drug-dealing.
At a ceremony held at Surrey Police’s Mount Browne headquarters in Guildford, the officers were recognised for their achievement.
|
Two of the services funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner – Catalyst Support’s Cuckooing Service and Mediation Surrey – were also among the winners.
Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “The team in Spelthorne are redefining our understanding of how closure orders can be used to drive out anti-social behaviour from communities around the borough.
“I’m absolutely delighted to celebrate their fantastic achievement.”
|
|
|
Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey
PO BOX 412, Guildford GU3 1Y
Tel: 01483 630200 | Contact us by email |
The Office of the Police Crime Commissioner's Office is independent from Surrey Police. Contact Surrey Police on 101, at https://surrey.police.uk or on Surrey Police social media pages. Always dial 999 in an emergency. |
|
|
|
|
