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"Back-to-basics policing is the heart of my new Crime Plan for Surrey"

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner has unveiled the priorities for police in the county until 2028.

Lisa Townsend said that, following an extensive consultation, 'back-to-basics' policing is "at the heart" of her new Police and Crime Plan.

Although Surrey Police is one of the fastest-improving forces in the country, with an additional 3,500 offences prosecuted in just 12 months, Lisa warned there are challenges ahead.

In the coming years, the Force must find £18million in savings while maintaining the service Surrey's residents "expect and deserve", the Commissioner said.

"My mission as your Police and Crime Commissioner is clear," Lisa siad.

“I want Surrey Police to focus on tackling those crimes that blight our local communities, while also taking persistent offenders off our streets.

“Surrey remains a wonderful place in which to live and work, and I am committed to working with the Chief Constable to deliver on the priorities outlined in my Plan.”

Read the Plan >

"Shoplifters be warned - the person beside you could be an officer"

Plain-clothed officers have been patrolling shops in Guildford and Waverley as part of a new crackdown on retail crime.

Eight people have been arrested, and four charged, during a week of action during April.

Behavioural Detection Officers trained to spot suspicious behaviour joined uniformed colleagues for the initiative tackling shop theft.

Retail staff were also visited by officers and PCSOs providing advice and reassurance.

It comes as the Force celebrates some significant recent successes, including arrests, charges and convictions for criminals targeting businesses.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined PC John Savage on patrol in Farncombe.

She said: "“Shoplifters are warned – the person browsing the aisle beside them could be a Surrey Police officer.

“Our teams are committed to tackling retail crime and subjecting offenders to the full force of the law.”

Read more here >

Commissioner hails film launch - and warns abuse is "massive" issue

Lisa Townsend has spoken at the premier of a powerful short film highlighting stories of domestic abuse survivors in Surrey.

A special screening of From Darkness to Light: A Survivor's Journey, created by the East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (ESDAS), took place at The Light cinema in Redhill.

Afterwards, Lisa spoke to BBC South East about rates of domestic abuse in the county.

Last year, Surrey Police recorded more than 9,500 domestic abuse related incidents.

Reducing violence against women and girls is one of Lisa's key priorities as Commissioner, and ESDAS is one of the fantastic services supported through her Victims' Fund.

Lisa said: "The support we provide for survivors of domestic abuse is one of the most important and life-changing responsibilities my office has, and it's something I am incredibly proud of.

"Domestic abuse remains a massive issue, both in Surrey and across the country, and we are dedicated to supporting survivors."

Visit the ESDAS website >

In the diary

May 8 - 80th anniversary of VE Day

May 8 - Annual general meeting of the Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford Residents' Association

May 21 - Late shift with the Spelthorne Safer Neighbourhood Team

May 27 - PCC's monthly surgery

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Funding drives down anti-social behaviour

An 18-month campaign has driven down anti-social behaviour in Guildford through extra patrols, adverts during the Six Nations – and classical music in McDonald’s.

A £1million grant secured from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has led to significant successes in three Surrey towns.

In Guilford, youth-based anti-social behaviour at weekends has dropped dramatically thanks to a series of initiatives, including ads played during rugby matches and partnership work with fast food outlets and shops.

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined officers, street marshals and the Experience Guildford team on a patrol in April.

During the shift, restaurants in busy Friary Street were visited by officers, while vape shops were handed letters reminding owners of their responsibilities to young customers.

Plain-clothed Behavioural Detection Officers patrolled stores looking for signs of suspicious behaviour, alerting uniformed colleagues to potential retail crime.

Over the past year and a half, officers have encouraged fast food businesses to cover plug sockets, turn off WiFi and play clasical music to discourage loitering, particularly at night.

LQP applications open

Applications are now being accepted for new Legally Qualified Persons (LQPs) who will support police misconduct hearings.

LQPs remain independent of the police in order to provide fair and impartial support at hearings chaired by a Chief Officer.

The management of LQPs is one of the roles of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Apply here >

"Widespread" issue tackled with lesson plan

A campaign to prevent children and young people asking their peers for sexual images will now be available for use by schools in Surrey.

“Ok To Ask?”, a series of short video clips depicting teenagers responding to pressure to share or request nudes, was led by Surrey Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Now, a teaching and learning resource developed by Surrey Healthy Schools in partnership with the OPCC will ensure the initiative can continue to be part of lessons.

The Commissioner said asking for images is "widespread".

She said: "We want to challenge perceptions that it should be considered just a ‘normal’ part of teenage life and provide support for those who might be in a situation where they are under pressure to do so."