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Home Office visit to Redhill as OPCC-funded scheme sees crime drop

Home Office officials behind a national strategy that tackles organised criminality have visited Redhill to celebrate its success in the town.

The Safer Redhill initiative has led to drops in offences including shoplifting, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault and robbery.

Supported with funding secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Safer Redhill used the national Clear, Hold, Build framework.

A three-stage process, Clear, Hold, Build involves police 'clearing' an area of criminality, securing it so other offenders cannot take advantage, and then working with partners to build resilience in communities.

In Redhill, more than 150 arrests have been made, and 30 years of prison time handed down to offenders, while 10kg of cocaine with a potential value of £800,000 was taken off the streets.

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: "This is deep-rooted, transformative work that we believe will result in both a lasting legacy and a stronger community."

The Home Office will be using the scheme as a “remarkable” example of national excellence in the future.

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"If you are a victim of fraud, then you are a victim of crime"

Lisa Townsend has met with a team of volunteers determined to stop Surrey's residents from becoming victims of fraud.

Fraud is the most commonly-reported crime in the country, making up 40 per cent of all offending.

Across Surrey, specially-trained members of the public embed in their local police station to ensure that all victims in the county receive support and help.

Part of the Volunteer Fraud Prevention Programme, the team work with organisations including Age UK, the WI and the Co-op to provide education to their communities.

Those considered to be particularly vulnerable, or at most risk of being targeted again, are identified and supported by the Force as part of Operation Signature.

Simon Morris, who volunteers in Reigate and Banstead, said some of those targeted by fraudsters feel shame that they have become a victim.

But he added: “If you are a victim of fraud, you are a victim of crime.

“We can change that perception by recognising the true impact fraud has on people’s lives.”

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Summit convened as Commissioners count the cost of waste crime

Commissioners from across the south-east have gathered for a summit in Kent on how to deal with organised criminal waste dumping.

Lisa Townsend and her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, joined their counterparts from Kent and Sussex for the conference.

It comes as the cost of clearing such waste spirals to more than £900m a year.

The Commissioners have warned that it is becoming "easy" for criminals to undercut legitimate businesses and make thousands of pounds for further offending.

In an interview with BBC Radio Surrey, Lisa said that in just five years, agencies have dealt with 34million tonnes of waste – enough to fill 30 Wembley Stadiums.

"It’s believed that about 20 per cent – 18 to 20 per cent of all waste that is handled in the UK - is actually done so illegally," she said.

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July 9-10 - General meeting of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners

July 17 - Deputy Commissioner joining policing shift in Surrey Heath

July 23 - Commissioner visiting HMP Send

July 30 - PCC's monthly surgery

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Fist bumps and football at Camberley youth club

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner proved herself adept at table tennis as she visited a Surrey youth club.

Children and young people who attend Camberley's Club Dean also discovered that Surrey Heath Borough Commander Ryan Scott is unbeatable at table football, while the Force’s Chief Constable Tim De Meyer plays a sharp game of pool.

Lisa Townsend joined officers and staff after their working day had ended to celebrate national Neighbourhood Policing Week.

It comes as Lisa commits £31,000 to fund a youth worker at Club Dean. The post provides further sporting and artistic opportunities to young people.

Ahead of the visit, Lisa answered questions from students at Collingwood College before joining officers on a patrol of the Old Dean estate.

The Commissioner said: "The Force’s role in Surrey’s neighbourhoods is so crucial.

"Our officers can impact lives for years to come."

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Students lift Cop Cup

A rounders team from Thomas Knyvett faced off against players from Halliford School during the annual Cop Cup.

Officers and PCSOs from across Spelthorne competed alongside students as part of the day, which aims to build relationships with children and young people and encourage reporting.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson were delighted to attend the event.

Lisa said: “The sportsmanship was wonderful to see."

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Behind the scenes at biggest policing op

Lisa Townsend headed behind the scenes of Surrey Police's biggest pre-planned operation last month.

The Epsom Derby is one of the most significant sporting events in the county.

Surrey Police has been responsible for policing at the meet for 26 years.

A total of four arrests were made during the weekend.

Lisa, who attended Ladies' Day, said the event was a "fantastic success" and thanked police for their efforts to keep people safe.

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