Whilst not a separate priority in my Police and Crime Plan, rural crime is nevertheless a key area of focus for my team. My Deputy Commissioner has taken a lead on rural crime issues, and I am pleased that we now have dedicated rural crime teams in place.
![Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson wears a yellow suit jacket in front of green banner at a conference of the National Rural Crime Network](https://www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/rural-crime-conference-1024x768.jpeg)
Key areas of progress during 2022/23 have included:
- Training to ensure an improved understanding of rural crime amongst contact centre staff, ensuring that they are better able to identify risks and provide support to residents making contact.
- Use of national uplift capacity in some areas to introduce additional rural crime resources, such as in Mole Valley where the Borough Commander has introduced a dedicated post.
- Ongoing representation on the National Rural Crime Network and South-East Rural Partnership, which both champion a better understanding of crime in rural areas and effective ways to help to keep rural communities safe.
- Regular engagement with rural communities, including face-to-face meetings with farmers.
Latest News
Police crack down on anti-social behaviour in Guildford thanks to funding secured through Commissioner’s office
![](https://www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Commissioner-Lisa-Townsend-secured-Safer-Streets-funding-for-Guildford-Walton-and-Redhill.jpg)
Guildford's Safer Neighbourhood Team are working together with new street marshals in a new crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
Commissioner joins local officers preventing anti-social behaviour and crime in Surrey Heath
![](https://www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Police-and-Crime-Commissioner-Lisa-Townsend-with-Surrey-Police-officers-in-Camberley-scaled.jpeg)
The Commissioner joined targeted patrols taking place in Camberley, Bagshot, Frimley and Bisley.
Commissioner dispels shoplifting “myth” – and says the offence is a top priority for police in Surrey
![Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa standing by supermarket trolleys](https://www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Police-and-Crime-Commissioner-Lisa-Townsend.png)
Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has moved to dispel a long-standing "myth" about shoplifting.