Measuring performance

Rural crime

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

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

155 arrests, 25 years in prison for offenders and 10kg of suspected cocaine seized – Safer Redhill celebrates a year of success

An initiative part-funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner aims to tackle criminality and restore pride in Redhill.

Surrey’s business community asked to have their say in retail crime survey

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, stands in a high street. Behind her are shops and people walking. She wears a blue coat with its collar upturned. Her blonde hair is loose and she is smiling.

Members of Surrey's business community are urged to have their say on the impact of retail crime in a new survey.

“It literally saved my life”: Meet the team using music and photography to prevent child exploitation

Three people stand in a studio. On the left, a man stands with his hands by his sides. Sitting to his left is a young person with his back to the camera. Next, and in the middle of the standing group, is Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who has her hand on the back of a chair. A woman stands with her hands clasped to Lisa's left hand side.

Catch22's Music To My Ears programme supports criminally exploited children through music, photography and film-making.