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.
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
“You are not alone”: Commissioner urges romance fraud victims to speak to police
More than 600 reports of romance fraud were received by police in Surrey and Sussex last year - with total losses reaching over £7million.
Commissioner says Surrey Police will be properly funded to fight crime after council tax rise goes ahead
Lisa Townsend said asking the Surrey public for more funding to support policing is not a decision she takes lightly.
“Fantastic” hub tackling domestic abuse in Surrey will remain open as new funding is secured
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey secured £2million for Steps to Change, which opened last year.