A new strategy to tackle knife crime in Surrey will focus on working with communities to prevent offending. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined officers on patrol in Walton-on-Thames, Elmbridge this week as part of Op Sceptre, a national knife crime awareness week.  

During the initiative, Lisa launched a new knife crime strategy created by the Surrey Serious Violence Reduction Partnership.

Knife crime rates in Surrey are at around half of the national average. In the year to September 2024, 496 serious knife crime offences were reported, compared to an average of 1,265 nationally. 

📽️ Commissioner Lisa Townsend launches knife crime strategy on patrol with officers in Walton-on-Thames

But the Commissioner said: “One life lost to knife crime is one life too many. 

“Surrey remains one of the safest places to live in the country, but this type of offending is still ruining lives, and we cannot afford to be complacent."

Officers in Elmbridge made unannounced visits to those who are known to be carrying knives regularly, patrolled busy areas in the town centre, and used ‘spotters’ to flag signs of suspicious behaviour. 

PCSOs also travelled on trains throughout the borough to speak with passengers.

Read more 👉 “One life lost is one life too many”: Commissioner unveils new knife crime strategy during week of action - Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Surrey