Under-reported crimes tackled in police operation

Police were out on the streets in Epsom as part of Operation Shield

Work to prevent crimes against women and girls and discover under-reported offences is "really important", according to Surrey Police.

As part of an operation in Epsom, police were out on patrol, talking to the public and liaising with bars and clubs, as well as sending plain clothes officers into venues.

Sgt Claudia Humphreys, from the Epsom and Ewell safer neighbourhood team, said as well as talking to the public, police had been giving out anti-spiking kits.

"A lot of these crimes go undetected and we don't know about them," she told BBC Radio Surrey.

"If we are in the town giving advice, not victim blaming but making sure we can prevent these incidents, then that's really important."

Police said a total of 49 searches were carried out and eight seizures made on the evening, including cannabis, cocaine and an illegal vape.

Three arrests were made, the force said, one for cycle thefts and possession of tools used for theft, one for breach of bail conditions, and one for possession of an offensive weapon and cannabis.

Ch Insp Dan Gutierrez said police presence in the town acted "as a deterrent to criminal opportunists" and made the area "hostile to those who might display predatory behaviour towards women and girls".

"Local businesses also play a key role in supporting operations like this, and we've been listening to concerns from our community and taking action on issues they tell us about, including the safety around the night time economy, motorbike theft and general anti-social behaviours," he said.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend says the issue "really matters" to the public

Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined officers for Operation Shield in Epsom on Friday.

She said reducing violence against women and girls "really matters" to the public, and that the force's work also extended to supporting victims through the criminal justice system.

But she added that some victims faced waiting until 2028 or 2029 before getting to court.

Insp Jon Vale said Epsom was a very safe place

Those out in Epsom generally said they did feel safe in the town on a night out.

But one man, who did not want to be named, said: "There's a lot of things happening, people stealing bikes, threatening people."

He said he always "checked over his shoulder" in Epsom town centre.

Insp Jon Vale said: "We know that although Epsom is a very safe place, there will be occasions where sexual assaults happen, drink spiking and other occasions where women and girls become a victim of crime."

He also said there were issues with gang-related violence and county lines in Surrey.