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Runnymede Officers assisted our colleagues from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service early this morning (Thursday 19 March) with a collision involving two lorries on the M3. 

As part of our work to disrupt criminals across the county, our intelligence teams look carefully into patterns of offending. This enables us to target policing activity and share information with potential victims on how to protect themselves. Recently, we updated we have seen an increase in reports of distraction thefts, which involve thieves posing as workers or professionals to gain a victim’s trust. We’re actively identifying criminals who use these deceptive tactics and gathering evidence from a whole range of sources in order to bring these offenders to justice. Just last month, two men were sentenced to a total of six years and three months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to distraction burglary.  Steven Gander, 50 (DOB: 15/09/1975), of Medway, and Miley Todd, 34 (DOB: 30/10/1991), of no fixed addresses, were sentenced on Friday, 20 February at Guildford Crown Court. On the morning of 15 September 2025, the pair gained entry to the home of an elderly woman in Virginia Water, posing as plumbers. The victim, who lives alone, rightly requested to see identification and was presented with a black wallet holding a small card, which she was unable to read. Gander and Todd went into various rooms without the victim. Shortly after they left, the victim noticed approximately £2500 missing from her bedroom, including a sentimental pay packet belonging to her late husband. She reported this to police, and our team quickly began to piece together evidence. Gander and Todd were identified using CCTV footage from a neighbouring house and were arrested later that evening. The individuals were identified by CCTV footage from a neighbouring house and ANPR and located together upon arrest. Analysis from the vehicle and digital devices showed Gander travelled to the victim’s address and remained there for several hours the day before the offence. The following day, both phones were identified to be in the same location prior to the offence, then switched off during the time of the pair entered the property. Additionally, fingerprints found at the victim’s address matched with Gander. Gander received 32 months’ imprisonment and Todd received 43 months’ imprisonment for the burglary and two months for drug related offences, to be served consecutively. Protect yourself by:  not opening your door to unexpected callers; check their identity and verify it independently - genuine callers will be happy to wait whilst checks are made; using security equipment such as CCTV or doorbell cameras will deter suspects and help identify offenders.

From Monday, 2 March to Sunday, 8 March, teams across the Force were out and about tackling drug-related crime as part of County Lines Intensification Week. County lines is a term used for organised illegal drug-dealing networks who move drugs between areas using dedication phone lines, often relying on violence, exploitation and the coercion of vulnerable people, including children, to run their operations. There was plenty of proactive activity during the week which resulted in nine warrants, 28 arrests and 48 charges. We also dismantled 11 drugs lines,  seized various designer goods including luxury watches and £28,000 in cash. County line and Drug harm coordinator, Alex Gillot said: “This was the sixteenth occasion we have concentrated resources to the dedicated week of action to tackle County Drugs lines and associated harm. “County Lines have a devastating impact on communities which brings serious harm to people, not just through the supply of drugs, but also the associated violence and exploitation. “Work continues throughout the year to disrupt and dismantle County lines, but it is advantageous to also focus a national intensive response. This week saw that strong commitment to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders and provide avenues for education and prevention.”

County Lines drug dealing continues to be one of the most complex challenges facing Surrey Police and Sussex Police. At the forefront of tackling this threat is our Centurion team, a group of highly specialised individuals formed in September 2020 to coordinate our forces’ response. Seeing cases from initial intelligence gathering through to sentencing, Centurion identifies key players, compiles evidence and collaborates with the Metropolitan Police’s adjacent unit to dismantle drug supply networks - not just those operating on the street. Centurion recently concluded their investigation into a Class A drug supply network operating in East Surrey and the surrounding areas. The operation resulted in 12 men being sentenced to a combined total of over 47 years in prison. PC David Oliver, of the Centurion team, said:  “Every day, our teams work to identify offenders, disrupt their networks and protect those at risk, and this case demonstrates that no matter how long it takes, we will find those responsible. “As a Force, we remain committed to tackling drug related crime and safeguarding those who are targeted by these networks. “If you have concerns about drug dealing or believe someone is being exploited, please report it to us. If you prefer not to speak directly to police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.”  

Confiscation orders have been granted for more than £1m of illegal profits made by a group of jailed drug dealers. Now on top of their jail time, they will be hit in the pocket with assets including cash, money in bank accounts, high value watches, designer bags and clothing being seized to help recover illegal funds made from their crimes. The orders, sought under the under the Proceeds of Crime Act, affect five members of a gang who were jailed last January after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. The group were running drugs from London into Surrey and Hampshire. PC Ed Bush, who was part of the team involved in the case, said: “This is another really positive step, and I hope it sends a message to anyone involved in criminal enterprise that we are coming not just for you, but your illegal profits too.  I’m sure these offenders will enjoy knowing their drug money is going to be funnelled back into the fight against other people like them.” Criminal funds confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act are distributed and repurposed through the ARIS scheme (Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme) which then goes on to fund further criminal and financial investigations, purchase law enforcement equipment to help tackle crime as well as being compensated back to victims, where they have suffered loss or been victims of crime.

A man who raped, sexually assaulted, and psychologically abused two women has been jailed for nearly 20 years. On Thursday, 12 March, Ethan Nolan, 24 (DOB: 13/10/2001), from Bristol, was sentenced to 19 years and six months after being found guilty of three counts of rape, two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour (CCB), one count of sexual assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault by touching and one count of intentional strangulation. In 2022, Nolan raped a woman he was in a relationship with while she slept at her home in Bristol. He then tried to manipulate her and convince her it was normal.

In April 2023, he entered a relationship with a second woman in Surrey, began restricting her from seeing friends and changing the way she dressed. He also coerced her into giving him her bank cards and made her send him money. His behaviour escalated from psychological to physical abuse. He would regularly beat the woman and on one occasion remarked: "If I leave bruises over you, people will know you are mine." Nolan then raped her twice in the space of a couple of months. Following a six-day trial at Bristol Crown Court in January, Nolan was found guilty of all offences. At sentencing, he was also handed a lifelong restraining order and put on the sex offenders register for life. Detective Constable Nat Stone, from Surrey Police's Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said: "Nolan is a dangerous man and his behaviour has impacted many lives. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the courage of both victims to come forward and tell Police what happened. "Thanks to their bravery and support over the last two years, Nolan will now serve a significant amount of time behind bars. "This investigation and court result is evidence of the hard work by numerous officers and staff members and that shows that we take every report of domestic abuse and sexual assault seriously. If you have been a victim of abuse or sexual violence, or you recognise any of these behaviours in a friend or partner, please contact police. You will be listened to, and we will do everything we can to support you.”