Police family heartbroken by 'cruel' eviction

The family of a detective have described their heartbreak at being evicted from their subsidised police housing.

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend issued eviction notices to 21 officer families earlier this year, saying new recruits needed the houses.

Offering the discounted homes to new officers will help attract and keep the best talent, Townsend said.

Laura, who was told in February she had to leave the property she lives at with her husband and two young children, said it was "heart-wrenching" to finally move out last Friday.

"It's been physically [and] mentally demanding because it's not as simple as moving from one house to another," Laura, who has lived at the property for 18 months, told BBC Radio Surrey.

"There's a lot we have had to leave behind.

"We created our dream home and within 18 months we're told we've got to get out.

"It's really cruel – it's all of our memories.

"It's all encapsulated [in this house]. [My children's] first baths. [The] first birthday parties out in the garden. The kids playing in the paddling pool.

"It's not just a house - this is our home."

Laura added that the family of four were now having to move back with her parents, where they would be "all squished together".

Under new eligible criteria, the discounted housing is being offered to those with less than three years of service or who are transferring into the force, have a single income of less than £40,000, or joint income of less than £80,000.

Townsend said she could fully appreciate the evictions have been "upsetting and disruptive" for those affected.

However, she said she had a duty to ensure Surrey Police's limited housing stock was allocated in the "fairest way possible".

Townsend added that offering subsidised properties to less well-paid officers at the start of their careers would help attract and keep the best talent.

"It has been well documented that the force faces significant challenges in retaining officers in what is an expensive county to live and work in," she continued.

Townsend said that recruiting and training new officers also takes considerable time and money, meaning the decision was right for both the Surrey taxpayer and wider workforce at Surrey Police.

The 21 families were initially given 12 weeks to leave the properties, but following criticism, this deadline was extended to 18 July. Laura left her home at the end of July.

Tenants also received a 50% rent cut until they left.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.