Two additional arrests in connection with vehicle crime – Watford

Police in Watford are continuing their crackdown on vehicle crime with two further arrests in the early hours of today (Monday 24 July).

A member of the public dialled 999 just after 2.15am to report two people trying car door handles on Haydon Road.

Intervention officers were on scene within four minutes of being dispatched, supported by colleagues from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Police Dog Unit.

A 31 year old man and a 27 year old woman, both from Watford, were arrested on suspicion of vehicle interference, and they remain in custody at this time.

Inspector Dan Jones, who leads the Watford Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We’re not wavering in our zero-tolerance approach to vehicle crime, as these two latest arrests demonstrate.

“Yet again, this incident shows how vital it is to dial 999 if you witness suspicious activity in your street. We were able to reach the location in less than five minutes and make two arrests thanks to the quick-thinking of the member of public who alerted us.”

Last week, the Safer Neighbourhood Team carried out a high-visibility night-time operation trying car door handles in the west Watford area as part of their proactive approach to tackling a recent rise in vehicle crime. Of the 333 vehicles checked 11 were found to be unlocked, leaving them vulnerable to crime. Words of advice were given to the vehicle’s registered owners, and future operations are being planned.

Inspector Jones added: “It sounds obvious, but please triple check that your vehicle is locked before you leave it unattended, and don’t leave items of value inside. Help us to make it difficult for thieves in Watford.”

Find a wealth of crime prevention advice on how to protect your vehicle on the Herts Police website (opens in a new window).

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your anonymous feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives, and campaigns. Visit bit.ly/police-watford and tell us what you think.

To receive police messages about a range of topics including burglaries, scams and missing people in your local area, sign up to owl.co.uk/herts or download the ‘OWL crime alerts’ app from your app store.