Op Hotspot patrols continue to reduce ASB in Watford

Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting is down by 16 per cent in Watford town centre following targeted high-visibility patrols being carried out under Operation Hotspot.

More than 2,000 hours of additional police patrols have taken place as part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour and serious violence.

These patrols are being carried out on top of normal daily business patrols, targeting specific areas which have been identified as crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots across the county – including Watford High Street and the Parade.

Since the project’s implementation in May, there has been a six per cent reduction in violent offences, a 10 per cent reduction in crime, a 16 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting offences across the Watford Central area.

In addition:

• 44 arrests have been made
• Five knives have been seized
• Anti-social behaviour powers* have been used 442 times
• Stop and search powers have been used 84 times

 

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Dan Jones said: “We are continuing to see positive results thanks to the additional patrols we have been conducting through Operation Hotspot. In the run up to Christmas, officers will be out in strength carrying out high visibility patrols and hosting a number of engagement events – for further details, please sign up to Herts Connected. I hope residents and businesses feel reassured seeing officers patrolling and taking action in the local area.”

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: “Hertfordshire residents have told me they want to see visible and responsive policing, tackling anti-social behaviour and disorder in communities. That is what Operation Hotspot is delivering.

“These high visibility patrols are designed to deter and catch people committing offences, as well as boosting engagement with residents and businesses.”

Following an analysis of data, Op Hotspot is running in the following areas: Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, Hitchin, St Albans, Rickmansworth, South Oxhey, Borehamwood, Watford, Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City and Waltham Cross.

* Including dispersal orders, Community Protection Warnings/Notices and Public Space Protection Orders.

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