Safer Streets event in Hatfield is success

Police and local partners hosted a successful community event on Tuesday (4 June), as they work together on the Safer Streets project.

The project is a multi-agency initiative that aims to reduce reports of vehicle crime, county line drug dealing, criminal damage and associated anti-social behaviour. It focuses on hotspot areas in Hatfield* and measures include upgraded CCTV along with regular patrols (Operation Oarlock).

The event took place in Goldings Crescent and officers from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team were joined by representatives from Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, the Office of the Police and Crime commissioner, the fire and rescue service and Paradigm housing association.

The main aim of the event was to speak to local residents to let them know more about the project, gather their feedback and provide crime prevention advice.

A stall and gazebo were set up where locals could pop along for a chat and the teams also knocked on doors to speak to residents.

Those living in the local area were encouraged to sign up to Herts Connected, the constabulary’s new messaging system, which will keep them up-to-date with news of the project. They were also invited to take part in a survey which will help steer the project and ensure that officers are focusing on the issues that matter most to residents.

The event ran from 12.30pm-4.30pm and resulted in the following:

• 100 properties visited
• 10 Safe and Well referrals (including one carried out on the day)
• One property fitted with a smoke detector
• 10 flytips dealt with, with evidence taken away for further investigation
• 15 new residents signed up to Herts Connected
• 30 surveys submitted

Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Pete Frost said: “We have been working hard on this project and I am pleased the event was such a success. We are committed to making sure the local area is safe and it was great to be met with such enthusiasm from the public at our event.

“I would like to remind residents to get in touch with any concerns about local crime or anti-social behaviour so that we can take action. You can also speak anonymously to Crimestoppers who will pass the information to us whilst making sure you cannot be identified.”

*The project focuses on Goldings House, Goldings Crescent, Link Close, Wood Close, Wood Vale, Deerswood Avenue, Northdown Road, Garden Avenue, Roe Green Lane and St Albans Road West. Find out more on our website

Join our new community messaging platform Herts Connected at Herts Connected where you will receive free local police messages. You can also choose to receive messages from Neighbourhood Watch, Action Fraud and the Police and Crime Commissioner if that’s what you select when you sign up. 

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at web chat 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.