Man charged following Operation Oarlock patrols

A man has been charged after officers conducting Operation Oarlock patrols in Hatfield arrested him.

Operation Oarlock is dedicated to tackling anti-social behaviour, drugs and vehicle theft in hotspot locations in Hatfield. It forms part of the wider ‘Safer Streets’* multi-agency response to improving safety in the area.

At around 7.30pm on Saturday (23 March), officers in an unmarked vehicle spotted a man acting suspiciously in Goldings Crescent.

James Gibson, aged 38, of Link Walk in Hatfield, was arrested and charged with:

• Theft
• Vehicle interference
• Going equipped for theft
• Possession of a knife/bladed/sharply pointed article
• Refusing to provide a sample for a class A drug test on arrest

A number of tools and other items were also seized (pictured).

Gibson appeared at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday 25 March) where he was remanded into custody. He is now in prison awaiting trial.

Sergeant Robert Wilson, from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I hope this news reassures residents that we are taking action to make your neighbourhood safer.

“As part of Operation Oarlock, we are carrying out regular high visibility and plain clothed patrols to tackle criminality in the area. The patrols are proving beneficial not just for making arrests and deterring offenders but they give us the opportunity to gather and build up intelligence. Our patrols are also a chance for us to speak to residents and give them advice.

“We are continuing to work hard with all the local partners involved in the Safer Streets project. Last month, we worked with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to secure a partial closure order on a property in Link Walk where we had previously carried out a drugs warrant.

“The order was granted under Section 80 (5) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. It means that visitors are banned from entering the property for three months.

“I would like to remind locals to carry on reporting any concerns so that we can take action. Don’t forget, you can also speak anonymously to Crimestoppers who will pass the information to us whilst making sure you cannot be identified.

“Finally, don’t forget you can join our new community messaging platform Herts Connected to stay up-to-date with our latest news about the Safer Streets project. It goes live on Monday 1 April and you can sign up at Herts Connected.” (opens in a new window)

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online 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 (opens in a new window).

*The Safer Streets project aims to reduce reports of vehicle crime, county line drug dealing, criminal damage and associated anti-social behaviour. Measures include targeted police patrols and upgraded CCTV. A wide variety of local partners are involved including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and housing providers. Find out more on the Herts Police website.