Operation Hotspot yields results in Borehamwood

Two prolific Hertsmere shoplifters have been jailed as part of an ongoing initiative to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour across the county.

Following a successful bid through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, the constabulary secured £1m worth of Government funding to launch ‘Operation Hotspot’ back in May.

The funding is providing extra foot patrols and increased visibility across all 10 districts of the county.

These patrols are being carried out in addition to normal daily business patrols, targeting specific areas which have been identified as crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots.

In Hertsmere, the patrols are focussing on the Shenley Road area of Borehamwood.

Throughout July and August, local officers carried out 21 additional patrols, totalling 336 policing hours.

This resulted in nine people being arrested, 23 stop searches being carried out and ASB powers* being utilised seven times.

Two of those arrested for theft from shops received custodial sentences, of 23 weeks and eight weeks respectively.

Neighbourhood Inspector Rachael Robertson said: “Operation Hotspot is allowing us to carry out additional patrols on top of our daily business, to help deter crime and anti-social behaviour in an area that has traditionally seen higher volumes of crime.

“The patrols have proved a real success over the summer, enabling us to make additional arrests and get prolific offenders off the streets. These patrols will continue.”

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, the project 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.