Garage defenders installed as part of Safer Streets project

More than 30 garage defenders have been installed at properties in the Howe Dell area as part of Hatfield’s ongoing Safer Streets project.

Safer Streets 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). A variety of local partners are involved including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council and housing providers.

On Tuesday 14 January, PC Martin Field and PCSO Tom Martin from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, joined together with Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service.

PC Field and PCSO Martin were on hand in the local area to speak to residents about any concerns, whilst the fire service installed garage defenders.

The defenders help to protect garages from being broken into and their installation is one of many pieces of work recently carried out as part of the Safer Streets project.

With assistance from FCC Environment and Krinkles UK (previously known as Continental Landscapes Limited), fly-tips were removed just before Christmas. Litter was picked up, hedges were cut back and leaves were cleared. The result was a much clearer, cleaner and safer-looking area.

Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Pete Frost said: “There’s been lots of brilliant work happening across the project recently and I hope residents are noticing the impact this work has had across the Safer Streets area.

“We still have more garage defenders to install so you can expect to see more activity, along with our usual Operation Oarlock patrols.

“Please do continue to get in touch with any concerns you may have. This project is here to help you and we want you to be involved.”

Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, Executive Member for Environment at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council said: “The Safer Streets project is a great example of the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service and the Council working together to reduce crime in our Borough.  Thank you to everyone who helped make recent initiatives such as the educational workshops and the installation of garage defenders such a success.  There are many ways to get involved in the Safer Streets project so I would encourage everyone to find out more on the Herts Police website”.

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*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 at Safer streets webpage.