You Said, We Did – Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth

Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) across East Herts have set their new policing priorities for the coming months.

NPTs work alongside partners to focus on solving long and short-term neighbourhood issues, such as anti-social behaviour, theft, speeding and drug-related crime.

Using an analysis of data, they set local policing priorities every four months, to provide a specific focus on the issues which are currently causing the most concern to residents locally. Feedback from members of the public also plays a vital part.

Residents will see their dedicated team of PCs and PCSOs in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth working alongside partners to address the agreed priorities below, through an increased police presence, engagement events and targeted enforcement.

• Reduce incidents of youth related anti-social behaviour in Bishop’s Stortford town centre.
• Reduce incidents of retail crime in Sawbridgeworth.

Whilst there will be a focus on the local priorities, officers will continue to respond to daily business as usual, as well as forcewide priorities and any emerging issues which require more immediate action.

The area is also policed by Intervention officers who respond to emergency calls, the Local Crime Unit which investigates the more serious crimes such as burglary, robbery and assault, and specialist units such as Operation Scorpion who work to tackle acquisitive crime. In addition, they can utilise officers from central teams which work countywide.

Previously, members of the public had asked us to focus on the following priorities:

Reduce reports of motor vehicle related anti-social behaviour in the Link Road area of Bishop’s Stortford.

• Proactive patrols were carried out in the area and drivers were spoken to.
• Several section 59 warning notices were issued. The notices mean that anyone caught again can have their vehicle seized.
• Signage has been updated to warn motorists of the consequences of anti-social driving.

Reduce reports of speeding in Hadham Road, Bishop’s Stortford.

• Regular speed checks were conducted in the area.
• A driver was issued with a Traffic Offence Report after he was recorded travelling at 54mph in the 30mph zone.

Reduce reports of motor vehicle related anti-social behaviour in Sawbridgeworth.

• Proactive patrols were carried out.
• Public appeals were issued to identify the riders responsible.
• Neighbourhood officers held a proactive operation alongside the Rural Operational Support Team, utilising their drone to help identify any offences. Work is continuing.

The issues will continue to be monitored.