You Said, We Did – East Herts Rural

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 across the East Herts Rural area working alongside partners to address the agreed priorities below, through an increased police presence, engagement events and targeted enforcement.

• Reduce incidents of speeding in Baldock Road and Hare Street.
• Reduce the risk of hare coursing in Wareside and surrounding rural areas.

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 incidents of youth related anti-social behaviour at the pump track in Norfolk Road, Buntingford.

• High visibility patrols were conducted to help deter anti-social behaviour.
• Bike marking and other events were held to encourage engagement with members of the public using the area.
• Young people were spoken to, to discuss any issues or concerns they had about the area.
• Officers worked in partnership with the local council and other agencies to address issues raised, such as criminal damage at the track.

Reduce the risk of hare coursing in Wellpond Green and surrounding rural areas.

• Regular proactive patrols were carried out in rural areas, utilising off-road vehicles to cover more ground.
• A joint operation was held with colleagues from North Herts to help identify vulnerable areas and deter offenders.
• Farmers and landowners have been visited to discuss ways in which they can keep their land more secure.

The issues will continue to be monitored.