You said, We did – North Herts

Over the past few months, Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) across North Herts have been working to tackle the issues that residents said were causing them the most concern.

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

They set local policing priorities every four months, providing a specific focus on the issues that residents have raised through surveys, alongside an analysis of data.

Residents will see their dedicated team of PCs and PCSOs working alongside partners to tackle the issues, through an increased police presence, engagement events and targeted enforcement.

During the last period, the following issues were addressed:

Baldock and Letchworth

• Residential Burglaries in Letchworth and Baldock
  Through dedicated patrols, crime prevention advice and visible presence, your local NPT has been part of a wider response to the issue of residential burglaries in Letchworth and Baldock. We are pleased to say that these activities have contributed to a significant year to date reduction for reported residential burglaries across the two towns.

• ASB in Letchworth Town Centre and Howard Park
  During the summer months, your local NPT increased the number of patrols it conducted in Letchworth Town Centre and Howard Park. These locations had been highlighted as a concern for local communities. Both locations are popular with shoppers, visitors and families and it is vital that people feel safe. These increased patrols, engagement with persons present, stop searches (where appropriate) and enforcement have resulted in a decline in reported ASB, increasing the feelings of safety of those using the area.

• Off-road bikes being ridden in an anti-social manner around Jackmans Estate, Letchworth and open spaces in Baldock
  With the assistance of local residents’ responses from a survey, we have been able to identify locations and times most blighted by this issue. As a result of being in those locations, at those times, we have been able to seize numerous off-road bikes and e-scooters. Where appropriate, riders have been reported for related offences. One rider was even wanted for unrelated matters and arrested as a result.

The following priorities have now been agreed for the coming three months:

• Speeding - Wilbury Road, Letchworth.
• ASB - Howard Park and surrounding area.
• Nuisance vehicles - Off-road bikes in Letchworth and Baldock.

 Hitchin Rural

• Speeding on High Street, Pirton and Darley Road, Darley Hall
  Our focus has been on vehicles speeding in the above locations. The safety of all road users is a priority for us. Our dedicated patrols, deploying speed indication devices, handheld speed indication devices and mere presence are all a vital element of the continual drive for safer roads.

• Vehicle Crime in Knebworth
  A spate of vehicle break-ins resulted in this becoming a priority for your local NPT. As a result, we have been conducting targeted patrols in locations vulnerable to this type of offence, at the times when they tend to happen. Response Teams have assisted in the efforts to reduce the number of offences committed and, ultimately, reduce the number of victims.

The following priorities have now been agreed for the coming three months:

• Speeding – Whitwell and Codicote.
• Fly-tipping – Lilley and Offley.

Hitchin Urban

• Speeding - Purwell Estate
  As per concerns raised by the local community, your local NPT focussed on Purwell Lane and Kingswood Avenue. Issue-related police activities have been undertaken in and around these locations on numerous occasions over the preceding months. You told us what your concerns were and we responded with concerted efforts to make these streets safer for all.

• ASB and drug related issues in Ransoms Recreational Park and Triangle Garden
  Members of North Herts NPT have conducted numerous patrols within the area identified as a concern for local residents. These patrols have been targeted on the days and times where most concerns were raised. These patrols have resulted in multiple persons being stopped and searched, Class A (Adult Caution issued) and Class B drugs seized, and even a motorbike stolen from Hemel Hempstead being recovered.

The following priorities have now been agreed for the coming three months:

• Speeding - London Road (B656) - Three Moorhens Roundabout to Broadmeadow Ride.
• Drug related ASB - Westmill Estate, particularly Redhill Road
• E-Scooters - The unlawful use of E-scooters around Hitchin Urban area

Royston and Royston Rural

• Rural Crime, specifically plant theft in Royston Rural areas
  Continued daily patrols have meant your local NPT remain visible across this vast area. Crime levels remain low, and this is testament to the continued engagement between local police, landowners and local businesses. We find that these relationships, as well as attendance at Barn Meets and Rural Working Groups mean that we are able to address any issues raised in a timely and effective manner.

• Speeding in Therfield village
  You may have seen your local NPT conducting speed checks in Therfield village over the summer months. These activities continue to contribute to ensuring our road network is as safe as possible for all users. We have even given educational talks at the local primary school to improve road safety awareness.

• Mopeds and off-road motorbikes being ridden in an anti-social manner around Royston
  The use of E-scooters, mopeds and off-road bikes being used in an anti-social manner across the area has been one of the local NPT’s priorities over the summer. As a result of patrols in locations identified by local communities, we have been able to seize multiple E-scooters and motorbikes, with riders being reported for related offences where appropriate.

The following priorities have now been agreed for the coming three months:

• Speeding – Baldock Road, Royston.
• ASB – Hedera Gardens, Royston.
• Hare Coursing – Royston Rural.

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.

Alongside the NPT, North Herts is also policed by officers who respond to emergency calls, a team of detectives who investigate crimes such as burglary, robbery and assault, and specialist units who work to tackle issues such as acquisitive crime and domestic abuse. In addition, they can call on officers from central teams which work countywide.

You can have your say by joining the ‘Herts Connected’ community messaging service to keep up to date with what’s happening in your local area. You can set your preferences to receive police messages, as well as updates from Action Fraud and the Police and Crime Commissioner. Sign up for free at Herts Connected.