New neighbourhood policing priorities announced for Welwyn Hatfield

The Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have set new policing priorities for the local area, following feedback from the public.

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

The following priorities have been set:

North (Welwyn West, Welwyn East, Haldens, Sherrards, Handside, Peartree and Panshanger)

• Anti-social behaviour around Welwyn Garden City town centre especially around Stonehills. This will include working with partners to support with target hardening.
• Anti-social behaviour and vehicle nuisance in Peartree Lane and the surrounding area.

Welwyn Hatfield West (Hatfield Villages, Hatfield Central, Hatfield South West and the University of Hertfordshire)

• Anti-social behaviour and drugs around Lemsford Road.
• Theft from motor vehicles.

Welwyn Hatfield South (Hollybush, Cuffley, Howlands, Northaw, Hatfield East, Hatfield South)

• Anti-social behaviour including nuisance vehicles and drug use in Overfield Close/Fieldside Close and the surrounding area.
• Anti-social behaviour using vehicles and off road bikes in Welham Green.

Alongside the NPT, Welwyn Hatfield 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.

Inspector Amy Sheldon, who leads the Welwyn Hatfield NPT, said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback. It proved extremely valuable, and I hope residents feel reassured by the new priorities that have been set. While officers will focus on these local priorities, they will also continue to deal with day-to-day policing matters, alongside forcewide priorities and any emerging issues that require immediate attention.

“Fly-tipping was mentioned in some feedback again and I’d like to remind residents how to report this. If you spot somebody in the middle of fly-tipping please call the police on 999. However, if the fly-tip has already been dumped, you must report this to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council on their website (opens in a new window) and they will take the appropriate action.”

Join the ‘Herts Connected’ community messaging service to keep up to date with what’s happening in your local area. Select ‘police’ when you sign up (opens in a new window).

You can also use the Herts Connected platform to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit Herts Connected (opens in a new window) and tell us your thoughts.