CCTV installed in Hatfield underpasses to make people feel safer

Work on a series of measures to improve the sense of safety for those using underpasses around Hatfield town centre has been completed.

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd secured £548,176 Safer Street Home Office funding to reduce crime, and the fear of crime, particularly for women and girls.

Following an extensive schedule of work with partner agencies five underpass sites have now been fully renovated. This has included the installation of 29 monitored CCTV cameras, upgraded lighting, security mirrors for blind corners, graffiti removal and the cutting back of vegetation to improve sightlines.

In addition, benches in the centres of several sites have been removed to prevent loitering by problem drinkers and groups of youths.

The aim of the scheme was to reduce the fear of anti-social behaviour and harassment plus crimes such as sexual assault, robbery and drug dealing.

The underpass sites are at Queensway, Cavendish Way and Comet Way, and the scheme was completed with Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire CCTV Partnership.

Mr Lloyd said: “Crime is very low in Hertfordshire but the fear of crime, particularly among women and girls, is a real concern. This work has enabled real changes to be made so that  residents can have more reassurance when using the underpasses.

“The changes, particularly the monitored CCTV will act as a deterrent against criminals and are part of our Prevention First policy to design out crime and prevent people becoming victims in the first place.”

In one underpass in Cavendish Way murals designed by female students were installed to help improve the visual attractiveness of the underpass, deter anti-social and inappropriate behaviours, and help pedestrians to feel safer and more confident when walking through the area.

Inspector Andrew Palfreyman, from the Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We’re committed to making sure that women and girls feel safe in Welwyn Hatfield and these new measures will give peace of mind to all local residents.

“Nobody should feel they have to avoid certain routes when walking around the town. I am confident the newly renovated underpasses will be empowering and make a real difference to people’s everyday lives, especially women and girls.”

Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Transport, Hertfordshire County Council said: “The works carried out will I hope encourage people living and working in Hatfield to take more local journeys on foot.

“Our aim is to offer all residents a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire. Providing attractive places to walk encourages more active travel, protects the environment and helps reduce traffic congestion.”

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner also worked with the University of Hertfordshire to use the funding to provide students with personal attack alarms and subscriptions to the Holli Guard personal safety app.

A social media campaign by CrimeStoppers was also conducted with students and Hatfield residents to raise awareness of potential criminal behaviour and encourage reporting.

Nationally, the Government has allocated £125m in Safer Street funding across England and Wales to tackle street safety and reduce violence against women and girls in public spaces.

Crimes which take place in public places such as sexual harassment disproportionately affect women, which is why this latest investment largely focuses on making spaces safer for women and girls.