Watford’s new police station, vehicle crime and street robbery were all discussed when Lewis Cocking Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner visited the town.

Mr Cocking started the day (May 24th) at the current police station with Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman where they reviewed and discussed crime issues across the borough.

Residential dwelling burglaries in the borough remain low and following a successful targeted operation, which led to several arrests, the number of street robberies has reduced.

Ch Insp Wiseman reported that theft of vehicles, particularly motorbikes, and theft from vehicles has been increasing, and measures are in place to address these crime types.

Mr Cocking was shown around the CCTV room, which is run by Watford Borough Council but based at the station. It has hundreds of cameras covering the area which are used to detect crime such as shop lifting, assaults, car crime and drug offending. 

A tour of the town centre took in the new police station at 3 George Street. Due to open in the autumn the modern building will also continue to provide a front counter service for the public.

Across the road he visited St Mary's Church where banning orders have successfully been put in place to prevent repeat offenders causing anti-social behaviour. 

He then went to Watford Library to visit a well-attended community event set up by Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire Libraries to help citizens protect themselves from cybercrime.

Mr Cocking also presented Licencing Officer Jo Tomkins, from the Community Safety Unit, with a certificate to recognise a successful recent event she organised at Pryzm nightclub. It was attended by over 100 people from Watford’s night-time economy industry with the focus on maximising public safety and support through joint working.

Mr Cocking said: “It has been a very informative and useful day here in Watford finding out what the local issues are and how they are being addressed. There is a lot of positive work being undertaken across the board to tackle a range of crime issues.

“It was good to see work progressing on the new police station, it will be a fantastic facility for both officers and staff, as well as the people of Watford.”