Crime including burglary, car theft and drug dealing addressed in Hertsmere

Operations to tackle burglary, car theft and drug dealing are being carried out in Hertsmere, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire heard during a visit.

David Lloyd and Deputy PCC Lewis Cocking visited the area on Wednesday (March 8) to see what is being done to address those issues which are causing concerns for local residents.

As part of the Commissioner’s District Day they met with Chief Inspector Mark Bilsdon at Borehamwood Police station before going out on patrol with local officers.

Although there has been no overall increase in crime across the borough compared to last year, there has been some localised peaks in burglary, car theft and violence linked to County Line drug dealing.

Mr Lloyd heard how several successful operations have been carried out in the last few months which have reduced the number of incidents, while targeted resources have been put into ongoing actions to catch the criminals responsible.

There was then a tour of the new facilities which are being provided for officers and the public at the station which is housed inside the Hertsmere Civic Offices in Elstree Way. The new parts of the station have increased the space available by 50 per cent, and they are expected to be completed next month. A new locker room and Taser storage area have been built, alongside a larger briefing room for pre-patrol meetings. Additional rooms have also been created to enable the public to come in to give statements and for interviews to take place.

While on patrol with an officer and a police community support officer Mr Lloyd and Mr Cocking visited Borehamwood Shopping Park to speak to store managers about how shoplifting was being tackled.

They then met Council Leader Morris Bright, Portfolio holder for Community Safety Cllr Pervez Choudhury and Managing Director Sajida Bjile to discuss how joint working can keep people safer. This included how the council funds additional Police Community Support Officers to deal with lower level crime and anti-social behaviour.

Mr Lloyd said: “It is important that I get out on these district days to see what is happening out on the frontline. It enables me to find out what local issues the public are concerned about and what officers are doing about them.

“Crime types such as burglary and car theft spread fear among local communities, even though the chances of becoming a victim are very low. From speaking to the Chief Inspector today I am satisfied that he is taking these very seriously and robust plans have been put in place, this includes drawing on the services of the police helicopter and dog unit when required.

“It was pleasing to see the almost completed extension works for the police station, which I approved last year. Although many people may not realise it there is a fully operation station in Borehamwood which has 130 officers and staff based in it.

“The new facilities provide additional space for the extra officers who have joined Hertfordshire Constabulary as part of my commitment to increase frontline officers alongside the national uplift programme. “

Chief Inspector Bilsdon added: “: “We are continuing to work with partners and the public to react quickly when crime hotspots are identified and work hard to identify and apprehend offenders.

“As part of our Prevention First approach we’re also working with the public through engagement events to share simple crime prevention advice, which help make it more difficult for opportunist thieves, who target homes and vehicles, as well as other criminals to operate in Hertsmere.

“You can receive updates on what’s happening in your neighbourhood, including local crime and advice on how to protect yourself and your property by signing up to owl.co.uk/herts or download the ‘OWL crime alerts’ app from your app store.”