The expanded Rickmansworth police station, domestic burglary and vehicle crime were all discussed when the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire visited Three Rivers.

Lewis Cocking started the day (October 18th) at the police station with Detective Inspector Daniel Bhamra where they reviewed crime issues across the district.

Residential burglaries, the theft of high value cars and activities to reduce the violence against women and girls were highted as particular activities which are being addressed. While burglary has reduced by 14 per cent recently, vehicle crime has risen by almost the same amount.

Tackling speeding across all the wards is a priority including residential and rural roads, with plans for more officers and PCSOs being trained to carry out speed checks.

Mr Cocking was shown around Rickmansworth police station, in Northway, where extension work has been completed to offer more space for the extra officers in the district recruited thanks to the uplift programme which has seen the creation of Hertfordshire’s largest ever force.

Next he took part in The Three Rivers Community Safe Partnership meeting which is made up of partners including the District Council, Constabulary, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Fire and Rescue. They heard about dangers from extremist organisations and how comprehensive Case Reviews can be used to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour.  

Over a working lunch they also met Three Rivers District Council to meet Council Leader Cllr Sarah Nelmes and Chief Executive Jo Wagstaffe.

They discussed how partnership working could make communities safer including projects to reduce violence against women and girls.

Mr Cocking said: “These district days out in our communities give me and the Commissioner a real insight into understanding the everyday problems and issues facing the people of Three Rivers.

“It allows us to get feedback on the measures which are being taken to address criminality and make people feel safer. This information can then be used to see where more money or resources need to be invested to tackle particular issues.

“The completion of the works at the Rickmansworth Police Station is good to see and testament to how more space is needed as more frontline officers have joined the Constabulary.”

Residents and business who want to raise non-emergency concerns and tell the police in Three Rivers what to focus on are encouraged to use the online Echo online reporting system at Three Rivers Echo.

DI Bahmra said: “If you have a problem then I encourage you to report it to us. Echo is embedded in everything our Safer Neighbourhood Officers do and they do always look at the feedback and act on it when it is appropriate.”