Crime and anti-social behaviour have significantly reduced in hotspot areas across Three Rivers, thanks to additional targeted patrols being carried out under Operation Hotspot.

The initiative was launched in May after Government funding was secured by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office for Hertfordshire.

The funding is providing additional foot patrols in identified hotspot areas across the county, on top of normal daily business, to help reduce anti-social behaviour and serious violence.

In Three Rivers, the patrols cover the High Street/Town Centre area in Rickmansworth and Hayling Road in South Oxhey.

Since the project’s implementation in May, there has been a 53 per cent reduction in crime in the South Oxhey hotspot area and a 23 per cent reduction in the Rickmansworth hotspot, compared to the same period last year.

In addition, three weapons were seized and two have been surrendered.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: “Hertfordshire residents have told me they want to see visible and responsive policing, tackling anti-social behaviour and disorder in communities. That is what Operation Hotspot is delivering.

“These high visibility patrols are designed to deter and catch people committing offences, as well as boosting engagement with residents and businesses.”

Neighbourhood Sergeant Anna Cornish said: “Operation Hotspot is working really well in Three Rivers, helping to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in our identified target areas and take weapons off the street. These additional patrols will continue.”

Following an analysis of data, Op Hotspot is running in the following areas: Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, Hitchin, St Albans, Rickmansworth, South Oxhey, Borehamwood, Watford, Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City and Waltham Cross.