More than 1,000 hours of additional police patrols have been carried out in Watford town centre, leading to a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour.

The patrols have taken place as part of Operation Hotspot, an initiative launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner in May to tackle anti-social behaviour and serious violence.

These patrols are being carried out on top of normal daily business patrols, targeting specific areas which have been identified as crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots across the county – including Watford High Street and the Parade.

Since the project’s implementation in May, there has been a 15 per cent reduction in crime and an 18 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour across the Watford Central area.

In addition:

• 16 arrests have been made
• Two weapons have been seized
• Anti-social behaviour powers* have been used 159 times
• Additional ‘Shop Watch’ radios have been provided to allow local businesses to communicate with police and CCTV operators directly
• New Public Spaces Protection Order signage has been installed for a ‘no drinking zone’.

Hertfordshire 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 Inspector Dan Jones said: “Thanks to the additional funding made available under Operation Hotspot, we’ve been able to conduct extra, targeted patrols as part of our continuing efforts to crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in Watford town centre.

“The patrols have proved a real success over the summer, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, enabling us to make additional arrests on top of daily business and remove weapons from the street. These patrols are continuing.”

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.

* Including dispersal orders, Community Protection Warnings/Notices and Public Space Protection Orders.