Two arrested in Hatfield Safer Streets operation

Two men have been arrested in Hatfield as part of the Safer Streets project which is supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire.

Officers conducted a warrant in Link Walk following residents’ concerns about drugs and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) joined up with Op Scorpion and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to carry out the operation.

During the warrant a quantity of suspected crack cocaine and cannabis, along with mobile phones and £500 in cash were found. Fourteen e-bikes and e-scooters, that are suspected stolen, were also seized.

An 18 year old man from Hatfield was arrested on suspicion of the following offences:

• being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug
• possession with intent to supply a class A drug (crack cocaine)
• possession with intent to supply a class B drug (cannabis)

A 37 year old man from Hatfield was arrested on suspicion of the following offences:

• possession with intent to supply a class A drug (crack cocaine)
• possession with intent to supply a class B drug (cannabis)

Link Walk and the surrounding area is currently the subject of increased police patrols as part of Operation Oarlock, which aims to tackle ASB, drugs and vehicle theft. The operation is part of a ‘Safer Streets’ response to improving safety in the area and involves a wide variety of local partners including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and housing providers.

At the end of last year, Commissioner Lloyd’s office successfully bid for £1.27m of Government Safer Streets funding for three projects which will improve the safety of women and girls and address serious violence, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour across the county. 

This included £325,705 to be focused on South Hatfield to reduce reports of vehicle crime, county line drug dealing, criminal damage and associated anti-social behaviour. The theft of motorbikes which are then ridden dangerously around the area is a particular concern and measures will be introduced to stop this behaviour.  

Sergeant Robert Wilson, from the Welwyn Hatfield NPT, said: “We carried out this warrant in response to concerns from the public. I hope this reassures you that we listen to your views and take them seriously.

“It is not fair that residents are made to feel unsafe which is why we are committed to working closely with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and our specialist unit of Operation Scorpion officers (who tackle acquisitive crime) so that we can take action.

“Residents in the Link Walk area can expect to see an increased police presence as part of our ongoing Operation Oarlock. I urge residents to carry on reporting any concerns so that we can take action. Remember, you can also speak anonymously to Crimestoppers who will feed the report back to us whilst making sure you are not identified.”

You can use Hertfordshire Constabulary's community voice platform ‘echo’ to let them know what you think should be prioritised in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit bit.ly/police-welhat.