Safer Streets Project introduces new measures for Hertford's night time economy

Safer Streets project introduces new measures for Hertford’s night time economy

Police and local partner agencies have been working together to help improve feelings of safety in Hertford town centre.

The Safer Streets project was launched to address issues and concerns around the weekend night-time economy, such as drug use and violence against women and girls.

Government funding was secured by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office to help deliver several initiatives and long-term improvements as part of the project:

CCTV

Hertford Town Council has upgraded CCTV cameras across the town centre network, to act as a deterrent and allow for better collation of evidence should it ever be needed as part of a police investigation. New mobile cameras have also been purchased to help tackle any emerging issues moving forward.
In addition, East Herts Council is in the process of upgrading digitally enhanced cameras at Gascoyne Way car park, in response to anti-social behaviour issues and vehicle crime.

Project Vigilant

Several Project Vigilant deployments have been carried out to help detect predatory behaviour. The project involves plain-clothed officers conducting patrols in the night-time economy, supported by uniformed resources. Around 60 officers have received specialist training under the project, which they can now utilise during their day-to-day patrols.
Advice has also been given to door staff, to help them feel more confident around challenging unacceptable behaviour. The deployments will continue.

Bystander training

Those who work within the night-time economy have been offered the chance to undertake specialist training in conjunction with Safer Places. The training aims to raise awareness of the threats that may exist but are not necessarily obvious to the untrained eye, and the appropriate action to take if these behaviours are identified. More than 40 people associated with the local night-time economy have undertaken this training, including Street Pastors.

LSAVI

Bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants have been encouraged to sign up to the Licensing SAVI scheme – a self-assessment tool designed to help licensed premises provide a safer and more secure environment for their managers, staff, customers and local communities. It provides advice and guidance around topics such as drugs misuse, safeguarding vulnerable customers and preventing violent behaviour, including violence against women and girls. Several premises have signed up to the scheme, with some already achieving the top five-star rating.

Education and awareness

Education and awareness has also formed a big part of the project. Advice has been issued to licensed premises and members of the public around sexual assault and drink spiking, encouraging them to report offences. Anti-spiking kits have been handed out, which include protective bottle caps and drink testing strips, as a well a card containing information and advice. Plain-clothed test visits have also been carried out at licensed premises, to educate staff around the Ask For Angela scheme.
In addition, information has been issued around the dangers and legalities of using nitrous oxide, which had been highlighted as a concern in the area.

Work has also been undertaken by the Community Safety Unit to review the licence of a premise that had been linked to disorder. As a result of the actions taken the licence has been revoked and the premise closed to the public.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy Hertford’s nightlife safely. The Safer Streets funding my office secured has allowed us to invest in practical, long-term measures from upgraded CCTV and targeted police patrols to specialist training for those working in the night-time economy.

“These steps not only deter crime, but also give people the confidence that their safety is a priority. We will continue working closely with police, councils, businesses, and community groups to ensure Hertford remains a welcoming and safe place for residents and visitors alike.”

East Herts Neighbourhood Inspector Mark Collins said: “The project has enabled us to work with local partners to put additional safety measures in place, which will have a legacy. The new training in particular is a vital tool in helping us and local premises identify anyone who may be looking to cause harm to those who are simply out having a good time.

“The work does not stop here though, and we will continue to conduct regular patrols and operations to ensure the town is a safe place for all.”

Councillor Mione Goldspink, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at East Herts Council, said: “This project has been so worthwhile, and it has been great to see so many of our local businesses getting involved and really embracing the ideas and measures put forward. The council will continue to support the town to make sure it is a place that everyone can enjoy.”