Hertfordshire records biggest fall in robbery offences in the country

Hertfordshire recorded the largest reduction in robbery offences anywhere in England and Wales during 2025/26, according to the latest national crime figures.

Robbery offences in Hertfordshire fell by 13% over the year, bucking the national trend which saw robbery increase by 10% across England and Wales. Only six police force areas nationally recorded any reduction in robbery offences.

The figures cover both personal robbery and business robbery offences.

Four Hertfordshire districts and boroughs were also among the top ten areas nationally for reductions in robbery. Watford recorded the biggest reduction in the country, with robbery falling by 39%.

The districts and boroughs ranked among the top ten nationally were:

• Watford (Reduction of 39%)
• Dacorum (Reduction of 23%)
• St Albans (Reduction of 21%)
• North Hertfordshire (Reduction of 17%)

The reduction follows a period during 2024 when Watford experienced a significant increase in robbery offences, particularly in and around Cassiobury Park.

A range of measures introduced by Hertfordshire Constabulary have contributed to the reduction, including targeted hotspot policing, the use of Live Facial Recognition technology, knife detection arches at key locations and preventative work with schools and colleges to educate young people about the dangers of carrying weapons.

Campaigns such as The Knife Angel's visit to Welwyn Garden City have also helped raise awareness about the consequences of knife crime and the importance of keeping young people safe.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police & Crime Commissioner, said:

"These figures are extremely encouraging and show the impact of proactive policing and targeted action to tackle robbery and knife crime.

"While robbery remains a serious offence which can leave victims traumatised, Hertfordshire has achieved the biggest reduction anywhere in England and Wales at a time when most areas have seen offences increase.

"I'm particularly pleased to see Watford record the largest reduction of any district or borough in the country. This follows a concerted effort by Hertfordshire Constabulary and partners after we saw an increase in offences in 2024.

"Effective hotspot patrols and the use of innovative tactics such as Live Facial Recognition, targeted enforcement activity, knife detection operations and preventative work with young people are helping to make our communities safer.

"There is always more to do and I will continue holding the Constabulary to account for reducing crime and keeping residents safe. However, these results are a clear indication that the approach being taken in Hertfordshire is delivering positive results."

The Commissioner said tackling violent crime, preventing young people from becoming involved in offending and ensuring residents feel safe in their communities remain key priorities within his Police and Crime Plan.