Extra patrols and targeted action to keep town centres safe this summer

Extra patrols, targeted enforcement and partnership activity will be rolled out across Hertfordshire this summer as part of a renewed effort to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve safety in town centres and public spaces.

Councils, community groups, charities and business groups are also being invited to apply for grant funding to improve safety in their local town centre.

The latest phase of the Safer Town Centres campaign, championed by Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards, builds on successful work over the past year.

Previous years have seen a 14% in crime and anti-social behaviour in hotspot locations with thousands of hours of extra police patrols carried out across our town centres.

Residents are being asked to have their say on their local town centre and open spaces by taking the Commissioner’s Safer Town Centre survey https://tinyurl.com/yccymbn4 and telling him their priorities. The survey is open until 31 July.

This year’s campaign will double down on this success by bringing together Hertfordshire Constabulary, local councils, businesses and community safety partners to focus resources where they are needed most across Hertfordshire’s town centres, parks and open spaces, especially with a greater footfall expected because of the World Cup.

Alongside tackling anti-social behaviour, this year’s campaign will place a particular focus on protecting women and girls, recognising that everyone should feel safe when visiting town centres, parks, high streets and the night-time economy.

Additional patrols and engagement activity will take place throughout the summer, supported by targeted action against those responsible for anti-social behaviour, violence and other offences that undermine confidence in local communities.

The PCC has launched a grant funding scheme to help support these measures. More details can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/ywrrkrj2

Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: ‘Hertfordshire’s town centres are at the heart of community life and we all want to see them thriving. They are places where people work, shop, socialise and spend time with family and friends, and everyone has the right to feel safe when they do so.

‘Previous years have seen real success in bringing down crime and anti-social behaviour through hotspot patrols and crime prevention activity. This summer we will do more, focusing on the issues residents tell me matter most, like tackling anti-social behaviour, cracking down on retail crime and keeping women and girls safe.

‘Most people enjoy the summer responsibly, but for those who engage in anti-social behaviour, harassment or violence, the message is clear: it will not be tolerated in Hertfordshire.’

The campaign forms part of the PCC’s wider commitment to reducing crime, increasing visible policing and making Hertfordshire’s communities safer and more welcoming for residents, businesses and visitors alike.