Operation Hotspot Reduces Anti-social Behaviour and Serious Violence

PCC Jonathan Ash-Edwards with PC Ray Morris

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards is proud to announce the successful outcomes of the first year of Operation Hotspot across the county.

Last year his office secured £1 million of Home Office money to launch the initiative in 26 town centres and areas in Hertfordshire with higher crime rates.

Now the year-end statistics highlight the substantial impact the operation has had in improving community safety with a reduction of 14.5% in anti-social behaviour and serious violence in those hotspots.

Among the key achievements were:

  • Increased Patrols: Operation Hot Spot has conducted 2,903 patrols across Hertfordshire, equating to 26,108 hours of enhanced police presence in high-risk areas.
  • Arrests: The operation led to 333 arrests, demonstrating a strong commitment to tackling crime and holding offenders accountable.
  • Stop Searches: A total of 680 stop searches were carried out, representing approximately 10% of the force’s overall stop search total.
  • ASB Powers Used: ASB powers were utilized 1,600 times, effectively addressing nuisance behaviour and other anti-social activities.
  • Weapon Seizures: The initiative resulted in the seizure of 52 knives and several other weapons, including a dog seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: ‘The year-end results of Operation Hot Spot demonstrate the substantial progress we have made in tackling anti-social behaviour and serious violence. With over 26,000 hours of additional patrols conducted, 680 stop searches, and 333 arrests, the increased visibility and community engagement have been crucial in driving down crime and making Hertfordshire’s town centres safer.

‘Op Hotspot is a fundamental part of what the public expects to see from policing. Being visible and effective in the places where there is the most crime, I have spoken to many people who have noticed the increased officer presence.

‘We must ensure that we do not lose momentum, and I will be holding our Chief Constable to account to ensure that the progress made so far continues to be built upon and makes Hertfordshire a safer place to live and work.

‘The additional targeted patrols have taken place in every district and borough in Hertfordshire. Local police teams have developed the most appropriate strategies for their locations, ensuring a visible uniformed presence to deal with problems and deter unwanted behaviour.’

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Willcox, who is leading the project for Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: ‘Operation Hotspot creates capacity for additional police patrols in public areas where there have been more reports of crime and anti-social behaviour.

‘In the first year of running, officers have been able to arrest suspects and use police powers to stop unwanted activities at these locations. Further less tangible benefits include where nuisance individuals have been deterred from going to these locations, and where residents and businesses feel safer as a result of the greater police presence.’

Operation Hotspot focused on public areas, particularly town centres, to deter and catch offenders while enhancing engagement with residents and businesses.

The success of Operation Hotspot has been made possible through close collaboration with Hertfordshire Constabulary and community safety partners, including local councils. The evidence-based approach has enabled the police to monitor areas of high concern and allocate resources effectively.

The initiative will be run again for 2025-26 with full details to be released shortly.

Mr Ash-Edwards discussed the progress of Operation Hotspot at this month’s Accountability and Performance Meeting, a live public webinar where he held the Chief Constable to account. More details are available at www.herts-pcc.gov.uk/apm.