More police officers patrolling the streets are needed to curb a recent surge in crime, according to two prominent councillors.

Cllrs Peter Taylor and Sara Bedford are calling on Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd to secure more funding to increase the number of boots on the ground, especially in residential areas.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has seen a reduction of around 330 staff since 2013.

In that time, the councillors say residents have experienced an increase in crime, especially burglary, theft from vehicles, and anti-social behaviour.

The two councillors believe that the rise in crime, together with an ever increasing number of homes in the area, mean there should be more police on the streets.

Cllr Taylor – deputy mayor of Watford – said: "The Commissioner has made drastic and unnecessary cuts, meaning we no longer have enough officers in our communities to fight crime.

Instead of trying to take over running the Fire Service, the Police Commissioner should be focusing on his core duties of protecting residents and ensuring we not only have enough police on our streets but that he secures enough funding to avoid further cuts."

Cllr Sara Bedford – leader of Three Rivers District Council, added: "Residents tell me that they do not feel safe in their homes or on the streets. 

“We need a more visible police presence to deter and catch criminals. Often on a Friday or Saturday night there is no police officers on duty in Abbots Langley or other communities across the area.

"We are campaigning for the cuts to be reversed and for increased police numbers in our communities."

You can sign the petition online at http://www.watfordlibdems.org/more_police_on_our_streets

David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire said: “Since 2013 police officer numbers in Watford have remained stable and any suggestion that the town has lost 330 officers is irresponsible and wrong.

"Considerable investment was made last year to protect the neighbourhood policing model we have in Hertfordshire, which gives each of the ten districts a dedicated policing team and base to work from. This model has been praised by the government’s inspector of police.  

“I have met with the Home Secretary and Policing and Fire Service Minister to put the point to them that PCCs need more flexibility to fund our police service and we will hear soon their response.

“The Home Office is currently considering proposals to bring the fire and police services closer together, to ensure greater protection of the fire service’s budget which has been used to fund other councils services in the past and to make sure that what is raised for fire is spent on fire.”