I recently met with Watford’s Chief Inspector to discuss a new service that has been launched to allow residents to help police tackle and prioritise crime on our streets and in our community.

The service, which is called Echo, is a community feedback platform that allows people to share their thoughts and concerns regarding policing in their local area, in their own words and own time.

All feedback is submitted completely anonymously and there is no requirement to sign up or to share any personal information. Comments shared on the platform are then sent through to the relevant local Safer Neighbourhood Team where officers will review the feedback and use it to help build patrol plans and local activity.

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Whether you live, work or study in Watford, the police want to hear from you as your feedback will help to shape local policing priorities. I know that anti-social behaviour is a concern in some areas of our town, and other people are worried about the theft of pets, or tools from work vans, so my message is please do report concerns. You can find out more here: bit.ly/police-watford

In our meeting I also heard more about Watford police station’s move to George Street in the town centre. Though currently pending approval, it is hoped that the new premises could be open in a year’s time and will provide modern fit-for-purpose facilities, while maintaining a police station in the town centre that ensures foot patrols can be conducted easily, with easy access to the ring road enabling a rapid vehicle response.

Watford County and Family Court will also be moving to a new location in the centre of town, with Royalty House in King Street being transformed into a County Court and will be equipped to deal with a wide range of cases.

I have also launched a crime survey to find out more about what residents think and want to see in our community when it comes to crime. It is my job to ensure that constituents are represented, and criminal behaviour is something that affects all our lives even if we are not always aware of it, so it is important I hear your views. Visit the survey here: www.deanrussell.co.uk/crimesurvey

  • Dean Russell is Conservative MP for Watford