Residents have hit back at claims their area is a drug-dealing hotspot after a zombie knife was discovered nearby. 

A man in Longcroft, Watford, criticised police for "not giving a t***" after he handed in the weapon and drugs found near his home in July.

It comes after another resident previously said the area was plagued by antisocial behaviour - a claim that has been disputed by local councillor Kennedy Rodrigues.

The man, who wished to remain unnamed, said: “I took it into the police station and the bloke pulled it out and handled it.

Read More

“He really didn’t give a t*** about it.

“And I wasn’t given any reference number or anything, and they didn’t even take my details.”

Police said when knives are handed in they would be safely disposed of, not formally recorded, but local patrols would have been made aware to build wider intelligence.

The man, who wished to remain unnamed, added: “I was shocked when I found the knife. It’s frightening. There is no CCTV round here or anything. There is trouble round here and it is absolutely disgusting."

Watford Observer: A previous article included claims of vandalism on the road. Picture: NewsquestA previous article included claims of vandalism on the road. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Sergeant Matt Langley said: “There has been a lot of ongoing work in the area recently, in response to local residents' concerns regarding antisocial behaviour.

“We have increased our high-visibility patrols, in order to provide a reassuring police presence to residents and deter any offenders, and have also conducted several crime prevention surveys and resident meetings alongside our partner agencies.

"So far, we have had a lot of positive feedback.”

He added that statistically there has been “substantially lower levels” of reported ASB than in previous years.

Watford Observer: Watford Observer previously reported that a resident thinks the gangs are setting up home and have placed a unit with CDs in by some chairs near some sheds. Picture: Newsquest Watford Observer previously reported that a resident thinks the gangs are setting up home and have placed a unit with CDs in by some chairs near some sheds. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Oxhey ward's Cllr Rodrigues echoed that suggestion of progress, adding: “We had a residents' meeting on October 13.

“Most residents that I have spoken to don’t believe there is significant antisocial behaviour in Longcroft.

“They have said they feel proud to live in the road, feel safe, and enjoy living on the estate.”

Watford Observer: PSCO Dominik Tokarczyk, Cllr Kennedy Rodrigues and PC Craig Breen at Eastbury Court / Longcroft Tenants Meeting. Picture: Cllr Kennedy Rodrigues PSCO Dominik Tokarczyk, Cllr Kennedy Rodrigues and PC Craig Breen at Eastbury Court / Longcroft Tenants Meeting. Picture: Cllr Kennedy Rodrigues (Image: Cllr Kennedy Rodrigues)

Cllr Rodrigues added he was not aware of a knife being found on the estate.  

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.

Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.