Top cop visits Watford and confirms more police on streets

During a visit to Watford, on October 19, Hertfordshire’s police and crime commissioner David Lloyd said that police had confirmed to him that additional officers are “now out there on the streets of Watford”.

Mr Lloyd's office added that the need to address street crime and violence was something that particularly came out of his discussions.

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He said: “I came here to see what crime issues are causing concerns among the public, the police and local partners, and to take a proper look at what can be done to make people safer.

“Hertfordshire now has its largest ever police force following my decision to fund it by increasing the council tax precept, alongside the government’s uplift programme.

“Today I have heard from the chief inspector that these additional officers are now out there on the streets of Watford, and more are on the way.

Mr Lloyd, Watford mayor Peter Taylor, Deputy Commissioner Lewis Cocking (Image: PCC office)

"It is important that I get to see what is working, and what is failing, from the point of view of the public, partners and the police officers on the ground."

According to police, while residential burglaries remain low and robbery and possession of weapons are becoming rarer following police operations, theft of high value cars, theft from vehicles, and reports of anti-social behaviour have become more common.

Mr Lloyd and deputy commissioner Lewis Cocking went on a patrol to visit various crime hotspots in the town and said they were pleased to see that the relocated police station in George Street will be better placed for patrolling the town centre.

Mr Lloyd with boxer at West Herts ABC (Image: PCC office)

The commissioner also visited West Herts Amateur Boxing Club and met with founder Saud Hafiz, who explained how he used funding from the commissioner’s office to run a Gloves Up, Knives Down programme steering young people away from crime and gang culture.

He then met Watford Borough Council representatives and participated in a Community Safety Partnership training session helping council workers to assist in finding vulnerable missing people.

In August, Watford's mayor Peter Taylor called on Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd to boost High Street officer numbers.