Of 294 burglaries in Watford so far this year just eight have led to charges.

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that over the last three years less than eight per cent of burglaries in Watford have seen criminals brought to justice.

Numbers for Hertsmere and Three Rivers are similar with just two people facing charges or summons in Three Rivers this year over 283 burglaries.

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Among recent break-ins were two at Watford homes within ten minutes of each other on the same day (November 15).

One was in Foxlands Close, Leavesden, and the other was Clarke Way. Both were raided at some point between 7.30am and 6pm on Tuesday, November 15 – with a PS5 and perfume stolen.

The Oxfam shop in The Parade, Watford, was then broken into at some point between 6pm on Wednesday, November 16, and 9.15am the following day.

Staff are still trying to establish what was taken but the shop does not keep cash overnight.

In 2020, 6.2 per cent of burglaries led to charges or summons in Watford while 2.72 per cent have so far this year.

There were more burglaries in Hertsmere than Watford or Three Rivers in each of the last three years.

This year (January 1 to November 8), there were 360 burglaries in Hertsmere while there were 294 burglaries in Watford.

Up to November 8 this year, there has already been more reports in Watford than in the whole of 2021, but less than 2020, when there were 358.

A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “Hertfordshire is one of the safest counties in the UK, with low rates of crime compared to other similar regions.

“We have been focussing on reducing acquisitive crime, which includes burglary, for several years, by conducting regular campaigns to provide residents with crime prevention advice and warnings about crime trends.

“In addition to targeting those involved in burglary, we also ensure that victims of crime are provided with burglary prevention and home security packs to help prevent them becoming repeat victims.”

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