Watford 'target for criminals' as robberies double in year

Figures show that the force received 139 reports of attempted or actual robberies from January to June 2024, just over twice the 67 recorded during the same period in 2023.

Police arrests have risen from 46 to 54 year-on-year, although not near the same rate that the number of reports have spiked.

A police spokesperson said changes to their definition of robbery were "partially responsible" for the increase.

June saw the highest number with 32 against just seven the same month last year, according to data obtained via a Freedom of Information request.

The month saw Croxley Danes School warn its pupils to “travel in pairs” after there were three robberies and four attempted robberies in the area between June 3 and 13, in which a number of victims were “secondary school age”.

Police appeared to search young people in Metropolitan Station approach on June 12 amid fears of a string robberies. (Image: Contribution) The string of incidents saw police release CCTV pictures of men they wanted to speak to after an attack and attempted robbery on June 3 in Shepherds Road.

Eight teenage males wearing dark tracksuits approached the victim and demanded their phone. The victim refused and was assaulted before they fled.

Police believe the men pictured were in the area at the time of the June 3 robbery. (Image: Hertfordshire Police.) Another robbery on June 13 also saw a gang of five masked males demand a man in his 30s hand over his phone in Cassiobury Park.

Police officers searched the area and recovered a knife before arresting an 18-year-old man, from Surrey, on suspicion of attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon, who was later released on bail.

One incident in Cassiobury Park saw a gang of five masked males demand a man in his 30s hand over his phone. (Image: WBC/Hertfordshire Constabulary) The data also revealed that the town has seen incidents rise more sharply than the surrounding areas, as reports rose from 44 to 72 in Dacorum, 36 to 43 in Hertsmere and 18 to 35 in Three Rivers in the same period year-on-year.

The number of arrests in connection to robberies also rose slightly in Dacorum and Hertsmere from 2023 to 2024, but fell from eight to five in Three Rivers.

• Attack and attempted phone robbery sparks police appeal
• Investigation into Cassiobury Park attempted robbery dropped

A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesperson said changes to the way the force recorded robberies were “partially responsible” for the rise, as shoplifting incidents where there was a threat of violence have been included since earlier this year.

When asked why Watford had seen a larger rise than surrounding areas, the spokesperson said: “Due to its close proximity to London, multiple transport links, a night time economy, parks and large shopping centre, Watford can be targeted by opportunistic criminals. 

“However, our Neighbourhood Policing Team remain on regular patrols across Watford, and tackling the issue remains a priority.”