A new three-year strategy aimed at cutting crime across Hertsmere was launched by a partnership of police and public organisations on Monday.

Hertsmere's Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy sets out how the police and other public agencies can work together to tackle crime problems.

The plan focuses on crimes against the person, such as muggings and assaults; burglaries; car crime, drug and alcohol-related crime; and anti-social behaviour.

Targets have been set for the three years, and these include reducing the number of home burglaries by 25 per cent and cutting car crime by six per cent.

Councillor Morris Bright, chairman of Hertsmere Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership Group, said the strategy was largely designed to reduce the fear of crime.

"This is about different groups working more closely together, which is the only way that we can really bring down crime."

He said that it was the responsibility of the whole community, including police, politicians, council officers and residents, to work together to reduce crime.

Chief Supt Alison Roome-Gifford, the area police commander, said she believed other agencies could assist the police by helping to tackle the causes of crime.

She explained that Hertfordshire Constabulary, which is suffering recruitment problems, was working towards putting more officers on the beat.

A system of community teams, in which an officer is assigned to each political ward area, was being established, which would mean a more visible police presence.

Under the strategy, action teams, involving police and representatives of councils, health bodies and support organisations, will be set up to tackle particular problems.

Dave Corbett, the manager of Hertfordshire Youth Offending Team, is leading the team responsible for reducing anti-social behaviour and disorder in the borough.

He said it would look at new ways of preventing youth disorder, although he stressed that a tough line was already being taken with teenagers in the area.

Out of around 1,000 incidents in which young people are arrested in Borehamwood each year, around 500 lead to court action.

Beth Kelly, chair of Hertsmere NHS Primary Care Trust, said she hoped the trust would fund projects to support victims of domestic violence and assist drug addicts.

A priority was to find a suitable premises in Borehamwood for a drugs and alcohol scheme, which could reduce crime by helping people to give up addictions.

Borehamwood Crime Reduction Group, made up of police, council and business representatives, will be responsible for monitoring strategy initiatives within the town.

June 12, 2002 13:00