You said, We did – Baldock and Letchworth

Dear Resident

Over the past few months, Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) across North Herts have been working to tackle the issues that residents said were causing them the most concern.

NPTs work alongside partners to focus on solving long and short-term neighbourhood issues, such as anti-social behaviour (ASB), theft, speeding and drug-related crime.

They set local policing priorities every four months, providing a specific focus on the issues that residents have raised through surveys, alongside an analysis of data.

Residents will see their dedicated team of PCs and PCSOs working alongside partners to tackle the issues, through an increased police presence, engagement events and targeted enforcement.

During the last period, the following issues were addressed in Baldock and Letchworth:

Residential Burglaries in Letchworth and Baldock

Through dedicated patrols, crime prevention advice and visible presence, your local NPT has been part of a wider response to the issue of residential burglaries in Letchworth and Baldock. We are pleased to say that these activities have contributed to a significant year to date reduction for reported residential burglaries across the two towns. 

ASB in Letchworth Town Centre and Howard Park

During the summer months, your local NPT increased the number of patrols it conducted in Letchworth Town Centre and Howard Park. These locations had been highlighted as a concern for local communities. Both locations are popular with shoppers, visitors and families and it is vital that people feel safe. These increased patrols, engagement with persons present, stop searches (where appropriate) and enforcement have resulted in a decline in reported ASB, increasing the feelings of safety of those using the area. 

Off-road bikes being ridden in an anti-social manner around Jackmans Estate, Letchworth and open spaces in Baldock

With the assistance of local residents’ responses from a survey, we have been able to identify locations and times most blighted by this issue. As a result of being in those locations, at those times, we have been able to seize numerous off-road bikes and e-scooters. Where appropriate, riders have been reported for related offences. One rider was even wanted for unrelated matters and arrested as a result. 

The following priorities have now been agreed for the coming three months:

Speeding - Wilbury Road, Letchworth.

ASB - Howard Park and surrounding area.

Nuisance vehicles - Off-road bikes in Letchworth and Baldock.

Whilst there will be a focus on the local priorities, officers will continue to respond to daily business as usual, as well as forcewide priorities and any emerging issues which require more immediate action.

Alongside the NPT, North Herts is also policed by officers who respond to emergency calls, a team of detectives who investigate crimes such as burglary, robbery and assault, and specialist units who work to tackle issues such as acquisitive crime and domestic abuse. In addition, they can call on officers from central teams which work countywide.