Newsletter from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire

To Resident

With the current global tensions and escalation of violence towards the Jewish community in north London, the safety of Hertfordshire residents is my top priority.  

Hatred, violence, antisemitism and racism have no place in our county or country. We must not accept it as inevitable and we must confront it. No one should feel that being targeted, threatened or intimated because of who they are is something they simply have to accept. 

Last Saturday, the Chief Constable and I visited a number of synagogues in Hertfordshire to listen and provide reassurance. I’ll be speaking with leaders from the Jewish community in Hertfordshire this evening.  

Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed that officers are carrying out visible patrols across the county to provide support, reassurance and help keep people safe.  

This month’s newsletter, contains updates on our work on retail crime and tool theft as we send a clear message that Hertfordshire will not tolerate criminals targeting our local retailers and hard-working tradespeople.  

That is why I am backing practical action, using new technology to deter offenders and provide the reassurance and protection so people can just get on with a day’s work without fear. You can read more about these initiatives later in this newsletter. 

I always welcome hearing from residents and knowing whether we are focusing on the issues that matter most to you.  Please get in touch at commissioner@herts-pcc.gov.uk. 

Best wishes  

Jonathan Ash-Edwards  
Police & Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire  

Backing our tradespeople: free tool marking launched 

Tool theft can stop people working overnight. While theft from vehicles is down in Hertfordshire over the last year, I’ve heard first hand about the impact it can have when it happens. Lost income, missing jobs, unnecessary expenditure and real stress. 

That’s why I’m launching a new initiative providing practical help to protect tools and catch offenders. 

I’ve agreed funding for free SelectaDNA forensic marking kits to be available to Hertfordshire tradespeople. The kits allow tools and equipment to be forensically marked, making them traceable and far harder for criminals to sell on. 

I spoke with BBC Three Counties Radio recently about the campaign and why it matters: https://fb.watch/GPcA2wDA1J/ 

During May, there will be roadshows across Hertfordshire where tradespeople can pick up a free kit.  The kits are available on a first come, first served basis, and you can also request one online here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/JtHSpH1XKw 

We’re making Hertfordshire a no-go area for tool thieves. 

New technology sends a clear sign to shoplifters – you will be caught and face the consequences  

Retail crime isn’t low-level — it’s organised, persistent and has a real impact on the people who keep our high streets running. 

That’s why new technology is now being used across Hertfordshire to help police and retailers work more closely together to tackle it. 

Auror, a crime intelligence platform, is helping businesses report incidents quickly, share CCTV and evidence directly with police, and build a clearer picture of repeat offenders. Instead of isolated incidents, this means stronger cases — and more action against those responsible. 

We are already seeing results, with offenders identified, arrested and charged in connection with organised shoplifting targeting stores across the county and beyond.  

Using this technology, a shoplifting in Stevenage and London Colney was joined up with over 40 more offences across the country and two individuals charged with £190,000 of thefts. 

This work builds directly on what retailers told me at last year’s Retail Crime Forum — that they wanted better communication, simpler reporting and more visible action. 

While larger retailers are able to invest in systems like Auror themselves, support is also being extended to smaller and independent businesses. Through funding from the PCC, ShopSafe Alert is being rolled out to ensure more retailers can share information, report crime and play a role in tackling offending locally. 

Together, this is about making our town centres safer — for businesses, staff and the public. 

Because in Hertfordshire, the message is clear: retail crime will not be tolerated. 

Read more here 

People at risk of stalking and abuse in Hertfordshire are now getting extra protection  

You may not have heard of the Hollie Guard Extra app but for many, it is a lifeline in moments where support is needed the most.  

I’ve agreed funding for 500 licences to help provide immediate, personalised support to those most at risk. The app connects users directly to a 24/7 monitoring centre, and if an alert is triggered, it can automatically share video, audio and location data with police, helping officers respond quickly and build evidence where needed. 

This is already making a difference, with the tool being used to support victims across the county. 

For those living with the fear and impact of stalking or domestic abuse, this isn’t just technology, it’s reassurance, protection and a direct line to help when it matters most. 

This investment is part of wider work to tackle violence against women and girls and ensure vulnerable victims are better protected. 

Because everyone deserves to feel safe and to know that support is there when they need it. And I’ll continue working hard to make sure in Hertfordshire this happens. 

Read more here 

New plan launches to tackle anti-social behaviour 

With around 20,000 incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) being recorded in Hertfordshire last year, I welcome the new countywide plan to tackle it that has been launched by Hertfordshire Constabulary. 

The new ASB Action Plan details how the force will tackle problem or nuisance behaviours and what the public can expect in response to reports and concerns raised. The aim is to reduce ASB throughout the county and increase public confidence in the policing response to it. 

The action plan commits the force to ensuring victims receive the support and clear communication they need from the service. The force will intervene early to tackle emerging issues through proactive, visible policing and enforcement in local ASB hotspots. 

I discussed how the plan is designed to work with the Chief Constable at this month’s Accountability & Performance Meeting and I’ll keep a close eye on the action that follows. 

Hertfordshire is a great place to live and most residents feel safe because communities treat each other with respect. But the unacceptable behaviour of a small minority of individuals can cause misery for others and their neighbourhood. 

Anti-social behaviour is not low level; for victims it can be relentless and it must be taken seriously. This Action Plan is designed to ensure the police and community safety partners are focused on prevention, partnership working and tougher action against repeat offenders. 

Find out more about the plan here 

Holding the police to account: this month’s Accountability & Performance Meeting 

Each month I webcast my Accountability & Performance Meeting, where I hold the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public for the delivery of policing in Hertfordshire. 

This month, we looked at the anti-social behaviour action plan, work to tackle retail crime, how communities are being reassured and protected following global events and work to manage the small number of individuals in society who are unduly fixated on violence. 

You can watch the APM recording on the PCC website here