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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Anti Social Behaviour, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. In this weekly Herts Connected update, we have one of the most diverse weeks that I would like to share with you. From bespoke developments for Policing, arrests, vehicle seizures, we have it all in our weekly update.
New technology is being used in Stevenage Town Centre to prevent and detect more thefts with new equipment supplied to local stores.
Boots on Queensway, Stevenage Town Centre is the first store to trial a new technology knows as Selecta DNA Microdots. These microdots are placed on high value/frequently stolen items within the store. When an offender steals these items, police can recover them using uniquely coded DNA solution/microdots which can be found on the item.
- The solution swabbed on the stolen item has its own DNA which can be sent to a lab for analysis, tracing the item back to the store. The solution is invisible to the human eye and can only be seen under UV light.
- Small microdots can be lifted from the item using a scalpel and read under a microscope. These dots have a batch code on them which can be linked back to the store, tracing stolen items back to them.
As this technology is rolled out, it will be both a deterrent to criminals and another way of police tracing stolen items and giving them back to their rightful owners.
A Stevenage man has been charged with multiple offences and will be appearing at court in September.
Daniel O’Donnell, aged 47, of no fixed abode, has been charged with the following offences:
• Two counts of theft from Marks & Spencer and Currys on the Roaring Meg Retail Park and assault on Monday 13 July.
• Assault on an emergency worker, a racially aggravated public order offence, breach of police to court bail and breach of a community protection notice on Wednesday 15 July.
• Breaching court bail conditions on Sunday 19 July.
• Thefts from Wren on Saturday 18 July and Primark on Monday 20 July, as well as two breaches of a community protection notice.
Police arrested a wanted man in Stevenage town centre on Saturday (18 July).
The man was wanted for prison recall, arrested and taken to custody.
On Sunday (19 July), a woman was arrested for theft of meat from Marks & Spencer’s on the Roaring Meg Retail Park.
On Wednesday (15 July), a moped was stopped on Danestrete and upon conducting enquiries, the vehicle was shown as having no insurance. Due to this, the driver was reported for driving without insurance and the vehicle was seized.
Police have sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution after a driver was driving on their mobile phone on the M1 (Southbound). During this time, the driver was also reported for driving without due care and attention and driving with illegal/modified number plates. This is a reminder that driving whilst using a mobile phone is illegal and can land you with several points on your drivers licence and a large fine. The driver will now attend court for the matters.
A man was arrested on Thursday 16 July on suspicion of a sexual assault which was reported on Friday 5 June.
Reports were made of a sexual assault on a child which took place at the Stevenage Bus Interchange. The suspect had left the scene prior to police attendance.
Various lines of enquiry were conducted and an arrest was made. The man has been bailed, with conditions, while further enquiries are conducted.
Police are warning children and young people to keep away from abandoned buildings following several recent incidents in Stevenage Town Centre.
The Stevenage Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) has received reports of young people accessing derelict buildings in the town centre.
Abandoned buildings can present hidden dangers such as:
- Unstable floors and staircases that can collapse without warning.
- Broken glass, sharp metal and hazardous materials.
- Exposed electrical wiring.
- Unsafe roofs and structures weakened by age or weather.
- Biological hazards such as asbestos and stagnant water.
- The risk of getting trapped in confined or unsecured areas.
Neighbourhood Inspector Will Rogers-Overy said: “Urban exploration has grown in popularity in recent years and we know that young people are often curious about derelict and abandoned buildings, but these sites are not safe. They are unpredictable environments where serious injuries can happen in seconds. We’re asking parents and carers to speak openly with their children about the risks and to make sure they understand that entering these buildings is both unsafe and illegal. Anyone entering enclosed land or buildings without lawful authority may be committing an offence, while those entering premises (including abandoned ones) with the intention of causing damage or stealing, are liable to face more serious charges of burglary.”
Parents and carers are encouraged to:
- Talk to children about the dangers of exploring derelict sites.
- Know where their children are spending time after school and at weekends.
- Report dangerous, unsecure buildings to the local authorities.
- Anyone who witnesses trespassing or unsafe behaviour around an abandoned building is asked to ring 101. If you believe that life is in danger, call 999.
Police have access to a new bespoke application which allows them to communicate flawlessly with those from the deaf community.
SignVideo is a new application used by the police to communicate with those from the deaf community. The application works by the officer opening it and calling an on-call sign language interpreter. The officer can use the interpreter to communicate with the deaf person in real time. I had the privilege to test this and can state it works seamlessly.
We thank all those who attended and showed us how to use the application. I do not doubt that it will aid officers at future jobs.
Operation Scootherts continued this week as officers seized more illegal e-scooters and e-bikes as part of an ongoing operation. As a result, the following has been seized;
X2 – E-scooters.
These have been taken to the local vehicle recovery compound whereby they are crushed. All drivers have been reported for the relevant offences and will gain both points on their licences and large fines.
Finally, officers attended the Sri Lanka Festival at Event Island in Stevenage Town Centre. I was gutted that I could not attend as I was told that the food was great with all sorts of quality entertainment. Officers that did attend, stated how great it was to receive many warm welcomes and enjoying the day as a whole. We look forward to any future events that are planned in the town.
 Tackling antisocial behaviour can be a complex issue, and one which requires input and action from more than just the police. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 aims to put victims first, giving power to local people and enabling professionals to find the best solutions for their local area. The act provides the police, local authorities and other local agencies with flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond quickly and effectively to antisocial behaviour. These include: - civil injunctions.
- criminal behaviour orders.
- public spaces protection orders.
- community protection notices.
- dispersal powers.
- closure powers.
The act also includes measures such as the Community Remedy and antisocial behaviour case reviews which empower victims and communities to have a say in the outcome of their reports and hold agencies to account. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.herts.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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