Operations to tackle burglary, car theft and drug dealing are being carried out in North Herts, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire heard during a visit. 

Deputy PCC Lewis Cocking visited the district on Wednesday (July 20) to see what is being done to address those issues which are causing concerns for local residents. 

As part of the Commissioner's regular District Days he met with Chief Inspector Hannah Treadwell at Hitchin Police station before going out on an operation with local officers. North Herts has the highest number of police officers of any district in the county as well as police stations in Letchworth and Royston.  

Mr Cocking sat in on the morning North Herts Daily Team Meeting where officers discuss all the crimes have occurred in the past 24 hours and plan for the day head. This was followed by the Daily Force Management Meeting, where senior officers from across Hertfordshire report on key issues in the county. 

In the past year North Herts has seen significant decreases in crimes including drug offences, possession of weapons, robbery and theft. Residential burglary of occupied homes has remained low with just 15 reported in the past year to date across the district. 

Motor vehicle crime including both theft of and from vehicles has seen an increase, mirroring a county-wide and national trend. Ch Insp Treadwell said this issue is being addressed as part of Operation Target which has put special measures and tactics in place to catch the offenders. 

Days of action are also held to counter travelling criminality from neighbouring counties.  

Mr Cocking then joined the execution of a search warrant at a property on the Westmill estate in Hitchin. Entry was forced to the house following reports of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour at the address. 

He also visited Police Community Support Officer James Cruickshank who was holding a public engagement event on the estate to listen to residents' concerns.  

Mr Cocking said: "These district days enable me to see what is happening out on the streets of Hertfordshire, and what is being done to tackle the crimes that are affecting people and communities. 

"Burglary is often cited as the main concern of residents, but here in North Herts it is very low with just over one home a month being targeted. Car theft is an issue at the moment but the Chief Inspector is well aware of the problem and tactics are being put in place to catch those responsible. 

"The drugs raid I witnessed today is one of several in the past few weeks and shows that the police will take action when criminality is happening and the public raise their concerns with officers." 

Chief Inspector Treadwell added: "We are open to listening to concerns of residents if they let us know what issues they want us to act on. They are very much the eyes and ears of our community and can help out by providing information by CrimeStoppers. 

"North Herts also has a dedicated communication channel where people can anonymously raise concerns online via the Echo community feedback system. We do look at these reports which enable us to build up a picture of the policing priority needs across the area."