The latest set of Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) priorities have been set for local communities by Hertfordshire Police.

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

The teams set their local policing priorities every four months, to provide a specific focus on the issues which are currently causing the most concern to residents locally. Information provided by the public via the force's community feedback forum 'echo' plays a vital part of this process, as well as an analysis of crime data.

The force says local officers will often work alongside partners to address the agreed priorities below, through an increased police presence, engagement events and targeted enforcement.

Hitchin Urban

·        Shoplifting and retail crime in Hitchin Town Centre

·        Speeding, particularly in Redhill Road, Fishponds Road and Nightingale Road

Hitchin Rural

·        Fly-tipping in Breachwood Green

·        Speeding, particularly in High Street, Kimpton and High Street, Codicote

Letchworth & Baldock

·        Unlawful use of e-scooters in Letchworth Town Centre

·        Youth engagement in Letchworth Garden City to assist a reduction of ASB

While their main focus will be on the local priorities, neighbourhood policing officers will continue to respond to daily business as usual, as well as force-wide priorities and any emerging issues which require more immediate action.

North Herts is also policed by Intervention officers who respond to emergency calls, the Local Crime Unit which investigates the more serious crimes such as burglary, robbery and assault, and specialist units such as Operation Scorpion, who work to tackle acquisitive crime. In addition, NPTs can utilise officers from central teams which work countywide.

Neighbourhood Inspector James Lant, said: "I'd like to thank everyone who gave us their views, your feedback is so important and helps ensure we're focusing our efforts on what matters most to local people.

"Shoplifting has been added as a priority for Hitchin, and we have a focus on tackling this issue across North Herts.

"To tackle this, it is vital our shops continue to report any issues to us, provide statements and CCTV evidence to support prosecutions."