Hertfordshire Constabulary solved three times as many residential burglaries between April and June as it did during the same period last year, according to the county's Police and Crime Commissioner.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards welcomed the figures, saying Hertfordshire had seen the biggest improvement of any force in England and Wales. He said reports of burglary across the county also fell by 16% during the three-month period.

The figures cover Hertfordshire as a whole; the press release does not provide a separate breakdown for Hitchin or North Hertfordshire, or state how many burglaries were solved.

The Commissioner said the improvement followed a sustained focus on residential burglary, with officers targeting prolific offenders and organised crime groups and seeking more opportunities to gather evidence.

"Burglary is a horribly invasive crime. It undermines people's absolute right to feel safe in their own home, which is why tackling it has been one of my top priorities," Mr Ash-Edwards said.

"There is no room for complacency, but this is very good news for Hertfordshire residents and a credit to the police officers and staff whose work has made it possible."

Mr Ash-Edwards has made tackling burglary and improving the number of crimes solved priorities in his Police and Crime Plan. He said residents frequently raise burglary with him because of its effect on how safe people feel at home.

Police are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity, secure doors and windows, and keep valuables out of sight. Information about burglaries or stolen goods can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously.

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