People in Hitchin and across North Hertfordshire are being encouraged to share their views on the issues that matter most in their neighbourhoods, as local police teams set their priorities for the months ahead.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) from Hertfordshire Constabulary have spent the past three months tackling concerns raised directly by residents – including anti-social behaviour, speeding and drug-related crime. Now, officers are asking the public to help shape the next round of priorities for the new year.

Residents can take part by completing a short online survey, which will be used to guide policing activity in their local area.

What are local policing priorities?

Local policing priorities are agreed every four months and focus on the issues causing the greatest concern in each neighbourhood. NPTs work closely with councils, housing providers and other partners to address both short- and long-term problems such as anti-social behaviour, theft, speeding and drug crime.

What will residents see?

Once priorities are agreed, people in Hitchin can expect to see their local PCs and PCSOs taking targeted action. This can include increased patrols, engagement events in the community and focused enforcement to tackle specific problems.

Police stress that while there will be a clear focus on local priorities, officers will continue to respond to emergency calls and investigate serious crimes such as burglary, robbery and assault. Countywide priorities – including burglary and violence against women and girls – will also remain a key focus.

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Why your feedback matters

Police say public feedback plays a vital role in decision-making and is considered alongside local crime data. Residents who have previously completed the survey are being encouraged to take part again so their views can be reviewed as part of the new priority-setting period.

The survey is run through the Herts Connected platform and is open to everyone – you do not need to be signed up to take part. However, residents can choose to register if they would like police to contact them about local issues in the future.

People can also see what others in their community are saying by entering their postcode on the Herts Connected website, and keep up to date with progress by following their local police team on Facebook or visiting the 'Your area' section of the Hertfordshire Constabulary website.

👉 Have your say: Complete the local policing priorities survey at

https://bit.ly/hertspolice-psf