Residents in Hitchin are being asked to speak up about how safe they feel in the town and across North Hertfordshire – with a new community safety survey now open.

North Hertfordshire District Council and partners say the feedback will directly shape local priorities for tackling crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB), as well as addressing concerns such as violent crime and violence against women and girls.

Although North Herts remains one of the lowest-crime areas in Hertfordshire, officials say that how safe people feel is just as important as the statistics.

The survey is being run by the North Herts Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which brings together the District Council, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, local housing providers and other organisations.

Each year, the CSP publishes an action plan setting out how crime is being tackled and how communities are being supported.

Recent safety work across the district

Recent initiatives have included:

• A women's safety event in Letchworth
• Safety talks in schools covering drugs awareness, ASB and violence against women and girls
• Targeted action in anti-social behaviour hotspots

The new survey asks residents to share their top safety concerns and whether they believe the perception of crime locally matches reality.

advertisement

Cllr Mick Debenham, Executive Member for Regulatory at North Herts Council, said: "Safety is a fundamental part of feeling connected to where you live, work or visit. North Herts is a safe district, but we know that people's lived experiences matter just as much as the data.

"This survey is your chance to tell us what really affects you and your community. Your feedback helps us direct our efforts, strengthen what's working and address the areas where you feel more needs to be done."

James Lant, Neighbourhood Inspector for North Herts, added: "We can only tackle the issues that matter most if we hear them directly from the people who experience them.

"Your insights help shape our policing approach and ensure our work reflects real concerns on the ground. By sharing your views, you play an active role in making North Herts even safer."

How to take part

Residents in Hitchin and across North Herts are encouraged to complete the community safety survey before 27 March.