The latest neighbourhood policing priorities for Hitchin and the surrounding rural areas have been agreed, with officers focusing on issues residents say matter most – including speeding, fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) work alongside local partners to tackle both short- and long-term issues, using a mix of increased patrols, engagement events and targeted enforcement. Priorities are reviewed every four months and are informed by community surveys as well as crime data analysis.

Residents can expect to see their local PCs and PCSOs out in communities over the coming months as these priorities are addressed.

Hitchin Rural

During the last policing period, officers focused on:

• Speeding in Codicote and Kimpton
• Dedicated patrols using marked police vehicles were carried out to deter speeding and encourage safer driving behaviours in both villages.
• Fly-tipping around Offley and Lilley
• Multiple patrols were conducted, including joint operations with Bedfordshire Police, as part of efforts to tackle rural crime and illegal dumping. Police say addressing the root causes of fly-tipping will remain a key focus.

New priorities for the next three months include:

• Tackling drug-related anti-social behaviour in Wymondley, particularly around the Tower Close car park
• Continued action against fly-tipping in Offley and Lilley

Hitchin Urban

In Hitchin town, recent policing activity has included:

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• Speeding on London Road (B656)
• Enforcement and engagement activity has taken place, but concerns from residents mean this will remain a priority.
• E-scooter use across Hitchin
• Local officers have been carrying out patrols with a focus on education. Police say this will continue, alongside enforcement where necessary.
• Anti-social behaviour on Redhill Road
• Increased patrols and community engagement have led to improved relations with residents and a reduction in reported incidents.

Agreed priorities for the coming months are:

• Checks on HGVs and waste-carrying vehicles using Hitchin's road network, ensuring they comply with road traffic and waste carrier legislation
• Continued action on e-scooters across Hitchin
• Ongoing focus on speeding on London Road (B656)

Police say the priorities reflect feedback from local residents and are aimed at keeping Hitchin and nearby villages safe, clean and welcoming places to live.