Robbery offences in North Hertfordshire fell by 17 per cent last year, placing the district among the top ten areas in England and Wales for reductions in the crime.

New figures for 2025/26 show North Herts recorded one of the biggest falls nationally, as Hertfordshire as a whole saw robbery offences drop significantly.

Across the county, robbery fell by 13 per cent – the largest reduction recorded by any police force area in England and Wales.

The figures buck the national trend, with robbery offences increasing by 10 per cent across England and Wales during the same period.

Only six police force areas nationally recorded a reduction.

North Hertfordshire was one of four Hertfordshire districts and boroughs to feature among the country's top ten areas for falling robbery rates.

Watford recorded the largest reduction in England and Wales at 39 per cent, followed within Hertfordshire by Dacorum at 23 per cent, St Albans at 21 per cent and North Herts at 17 per cent.

The figures include both personal and business robberies.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says a range of measures have contributed to the reduction, including targeted hotspot policing, Live Facial Recognition technology and the use of knife detection arches.

Police have also carried out preventative work with schools and colleges aimed at educating young people about the dangers of carrying weapons.

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards welcomed the figures.

He said: "These figures are extremely encouraging and show the impact of proactive policing and targeted action to tackle robbery and knife crime.

"While robbery remains a serious offence which can leave victims traumatised, Hertfordshire has achieved the biggest reduction anywhere in England and Wales at a time when most areas have seen offences increase.

"Effective hotspot patrols and the use of innovative tactics such as Live Facial Recognition, targeted enforcement activity, knife detection operations and preventative work with young people are helping to make our communities safer.

"There is always more to do and I will continue holding the Constabulary to account for reducing crime and keeping residents safe. However, these results are a clear indication that the approach being taken in Hertfordshire is delivering positive results."

The Commissioner said tackling violent crime, preventing young people from becoming involved in offending and ensuring residents feel safe remain key priorities in his Police and Crime Plan.