A Hitchin security expert has welcomed a sharp fall in robbery offences across North Hertfordshire while urging businesses and homeowners not to become complacent.

Figures for 2025/26 show robbery offences in North Herts fell by 17 per cent, placing the district among the ten areas recording the largest reductions in England and Wales.

Across Hertfordshire, robbery fell by 13 per cent – the biggest reduction achieved by any police force area in England and Wales during the year.

The county's improvement came despite robbery offences rising by 10 per cent nationally, with only six police force areas recording a reduction.

Danny Large, from Hitchin-based Arena Security said the figures were encouraging but stressed that residents and businesses should continue taking sensible precautions.

He said: "It's really encouraging to see robbery offences falling across North Hertfordshire, and hopefully that trend continues.

"However, we always advise local businesses and homeowners not to become complacent when it comes to security.

"Modern CCTV, intruder alarms and monitored security systems have developed massively in recent years, with technology such as AI-powered human and vehicle detection, instant mobile alerts and 24/7 monitoring helping to both deter crime and provide a much faster response when incidents occur."

North Hertfordshire was one of four Hertfordshire districts and boroughs to feature among the country's ten biggest reductions.

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

The figures cover both personal and business robberies.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has attributed the county-wide reduction to measures including targeted patrols in crime hotspots, Live Facial Recognition technology, knife-detection arches and enforcement operations.

Police have also worked with schools and colleges to educate young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying weapons.

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards previously described the results as "extremely encouraging", while emphasising that robbery remained a serious offence capable of leaving victims traumatised.

Arena Security provides CCTV, intruder alarms and other security services to homes and businesses across Hitchin and the surrounding area.

Need advice on security in Hitchin? Drop Arena Security a WhatsApp today on - 07734 386 603

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