Dear Resident

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) will proactively patrol Watford town centre for the next four weeks.

Starting this week, the police helicopter will help officers on the ground with ongoing work around Operation Hotspot. 

Operation Hotspot was launched in May last year, after £1m worth of Government funding was secured following a bid by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office.

The funding is providing extra foot patrols and increased visibility, on top of normal daily business, targeting specific areas which have been identified as crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots through an analysis of police data.

Residents can expect to see the helicopter periodically during the afternoon and early evening.

Watford Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman said: “The police helicopter is a great resource which helps us with a whole range of incidents, including tracking suspects and locating missing people. They will be focusing on the town centre and Cassiobury Park.

“I understand that seeing the helicopter can cause speculation that something bad has happened. Please don’t be alarmed, the officers on board are simply on patrol, keeping everyone safe.”