The Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have set new policing priorities for the local area, following feedback from the public.

NPTs work alongside partners to focus on solving long and short-term neighbourhood issues, such as anti-social behaviour, theft, speeding and drug-related crime.

Using an analysis of data, they set local policing priorities every four months, to provide a specific focus on the issues which are currently causing the most concern to residents locally. Feedback from members of the public also plays a vital part.

Residents will see their dedicated team of PCs and PCSOs working alongside partners to address the agreed priorities below, through an increased police presence, engagement events and targeted enforcement.

Welwyn Hatfield West (Hatfield Villages, Hatfield Central, Hatfield South West and the University of Hertfordshire)

While there will be a focus on the local priorities, officers will continue to respond to daily business as usual, as well as forcewide priorities and any emerging issues which require more immediate action.

The area is also policed by Intervention officers who respond to emergency calls, the Local Crime Unit which investigates the more serious crimes such as burglary, robbery and assault, and specialist units such as Operation Scorpion who work to tackle acquisitive crime. In addition, they can utilise officers from central teams which work countywide.

Welwyn Hatfield NPT Inspector Amy Sheldon said: “Thank you to everybody who took the time to send in their feedback. It was very helpful and I hope that residents are reassured by the new priorities.

“Fly-tipping was mentioned in some of the feedback and we will be keeping an eye on this. If you spot somebody in the middle of fly-tipping please call the police on 999.

“However, if the fly-tip has already been dumped, you must report this to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council at welhat.gov.uk and they will take the appropriate action.”