A successful police operation has been carried out to target vehicle crime in Welwyn Hatfield.

The operation was conducted by the Welwyn Hatfield South Neighbourhood Team (NPT) who cover Cuffley, Northaw, Hatfield East, Hatfield South, Hollybush and Howlands wards.

It ran overnight on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 January.

On Friday, a grey Vauxhall Astra was stopped at King George Playing Fields in Beehive Lane, Welwyn Garden City. A 23 year old man from Welwyn Garden City was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon. Officers recovered a knuckle duster.

The same night, a black Seat Leon caught the attention of officers in Essendon and seized. The vehicle was stopped in Glebe Cottages. The car was searched by officers and suspected cannabis was found and seized. A 26 year old man from Welwyn Garden City was reported for driving without a licence and insurance. Further action will also be taken in relation to the suspected cannabis.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a silver Kia Picanto was spotted in Cuffley driving at speed despite the icy conditions. The vehicle was stopped in Northaw Road East and seized. A 19 year old man from Barnet was reported for driving without a licence and no insurance. The vehicle was searched and suspected class B and C drugs (cannabis and nitrous oxide) were recovered. The man will be interviewed at a later date in relation to this matter.

On Saturday evening, officers spotted a red Toyota in Stockbreach Road, Hatfield, that was believed to have been stolen from the town centre. The Toyota collided with a police car as officers attempted to stop the vehicle, and the occupants then fled on foot. 

However shortly afterwards, a 20 year old man from St Albans and a 21 year old man from Welwyn Garden City were arrested in Stockbreach Road and Fiddlebridge Way industrial estate on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and criminal damage. The 20 year old was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving without a licence. Both men have been bailed while enquiries continue. Fortunately no one was hurt as a result of the collision. 

Sergeant Robert Wilson, who leads the Welwyn Hatfield South NPT, said: “I hope residents are pleased to hear of this operation and the results. We are committed to keeping you safe and we will continue carrying out operations like this.

“Please do continue sharing your views on the issues you would like us to focus on. Let us know by using our community voice platform ‘echo’ at bit.ly/hertspolice-psf.”