Safer Town Centres - more arrests made

Officers in Hatfield have made another two arrests linked to the #SaferTownCentres initiative.

The initiative has run across the county throughout the summer months. It sees increased police patrols in town centres, with the aim of increasing officer visibility and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. 

On Saturday (30 August), officers from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team were on patrol in East Hatfield focusing on tackling drug dealing. 

During the patrols, two men were stopped by police walking from the direction of Hatfield town centre. CCTV suggested two men had been seen running through the town centre and entering a shop. The men were searched and suspected cannabis, cash and a phone were seized. Officers also seized suspected crack cocaine and heroin.

They were both arrested on suspicion of possession of class B drugs with intent to supply.

The men – a 21 year old from Barking and a 20 year old from Walthamstow – have been bailed with conditions not to enter Hertfordshire. 

PC Martin Field, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We’re determined to improve the safety in our town centres and these arrests are just the latest in a long line of results across Welwyn Hatfield and the wider county. I hope this news reassures residents that we are taking proactive action to disrupt criminality and keep you safe. 

“The patrols in East Hatfield were in response to concerns raised to us when we conducted door-to-door visits in the area, as part of our community engagement work. Please continue to report concerns about drug activity in your area to us so we can take action.”

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

In an emergency, or if you suspect a crime is in progress, always call 999.