Big crime drop in Hatfield thanks to CCTV
CRIME has dropped dramatically since the introduction of CCTV cameras in Hatfield town centre, the WHT can exclusively reveal. According to police, residential burglaries in the area have dropped by 80 per cent since the cameras were installed by Welwyn H
CRIME has dropped dramatically since the introduction of CCTV cameras in Hatfield town centre, the WHT can exclusively reveal.
According to police, residential burglaries in the area have dropped by 80 per cent since the cameras were installed by Welwyn Hatfield Council in December.
Meanwhile, burglaries of non-residential properties in the town centre have reduced by 60 per cent.
A police spokeswoman said: "Between November and December 2008, there were 10 reports of residential burglary.
"Between January and February 2009 - after the installation of the CCTV - there were four reports of residential burglary."
She added: "Between November and December 2008, there were 20 non-residential burglaries.
Most Read
- 1 IN PICTURES: Stars come out for Simply Red concert in Hatfield Park
- 2 The latest court results for Welwyn Hatfield and Potters Bar
- 3 It's A Kind of Magic as Queen Symphonic's Bohemian Rhapsody rocks Hatfield Park
- 4 'Risk of injury' - Aldi recalls product due to safety fears
- 5 Updated Simply Red set times for Hatfield Park concert
- 6 Jodie Williams defies injury-blighted season to claim Commonwealth bronze
- 7 'Tesco must tackle blight of trolley-dumping in Potters Bar'
- 8 Pictures of Paloma Faith and special guest Sam Ryder at Hatfield Park concert
- 9 Sign of the times: The life of Welwyn Garden City signwriter Arthur Brown
- 10 Champions! Old Owens going up after securing title
"Between January and February 2009, there were four reports of non-residential burglary."
The number of crimes detected in the town centre has also increased since the CCTV system went live - 112 in January and February compared to 95 in the previous two months.
Speaking to the WHT, chief inspector David Newsome said: "It's clear the cameras have made a real difference in the town centre.
"Not only have we seen success with a reduction in burglaries, we have also seen an increase in the number of offenders arrested."
He added: "I hope the CCTV helps to reassure law-abiding members of the community, and sends a clear message to anyone tempted to commit crime to keep out of Hatfield town centre - if they don't, there's a very good chance they will be caught."
Borough council chief executive Michel Saminaden said: "I am very pleased the introduction of CCTV in Hatfield town centre has had such a successful and immediate effect on the reduction of crime in the area.
