Crime in Hertfordshire rises 16%, police reveal

Crime in Hertfordshire has risen 16 per cent, police revealed today, with car crime identified as an increasing threat.

Officers have attributed the overall rise during the last financial year to improved recording and victim confidence to report crimes.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “We have placed great focus on the under reporting of crime during the past year, and encouraging victims to come forward.

“There is evidence that victims of previously hidden crimes, such as domestic abuse and sexual offences, are becoming more confident than ever before in coming forward to report crimes.”

Despite the changes in recording practices and improved compliance, the Constabulary has identified some underlying increases in certain crime types – including motor vehicle crime and shoplifting.

However, some areas have seen a decrease, such as home burglaries, which fell by 3.7% county-wide.

Charlie Hall added: “Whilst Hertfordshire continues to experience relatively low levels of crime, having one of the lowest levels of recorded crime in the country, we do experience local crime hotspots, such as recently with vehicle crime.

“We are proactively tackling these problems and pursuing the people responsible.”