More bobbies join the borough beat in supporting role

Three new members of the Safer Neighbourhood Team have started on the beat in Dacorum, working alongside regular police officers to proactively tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Former volunteer Special Constable Anna Cornish is covering Hemel Hempstead Town Centre after finishing her qualification in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Portsmouth earlier this year.

Anna said: “I joined the constabulary as I wanted to help the community to feel safe, prevent crime and further victimisation and to deter criminals from committing crime.

“I will be working with residents in my area to gain their trust so they can approach me when they have an issue. As I am going to be based in the town centre I hope to tackle anti-social behaviour, such as young people on skateboards and street drinkers, and to proactively deter criminals from offences such as shoplifting and pick-pocketing.”

PCSO Nigel Waldron will be walking the beat Tring. His appointment comes just weeks after the town’s mayor Stephen Hearn called for more bobbies in the area, complaining there was not enough of a presence in the town.

Before joining the force, Nigel worked for the Building Research Establishment in Garston for six years and more recently as an estate agent in Queens Park, London.

He said: “I have always wanted to join the police service from an early age, because I wanted a career where I could help others and be involved with the community, so the role of a PCSO is perfect to fulfilling my ambition. I hope to reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour incidents by providing a visible policing presence in the community.”

Finally Kaji Green, who will be working the Leverstock Green and Bennetts End areas of Hemel Hempstead, said: “I joined to make a positive difference by helping people and to be a role model within the community.

“To begin with I want to get to know the community. I want to know how people feel, really understand what matters to them and be known as a familiar, approachable face.

“The areas I’d like to make an impact on are anti-social behaviour, help local residents protect themselves against crimes like burglary and theft as well as safeguarding vulnerable people within our community.”

The new recruits are part of Herts police and crime commissioner David Lloyd’s pledge to take on 80 new PCSOs in the area.

Dacorum’s Chief Insp Glen Channer said: “We have a strong team of PCs and PCSOs working in the Safer Neighbourhood Teams in Dacorum who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and I’m pleased to welcome Anna, Nigel and Kaji to the team.

“A large amount of their time will be spent out on the streets in their areas, speaking with residents, and importantly, providing a visual deterrent to criminals.”

To contact your PCSO, call the non-emergency number 101 and ask for the team, or call them on their airwave if they are on duty by dialling 01707 354192 and say the name of the officer you wish to speak to.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.