New mobile CCTV cameras in Hemel Hempstead town centre helping tackle crime

During their first three months of operation, the cameras, which have been installed in the town centre and parts of the Old Town, have assisted with more than 60 incidents.

Funding for the six cameras came from the Home Office as part of Operation Hotspot, which was launched in the county last year.

Extra foot patrols have been carried out across the county, while additional crime prevention measures have also been introduced as part of the operation.

The hotspots were identified following an analysis of data, with the cameras assisting with incidents including locating missing and wanted people, investigations into assaults and violent crime, safeguarding matters, drug criminality and vehicle crime.

During the patrols in Hemel Hempstead, from April 1 to November 1, 1,379 additional hours of high visibility patrols were carried out, seven additional arrests were made on top of normal daily arrests, ten additional stop searches were carried out and anti-social behaviour powers were utilised 43 times.

PC James Tassell, from the Operation Hotspot policing team said: “Operation Hotspot has yielded some fantastic results across the county since it launched, with thousands of hours of additional patrols being carried out and extra arrests being made.

“Alongside the patrols, we’ve sought to put additional measures in place to help prevent crime from taking place and to help us identify perpetrators more easily when crimes do occur. These new cameras are already helping us to do just that.”

Councillor Simy Dhyani, Dacorum Borough Council’s portfolio holder for housing and property services added: “The new mobile CCTV cameras mark a step forward in our commitment to making Dacorum a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.

“The cameras support the work of our local police while also helping residents, businesses and visitors feel more secure.

“We are committed to creating standards in our town centre that ensure everyone feels safe and welcome.”

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