Police commissioner commends borough’s crime-fighting schemes

David Lloyd visited a number of crime-preventing schemes and projects in Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted as part of his district day in the borough.

Mr Lloyd, who lives in the Dacorum village of Flaunden, started the day with a stop at Gaddesden Row School where he was quizzed by pupils on his role.

He said: “The children certainly weren’t shy in asking me some challenging questions. It was a fun experience taking part and the children are a credit to the school.”

The commissioner also visited the South Hill Centre in Cemetery Hill, Hemel Hempstead – which offers mentoring and support to offenders leaving prison, helping them to adjust to life on the outside and avoid slipping back into re-offending – before dropping in at Mediation Herts which supports police work by de-escalating conflicts between opposing parties.

Mr Lloyd added: “I was interested to speak to both these groups as they both chime strongly with my vision for Hertfordshire with all sectors of the community being involved in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Offenders leaving prison often return to a chaotic lifestyle when they arrive back in the community, which can sometimes mean that it is all too easy to fall back into a life of crime.

“I’m particularly interested in breaking this destructive cycle that ruins lives. If we can divert these ex-offenders away from re-offending then not only will they be more likely to contribute positively to society but there will be less crime and fewer victims in the future..”

The crime czar also visited the Swan Youth Centre in Berkhamsted as part of the district day – which involves visiting one of the county’s 10 districts or boroughs to learn about local issues and initiatives – and watched a presentation at Hemel Hempstead Fire Station about the Think Safe project, which provides help and guidance to vulnerable people to learn how to stay safe.

Dacorum Community Safety Partnership coordinator Dave Moore said: “I am pleased that the Commissioner has been able to see at first hand the good work that goes on in both the Swan Youth Centre and the Think Safe project.

“We have been working with both groups, who share our aim of keeping Dacorum a safe place for our young people and those who are vulnerable.

“Community safety is everybody’s business and these groups have certainly stepped up to take on that responsibility.”