Hemel MP David Taylor helps secure “biggest crackdown on crime in decades” as New Policing Act becomes law
Serving as a member of the Bill Committee, Mr. Taylor worked line-by-line to strengthen the legislation, which includes over 70 new measures. He played a key role in ensuring the Act included the tools needed to tackle local issues like off-road bikes, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour. Between 2014 and 2024, recorded crime in the local area doubled—a trend this Act is designed to dismantle.
A central pillar of the Act directly addresses the concerns of Hemel’s business community by scrapping the previous "effective immunity" for shoplifting under £200. The law also creates a standalone criminal offence for assaulting or abusing a retail worker, providing them with the same legal protections as emergency service staff.
David Taylor MP said: “I know anti-social behaviour and crime are major concerns locally—they account for 10% of my office’s casework, with nearly 200 residents supported to date. I regularly raise these issues on your behalf with Dacorum Police, including in my frequent catch-ups with Chief Inspector Paul Stanbridge at Hemel station.
“Retail staff keep our high streets thriving, yet too many have faced abuse while criminals acted with impunity. Having spoken with residents and businesses across Hemel, I’ve seen the real-world impact of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. I am proud to have served on the committee for this Bill to ensure the law is as strong as possible—legislation that, disappointingly, Reform UK chose to vote against.
“This Act isn't just about tougher sentences; it’s about visibility. We are deploying over 3,000 extra neighbourhood officers to focus on street policing, which has delivered record officer numbers in Hertfordshire. This means more patrols, more crimes solved, and more arrests. From giving police the power to seize and crush off-road bikes without a warrant to introducing ‘Respect Orders’ for repeat ASB offenders, we are giving Herts Police the tools they need to take back our streets.
“I will continue lobbying the Home Office and working with local partners to ensure Hemel gets the resources it deserves. I am pushing for facial recognition vans to target repeat offenders and ensure every resident feels safe in their community.”
The Act introduces several high-impact measures for Hemel and the Villages, including:
Off-Road Bike Crackdown: Police can now seize and crush nuisance bikes without a warrant.
Tackling Knife Crime: Stronger action on weapon offences and new powers to seize stolen goods quickly.
Safety for Women and Girls: Tougher protections against stalking, spiking, and image abuse.
Fly-Tipping: New penalty points on driving licenses for those caught fly-tipping.
The news comes ahead of a Public Anti-Social Behaviour Meeting hosted by Mr. Taylor on Friday 3rd July, where residents and businesses can discuss the implementation of these new powers with local police.
To book a place, residents should email [email protected]. The venue location will be provided closer to the time of the event upon advice of Parliament Security.