Spike in bike thefts

Crime figures released by police show that the number of bicycles stolen in June was more than the previous six months combined.

A total of 14 cycles were stolen across the town, compared to 12 for the period December 2019 to May 2020.

There was also an increase in violence and sexual offences with 83 crimes being reported during the month. The average over the past year is 59.

The increase in bike thefts come as police revealed that over 65 cycles had been recovered in a raid on a Mead Lane property on Tuesday (4th August).

Officers from the East Herts Scorpion team carried out the operation after intelligence was received about the handling of stolen goods.

Detective Inspector Ben Freeman, who oversees the local Scorpion team, said: "This was an excellent result and we’re hopeful we can reunite these bikes with their rightful owners in due course.

"Enquiries are continuing at this time to establish how the bikes came to be at the address."

A man was arrested following the warrant and has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Photo used for illustrative purposes only and does not relate directly to the location or items recovered.