Government grant should make streets safer

Herts Police has been awarded a government grant of £1.5 million to address neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour in the county through its Safer Streets initiative.

The Safer Streets programme seeks to address concerns around the weekend night-time economy in Hertford, such as drug use and violence against women and girls over an 18-month period.

Match funding has also been provided local partners East Herts Council and Hertford Town Council.

Local businesses are also being encouraged to get involved.

The funding will be used to provide additional police patrols, specialist training, additional ANPR cameras, upgrades to local CCTV systems and street lighting.

The grant will also support Project Vigilant, which is designed to protect men and women from those displaying predatory behaviour. The project focuses on identifying certain behaviours and preventing offences from taking place. Several officers have received specialist training and will be conducting regular plain-clothed deployments during the night-time economy.