Hertsmere CSP has been working in partnership with the Community Security Trust (CST) to deliver Women’s Safety Talks across the borough. These talks have covered topics such as risk assessments, conflict management, stalking and safety on the streets. Four Women’s Safety Talks have been held in 2023 in Borehamwood, Potters Bar and more recently in October in Bushey and Radlett.

Eighty-seven people attended the Women’s Safety Talks, 91% of attendees said they found the talks informative and 88% said they would encourage family and friends to attend a Women’s Safety Talk in the future. Attendees received talks from SAFE by CST and the police and received information from Public Health.

Sporting Inspirations held two free sport sessions during the October half-term in Moatfield Park, Bushey.

Positive feedback was received from those who took part and some young people were already waiting in the park before the sessions had started. These sessions were arranged by Hertsmere CSP with funding received from the Building Life Chances programme from Hertfordshire County Council. The remaining funding will be used for awareness sessions in Bushey secondary schools, which will be open to professionals, parents and young people aged 10+ with talks covering knife crime and gang culture.

If you would like to attend a session please use the QR codes below to book your space:

Two OPALS events for those aged 60+, were held in the borough, covering topics such as safety advice and promoting local support.

The first event was held at Maxwell Park Community Centre in October where 58 older people attended. 80% of attendees said they now know more about support available to them. The second event was held at Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue in November where 44 senior citizens attended. 69% of attendees said they now know more about support available to them.

At both events, each attendee was given a Warm in Winter gift bag containing essential, practical, keep warm items by Small Acts of Kindness, along with other goodies and a free lunch. 

Attendees received information from a number of organisations including Hertsmere Borough Council, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Trading Standards and Communities First.

In October, Hertsmere Police visited Hertswood Academy. Officers spoke to Year 12 and 13 head students and prefects about Black History and why it is important. Officers and students then shared some pizza.

Organisations from across Hertfordshire attended a Hate Crime Awareness Conference at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield, where attendees participated in a mock court trial focusing on a hate crime and discussed ways to encourage reporting of incidents and how to better support victims. 

To report a hate crime to the police visit: How to report hate crime | Hertfordshire Constabulary. The webpage includes links to other organisations who offer support, advice and ways to report the incident without having to talk directly to the police, including Herts Against Hate.

Hertsmere CSP have organised a number of community engagements in hotspot areas where there have been reports of anti-social behaviour, drug use or drug dealing and shoplifting.

Engagements of this kind have been held at Cranbourne Parade in Potters Bar, Borehamwood Shopping Park and a residential block of flats in Borehamwood. Representatives at these events have included Hertsmere Borough Council’s Community Safety and Environmental Health teams, the portfolio holder for community safety, police, Beacon Victim Care, Herts Mind, Trading Standards and more. At these engagement events residents are able to raise concerns and receive free personal safety equipment.

Hertsmere participated in the Orange the World campaign and put out a number of social media posts during the 16 Days of Action to signpost to resources and support. In Hertsmere, Sky Studios and Elstree Studios lit their studio lights up orange in support of ending gender based violence.

For more information visit: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence 2023.

Hertsmere CSP organised a Licensed Premises Advisory Event hosted by Sky Studios in November.

Over 40 people from hospitality venues across the borough attended the event, which focused on VAWG, with attendees hearing about a range of topics including personal safety, conflict management, Sexual Offences Investigation Unit (SOIT), Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), Licensing SAVI (a scheme that enables premises to demonstrate they operate as safely and securely as possible) and Ask For Angela, which is a code-phrase that indicates to staff that someone needs help with their situation.

Hertfordshire police arrested a 44-year-old man following reports of ATM fraud in Borehamwood.

Officers were called to the Leeming Road, Borehamwood area on the afternoon of the 29 November. CCTV operators were then able to direct police to a vehicle of interest. In a search of the vehicle, items associated with ATM fraud were found. The CCTV operators, who led police to the vehicle of interest, were working as part of the Hertfordshire CCTV Partnership.

For more information about the CCTV Cameras in Hertsmere please visit Public Space CCTV Coverage | Hertfordshire CCTV Partnership. 

Hertsmere CSP have continued to engage in training opportunities to develop partners’ knowledge of key areas.

In December, 60 professionals received training on the Prevent duty, which aims to prevent radicalisation and combat extremism. For more information on Prevent visit the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) website, www.actearly.uk or to share a concern call the ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764.

Also in December, professionals from across the borough received training on housing and anti-social behaviour. Topics covered included an overview of the council’s housing functions, types of tenancy, grounds for possession and other tools, such as injunctions and the Anti-Social Behaviour Case Review. To find out more about the Anti-Social Behaviour Case Review visit: Report anti-social behaviour or crime - Hertsmere Borough Council.

Chrysalis Centre is a one stop referral, assessment, and triage centre featuring a range of specialist behaviour change services, available for anyone displaying abusive behaviour who wants to change. 

The Chrysalis Centre accept anyone who resides in Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire and who displays coercive and controlling behaviours. They will work with all risk levels. If you wish to refer someone or yourself to the Chrysalis Centre, please complete a referral form or email enquiries@chrysaliscentre.net.