Eight people were arrested and a large quantity of drugs were recovered during a week of action in Hertsmere.
As part of County Lines Intensification Week, officers carried out warrants, searches and proactive stops, to identify and disrupt criminals operating in the area.
As a result, arrests were made for offences including cultivation of cannabis, burglary, possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.
Enquiries are continuing.
The following items were also seized:
- More than 500 cannabis plants, worth an estimated £40,000
- Around 200 wraps of Class A drugs
- Nine mobile phones
- Two machetes
- Three vehicles, which had been used in crime or had no insurance.
Detective Inspector Beth Hanna, from the Hertsmere Local Crime Unit, said: “This operation has been a massive team effort, involving officers from across Hertsmere and other areas of the county. As a result, we’ve secured several arrests and taken drugs and weapons off the streets.
“Drugs and the criminality often associated with them can devastate lives and cause fear among local communities. It’s an issue we focus on all year round and we will not stop our pursuit of those suspected to be involved in drug supply.
“Information from members of the public plays a vital part, as every call helps us to build up the intelligence we need to take action. If you have any concerns about crime in your neighbourhood, please report it.”
You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Officers from the following teams were involved throughout the week: Neighbourhood Policing Team, Intervention, local crime units in Hertsmere and Watford, Specialist Investigation Team (SIT), Operational Support Group (OSG), Eastern Region Specialist Operations Unit (ERSOU) and Operation Scorpion teams from Hertsmere, Three Rivers, Watford and Broxbourne. They were supported throughout by colleagues in the Force Control Room.
The week of the 18 March was Neurodiversity Celebration Week, to mark this Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) held an event for their staff and partners.
The day was dedicated to recognising and understanding neurological differences and exploring the valuable strengths and perspectives they offer. The event provided HFRS staff and their partners with a greater understanding of neurodiversity and encouraged them to learn practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals.
A Quiet Open Day was held at Borehamwood Fire Station on 24 March. Quiet Open Days are perfect for those who prefer a calm environment but love fire engines and police cars. Activities included exploring a fire engine and a police car, learning about staying safe, a sensory area and fun and games, such as using the hoses to knock down targets.
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To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, the Hertsmere CSP and Herts Health Walks held health walks in Potters Bar and Radlett.
Attendees were invited back to Potters Bar Fire Station for tea and a slice of cake. International Women’s Day aims to inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion using the 2024 theme #InspireInclusion. This year’s theme recognises that when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
To find out more about International Women’s Day 2024 visit: www.internationalwomensday.com.
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A number of Hertsmere Borough Council employees have received training in spotting the signs of an opioid overdose and using Naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of opioids, such as heroin, methadone, opium, codeine, morphine and buprenorphine.
A Naloxone dose can even save someone’s life if it's used quickly after they’ve overdosed on opioids and before emergency help arrives.
For more information about Naloxone, how it could help you to save someone’s life, and how to get a free kit, please visit the CGL website.
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Technology Facilitated Domestic Abuse (TFDA) is a form of controlling behaviour that involves the use of technology as a means to coerce, stalk or harass, abuse another person.
Technology allows for intimate moments or acts of abuse to be recorded and stored, then victims are threatened that it may be shared bringing fear and shame to the victim long term. Perpetrators misuse technology to track locations, monitor a partner’s online activity, damage their personal relationships or character and cause harm emotionally, physically and psychologically. Technology means coercive control can be enacted in increasingly diverse and more sophisticated ways.
Some of the actions you can take include:
- Learn how to use all the devices in your home.
- Know the passwords for all your devices and shared devices with your partner.
- Keep written copies of the telephone numbers of your trusted people in a safe space (You could write the numbers backwards or in code, so only YOU can read the number).
- Tell your friends, family, the next generation.
- Don’t be afraid to learn technology!
For more information visit: refugetechsafety.org.
The Hertfordshire Mind Network’s Community Support Service provides advice, information and holistic outreach support to people who are experiencing mental ill-health or need help with their mental wellbeing.
Herts Mind Network work with you to build support around your needs. Support can include:
- Emotional and practical support.
- Housing related support and advice, including homelessness
- Support with benefit applications
- Drug and alcohol support
To find out more about the Community Support Service, please visit the Hertfordshire Mind Community Support Service page.
Herts Connected is a free interactive messaging service from Hertfordshire Constabulary where you decide when and how you hear about the issues that matter most to you, whether that be getting regular crime updates, the latest information on ongoing incidents and emergencies or learning more about what your local police are doing.
Get connected with what is happening in your local area, keep up to date and get involved in shaping what goes on where you live or work.
It's quick and easy to sign up. You will be able to choose who you would like to receive messages from – including the Police and Crime Commissioner, Neighbourhood Watch and Action Fraud.
Your preferences will make your messages bespoke and not just related to your postcode. For more information and to sign up visit the Herts Connected website.
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As the warmer weather starts to roll in, bees aren’t the only thing buzzing around your home and garden. As people start spending more time outdoors, using gardening and leisure equipment, burglars are also out and about looking out for valuable things to steal. Any valuable tools, bicycles or other expensive items left out or stored in poorly secured outbuildings can tempt them.
Some tips to make your garden and outbuildings more secure:
- Always lock your shed, preferably with two 'hasp and staple' locks (one near the top and one near the bottom of the door) or use or an alarmed padlock.
- Ensure boundary fences are secure and in good condition. Spiky plants along garden boundaries are good additional deterrents.
- Tools and gardening equipment should be visibly marked with your postcode and house number - this can deter thieves and help police identify the rightful owner.
For more tips and information visit the Hertfordshire Constabulary website.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is responsible for holding the constabulary to account, and part of that comes in the form of scrutiny. The OPCC runs a range of schemes and panels open to volunteers from members of the public.
Stop & Search Scrutiny is mandatory, but here in Hertfordshire body worn video is reviewed for professionalism and conduct during engagement with the public, and specifically in respect of use of force.
For more information about the volunteering opportunities available, including details of the scrutiny panels, Independent Custody Visiting and the Independent Dog Welfare scheme, please visit: hertscommissioner.org/getting-involved.
Community Spaces are a non-judgemental space where you'll be welcomed by the staff and volunteers there.
Community Spaces have various facilities, with some being cool spaces and others that are warm spaces. If you want to ask for extra support – with benefits, health, fuel and other costs or anything else, the staff will put you in touch with the right people, with your consent.
Every space will have the option to participate in some activity, from more casual “coffee” hours to a service’s usual activities. If you don’t fancy this, you can always find a seat and bring something with you to do.
If you would like to find a Community Space in Hertfordshire, please visit Community Spaces page.
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