Three Rivers: crime roundup

A roundup of crime rates in Three Rivers is announced today. Three Rivers remains the safest district in Hertfordshire according to the overall crime rate for the first six months of the financial year. Other encouraging figures include those for domestic burglary, violent crime and criminal damage - all are the lowest in Hertfordshire.

Chair of the Three Rivers Community Safety Partnership Roger Seabourne said:

"One of the key drivers of the fall in crime has been the tremendous growth of Neighbourhood Watch. If you only do one thing to make yourself safer, join your local Watch group. If you want to do a second thing - get a free security check from West Herts Against Crime or the Police Crime Prevention Team."

Key findings include:

• ALL CRIME = 25.7 crimes per 1,000 residents - LOWEST IN HERTFORDSHIRE
• Burglary (residential) = 1.72 crimes per 1,000 residents - LOWEST IN HERTFORDSHIRE
• Robbery = 0.14 crimes per 1,000 residents - SECOND LOWEST IN HERTFORDSHIRE
• Vehicle crime = 4.39 crimes per 1,000 residents - SECOND LOWEST IN HERTFORDSHIRE
• Violent crime = 3.67 crimes per 1,000 - LOWEST IN HERTFORDSHIRE
• Serious acquisitive crime = 6.26 crimes per 1,000 residents - LOWEST IN HERTFORDSHIRE (see below)
• Domestic violence = 1.24 crimes per 1,000 residents - LOWEST IN HERTFORDSHIRE
• Criminal damage = 5.54 crimes per 1,000 residents - LOWEST IN HERTFORDSHIRE

Dave Moore, Chief Inspector for Three Rivers, said:

"These figures are extremely reassuring both for the public, ourselves and our partner agencies. Three Rivers is one of the safest places to live in the country but we must not be complacent. We will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure that crime remains low across the area."

Residents can find out more about Neighbourhood Watch or arrange a visit from the Police Crime Prevention Team by ringing 0845 33 00 222. More information about West Herts Against Crime is available from 01923 801138.

Serious acquisitive crime includes: burglary in a dwelling, aggravated burglary and robbery of business or personal property.