Pubdate: Mon, 22 Oct 2007
Source: St Albans & Harpenden Review (UK)
Copyright: 2007 Newsquest Media Group
Contact:  http://www.stalbansobserver.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4518
Author: Alexandra Barham

YOU'RE SAFE IN HERTFORDSHIRE

HERTFORDSHIRE continues to be one of the safest  counties in the country.

A monitoring report carried out by the Home Office  between April and 
June 2007 revealed that recorded  crime was down 11 per cent compared 
to the same period  in 2006.

For the three month period burglary in Hertfordshire  fell by five 
per cent, robbery by 14 per cent, sexual  offences in the county 
dropped by 15 per cent and other  offences were down 25 per cent.

Ian Laidlaw-Dickson, chairman of Hertfordshire Police  Authority, 
said: "These are very encouraging figures,  particularly the notable 
reductions in robbery and  offences in which people are injured.

"These figures are building on overall reductions in  crime in the 
preceding years and reinforces our view  that Hertfordshire continues 
to be one of the safest  counties in the country."

Chief constable Frank Whiteley added: "These figures  reflect some of 
the excellent work being carried out by  the officers and staff of 
Hertfordshire Constabulary  alongside our local partners.

"I'm particularly pleased with the falls in robbery and  violence 
which are helping to make Hertfordshire an  even safer county."

The number of car-releated crimes saw a 10 per cent  increase and 
drug offences increased by 29 per cent,  but police say an increase 
in the latter relects police  activity targeting drug dealers and users.

Mr Whiteley continued: "The rise to drug offences  reflects our 
proactive approach in tackling drug  dealers before they can become 
established in  Hertfordshire. We know that drugs are linked to crime 
and we are pleased that this approach is being rewarded  by sustained 
decreases in crime in the county.

"We have also been targeting vehicle crime in the  county and since 
this period concerned the rate of  increase in offences against 
vehicles has been reduced  to under one per cent."
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart