A surge in reported crime across the Rickmansworth area has caused alarm among residents.
According to official police figures crime shot up in October with 251 crimes reported compared to 196 the previous month and 198 in August.
The statistics, from www.police.uk have led residents to speak out. Alan Davison, of Uxbridge Road, one of several residents who shared their concerns, said: “It’s no great surprise crime is rising. I cannot remember the last time I saw a police patrol in our area.”
A police statement said: “The figures shown on Police.uk also incorporate incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB), which are dealt with slightly differently and therefore not recorded as crimes but rather as incidents. ASB is taken very seriously by the Constabulary and we work with partners to try and find long term solutions to it.
“Not including the ASB reports shown, the difference between Sept 2018 and Oct 2018 in terms of recorded crime is an increase of 33.
“This equates to relatively low levels of crime per head of population in Rickmansworth.
“The figures also include incidents such as domestic abuse, where a single incident could actually lead to several different crimes being recorded for example.”
Neighbourhood Sergeant Neil Canning said: “Overall, crime in Three Rivers is down (since April 1, 2018) and it remains one of the safest places to live in Hertfordshire.
“There are a number of factors which can contribute to differences in crime figures, such as an increased confidence in reporting crimes to police and seasonal spikes in certain offences.
“Traditionally, October sees a rise in reports of anti-social behaviour around the school half term and Halloween period and this is reflected in the figures on Police.UK.
“Unfortunately, we did see a spike in burglary and theft from motor vehicle offences and have been working hard to tackle this. Specialist overt and covert patrols have been carried out and key arrests have been made.”
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