Festive Season Safety event on the agenda in Hitchin

PR Date: Thursday, 5 December 2019 - 4:30pm

Representatives from the North Herts Community Safety Partnership were giving out safety advice to the public at a Community Reassurance Event in the Market Place, Hitchin, on Tuesday 3 December.

Practical advice, information and support was on offer to help keep the public safe during the festive period and avoid becoming the victim of crimes such as burglaries.

The day was organised by the Hertfordshire Constabulary, settle and North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC). Officers from the Hertfordshire Constabulary gave out crime prevention advice and the Council’s Housing Options team and settle, the social housing landlord, were on hand to give out housing advice. NHDC’s Community Safety Officers provided a wide range of advice including how to dispose of waste legally to prevent fly tipping and NHDC’s Licensing Officers reminded people to keep safe during the festive period by ensuring that they always use licensed taxis. Helping Herts Homeless and The Haven were also on hand to give advice on what to do if you see someone sleeping rough.

Anthony Roche, NHDC’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: "We were really pleased at the turnout at this partnership event. By working with our partners to provide support and advice, we wanted to ensure that all of our residents can enjoy the festive season, while being aware of their own safety. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all."

Neighbourhood Sergeant Al Clarke added: "Multi agency events like these are a great way for us to meet local residents and visitors to the town, whilst also giving some valuable crime prevention advice on how to stay safe over the festive period. It was great to meet so many people today."

Gavin Cansfield, Chief Executive at settle, said: "We really welcomed the opportunity to join our partners from across the community at this event. It was great to see residents and members of the public and help them with advice across a range of subjects."