Elstree's new police sergeant says he is keen to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area - and encourage children not to be afraid of police officers.

Responsible for Elstree, Radlett and Bushey, Sergeant Noel Buckley took up the post of Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for the three villages this month.

Sergeant Buckley said the main issues for Radlett are parking, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

He also hopes to increase school visits to encourage young children not to be “fearful” of police officers.

He said: “We often find that there is a perception of young people causing a nuisance when they are simply ‘hanging around,’ especially when they are in big groups.

“Our role is sometimes simply to act as mediators.

“On other occasions, we will work with residents and other agencies, including housing associations, to deal with issues of concern and parents of young people causing anti-social behaviour can have their tenancy agreements reviewed."

Sergeant Buckley, who has 11 years’ service with Hertfordshire Police, took up the post on April 22.

Most recently, he has worked on Operation Scorpion, which targeted burglars, robbers, vehicle thieves and drug dealers.

Before becoming a police officer, Sgt Buckley spent 15 years as a commercial property developer in Watford and later worked for a double glazing company.

Speaking about why he joined the force, he said he was inspired by his grandfather, who was an officer in Ireland.

He added: "I always wanted to be a police officer, especially after an officer visited my school to talk about his role."

His predecessor, Sergeant Laura Randall, has taken up a post at Police Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City.