Police made five arrests during more than a dozen stop and searches across Hertsmere over the last week.

Officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Operation Scorpion Teams worked together to carry out additional patrols as part of Operation Sceptre – the ongoing national campaign to tackle knife crime.

Over five days, a total of 24 stop and searches were carried out and five people were arrested on suspicion of various offences, including possession of drugs and offensive weapons.

They were all released under investigation while enquiries continue.

  • A 22-year-old man from Hatfield who was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs.
  • A 17-year-old male from South Mimms who was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs.
  • A 17-year-old male from Potters Bar was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of an offensive weapon (a baton).
  • A 56-year-old man from High Wycombe was arrested on suspicion of taking a conveyance without consent, going equipped for theft, driving whilst unfit through drink and/or drugs, aggravated vehicle taking and attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
  • A 35-year-old man from Shenley was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, threats to destroy property, homophobic public order and possession of an offensive weapon (a crowbar).  

Hertsmere Chief Inspector Mark Bilsdon said: “In Hertsmere our Safer Neighbourhood Officers frequently carry out patrols on foot, bike and in patrol cars but we also conduct specific targeted patrols as part of initiatives such as Op Sceptre.

“We also depend on the public to be our eyes and ears as we can’t be everywhere at once. So if you suspect criminal activity is taking place where you live or work there are a number of different reporting options available to you including anonymously via Crimestoppers. 

“You may also want to consider signing up to OWL, which is part of Neighbourhood Watch and will send you alerts about crimes in your area and also advice about the steps you can take to make it harder for criminals to operate in your area, such as home security information. Sign up at owl.co.uk/herts or download the ‘OWL crime alerts’ app from your app store.”