At Hertsmere Borough Council's full meeting on April 16, members debated the new Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership Plan (CDRP) for the next three years - our on-going plans to tackle crime and the fear of crime in Hertsmere.

The CDRP meetings happen quarterly with around 40 to 50 people attending, mostly made up of local groups and agencies. The police attend as do councillors.

One of the areas discussed was police community support officers (PCSO) and their work.

During the meeting, quite by chance, a call came through to Morris Bright, leader of the council, from the police, to tell us that one of our PCSOs had come across an incident in Elstree and had called for back-up. Three PCSOs, with four police officers, were in attendance.

It was an amazing coincidence, yet a timely reminder of Hertsmere's decision to invest in PCSOs. We now have 28 across the borough, costing the council around £130,000 a year.

Crime levels in Hertsmere are relatively low and falling. However, crime and disorder remains a priority issue for the people of Hertsmere, with 44 per cent of residents concerned they might become a victim of crime. The numbers of people in this borough who do is currently around two per cent.

By continuing to work in partnership with our local communities we can achieve sustained crime reductions and make Hertsmere a safer place to live, work and visit.

I urge as many people as possible to come to our CDRP meetings and be part of the team making Hertsmere safer.

Councillor John Donne, community safety portfolio holder