Hertfordshire Constabulary's victim support centre has helped more than 1,500 priority cases in Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere.

Beacon, which was launched in April, offered an enhanced specialist care package to 6,064 particularly vulnerable victims across the county.

Watford had the second highest number of priority victims, which includes elderly people or repeat victims, helped by the service with 722 packages administered between April 1 and August 31.

Three Rivers had the lowest number in the county with 367 priority victims helped, while 435 enhanced packages were put together for victims in Hertsmere.

In total Beacon has contacted 23,566 victims in the county to offer them practical and emotional support, whether or not the matter has been reported.

David Padgett, contract manager for victim support, added: "We very happy and proud to be part of the integrated team at Beacon and we look forward to developing not just our own service but the wider service to victims of crime in Hertfordshire alongside like-minded colleagues."

Beacon, which is run jointly by the charity Victim Support and Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Victim Service Team, was set up to make contact with all identified victims of crimes reported to offer support and provide updates on their investigations.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd said: "I am delighted that Beacon has been able to make contact with and support so many victims of crime in Hertfordshire since its launch just five months ago.

"Furthermore, residents don’t have to pay a penny more for this service, as it is paid for out of the victims’ surcharge, which is effectively a fine imposed on offenders in court."

Victims who have received support from Beacon include a victim of stalking who was suffering from severe stress. Beacon arranged for an NHS care team to visit her at her home the same day she made contact.

Also, a victim of a hate crime suffering anxiety who was helped after third party made contact with the centre. A Victim Support volunteer visited her that day, she was given a personal attack alarm and Hertfordshire Home Safety Service were contacted on her behalf.

Victims of crime can access the centre via www.hertfordshirebeacon.org or by calling the hotline 03000 11 55 55, which is open daily from 7am to 10pm. Calls are charged at a local rate.