Hertfordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) says he is disappointed at the low number of people being offered the chance to explain to a court how the crime has impacted on their lives.

In a report issued yesterday (Thursday) Victim's Commissioner Baroness Newlove says fewer than one in five people were given the opportunity to make a Victim's Personal Statement (VPS).

Under the Victim’s Code, a VPS can not only explain to a court how badly a victim of crime has been affected, but also be used at a parole hearing should an offender receive a custodial sentence.

Speaking about the report, David Lloyd, Hertfordshire's PCC, said: "I agree with Baroness Newlove that not enough is being done to encourage victims to make these statements.

"I am pleased that Hertfordshire Constabulary is already improving how it informs victims of their rights, but it is of concern that across the South East – Hertfordshire’s Criminal Justice region - fewer than a fifth of people were made aware of this option.

"I welcome the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to look at these findings and work out how to make more people aware of their entitlements."

Hertfordshire has a dedicated Victim’s Care Centre, Beacon, which helps people who have been victims of crime. There is also a new guide being produced which details all the rights available to victims under the Code.

Kevin McGetrick, head of Victims Commissioning at the PCC’s office, said: "When someone has been a victim of a crime, the police will ask them what happened – this factual account of the incident is not the same thing as a Victims Personal Statement.

"A VPS conveys the impact and harm caused to them and their families and many victims have found this empowering.

"Our Beacon Victim Care team can advise options on how the VPS can be introduced into the court, including having it read out aloud."

Further information is also available on the Beacon website, www.hertfordshirebeacon.org.