A senior police officer has reassured residents that officers are tackling violent crime in Watford town centre.

Last week, the Watford Observer published figures revealing the level of violent crimes in the town.

The figures – which include actual bodily harm, wounding and threats to kill – revealed there were 333 offences recorded in the summer months of 2007.

There were 227 similar offences during the same period in 2008 and 235 violent crimes recorded this year.

However, Superintendent Iain McVie says the figures have to be put into context, especially as Oceana nightclub opened this year.

Speaking to the Watford Observer, he said the closure of Destiny in 2008 resulted in an anticipated fall in crime, as an estimated 2,000 fewer people came to Watford on weekend evenings.

Despite the nightclub reopening with a bigger capacity as Oceana, Superintendent McVie says levels of violent crime are still significantly lower than in 2007.

He said: “The perception is that since we have been busier in the town centre with extended hours it must have been worse.

“However, when you compare it to our nearest like to like year, it actually shows we have had a reasonable decrease of violent crime.”

Superintendent McVie said officers at Hertfordshire Constabulary remain committed to driving down violent crime in the town and paid tribute to the work carried out by voluntary organisations, such as the Street Angels.

He said: “Some people will become a victim of crime because someone hasn't looked after them. Usually that will be a friend when they are out for the night.

“The Angels provide those services that stop people getting involved in something either as an offender or a victim. They are a voluntary organisation and looking at it, that is one of the reasons for the drop in violent crime.”