A general election is likely this year, so in our new monthly feature the Watford Observer will be asking the candidates for the three main parties standing to be the town’s MP a question of topical concern and publishing their answers.

Our third question is regarding crime.

How would you go about tackling the fear of crime and making people feel safe in Watford, particularly around the town centre and parks? And is there anything you would do that is not in place now to ease concerns?

Watford Observer:

Dean Russell MP, Conservative

"Tackling crime and ensuring safer streets has been one of my top priorities. That's why I worked with the Police and Crime Commissioner to secure funding for the brand-new Police Station on the high street.

"The new station on George Street is part of wider activities including increasing police numbers and visibility in Watford. We have 338 more police across Hertfordshire which means more police on the streets to prevent crime and catch criminals.

"My meeting with Atria just last week showed a dramatic drop in anti-social behaviour since the new station opened making our town even safer to shop and visit.

"Since the start of the reporting year (April 1, 2023), our local police have recorded less crime and anti-social behaviour compared to the same period last year.

"I have also been privileged to join the police on multiple occasions during cross agency dawn raids. During these raids I have seen first-hand how our brave police take down serious organised crime gangs and keep us safe from dangerous thugs.

"Under the Conservatives, crime is down by 55 per cent since 2010, police numbers are up and sentences have been toughened for the worst offenders. Automatic early release for the worst criminals has ended and new laws have been introduced to protect women and girls.

"I will always back our brave police to keep our streets safe. The new police station proves once again that when I make a promise I will do all I can to deliver for Watford."

Watford Observer: Cllr Matt Turmaine is Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Watford

Matt Turmaine, Labour

"Everyone is worried about crime in Watford. We’ve read the horrifying articles in the Watford Observer, only last week the front-page headline was 'Attacker stabs teen in the face'.

"This sadly took place not far from the new town centre police station.

"Violent crime makes up over 27 per cent of all crime reported in Watford. That is a shocking statistic. When I talk to people, they are worried by it, and by the anti-social behaviour and theft in our town. I can’t see it getting better with another five years Rish Sunak’s tired Tories. Can you?

"With Labour between 1997 and 2010, the police were well resourced, able to do their job and people felt safe. That isn’t the case now.

"We all know that the police in Watford do a fantastic job. Can you imagine having to deal with the unexpected every day, from the happy drunk to the violent armed criminal?

"Labour will deal with the twin challenges of reducing serious violent crime and raising confidence in the police.

"People have requested additional lighting at Cassiobury Park to help women feel safe while walking alone. Watford’s Labour councillors proposed this in a recent council meeting, yet the Liberal Democrat administration voted it down.

"Labour’s plans for government will deliver for Watford. We will tackle the violence against women and girls, deal with the incidents of knife crime, raise confidence in the police force to their highest levels, and reverse the collapse in the proportion of crimes that are solved."

Watford Observer: Ian Stotesbury outside Watford General Hospital A&E

Ian Stotesbury, Liberal Democrat

"Tackling crime in Watford and supporting the police is a priority. Watford Council, following successive Liberal Democrat administrations, has expanded its CCTV cameras to provide hundreds of sites and supported the development and investments in the new police headquarters in the centre of town. Residents and visitors enjoy eating, shopping, and spending time with their friends and family in the town centre and we must keep working to make sure it is safe – and there is more to do.

"Unfortunately, the town and the whole country has challenges – with many crimes unsolved and residents left with little to no police support or contact. We are calling for an increase in community policing and the Police Crime Commissioner election is an opportunity to support that vision – we disagree with the decision not to fully fund local community officers. We need more police officers in Hertfordshire and especially in the town. Our local Mayor and Liberal Democrats have long been campaigning for an increased officer presence across Watford.

"Nationally we need to reform the police and must free up existing officers’ time to focus on local crime - through measures like the creation of an Online Crime Agency. We need to take recruitment seriously and implement a training and retention strategy to tackle the shortage of detectives."