Police have hailed latest figures which show a crime reduction in Hertsmere.

Crime in Hertsmere fell by almost 12 per cent between April 2006 and March this year, compared with the previous 12 months.

Area Commander, Alison Roome-Gifford, said the figures, released by Hertfordshire Police, were something to be proud of'.

The total number of recorded crimes in the borough was 7,546, 11.6 per cent and 991 crimes less than the previous year. The number of serious violent crimes, burglaries, motor vehicle offences, criminal damage and damage to motor vehicles were all reduced. Crimes connected to vehicles fell by 20 per cent to 1,278. Serious violent crimes were down by 18 per cent, and totalled 442.

Ms Roome-Gifford said: "All these crimes represent at least one victim. So these figures demonstrate that we have had at least 991 fewer victims this year across the Hertsmere district.

"That is something to be proud of. As well as the hard work our officers, police community support officers (PCSO), staff and partner agencies put into keeping crime down, we also have to give huge thanks to the general public who are our eyes and ears in the community."

John Godfrey, chairman of the Potters Bar Crime Reduction Group, said: "In Potters Bar we have three community officers and four PCSOs. We have the best Neighbourhood Watch in the borough and Pub Watch is superbly managed and has done a lot of good work. The police are working as a team and love working here. The work done in Potters Bar has helped bring these results across the borough. It is brilliant."

mdysch@london.newsquest.co.uk