A police operation aimed at driving out organised crime and improving the quality of life for residents in Bedwell in Stevenage has seen more than 50 people arrested for drug-related crime.

Two government initiatives - ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ and ‘Safer Streets’ - are being implemented in Bedwell to help reduce drugs, anti-social behaviour and violent crime.

This is the first time the Clear, Hold, Build scheme has been rolled out in Hertfordshire.

It involves Hertfordshire Constabulary, Stevenage Borough Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Hertfordshire.

Named ‘Build a Better Bedwell’ by children from Brooms Barnes Primary School, the 'clear' part of the project has now been implemented, with more than 50 people arrested for drug-related crime and numerous warrants executed at addresses since May 2023.

The project is now in the 'hold/build' phase, and £765,000 of Safer Streets funding has now been secured by the police and crime commissioner to support this new initiative, together with matched funded contributions from local partners. This will be used to roll out a range of measures, including CCTV, secure-by-design door entry systems, and garage defenders.

At an event last week, which was jointly organised by the Bedwell Community Association, the Hertfordshire Sport and Physical Activity Partnership and police, invited guests heard about the aims of the project and how key the community is to its success. A special workshop then took place to explore how the community can get involved in building up the area.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Nick Redfearn said: "I would like to thank everyone who came along to learn about this new project and how they can help take it forward.

"We need all the community onboard if this scheme is to succeed, as keeping crime out of areas relies on everyone getting involved and playing their part."

Jane Konopka, community development manager at Stevenage Borough Council, said: "This project will improve the neighbourhood by bringing residents, council officers, the police and community organisations together to work in partnership.

"We are keen for the community to be involved in making key decisions that will enhance Bedwell and make it a safer place to live for our communities." 

Jessica Baird, from the Hertfordshire Sport and Physical Activity Partnership, added: "It has been fantastic to be involved in the creation of this programme and to see it come to fruition. Sport and physical activity can play a key role in preventing crime and supporting communities."

David Lloyd, police and crime commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: "This initiative is testament to the power of collaboration, as it brings together a wide range of partners, plus residents, schools and the community association to reduce crime in Bedwell.

"My office secured over £750,000 in funding from the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund, including match funded contributions, to tackle issues head on to reduce crime, reduce victims and make the area a better place to live and work."