Hertfordshire police issue warning as December burglaries in East Herts drop 43.75%

Burglaries in East Herts almost halved in December compared to the same month in 2023.

The nine break-ins in the district reported to Hertfordshire Constabulary last month represented a decrease of 43.75% on the 16 in December the year before.

In all, the force was alerted to 196 burglaries across the county in December 2024, 12 fewer than in the same month a year earlier, a drop of 6.1%.

There were also decreases in Broxbourne (down 60%), St Albans (44.4%), Welwyn Hatfield (30.6%) and North Herts (19.2%).

However, burglaries were up 69.2% in Watford, 66.7% in Three Rivers, 44% in Hertsmere and 8.3% in Dacorum. There was no change in Stevenage.

The force is warning that during the first few weeks of the new year, burglars look for signs that homes have new valuables and expensive equipment they can steal.

Detective Chief Inspector Luke Whinnett, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s local policing command, said: “This time of year burglars are on the lookout for valuables, like new tools, bicycles and other expensive items left in sheds and garages that have little or no security.

“We are recommending that everyone takes some basic security measures to ensure their outbuildings are secure.

“Don’t leave anything valuable in them unless they are well secured with good quality locks or even an alarmed padlock. Dusk till dawn security lights will make your home even safer.”