Crime in Hemel Hempstead has reduced by 72 per cent according to Herts police, after 40 arrests were made during a crackdown by officers.

Operation Cross began last November and targeted criminals in the town centre who were committing shoplifting and drug offences, with 34 of the arrests resulting in the suspect being charged and remanded.

During the operation, officers used stop and search powers, with two people found to be carrying knives and class A drugs which were seized.

Officers also used intelligence they gathered to force entry to a building before seizing suspected stolen goods worth an estimated £150,000, and making several arrests.

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According to Herts police, there has been a 72 per cent reduction in crime following the operation, with PC Lucy Hodgson, who led the operation, saying: "The motivation behind most shoplifting offences is to sell the stolen goods on to support an addiction, so it’s no surprise that these crimes are often directly linked to drug activity.

"During the operation, we have also dealt with numerous individuals in connection with the possession of weapons and drugs."

PS James Watson added: "With chronic issues like this we often need to look at the bigger picture to make a tangible and long-term difference.

In this case, we worked with traders to identify and arrest offenders as well as offer support and advice on how to prevent them from being targeted in the future.

"The reduction of reported offences can be directly attributed to the good working relationships we have built with partners."

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Dacorum Chief Inspector Jason Keane confirmed that following the success of Operation Cross, it will continue this summer. 

"This operation has brought a very good result with 40 arrested and 34 of those having been charged," he said.

"It is important that we are there for local residents and by carrying out this operation, we want to make a long-term positive impact and help make the town centre a safer place for the community.

"Based on its initial success, Operation Cross will continue this proactive approach into the summer."