Two new faces have been introduced to a neighbourhood team who are now responsible for running a team of five officer and six PCSO's.

Sergeant Iain Brunt, who has 12 years' service with Hertfordshire, and PCSO Eliot McDermott, 27, have now joined the Bushey and Radlett Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Sergeant Brunt, 38, took up the post in June and is hoping Bushey and Radlett neighbours will contact him for any issues affecting them or the surrounding area.

He said: “The main issues for Bushey and Radlett at the moment are inconsiderate and dangerous cycling and fly-tipping.

"We’ve had a number of calls about cyclists riding four abreast, doing wheelies, cutting cars up on purpose and riding very slowly down the main roads and round roundabouts, causing lots of disruption. Please, if it is safe to do so, send us any dash cam footage.

“I’d also like parents to be aware of this issue so that they can speak to their children about the importance of road safety – if this continues, it won’t be long before we see someone seriously injured.”

"The fly-tipping has been a long –term issue. We have a dedicated rural and wildlife officer, PC Phil Tuck, who is working with environmental services at the council to deal with this.

“I want my officers to be highly visible spending the majority of their time out on the streets – on foot and on bikes - dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour as well as offer a reassuring policing presence.

"Bushey is a great place to live and I would like to reassure residents that we can help resolve issues but we also need residents to do their bit by reporting crime and anti-social behaviour to us and by joining local organisations like Neighbourhood Watch.”

PCSO Eliot McDermott has also joined the team having previously been a Special Constable - a volunteer with full police powers. He is covering Bushey North.

He said: “I had to quickly change my way of thinking. Instead of arresting people and dealing with the aftermath of incidents, I had to use my best tool – talking to people.

As a PCSO, he has helped deal with thefts from motor vehicles, road traffic collisions and neighbourhood disputes.

He said: “I’ve been able to find out the problems and mediate between the two parties. Often things flare up because of miscommunication or misunderstandings and things get out of hand.”

If you are interesting in joining Neighbourhood Watch, please contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01707 806618 or email Watch Liaison Officer Derrick Sweeney on 01707 355841 or email derrick.sweeney@herts.pnn.police.uk