An increase in vehicle crime and shoplifting in Hertfordshire is on the agenda for the PCC’s next public holding to account meeting with the county's Chief Constable.

These areas of high public concern will be raised by Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards during his second webcast meeting next week.

Last month hundreds of residents watched the PCC's first monthly Accountability and Performance Meeting which Mr Ash-Edwards introduced to hold Chief Constable Charlie Hall to account for the delivery of policing in Hertfordshire.

The public will be able to watch proceedings at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City live virtually at 10.30am on Thursday, August 15 by following the link https://bit.ly/HertsAPM2.

Mr Ash-Edwards has decided to ask the Chief Constable about vehicle crime and shoplifting as both have seen increases in the past year.

While the escalation in offending of these crime types has followed national trends, the Commissioner wants to understand what action is being taken to address these issues in Hertfordshire.

Also on the agenda is the Government’s plan for the early release of prisoners in September and October and how the police will work with partners and manage those offenders who are released.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: “I am glad that the first Accountability and Performance Meeting last month was watched by so many members of the public.

"I hope Hertfordshire residents continue to find these meetings useful as I undertake my responsibility to hold the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of policing in Hertfordshire.

“The items for the latest agenda have been chosen as they are areas of public interest and concern and it is important to scrutinise how the Constabulary is addressing shoplifting and vehicle theft.

"Hertfordshire is a safe county, but should you be a victim of crime there are important rights for victims and I am keen to understand how these are being met locally.”

How Hertfordshire Constabulary is performing in line with the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime is also set to be covered. The code sets out the services and minimum standards for victims which must be provided by organisations, including the police.

The Accountability and Performance Meetings will take place at Herts police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City. A recording will also be available to view on the PCC’s website along with more details and previous recordings at hertscommissioner.org/apm.

Police and Crime Commissioners have a statutory duty under the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Act to hold the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of policing in their area.