Hertfordshire has been officially recognised as one of the safest places to live in England and Wales.

The latest figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the county has the fifth lowest overall crime rate, which was welcomed by David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire.

Measured across 43 police force areas, Hertfordshire registered 63.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is two thirds of the average.

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It is the lowest in the Eastern region, with Cambridge scoring 80.7, Essex 91 and Norfolk 75.7.

The only places lower than Hertfordshire are Wiltshire at 58.1, North Yorkshire at 58.5, Devon and Cornwall at 58.9 and Surrey at 59.7.

PCC David Lloyd said: “Often the fear of crime is higher than the reality, so I welcome this report which shows Hertfordshire really is one of the safest places to live.

                                                                                                         

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“We are outperforming our neighbouring areas and it is reassuring to see that the chances of residents in our county becoming a victim of crime are among the lowest in England and Wales.

“I recognise for that these figures will offer small comfort to those who have had offences committed against them.

"There is a comprehensive victim services team at Hertfordshire Beacon who offer support to those affected, even if the crime has not been reported to police.”