Watford Police

24/10/2026

❗ Road closures are in place on the A41 North Western Avenue in Watford this evening (Saturday 24 October), due to flooding in the underpass near Leavesden Green roundabout.

Please avoid the area at this time.

With the bad weather expected to continue, drivers are urged to take care on the roads and allow extra time for journeys.

Please do not attempt to drive into flood water, as it may be deeper than it appears.

24/10/2026

⚠️ More than £11m lost to investment fraud in Herts this year

Fraudsters stole £11.6m from Hertfordshire victims through investment scams in 2026, with 356 reports made to police.

Fraudsters may contact their victims by phone, claiming to be from an investment company, or victims may receive messages via email, text or see ads on social media platforms, offering exciting investment opportunities.

Before parting with any money make sure you check out your potential broker by seeking independent financial advice and checking with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to see if the company is registered.

Before investing:
• Be skeptical of opportunities that seem too good to be true
• Be wary of companies claiming they can recover your lost investment
• Don’t allow yourself to be pressured or rushed to invest
• Be cautious if you receive a sales cold call
• Always check out the company to make sure they are legitimate

If you've been a victim of fraud, report it to Report Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or online to: https://orlo.uk/oLW6P

For more advice on staying safe online, visit: https://orlo.uk/p5EcZ and https://orlo.uk/F1H2R

24/10/2026

We are appealing for witnesses and information as part of an ongoing investigation into a serious road traffic collision in Watford.

The incident occurred on the A411 Hempstead Road, at the junction with Kildonan Close, at around 5.15pm on Saturday 10 October.

It was reported that a white BMW 3 series was involved in a collision with a cyclist.

The rider of the bicycle, a man aged in his 80s, suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital.

The driver of the BMW remained at the scene and is assisting with enquiries.

PC James Marriott, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit said: “Our investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances around the collision.

“We are appealing for anyone who saw what happened and has not yet come forward to please get in touch. If you saw the vehicle or the cyclist in the area around the time, or have captured any dash cam footage, we would like to hear from you.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Marriott by emailing [email protected]

You can also report information online at https://orlo.uk/UbJXH, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at https://orlo.uk/hchB7 or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 484 of 10 October, 2026.

If you have dash cam footage in relation to the collision, please upload this at: https://orlo.uk/nh820

24/10/2026

A policing operation targeting crime and anti-social behaviour in Watford has resulted in three arrests, multiple stop searches and enforcement activity aimed at keeping the town centre safe.

Operation Tornado took place on Wednesday (21 October) and brought together officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), Operational Support Group (OSG) and partner organisations to tackle issues identified by residents, businesses and local communities.

The operation focused on Watford town centre, where officers carried out high-visibility and plain clothed patrols to address issues such as street drinking, begging, theft, illegal use of e-bikes and scooters and anti-social behaviour.

Officers also engaged with retailers, visitors and residents, providing crime prevention advice, reassurance and opportunities to register property through bike and mobile phone marking initiatives.

Alongside activity in the town centre, officers conducted intelligence-led enforcement in west Watford, targeting areas linked to concerns around drug dealing and violent crime.

As a result:

• Three people were arrested for offences including breach of a court order, possession of an offensive weapon, drugs possession and theft.
• Two further suspects were identified in connection with theft offences and will be summoned to court.
• Eight stop searches were conducted.
• Two Community Resolutions were issued for low level drug-related offences.
• Intelligence submissions were made to support ongoing investigations and future policing activity.
• Officers signed up five residents to the Herts Connected messaging service and engaged with numerous members of the public to offer crime prevention advice and reassurance.

Simon Cooper, Neighbourhood Inspector for Watford, said: “Operation Tornado was designed to respond directly to the concerns raised by our communities and partners. By combining high-visibility patrols with targeted enforcement and intelligence-led activity, we have been able to tackle offending, safeguard vulnerable people and strengthen relationships with residents and businesses.

“The work demonstrates our commitment to making Watford a safer place to live, work and visit. We will continue to listen to local concerns and take action against those whose behaviour causes harm or affects the quality of life of others.”

Operation Tornado forms part of ongoing efforts by the constabulary and partner agencies to reduce crime, tackle anti-social behaviour and enhance public confidence across Watford.

23/10/2026

🪄🎃👇

23/10/2026

🚨 Ten charged in operation targeting Watford drug network

Ten people have been charged in connection with drug offences and associated activity, following an operation targeting a co***ne and he**in supply network in the Watford area.

Following an investigation by our Serious and Organised Crime Investigations Unit (SOCIU), warrants were conducted at addresses in Watford and Luton between August and October 2026.

During the operation, which was supported by the Operational Support Group, nine men and one woman were arrested, and co***ne and more than £20,000 in cash were seized.

Those arrested and subsequently charged with being concerned in the supply of crack co***ne and he**in were:

• Mubbasher Ali, aged 32, of Humberstone Road, Luton
• Nasser Shabbir, aged 29, of Runley Road, Luton
• Mohammed Hamas, 31, of Chester Road, Watford
• Syed Khan, aged 29, of Leabridge Corner, East Hyde, Luton
• Asadullah Muzaffar, aged 31, of Leavesden Road, Watford
• Abbas Yousaf, aged 31, of Southsea Avenue, Watford
• Wajed Qayum, aged 38, of Whippendell Road, Watford

Mohammed Ahsan Khan, aged 39, of Durban Road West, Watford, was charged with being concerned in the supply of co***ne and he**in, modern day slavery offences and conspiracy to commit GBH.

Sulleyman Bhatti, aged 47, of Chester Road, Watford, was charged with arson with intent.

Samina Khan, aged 48, of Durban Road West, Watford was charged with being concerned in the supply of co***ne and participation in an organised crime group.

All have been remanded into custody.

Detective Inspector Sam Alcock said: “This operation was the culmination of months of work investigating suspected supply of he**in and co***ne to the Watford area between 2025-2026.

“Drug dealing and associated criminal activity causes harm and suffering to our local communities and combatting organised criminal gangs remains one of our main priorities. We rely on intelligence from the public to help us bring drugs suppliers to justice, so if you have any information, please report it.”

Report drug crime by:
• Filling out our online reporting form at https://orlo.uk/NQ6iR
• Speaking to an operator in our Force Communications Room via online webchat at https://orlo.uk/dyAUd
• Calling our non-emergency telephone number 101 (in an emergency, always dial 999).
• Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

23/10/2026

⚠️ Officers are continuing to appeal for the public's help to trace Shaun Hopkins. It is believed he is in the and areas.

Anyone with information is asked to please contact police.

⚠️ We are appealing for the public’s help to trace a man who is .

Shaun Hopkins, aged 36, is wanted on recall to prison for failing to comply with the terms of his licence.

It is believed he is in the and areas.

See comments on how to report information 👇

22/10/2026

🚨 Officers are appealing to identify a witness of a sexual assault which occurred in Watford.

The incident occurred between 3am and 4am on Sunday 23 August in an alleyway off Gaumont Approach, near the Sainsbury's supermarket.

A 31-year-old man from Watford was arrested in connection with the incident, and has been released on bail while enquiries are continuing.

Detective Constable Lucy Connor said: "We are keen to speak to the woman pictured, as we believe she could be a potential witness. Her image has been issued with her face blurred in order to protect her identity. If this is you, please get in touch.

"We are also asking anyone who was in the area at the time and has information, believes they may have been affected, or who has concerns that they may have been subjected to this type of behaviour, to contact us. We appreciate that some people may not realise at the time that an offence may have taken place, but any information could help our enquiries.

"Reports of this nature are taken extremely seriously and we will do everything possible to support victims."

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Lucy Connor by emailing [email protected].

You can also report information online at https://orlo.uk/o7KnZ, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via https://orlo.uk/lGej4, or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number 41/80791/26.

22/10/2026

We’re conducting regular patrols of parks across Watford to provide a visible presence, deter anti-social behaviour and help keep people safe.

During a recent evening shift, the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) patrolled Harwoods Recreation Ground, Oxhey Skate Park, King George V Playing Field and the Secret Garden.

Officers spoke with several dog walkers and young people who were using the parks late in evening, to give them advice on staying safe.

We received a positive response from members of the public, who expressed their appreciation for our presence and reassurance during the evening. Thanks to everyone who spoke with us.

22/10/2026

⚠️ Scam callers continue to impersonate police officers

Fraudsters are continuing to call residents posing as Hertfordshire Police officers.

The calls appear to come from a legitimate police number (01707 35 4000) which has been spoofed. The scammer often knows the name of the person they are calling and claims to be contacting them because their details have been stolen in a cyber-attack.

Several police forces have issued similar warnings about this type of scam in recent weeks, with fraudsters trying to obtain personal details or gain remote access to devices.

If you are called by someone claiming to be an Hertfordshire Police officer, ask for their name and warrant number, then end the call and dial 101 using a different phone and ask to speak to the officer with those credentials.

If you receive a message or call you are not expecting, you should be suspicious. The vital things to remember are that someone working for your bank, or the police would:

• NEVER ask for your bank account details or PIN, so do not disclose these to anyone, no matter who they claim to be.
• NEVER ask you to withdraw money or purchase high value items and send it to them via a courier, taxi or by any other means.
• NEVER ask you to send your bank cards, or any other personal property, to them via courier, taxi or by any other means.
• NEVER ask to remotely access your devices.

If you are not happy with a phone call or message and are suspicious of a conversation, end it and call 101 or report online via herts.police.uk/report. In an emergency or if a crime is in progress call 999 immediately.

Remember, when reporting a suspicious phone call to police, wait at least five minutes before attempting to make the call to ensure you’re not reconnected to the offender.

Alternatively, use a mobile phone or a neighbour’s phone or test your landline by phoning a friend or relative first, to ensure you aren’t still unwittingly connected to the offender.

If you have concerns about your bank account, visit your local branch.

How to protect yourself:

Remember to follow the above advice. In addition to this, some phone companies offer call screening services that can be effective in blocking marketing cold calls and bogus callers. Contact your phone company and ask about call screening and caller display services.

How can you help?

• Please share this information with your older relatives and friends: this crime has a devastating effect on people and we need to raise awareness to prevent further people becoming victims.
• Report any calls you believe are suspicious as we may be able to trace where the calls are originating from. Please remember to wait at least five minutes before calling police or use a mobile or neighbour’s phone.
• Report suspicious activity at cash points. If you see someone spending a long time at a cashpoint, using a number of different cards and have a hood up or their faces covered, contact police immediately. Often offenders will use cashpoints in the early hours.

For more advice and information about fraud visit: www.herts.police.uk/cyber-fraud.