No trouble in Watford town centre as police patrols stepped up

Police officers were deployed to High Street and surrounding streets today (September 26) to ensure people were behaving themselves ahead of today’s derby match, which in the past has been marred by crowd trouble.

But there were no incidents in the town centre this morning before kick-off, which had been moved to an earlier time of 12.30pm from 3pm on police advice.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said an early-kick off for the match on Saturday was its preference “as we look to minimise any possible impact on residents and businesses”.

The force had also been concerned that Hatters fans might ignore warnings to not travel to the town.

As a result, several officers were seen patrolling High Street earlier today, with police cars and vans parked up at The Parade as well.

Police in Watford town centre today 

There was also a police van parked outside Watford Junction station, while several officers had also been outside Watford High Street station.

And there had also been officers outside Vicarage Road, where the Watford FC ground is, to ensure there was no trouble this morning.

Although police said it was their preference to have more officers in Watford today, people in the town were divided on whether it was necessary.

Iain Day, who was out shopping, said he thought the number of police officers in the town was “overkill”.

He said: “It’s ridiculous. There is no supporters coming from Luton today, they are not allowed in the grounds, there won’t be many coming so I think it is overkill.

“I am all for police presence but this is way over the top just for this.”

However, another man named Shaun said he felt that it was a “good thing” to have a larger police presence today.

He said: “If something does occur you know you have some back-up really, I’m a local and I don’t want to see the place get smashed up.”