Hertfordshire Constabulary is set to outwit criminals with a Doctor Who-inspired police box on the streets of Watford, Herts. , after getting the green light for the plan.
The force said the area had become a “hotspot” for anti-social behaviour, with regular reports of theft and violent crime. If the pilot programme – which will initially run for 18 months – proves successful in preventing crime, other police boxes could soon join it across the town.
The iconic blue police box, reminiscent of the famous time-travelling machine from Doctor Who, is designed to keep potential offenders guessing whether an officer is present inside, thereby reducing the likelihood of crimes being committed.
Vincent & Gorbing, the architecture firm behind the plans, cited a significant 35 per cent drop in crime and anti-social behaviour following the introduction of a similar police box in Boscombe, Dorset. The steel structure aims to bolster the presence of local law enforcement following the closure of Shady Lane Police Station.
The planning documents detail the construction of the police box: “The Police Box would comprise a steel structure, with PPC Navy blue finish.
“Door, panels, roof & all features to be fabricated from sheet steel & light hollow section members.”
Additionally, it notes a unique feature: “The light on the top of the roof will illuminate when external phone is in use.
“Inside the Police Box, the floor plan allows for a small desk with chairs on opposite sides.
“Additionally, a telephone providing a direct phone line to the county control room 24/7 for the public to use would also be installed, along with a defibrillator.
“The Police Box would be bolted down to the ground to prevent it being tipped over.
“The Police Box platform would be raised from the ground to ensure surface water from rain events can drain normally without interference.
“A ‘traditional’ Police Box design and colour scheme is proposed and is considered to blend into the streetscene without looking out of place.”
The paperwork did not disclose the cost to the force.
Regarding the purpose of the proposed police box, Jacob Kaven, the Principal Planner on the project from Vincent & Gorbing, stated: “Watford Town Centre is one of three identified crime ‘hotspot’ locations in Watford experiencing crime and anti-social behaviour on a regular basis.
“In an effort to reduce crime and ASB in this hotspot, Hertfordshire Constabulary is proposing the temporary installation of a Police Box to the north of the High Street/Queen’s Road junction as part of a pilot programme.
“The purpose of the Police Box is to deter criminals from carrying out crime in this crime hotspot.
“The idea is that the potential criminals would not know if there was a police officer inside the box and therefore would be less likely to carry out a crime.
“A similar Police Box has been installed in Boscombe, Dorset, which has attributed to a 35% reduction in crime and ASB in the immediate area.
“By reducing crime in the area, the proposed Police Box will make the area safer and more enjoyable to pedestrians, thereby contributing to the vibrancy and vitality of the Town Centre.”