A Radlett estate agent claims he feels so strongly about an "alarming level of robberies" in the village that he is prepared to risk putting off potential clients in order to get something done about the problem.

Barry Allsuch, the owner of Barry Allsuch and Co in Watling Street, does not want to discourage people from moving to Radlett, but believes if Radlett residents make their views known something can be done to tackle robberies and burglaries in the village.

Mr Allsuch, who has received letters of support from crime victims, is calling for: the Government to take action to ensure there are more police officers out on patrol, a police station to be provided in Radlett, and for residents to lobby councillors and their MP for more police on the beat.

He said: "The number of traffic wardens patrolling on foot outnumber our wonderful old-fashioned bobby at ridiculous odds. Police patrols around the affluent back streets are frankly non-existent."

In the meantime, Mr Allsuch suggests residents should install high-profile burglar alarms and movement-sensitive lighting outside their homes, and that businesses should use CCTV cameras.

Hertsmere MP James Clappison said this week he was fed up with Government ministers telling him Hertfordshire is a safe place to live.

He plans to again call on the Government to address policing issues when Parliament reassembles after the summer.

In its recently-published annual report, Hertfordshire Constabulary stated that it was 200 officers short of its target strength in March this year.