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Oak Processionary Moth – warning issued

Oak Processionary Moth Hertsmere’s parks and open spaces are a haven for residents during the summer but we’re asking visitors to be vigilant against a pest found in oak trees.

The Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) has been found in a number of parks and open spaces across the borough and residents are advised to avoid all contact with the caterpillar and their nest as it can cause itchy rashes, eye irritations and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties in people and pets.

Hertsmere’s parks team is working to manage Oak Processionary Moths in our area and will be putting up safety notices in those parks affected to warn the public. If you discover an OPM nest or caterpillar, we ask that you ‘spot it, avoid it, report it’.

This time of year is when the caterpillars emerge and feed before pupating into adult moths, but nests, even old ones, should not be touched at any time.

The nests are typically dome or teardrop-shaped, ranging in size – from a ping pong ball to as large as a rucksack. They are white when fresh, but soon become discoloured and brown. The caterpillars have black heads and bodies covered in long white hairs and are easily recognised by a distinctive habit of crawling in large groups, nose-to-tail forming long lines on or around oak trees.

If you see any oak processionary nests or caterpillars (OPM) in a council park you should report them immediately on 020 8207 2277 or email: customer.services@hertsmere.gov.uk

If they are on a privately owned oak tree, report them to the Forestry Commission using the Tree Alert online pest reporting form. If you cannot use Tree Alert, you may report them by telephone on 0300 067 4442 or by email at opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk.

For more information on the Oak Processionary Moth, including distribution maps and more detailed guidance on treatment visit: www.forestresearch.gov.uk/treealert or www.forestresearch.gov.uk/opm

Wild flower area

APC’s Open Spaces Team have created such a wonderful wild flower area at Phillimore Recreation Ground, it really is such a spectacular sight and so important for increasing biodiversity. 🌺🌼🐝

Warning after residents targeted by scam police calls

Herts Connected Logo The Police
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We’ve received reports of scam calls to residents claiming to be from Hertfordshire Constabulary asking for donations. Police would never cold call asking for donations. If you receive such a call, please do not make any payment or pass on personal details and report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online via www.actionfraud.police.uk, where you can also find advice on fraud.  For all other non-emergency enquiries, report information online, speak to us via web chat or call via 101 (in an emergency, always dial 999).  

Male arrested in Radlett

A male has been arrested on suspicion of theft from motor vehicle following a report of vans being broken in to in Radlett.
 
On Saturday 20th April 2024 at 10:15 police received a 999 call reporting two males breaking into vans near to Radlett train station. Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, Team A Intervention and the Roads Policing Unit responded and sighted the suspects’ vehicle fleeing the scene. They initially made off from officers however following a decamp near Elstree Aerodrome one male was detained and arrested. Another male remains outstanding with enquiries ongoing.
 
Due to the incident happening in the train station car park, officers from the British Transport Police attended and took the arrested male into custody.
 
If you were in the area of Radlett train station or Elstree Aerodrome on this date and have information that may assist our enquiries please call 101 and quote HC-20042024-0222.