Hoddesdon Crime Rate

Hoddesdon Crime Overview

Hoddesdon currently enjoys a high level of safety, with an overall crime rate of 81.0 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK national average of 93.1. This is further reflected in the town's impressive safety score of 82/100, placing it well above the UK average of 78. The crime trend in Hoddesdon is classified as stable, showing a minor increase of 1.6% over the last year. Property crime is also notably low at 28.2 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.9. These figures suggest that Hoddesdon is one of the safer urban settlements in the Broxbourne region, making it an attractive location for families and individuals seeking a secure environment. The following data provides a comprehensive breakdown of the local crime landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Hoddesdon

Hoddesdon's crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.2% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.6% and other theft at 10.8%. Together, these three categories make up approximately 65% of the total crime in the area.

Property crime in Hoddesdon is notably low, with a rate of 28.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly better than the UK national average of 32.9. This total includes other theft (10.8%), vehicle crime (7.3%), shoplifting (6.3%), and criminal damage and arson (5.5%). Burglary is quite rare, accounting for only 2.5% of total reported crimes. For residents, this suggests that while personal safety and anti-social behaviour are the primary concerns for local authorities, the risk to homes and vehicles is lower than in many other UK urban settlements. The high rate of vehicle crime, especially during night-time hours, remains a focus for local safety. The overall stable trend in crime further reinforces Hoddesdon's reputation as a safe place to live.

Hoddesdon Crime Trends

The crime trend in Hoddesdon is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 1.6%. This indicates that the area is maintaining its high safety standards and remains a secure residential environment.

Looking at the monthly data for 2024 and 2025, the crime rate has remained relatively consistent. The lowest point was in February 2025, recording a rate of 4.9 per 1,000. While there was a slight seasonal increase during the summer months—peaking at 9.1 in July 2025—the rate quickly settled back to 8.7 by October 2025. This stability across the year is a strong indicator of a safe and well-managed urban area.

How To Keep Safe in Hoddesdon

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Hoddesdon, accounting for exactly 33.2% of all reports. While the area is generally very safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal security.

1. Be Aware in Public Spaces: When walking through the town centre or near retail areas, stay alert to your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure to prevent opportunistic theft.
2. Secure Your Vehicle: Given that vehicle crime is a major concern at night, always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area or garage if possible.
3. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is the second most frequent issue; reporting these incidents promptly helps local authorities manage public spaces effectively.
4. Utilise Well-Lit Routes: When walking at night, stick to main roads and paths that are well-lit, avoiding shortcuts through isolated parks or unlit areas.
5. Install Smart Home Lighting: Use timed or motion-activated lighting around your home to deter potential intruders and increase visibility during the evening hours.

Hoddesdon Crime Timing Patterns

Crime in Hoddesdon follows specific temporal trends. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern at 58%, followed by vehicle crime at 19%. Afternoon hours see theft-related offences rise further to 65%, while burglary also reaches 9% of activity in this period.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order—make up 39% of total reports. However, the night-time period (12am - 6am) shows a dramatic shift toward vehicle crime, which surges to account for 53% of all incidents. This suggests that while daytime activity is largely focused on retail and commercial theft, the hours of darkness pose a very specific and significant risk to vehicle owners in the area.

Nearby Areas Comparison

In the local context of the Broxbourne and East Herts area, Hoddesdon (81.0) is the primary urban centre, which naturally results in a higher crime rate than its more rural neighbours. Nearby Lower Nazeing (52.2), Hertford Heath (47.4), and Stanstead Abbotts (59.8) all offer much lower crime rates. The village of Great Amwell also reported a low rate of 48.2 per 1,000 people. However, despite being the busiest area in the vicinity, Hoddesdon’s crime rate remains below the national average. For those seeking the amenities of a large town with a level of safety that rivals many suburban areas, Hoddesdon offers an excellent balance compared to other major settlements in the region.

Proactive Security in Hoddesdon

While Hoddesdon is statistically one of the safer areas in the region, its property crime rate of 28.2 per 1,000 still presents risks, particularly regarding vehicle crime, which accounts for 7.3% of all incidents. Vehicle crime peaks dramatically during the night-time hours, making up over half of all night-time incidents. Traditional security systems, such as basic cameras or alarms, often only alert you after a crime has been committed.

For residents who want the highest level of protection, a proactive AI-powered system like scOS is the ideal solution. By monitoring camera feeds in real-time, scOS can identify a potential intruder or car thief at the boundary of your property. Instead of just recording the incident, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and audio warnings to stop the crime before it happens. In an area like Hoddesdon, where vehicle theft is a specific night-time concern, scOS provides the proactive deterrence needed to ensure your property remains a hard target.