Dacorum Crime Rate

Dacorum recorded a crime rate of 88.3 per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This figure is slightly below the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, indicating a relatively moderate level of crime within the district. While some crime categories, such as violence and sexual offences, present notable concerns, others, like shoplifting, show a positive downward trend. Understanding the nuances of these statistics is crucial for assessing the safety and security of the area and for implementing effective preventative measures.

Dacorum is a local authority district in Hertfordshire, England, encompassing a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Its population of 161,420 residents reflects a diverse community, with varying socio-economic factors influencing the local crime landscape. The area includes towns like Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted, alongside numerous smaller villages. The presence of commuter routes and a mix of residential and commercial areas contribute to the complexities of crime patterns, with challenges related to traffic, potential for opportunistic theft, and the impact of transient populations. Understanding these factors is crucial for interpreting the reported crime statistics and developing targeted preventative measures.

While Dacorum's overall crime rate sits slightly below the national average, certain crime categories warrant specific attention. Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest proportion of reported crimes, accounting for 4737 incidents, driven by a rate of 29.4 per 1,000 residents. This is marginally below the UK average of 32.2. Anti-social behaviour is another significant concern, with 3173 reported incidents, exceeding the UK average of 14.8. Shoplifting, with 1165 incidents, represents a smaller portion of the overall crime picture. Property crime, encompassing these and other offences, totalled 30.3 per 1,000 residents. Addressing the root causes of these prevalent crime types requires a multifaceted approach involving community engagement, targeted policing, and preventative initiatives.

Crime in Dacorum has remained relatively stable, showing a 5.0% year-on-year change between February 2025 and January 2026. Monthly data indicates a peak in July 2025 with 9.0 incidents per 1,000 residents and a low in January 2026 at 6.1 per 1,000. While the overall trend is stable, it’s important to note that certain crime categories, such as violence and sexual offences, have seen increases, requiring ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions.

Comparing Dacorum to its neighbouring local authorities reveals varied crime rates. Three Rivers has a lower crime rate at 65.0 per 1,000, while Watford experiences a significantly higher rate of 107.5 per 1,000. Buckinghamshire, with a rate of 62.2 per 1,000, is also generally safer than Dacorum. These comparisons provide context for understanding Dacorum's crime landscape within the broader regional picture.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. However, reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a proactive approach. By utilizing multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification, scOS detects potential threats at the boundary, offering an element of surprise to would-be intruders. The visible deterrence of a professional-grade scOS system, combined with its autonomous response capabilities, can make that crucial 60-second decision easy – they move on.

How To Keep Safe in Dacorum

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's vital to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when travelling alone at night. With anti-social behaviour also a concern, report any suspicious activity to the police. Due to the increase in bicycle theft, always secure your bicycle with a high-quality lock. Finally, be mindful of your personal belongings in public places, as theft from the person remains a risk.