Dacorum Crime Rate

Dacorum currently records a crime rate of 90.1 per 1,000 people, which is slightly below the UK average of 91.7. The borough maintains a strong safety score of 80/100, indicating that it is a relatively secure place for its 161,420 residents. However, the most recent data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, shows that crime has increased by 8.2% year-over-year. This upward trend is something for local residents to be aware of, even though the area remains statistically safer than many other parts of the UK. While the borough's larger towns see more criminal activity, the overall safety profile suggests that Dacorum continues to offer a secure environment for both families and businesses.

About Dacorum

Dacorum is a diverse borough in Hertfordshire, centred around the large town of Hemel Hempstead and including the historic towns of Berkhamsted and Tring. The area is a key part of the London commuter belt, offering a mix of modern urban living and scenic rural landscapes in the Chiltern Hills. Its strong transport links, including the M1 and the West Coast Main Line, make it an attractive location for both businesses and residents.

The district's crime statistics are influenced by its varied character. Hemel Hempstead, as a major commercial and industrial hub, naturally sees higher rates of crime, particularly in categories like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. In contrast, the more affluent and residential areas of Berkhamsted and Tring tend to have lower incident rates. The presence of large shopping centres and a busy evening economy in the main urban areas contributes to the overall crime volume. However, the borough's active community safety partnerships and relatively high safety score indicate a well-managed environment where safety is a priority for the local authority and its 161,420 residents.

Crime in Dacorum

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Dacorum, with 4,886 recorded incidents making up 33.6% of the total. Anti-social behaviour is also significant, accounting for 21.8% of reports, while shoplifting follows at 8.4%. These figures reflect the typical challenges of a medium-sized urban borough with a busy commercial centre and a high population density.

Property crime in Dacorum occurs at a rate of 31.1 per 1,000 people. This includes 635 burglaries, 857 vehicle crimes, and 1,224 shoplifting offences. Vehicle crime is a notable factor, representing 5.9% of all crime, while burglary accounts for 4.4%. Although these rates are slightly below the UK average for property crime (32.3), the combined volume of theft and criminal damage (6.3%) remains a priority for residents. Homeowners and car owners are advised to maintain consistent security practices, as property-related offences still make up a substantial portion of local criminal activity. Ensuring that homes and vehicles are properly protected is essential for long-term peace of mind in the borough.

Dacorum Crime Trends

The crime trend in Dacorum is currently increasing, with an 8.2% rise in total offences recorded over the last year. Monthly data shows some fluctuation, with the crime rate per 1,000 starting at 7.4 in December 2024 and reaching a peak of 9.0 in July 2025. This summer peak is a common pattern in many UK boroughs as increased outdoor activity can lead to more reported incidents.

Following the summer high, the rate saw a slight decrease, ending at 6.8 in November 2025. Despite these monthly variations, the overall year-over-year increase indicates that crime prevention remains an important focus for local authorities. For residents, being aware of these trends can help in taking extra precautions during peak periods, while the borough's overall safety score of 80/100 remains a positive indicator of its long-term stability.

Dacorum is situated in a relatively safe part of the Home Counties. When compared to the nearby urban centre of Luton, Dacorum's crime rate is significantly lower. It also shares a similar safety profile with other Hertfordshire districts like Hertsmere and is slightly higher than the very low-crime areas of St Albans and Three Rivers. For those considering the region, Dacorum offers a good balance of urban convenience and safety, especially when compared to the higher-activity areas of North London or larger nearby cities like Watford. Understanding this local context helps residents appreciate the borough's overall secure standing within the region.

Protecting Your Property in Dacorum

With a property crime rate of 31.1 per 1,000 people, Dacorum residents face a consistent risk of theft and burglary, particularly in the borough's more urbanised areas. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, are often reactive—they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. In an area where vehicle crime and burglary are persistent issues, proactive protection is essential to prevent incidents before they occur.

scOS offers a significant step forward in home security by using AI to monitor your property's perimeter. Unlike traditional systems, scOS can distinguish between normal activity and a genuine threat at your boundary. If a potential intruder is detected, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, often deterring the criminal before they even attempt a break-in. For Dacorum homeowners, this shift from recording a crime to preventing one is vital. A visible, intelligent security system sends a clear message to opportunistic thieves that your home is a difficult target. In an area where property crime is a factor, the peace of mind provided by proactive, real-time detection is invaluable for protecting your home and family.

How To Keep Safe in Dacorum

The most common crime in Dacorum is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 33.6% of all recorded incidents. While the borough is generally safe, the following tips can help you maintain your personal security:

1. Stay Aware in Urban Centres: When visiting Hemel Hempstead town centre, especially in the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and be mindful of your surroundings.
2. Secure Your Vehicle: With vehicle crime making up nearly 6% of all offences, always ensure your car is locked and avoid leaving any valuables on display, even for short periods.
3. Be Vigilant in Crowded Areas: In busy shopping areas, keep your personal belongings secure to prevent opportunistic theft, which can sometimes escalate.
4. Join Neighbourhood Watch: Engaging with local community safety groups can help you stay informed about specific crime trends in your part of the borough.
5. Trust Your Instincts: If you feel uncomfortable in a particular location or situation, move to a busier, well-lit area or enter a local business that is open to the public.