Dacorum Crime Rate

Dacorum's crime rate of 88.2 per 1,000 residents is 3.1% below the UK average, yet bicycle theft has surged by 64.3% year-on-year — a sharp increase that stands out. This rise, despite Dacorum’s overall safety score of 80/100, highlights shifting patterns in local crime dynamics. The area’s mix of urban and rural landscapes, including commuter hubs like Hemel Hempstead and quieter villages like Little Gaddesden, contributes to a complex crime profile.

Dacorum’s blend of urban centres like Hemel Hempstead and rural villages like Little Gaddesden creates a diverse crime profile. Hemel Hempstead, a major commuter hub, likely sees higher vehicle and property crime due to its proximity to transport links and retail spaces. In contrast, Little Gaddesden’s low crime rate (29.2 per 1,000) reflects its secluded, low-density character. The area’s safety score (80/100) — 1 point above the UK average — suggests effective local policing, though anti-social behaviour remains a persistent issue. This is likely tied to Dacorum’s mix of residential and commercial zones, where noise and vandalism occur in high-traffic areas like Wigginton (Dacorum). The 64.3% rise in bicycle theft may also stem from increased cycling in urban parts of the district.

The most striking anomaly in Dacorum’s crime data is the 64.3% year-on-year rise in bicycle theft, which remains 46% below the UK average but has spiked sharply. This could reflect increased cycling for commuting or leisure, particularly in areas like Hemel Hempstead, where urban infrastructure supports bike use. Anti-social behaviour, at 35% above the UK average (19.9 vs 14.7 per 1,000), is likely exacerbated by Dacorum’s mix of residential and commercial zones, where noise and vandalism persist in high-traffic areas. Meanwhile, vehicle crime, though 11% above the UK average (5.1 vs 4.6 per 1,000), has fallen by 20% YoY, possibly due to improved car security measures or reduced commuter traffic during the pandemic. These trends underscore how local geography and population movement shape crime patterns.

Crime in Dacorum has remained stable year-on-year (4.4% increase), with a distinct seasonal pattern. Monthly rates peaked at 9.0 per 1,000 in July 2025 — likely tied to extended evenings and increased outdoor activity — before declining through winter. The 64.3% YoY rise in bicycle theft is the most pronounced trend, possibly linked to growing cycling culture or targeted theft in commuter areas. Conversely, vehicle crime has fallen by 20% YoY, suggesting shifts in criminal focus or improved vehicle security. These fluctuations highlight how seasonal and lifestyle factors influence crime rates in this mixed-terrain area.

Dacorum’s crime rate (88.2 per 1,000) is 41% higher than Buckinghamshire’s (62.5 per 1,000), likely due to Buckinghamshire’s more rural, less densely populated character. In contrast, Watford has a 22% higher rate (107.9 per 1,000), possibly reflecting its larger urban footprint and higher population density. Within Dacorum, Flamstead’s rate (172.3 per 1,000) is 95% higher than the area average, suggesting urban-centric factors like nightlife or retail activity drive crime there, unlike the quieter rural areas of Little Gaddesden (29.2 per 1,000).

Anti-social behaviour, at 35% above the UK average, is a key concern in Dacorum, scOS’s AI-monitored boundary detection can flag repeated disturbances near homes, triggering automated lighting and audio deterrents to disrupt unwanted activity. For areas with elevated vehicle crime, scOS’s DVLA vehicle registration verification can identify stolen or cloned plates approaching properties. These features align with Dacorum’s need for proactive security, particularly in mixed-use zones where anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime persist. With 19.9 incidents of anti-social behaviour per 1,000 residents, scOS’s cloud recording provides a reliable evidence trail for reporting recurring issues.

How To Keep Safe in Dacorum

For residents concerned about anti-social behaviour, securing property boundaries with motion-sensor lighting can deter loitering near homes. In areas with higher vehicle crime rates, such as Hemel Hempstead, parking in well-lit, monitored lots and using immobilisers may reduce risk. Given the 64.3% surge in bicycle theft, consider using locks with built-in GPS tracking for high-value bikes. Community engagement in areas like Wigginton (Dacorum) — where crime rates are 77% lower than the Dacorum average — can also foster local vigilance, as lower crime areas often benefit from stronger social cohesion.