Berkhamsted Crime Rate

Berkhamsted is one of the safest urban settlements in the region, featuring an impressive safety score of 88/100, which far exceeds the UK average of 79. The town's overall crime rate stands at 54.8 per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Recent data from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 shows that the crime trend in Berkhamsted is stable, with a negligible 1.3% change year-over-year. This consistency, combined with a property crime rate of 21.5 per 1,000 (well below the UK average of 32.2), makes Berkhamsted a highly desirable and secure location for residents. While no area is entirely without crime, Berkhamsted's statistics reflect a community where public safety is a high priority and criminal activity remains well below typical urban levels.

In Berkhamsted, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 31.0% of all recorded incidents, equivalent to 17.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 20.0%, followed by shoplifting at 9.0%. These figures suggest that while Berkhamsted is a safe town, it still experiences the social and retail-related challenges typical of a thriving market town.

Property crime is a notable factor for local homeowners, with a combined rate of 21.5 per 1,000 people. This category includes 88 burglaries (7.4% of total crime) and 83 vehicle crimes (7.0%). Additionally, criminal damage and arson account for 5.7% of offences. When combined with other theft and bicycle theft, property-related crime represents nearly 40% of all criminal activity in the area. For residents, this means that while the overall risk is low compared to national averages, the threat of opportunistic theft and burglary is real. Protecting high-value assets, particularly vehicles and residential property, should be a priority for those living in the town's more central or commuter-friendly neighbourhoods.

Berkhamsted's crime trend is currently classified as stable, with a minor 1.3% increase year-over-year. A month-by-month review of the 2025 data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people remained relatively consistent throughout the year. The town saw two minor peaks in March and July, both reaching a rate of 5.3, which aligns with typical national patterns of increased activity during the spring and summer months.

The safest months were January, June, and August, all reporting a crime rate of 4.1. The year ended with a rate of 4.6 in December, showing no significant year-end surge. This stable trend is a positive indicator for Berkhamsted, suggesting that despite national fluctuations, local crime levels are well-managed. For residents, this predictability means that the safety profile of the town is reliable, though the stable rate of property crime still necessitates standard security precautions for homes and vehicles.

How To Keep Safe in Berkhamsted

With violence and sexual offences identified as the most common crime type in Berkhamsted (31.0%), personal safety and awareness are the top priorities for residents. Although the town is very safe, taking sensible precautions can further reduce your risk.

When walking through the town centre or towards the railway station late at night, try to stay on well-lit main roads and avoid isolated footpaths. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables like high-end smartphones or jewellery discreetly tucked away.

If you are a regular commuter, ensure your vehicle is parked in a well-lit area or a secure car park, as 45% of night-time crime in Berkhamsted is vehicle-related. For homeowners, especially those in quieter residential streets, joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch group can be a highly effective way to stay informed about local activity. Finally, always report any suspicious behaviour or anti-social activity to the police; early reporting is key to maintaining Berkhamsted's excellent safety record.

Analysis of Berkhamsted's crime patterns reveals distinct temporal trends. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is the dominant issue, accounting for 45% of offences as retail areas and the high street become active. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft-related crimes rise slightly to 47%. The afternoon is also a peak time for burglary, which accounts for 28% of incidents during this period, likely targeting homes left empty during the workday.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the nature of crime shifts, with 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour—making up 33% of the total. However, the most significant shift occurs at night (12am-6am). During these early hours, vehicle crime becomes the primary concern, representing 45% of all recorded incidents. Burglary also remains a threat at night, accounting for 27% of period activity. This suggests that while daytime crime is focused on retail and opportunistic theft, night-time crime in Berkhamsted specifically targets unattended vehicles and residential properties.

Berkhamsted sits as a safe primary hub within its local cluster. When compared to very small nearby settlements like Aldbury, Lye Green, and Ashley Green—which reported no crime during this period—Berkhamsted's rate of 54.8 per 1,000 is naturally higher due to its population density and commercial activity. However, it compares favourably to the wider Dacorum average. Nearby Potten End has a lower rate of 36.7, reflecting its more rural, residential nature. For those seeking a balance between town amenities and high security, Berkhamsted offers a safety profile that is remarkably strong for a town of its size and regional importance.

In Berkhamsted, where the property crime rate is 21.5 per 1,000, the focus for homeowners should be on prevention rather than just evidence gathering. Traditional security measures like standard CCTV cameras are often reactive; they provide you with a recording of a burglary after it has already taken place. In an affluent town like Berkhamsted, where 88 burglaries and 83 vehicle crimes were recorded in a year, a more advanced approach is warranted.

Proactive protection, such as that offered by the scOS AI-powered operating system, changes the dynamic of home security. Instead of just watching, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the property boundary in real-time. By identifying suspicious patterns and unknown vehicles instantly, the system can initiate an autonomous response—using lights and sound to deter an intruder before they even attempt a break-in. This "prevention over reaction" philosophy is the most effective way to safeguard your home and family, ensuring that your security system stops crime rather than just filming it.