Berkhamsted Crime Rate

Berkhamsted, a town located within the Dacorum local authority, offers a very safe and stable environment for its residents. The area features an overall crime rate of 54.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This high level of security is reflected in an impressive safety score of 88/100, far exceeding the national average of 79/100. Furthermore, the crime trend is stable, showing a minor 1.8% decrease in offences over the last year. For residents, these statistics confirm Berkhamsted as a peaceful community with low levels of property-related crime, making it one of the most secure and desirable locations in the region.

In Berkhamsted, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 30.6% of all reported incidents, or 16.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common concern, making up 18.7% of the total, followed by shoplifting at 9.4%. Property-related crime is a significant factor for the local community, with a combined rate of 22.4 per 1,000 people. This includes vehicle crime (8.3%), burglary (7.9%), and other theft (7.8%). Criminal damage and arson also accounts for 5.4% of reports. While the overall crime volume is low, the consistent presence of theft and burglary highlights the importance of robust property security for residents in this affluent town.

Berkhamsted is enjoying a stable safety landscape, with total crime decreasing by a minor 1.8% over the last year. Monthly data shows very low activity throughout the year, with most months recording rates between 4.0 and 5.3 per 1,000 residents. A minor peak was seen in March 2025 at 5.3, and another in July, but these were followed by immediate decreases. The most recent data for November 2025 shows a rate of 5.0, consistent with the overall stable trajectory. For residents, this confirms that Berkhamsted remains a secure and consistently safe place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Berkhamsted

As violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Berkhamsted, residents should maintain a general awareness of personal safety, especially when walking in more isolated areas after dark. Although the actual number of incidents is low, reporting any suspicious activity to the local police helps maintain the town's high safety standards. To protect against property crime, ensure that all home entry points and outbuildings are securely locked, as burglary and vehicle crime are notable factors. Vehicle crime is a significant issue, particularly at night (44% of night incidents), so parking in well-lit areas and removing all valuables is highly recommended. Shoplifting also accounts for a portion of local reports; local business owners should consider integrated security systems to protect their stock. Finally, consider a proactive security system for your home to provide an extra layer of intelligent protection.

Crime in Berkhamsted is infrequent and follows a pattern that peaks during the afternoon and evening. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are the most common (45%), with vehicle crime at 20% and burglary at 18%. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft offences reach their highest percentage (47%), while burglary increases to 30%. The evening (6pm-12am) sees a more varied profile, with burglary at 28%, theft at 21%, and 'other' offences at 30%. Overnight (12am-6am), vehicle crime peaks significantly at 44% of all night-time incidents, while burglary also remains at 30%. This distribution suggests that property and vehicle security are most critical during the afternoon and late-night periods.

In the local context, Berkhamsted is a very safe option. It compares well to nearby Potten End, which has a lower crime rate of 36.0 per 1,000. Other surrounding areas like Ashley Green, Lye Green, and Aldbury show no recorded crime in this period, highlighting the overall secure nature of the region. Berkhamsted's rate of 54.2 positions it as a highly desirable area for those prioritising security while remaining close to the amenities of the wider Dacorum area. It offers a significantly safer profile than the larger urban centre of Hemel Hempstead.

Berkhamsted's property crime rate of 22.4 per 1,000 residents reflects its status as a secure and tranquil town. However, the prevalence of burglary and vehicle crime indicates that property security is still a worthwhile investment. Traditional security cameras are often reactive, providing only footage after an incident has occurred. For homeowners in Berkhamsted who want to maintain their high standard of safety, a proactive system like scOS is the ideal choice. scOS uses AI to monitor your property's boundary in real-time, identifying potential threats before they can reach your home. It can distinguish between normal activities and a genuine intruder, triggering autonomous responses like activating security lights to deter criminals. This proactive approach ensures that your home is not just recording crime, but actively preventing it, preserving the peace and security that Berkhamsted is known for.