Berkhamsted Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

With a population of 21,619, Berkhamsted recorded 95 crimes in September 2023, translating to a crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents—45% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This places the area firmly in the lower quartile of crime rates nationally, a position that may be influenced by its character as a historic market town with a relatively stable population. The most common crime type was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 37.9% of all incidents (36 cases), followed by violence and sexual offences (19 cases) and shoplifting (11 cases). These figures suggest a focus on public order management, which may be linked to the town’s heritage and the presence of local amenities. The seasonal context of September—marking the return of students to nearby universities and the start of the school term—could contribute to fluctuations in certain crime types. For instance, the lower rate of violent crime compared to the UK average (67% below) may reflect a community with lower levels of conflict or effective policing strategies. However, the higher-than-average rate of anti-social behaviour (27% above UK levels) indicates areas for targeted intervention. The overall crime profile illustrates a balance between low-level disorder and a relatively safe environment, though the specific nature of incidents requires further analysis to understand underlying factors.

September 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Drug-related incidents rose sharply by 100%, from one to two reports, a change that may reflect heightened activity during the back-to-school period. Similarly, possession of weapons increased by 100%. Robbery also doubled, from one to two cases. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 75% compared to August, possibly linked to seasonal changes in outdoor activity. Shoplifting declined by 47.6%, from 21 to 11 cases, which could be influenced by the start of the academic term reducing foot traffic in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour, the most frequent category, was 27% above the UK average, suggesting a localised challenge in managing public order. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences were 67% below the UK average, a stark contrast that may reflect the area’s demographic or community dynamics.

Berkhamsted’s crime rate in September 2023 fell slightly to 4.4 per 1,000 residents from 4.6 per 1,000 in August, reflecting a -4.1% monthly decline. This reduction aligns with the seasonal transition into autumn, when local activity patterns shift as schools and universities resume. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 3 crimes reported each day, a figure that contextualises the overall rate in terms of everyday experience. Over the course of the month, the crime rate equated to one reported incident for every 228 residents, a measure that highlights the relatively low frequency of crime in the built-up area. Given Berkhamsted’s population of 21,619, this monthly exposure underscores the area’s position as one of the safer parts of the UK, with crime levels consistently below the national average. The low volume of incidents, combined with the specific nature of reported crimes, suggests a community where local policing and community engagement may contribute to maintaining stability.