Hemel Hempstead Crime Rate

Hemel Hempstead, the largest urban settlement in Dacorum, offers a dynamic safety profile that reflects its status as a major regional hub. The overall crime rate stands at 113.7 per 1,000 residents, which is above the UK average of 91.7. This results in a safety score of 74/100, slightly below the national benchmark of 79/100. Recent data indicates an 8.4% increase in crime year-over-year, suggesting a growing need for security awareness. While the town remains a popular and vibrant place to live, the property crime rate of 39.1 per 1,000 highlights the importance of proactive security measures for both homeowners and businesses in this high-activity urban environment.

In Hemel Hempstead, the most frequently reported offences are violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.7% of all crime (38.3 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is also a major concern, making up 22.0% of the total, followed by shoplifting at 9.4%. Property-related crime is a significant factor in this urban area, with a combined rate of 39.1 per 1,000 people. This includes other theft (7.5%), criminal damage and arson (5.9%), and vehicle crime (5.4%). Burglary accounts for 3.7% of total crime, with a rate of 4.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, the combined impact of theft, damage, and social disturbances means that maintaining robust property security is a key part of living in the town.

Hemel Hempstead is currently seeing an upward trend in its safety data, with total crime increasing by 8.4% year-over-year. Monthly analysis shows a gradual rise throughout 2025, starting at a rate of 9.2 per 1,000 in December 2024 and reaching a peak of 11.4 in July 2025. Although there was a slight dip in September, the rate remained around 9.0 for the final months of the period. This increasing trend, particularly in an already high-activity area, suggests that residents should be more vigilant and consider enhancing their personal and home security measures to adapt to the changing safety landscape.

How To Keep Safe in Hemel Hempstead

As violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Hemel Hempstead, residents and visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly in the town centre or busy public spaces at night. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent offence, so residents are encouraged to report persistent issues to local authorities to help target resources effectively. To protect against property crime, ensure that all home entry points are securely locked and that valuables are not visible from windows. Shoplifting is also a significant business crime; local retailers should consider integrated security systems that provide real-time alerts to staff to deter opportunistic theft. For vehicle owners, the night-time spike in vehicle crime (44% of night incidents) highlights the importance of using secure, well-lit parking areas. Finally, consider a proactive home security system to provide an extra layer of intelligent protection in this high-activity urban environment.

Crime in Hemel Hempstead follows a distinct urban pattern linked to its retail and social activity. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are the most common (49%), with vehicle crime at 17% and burglary at 10%. This trend peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft offences reach 53% and burglary increases to 18%. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the profile shifts significantly towards 'other' types of crime, which account for 43% of incidents. Overnight (12am-6am), vehicle crime peaks significantly at 44% of all night-time incidents, while 'other' offences remain at 27% and burglary at 19%. This suggests that while daytime is busier, the night-time poses a specific risk to property and vehicles.

In the local context, Hemel Hempstead is the primary urban centre. It has a higher crime rate than nearby settlements like Potten End (36.0 per 1,000) and Abbots Langley and Kings Langley (59.7). Other surrounding areas like Rucklers Lane and Bedmond also show lower activity levels. As a major retail and commercial hub, Hemel Hempstead naturally experiences more activity than its more residential neighbours. For those seeking a quieter environment, the surrounding villages offer a safer alternative, while those living in Hemel Hempstead itself should be mindful of the town's unique safety profile.

Hemel Hempstead's property crime rate of 39.1 per 1,000 residents indicates a tangible risk that homeowners should address with effective security. Property-related offences, including theft and criminal damage, are a notable part of the local crime landscape. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, are often reactive—they record a crime as it happens but do little to prevent it. For residents in this busy town, a proactive approach like scOS is far more effective. scOS uses AI to monitor your property's boundary in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your home. By distinguishing between normal foot traffic and a genuine intruder, it can autonomously trigger responses like activating security lights to deter criminals. This level of professional-grade security is essential in Hemel Hempstead, ensuring that your home is actively protected and less attractive to opportunistic thieves.