Hemel Hempstead Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Hemel Hempstead

Hemel Hempstead, a significant urban area within Dacorum, records an overall crime rate of 115.2 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is higher than both the Dacorum district average and the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting a more active crime environment compared to the national picture. The area's safety score stands at 74 out of 100, which is below the UK average of 78, indicating a need for residents to be particularly aware of local safety concerns. Furthermore, the trend in Hemel Hempstead shows an increasing trajectory, with a 10.2% rise in total crimes year-over-year. This section provides an overview of the crime landscape in Hemel Hempstead, setting the context for a deeper dive into specific crime types, temporal patterns, and comparisons with nearby communities.

Crime Type Analysis in Hemel Hempstead

In Hemel Hempstead, violence and sexual offences represent the most prevalent crime category, with 3,783 recorded incidents, equating to 33.8% of all crimes and a rate of 38.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, with 2,447 occurrences, making up 21.9% of the total at 25.2 per 1,000. Shoplifting ranks as the third highest, with 1,081 crimes, accounting for 9.7% of the total and a rate of 11.1 per 1,000.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, totals 40.4 per 1,000 people in Hemel Hempstead. This rate is notably higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific figures include 821 other theft crimes, 678 criminal damage and arson incidents, 606 vehicle crimes, and 446 burglaries. These statistics underscore the importance for residents and business owners to implement robust security measures to protect their assets. The higher property crime rate suggests a heightened risk compared to the national average, making preventative action particularly valuable.

Crime Trends in Hemel Hempstead

Hemel Hempstead has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a year-over-year rise of 10.2% in total reported incidents. This upward trajectory is evident in the monthly crime rate data. The crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, with notable peaks observed in March 2025 (11.3 per 1,000), June 2025 (11.0 per 1,000), and July 2025 (11.4 per 1,000). These periods suggest heightened criminal activity. Conversely, the lowest rates were recorded in February 2025 (8.1 per 1,000) and September 2025 (8.6 per 1,000). The consistent pattern of higher crime rates in the spring and summer months could indicate seasonal influences. Residents should be mindful of these trends and consider bolstering their security measures, especially during periods of anticipated higher activity, to safeguard their properties and personal safety.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Hemel Hempstead

Crime patterns in Hemel Hempstead show distinct fluctuations throughout the 24-hour cycle, influenced by daily routines and activities. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a significant proportion of theft, accounting for 48% of crimes during this period, alongside 17% vehicle crime and 11% burglary. This suggests opportunist crime as residents leave for work and commercial areas become active. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains dominant at 52%, often linked to peak shopping hours, with burglary also elevated at 18%. The evening period (6pm-12am) sees a shift, with 'other' crimes, potentially including anti-social behaviour or public order offences, rising to 44%, while theft drops to 22% and vehicle crime stands at 18%. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime becomes the most prominent category at 43%, followed by burglary at 20%, indicating a focus on unattended vehicles and properties during overnight hours. These patterns highlight the importance of targeted preventative measures throughout the day and night.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Comparing Hemel Hempstead's crime statistics with its neighbouring smaller communities offers valuable regional context. With an overall crime rate of 115.2 per 1,000, Hemel Hempstead is a more urban environment and generally experiences higher crime rates than its immediate neighbours. For instance, areas like Rucklers Lane and Potten End, being smaller and more residential, typically report significantly lower crime rates. Bedmond also tends to have a lower crime profile. Abbots Langley and Kings Langley, while slightly larger, often present a more moderate crime picture than Hemel Hempstead. These comparisons underscore Hemel Hempstead's status as a more bustling urban centre within the Dacorum district, where the dynamics of a larger population and commercial activity contribute to a higher incidence of crime compared to the surrounding villages and smaller built-up areas.

Protecting Your Home in Hemel Hempstead

With Hemel Hempstead's property crime rate of 40.4 per 1,000 residents, which is above the UK average, safeguarding your home is a critical consideration. Many traditional security cameras primarily record incidents after they've happened, meaning you get footage of a burglary rather than preventing it. For true protection, a proactive approach is essential.

Consider advanced AI-powered systems like scOS, designed to prevent crime before it escalates. Unlike reactive systems, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, acting as an immediate deterrent. Its multi-camera intelligence provides comprehensive coverage, ensuring no blind spots, and features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles. The system learns your routines, distinguishing family and deliveries from genuine threats, minimising false alarms. Upon detecting a real threat, scOS can autonomously activate lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise and making intruders reconsider. This professional-grade security signals serious protection, often causing burglars to move on within 60 seconds. Investing in such a system means you're not just documenting crime, but actively stopping threats at your property line.