Hemel Hempstead Crime Rate

Hemel Hempstead is the primary urban centre of the Dacorum district, and its crime statistics reflect this status. The town has an overall crime rate of 112.4 per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6. Despite this, it maintains a safety score of 75/100, indicating a level of security that many residents find acceptable for a town of its size. However, the data shows an increasing trend, with a 6.4% rise in total crime over the last 12 months. This increase, combined with a property crime rate of 38.9 per 1,000, suggests that residents and business owners should take proactive steps to secure their premises. The following report details the specific patterns of crime within Hemel Hempstead to help you stay informed and safe.

In Hemel Hempstead, the crime landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.4% of all reports, totalling 3,644 incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, representing 22.2% of local crime. Shoplifting also features prominently, with 1,010 recorded cases. Property crime is a significant concern for the town's residents, with an overall rate of 38.9 per 1,000 people. This includes 402 burglaries and 593 vehicle crimes, alongside 836 incidents of 'other theft'. Criminal damage and arson also contribute 672 reports to the annual total. For homeowners, these figures suggest that while violent crime is the most frequent category, the combined pressure of theft, burglary, and vehicle-related offences creates a substantial risk to personal property, particularly in the town's busier commercial and residential hubs.

The crime trend in Hemel Hempstead is currently increasing, with a 6.4% rise in total incidents over the last year. Monthly analysis shows that the year began with a relatively low rate of 8.9 per 1,000 in January, but experienced a significant spike in March, reaching 11.3. After a slight dip, crime rates rose again during the summer, peaking in July at 11.4 per 1,000. The final quarter of the year saw a gradual decrease, ending in December at 7.9. This pattern suggests that the town experiences higher crime volumes during the spring and summer months. For residents, the overall annual increase highlights the need for continued focus on personal and property security, as the general volume of recorded offences has grown compared to the previous period.

How To Keep Safe in Hemel Hempstead

The most common crime in Hemel Hempstead is violence and sexual offences, often concentrated in busy town centre areas. To stay safe, always plan your route and stick to well-lit, populated streets, especially when walking at night. Avoid using headphones or being distracted by your phone in quiet areas. For those enjoying the town's nightlife, stay with friends and ensure you have a pre-booked taxi or a designated driver. Given the town's vehicle crime rate, always double-check that your car is locked and never leave valuables on display; even a small amount of change can attract a thief. At home, ensure your boundary security is robust. Use smart lighting to give the impression of occupancy when you are out, and consider installing a high-quality security system that monitors all entry points. Being part of a local neighbourhood watch can also help you stay informed about specific crime spikes in your area.

Crime in Hemel Hempstead follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is the primary concern, accounting for 49% of incidents as retail and commercial activity begins. This trend intensifies in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), with theft rising to 54%. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am), the nature of crime shifts; theft drops to 23%, while 'other' crimes—often including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—spike to 44%. The night-time period (12am-6am) presents a high risk for vehicle owners, with vehicle crime accounting for a significant 44% of all reports. Burglary remains a persistent threat throughout the 24-hour cycle, peaking slightly at night (18%) and in the afternoon (16%). These patterns suggest that while daytime crime is largely commercial, night-time activity focuses on property and vehicle interference.

Hemel Hempstead acts as the major urban hub for the surrounding region, and its crime rate of 112.4 per 1,000 is significantly higher than that of its more rural neighbours. For example, Rucklers Lane (55.5) and Potten End (36.7) report much lower incident rates, reflecting their smaller populations and residential nature. Nearby Abbots Langley and Kings Langley (59.4) and Bedmond (61.4) also sit well below Hemel Hempstead's figures. This comparison highlights that crime in the area is heavily concentrated in the town centre and major commercial zones, making Hemel Hempstead the focal point for regional security concerns while the surrounding villages remain comparatively quiet.

In Hemel Hempstead, where the property crime rate stands at 38.9 per 1,000, traditional security systems are often insufficient. Most standard cameras simply record a crime as it happens, providing footage that may or may not lead to a conviction. For true protection, Hemel Hempstead residents should consider a proactive AI-powered system like scOS. This technology doesn't just watch; it intervenes. By detecting threats at the property boundary using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers to deter a burglar before they even reach your door. In an urban environment where vehicle crime and burglary are persistent risks, the ability to stop a crime before it occurs is invaluable. Professional-grade security sends a clear message to potential intruders, making them far more likely to bypass your home in favour of a less protected target.