Hemel Hempstead Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 marked a shift in Hemel Hempstead’s crime profile, with property crimes dominating over violent offences. The overall crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 residents placed the area 18.1% above the UK average, a figure that reflects the persistent challenges faced by this built-up district within Dacorum. The top crime types were violence and sexual offences (222 cases, 26.8% of total), anti-social behaviour (197 cases, 23.8%), and shoplifting (112 cases, 13.5%). This distribution suggests a combination of factors, including the area’s retail presence and the seasonal pressures of Christmas shopping, which may have contributed to the spike in shoplifting. Violence and sexual offences, while still significant, were 12% below the UK average, a deviation that could indicate effective local policing or community initiatives. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 115% above the UK average, likely tied to the high population density and the social dynamics of a commuter belt suburb. The seasonal context of December—characterised by dark evenings, holiday-related absenteeism, and increased foot traffic in retail areas—likely amplifies property crimes, particularly in sectors like shoplifting and vehicle crime. These patterns underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as retail zones and public spaces, to address the disproportionate rise in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. The data also highlights the importance of understanding local rhythms, as the combination of holiday-related activity and the area’s urban character shapes the crime profile in ways distinct from broader UK trends.

December 2023 saw significant shifts in Hemel Hempstead’s crime mix, with property crimes (344) outpacing violent crimes (222). This imbalance may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased retail activity and empty homes during the holiday period. Shoplifting rose sharply by 28.7%, from 87 to 112 incidents, a jump that far exceeds the UK average for this category. Other crime also spiked by 63.6%, from 11 to 18 cases, though this category is not explicitly compared to UK rates. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 50.0%, and possession of weapons dropped by 50.0%, suggesting reduced activity in areas typically associated with outdoor recreation or illicit carry. Anti-social behaviour remained 115% above the UK average, a figure that likely ties to the area’s built-up environment and high population density. These changes illustrate how local conditions and seasonal rhythms can shape crime patterns, even within a single month.

Hemel Hempstead’s crime rate in December 2023 rose slightly to 8.5 per 1,000 residents, a 2.4% increase from the previous month’s 8.3. This places the area 18.1% above the UK average, a gap that remains consistent with earlier months. Daily crime activity averaged 27 incidents per day, reflecting a high level of localised activity despite the month’s seasonal lulls in some categories. Over the course of December, one crime occurred for every 117 residents, a figure that underscores the density of incidents relative to the area’s population. While this monthly exposure rate is a local measure without a direct UK counterpart, it highlights the persistent nature of crime in Hemel Hempstead compared to broader trends. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the area’s crime profile is more active than the UK average, though specific categories like public order and burglary show lower rates. This suggests a combination of local factors, such as retail presence and community dynamics, that may partly explain the disparity.