Hemel Hempstead Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Hemel Hempstead, 8.1 crimes were reported in April 2024 — 5.2% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This translates to a daily risk of encountering crime roughly once every 124 residents over the course of the month. The most common crime type was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 28.4% of all incidents, followed by violence and sexual offences (24.1%) and shoplifting (11.2%). These figures reflect a pattern consistent with Hemel Hempstead’s character as a commuter town with a mix of retail and residential areas. The spring weather and Easter period likely contributed to increased outdoor activity, which may partly explain the elevated rates of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting compared to other seasons. Anti-social behaviour in the area was 89% above the UK average, suggesting localised factors such as community dynamics or high foot traffic in specific zones could be influencing this trend. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates were 34% above the UK average, linked to the town’s retail presence. The relatively low rates of burglary (38% below UK average) and public order offences (43% below UK average) indicate that property crimes are less prevalent than in other parts of the country, due to effective local policing or community engagement initiatives. These statistics highlight the need for targeted strategies to address specific crime types while leveraging existing strengths in reducing others.

April 2024 saw a 200% increase in possession of weapons, rising from 2 to 6 incidents — a stark shift that may reflect heightened tensions or unexplained changes in local patterns. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 66.7%, dropping from 3 to 1, likely due to seasonal factors such as reduced cycling during colder months or increased security measures. The crime mix shifted significantly, with anti-social behaviour dominating at 28.4% of all incidents, far exceeding the UK average for this category (1.2 per 1,000). This disparity underscores Hemel Hempstead’s unique challenges, with anti-social behaviour rates 89% above the national average. Meanwhile, violent crimes in the area were 26% below the UK average, suggesting that local efforts in preventing violent incidents may be having an effect. The drop in burglary by 45.2% (from 42 to 23) is another notable shift, linked to improved home security awareness or police patrols in high-risk areas. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of crime and the importance of ongoing monitoring to address emerging trends.

Hemel Hempstead’s crime rate in April 2024 remained stable compared to the previous month, with a -1.0% decrease from 8.1 to 8.1 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major spikes or declines in overall criminal activity during the period. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 26 crimes per day — a figure that, while not alarmingly high, reflects the need for continuous vigilance. Over the course of the month, 1 in every 124 residents in Hemel Hempstead faced a reported crime, highlighting the personal impact of these statistics. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents to assess their individual risk and consider measures such as community watch schemes or personal safety precautions. When compared to the UK average, Hemel Hempstead’s slightly higher overall rate is offset by lower rates in specific categories like burglary and public order offences, illustrating a combination of local and national trends. The population context — 97,198 residents — further underscores that while the rate is elevated, the absolute number of crimes remains manageable within the town’s demographic profile.