Hemel Hempstead Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2025, Hemel Hempstead recorded 948 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 9.8 per 1,000 residents—a figure that is 21% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This places the area in the upper tier of UK crime rates, a position that reflects the combination of its urban character and the social dynamics of its population. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.7% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 24.4%. These figures suggest a pattern where public spaces and high-traffic areas are particularly vulnerable, likely due to the town's mix of residential, commercial, and leisure zones. The seasonal context of May, with its longer evenings and bank holidays, may have contributed to the increased frequency of social gatherings and outdoor drinking, factors that could partially explain the rise in violent and anti-social incidents. Meanwhile, shoplifting and other thefts accounted for 17.6% of total crimes, highlighting the role of retail areas in driving property-related offences. The data also shows a marked disparity in crime distribution compared to the UK average, with anti-social behaviour and violence significantly exceeding national benchmarks, while public order offences fall below. This contrast underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where local conditions—such as the density of residential units near commercial hubs—may amplify certain types of crime.

May 2025 saw a sharp 250% increase in bicycle theft, from 4 to 14 cases, a spike that may reflect the area's growing cycling population and the visibility of bikes in public spaces. Burglary rates also climbed by 52%, with 38 incidents reported—25 more than in April—suggesting a potential link to the town's post-lockdown property market activity. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 52.6%, from 19 to 9, a drop that could indicate shifts in local drug use patterns or the effectiveness of recent policing efforts. Anti-social behaviour remained 69% above the UK average, with 231 cases reported, a figure that may be exacerbated by the town's high population density and the social dynamics of its retail and leisure sectors. The 31% shortfall in public order offences compared to the UK average, however, points to a possible success in community engagement initiatives or the relatively low incidence of alcohol-fuelled incidents in public spaces.

Hemel Hempstead's crime rate in May 2025 rose to 9.8 per 1,000 residents, a 6.9% increase from April's 9.1 per 1,000. This places the area 21% above the UK average, a gap that has widened slightly compared to previous months. On a daily basis, 31 crimes were reported each day in May, reflecting the area's dense population and the concentration of retail and social hubs. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 103 residents, a figure that underscores the persistent presence of crime in a community of nearly 100,000 people. While the rate of vehicle crime remained aligned with the UK average, the surge in anti-social behaviour and violence highlights a shift in the crime profile, with public spaces and high-traffic areas bearing the brunt. This monthly exposure rate, though not alarmingly high, suggests that localised factors—such as the town's mix of residential and commercial zones—may contribute to the continued pressure on policing resources.