Dacorum Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 161,420, 1,067 crimes in April 2023 equate to 6.6 incidents per 1,000 residents—12% below the UK average of 7.5. This rate positions Dacorum as one of the safer areas in the country. Anti-social behaviour (26.2% of all crimes) remains the most common category, followed by violence and sexual offences (24.7%) and vehicle crime (8.6%). These figures align with Dacorum’s mix of suburban and rural landscapes, where public spaces and transport hubs may contribute to specific crime types. The seasonal context of April—Easter holidays, warmer weather, and increased outdoor activity—likely influences patterns, with anti-social behaviour peaking during weekends and evenings. While violent crime rates are 38% below the UK average, the 44% increase in anti-social behaviour compared to national levels suggests a need for targeted local interventions. Vehicle crime, at 0.6 per 1,000, is 33% above the UK average, potentially linked to Dacorum’s road networks and commuter traffic. These trends illustrate how geographic and seasonal factors shape crime profiles, even within areas that perform well nationally.

April 2023 saw sharp increases in theft from the person (+175%), bicycle theft (+150%), and possession of weapons (+100%) compared to March. Theft from the person rose from 4 to 11 incidents, a 175% jump that may reflect heightened pedestrian activity during Easter and spring weekends. Bicycle theft, which doubled from 2 to 5, could be tied to increased cycling during milder weather. Meanwhile, robbery fell by 16.7% (6 to 5), and other crime dropped by 12.5% (24 to 21). The breakdown shows a stark contrast between local and national trends: anti-social behaviour in Dacorum is 44% above the UK average (1.7 vs 1.2 per 1,000), while public order offences are 53% below (0.3 vs 0.6 per 1,000). This divergence highlights how local factors—such as community policing efforts or demographic composition—can significantly influence crime types. For residents, the 175% rise in theft from the person is a concrete warning to remain vigilant in public spaces during peak hours.

Dacorum’s crime rate in April (6.6 per 1,000) represents a 9.1% increase from March’s 6.1, reflecting a gradual upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 36 crimes per day in April, a figure that underscores the need for continuous community engagement. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 151 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while relatively low, shows the importance of addressing specific rising categories. Compared to the UK average, Dacorum’s overall safety is evident, but certain local trends—such as anti-social behaviour being 44% above the national average—highlight areas requiring focused attention. The 33% increase in vehicle crime compared to the UK average may be linked to Dacorum’s commuter routes and suburban sprawl, where vehicles are more vulnerable to theft or vandalism. These comparisons reveal that while Dacorum performs well nationally, targeted strategies are needed to address local challenges, ensuring that the area’s overall safety is maintained as population and activity patterns evolve.