Dacorum Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2023, Dacorum recorded 1,067 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents — 12% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure, when contextualised against the area's population of 161,420, represents a relatively low level of criminal activity, though the month's data reveals notable patterns. Anti-social behaviour (280 incidents) was the most prevalent category, accounting for 26.2% of all crimes, followed by violence and sexual offences (263 incidents, 24.7%) and vehicle crime (92 incidents, 8.6%). The seasonal context of April — marked by Easter and spring weather — likely contributed to increased outdoor activity, which may have influenced the distribution of crimes. Anti-social behaviour, in particular, was 44% above the UK average, suggesting localised challenges in managing public spaces. Conversely, violence and sexual offences were 38% below the UK average, a divergence that may reflect Dacorum's demographic profile or the effectiveness of local policing strategies. The data also shows a slight but significant shift in crime mix, with property crimes (430 incidents) accounting for 40.3% of all recorded crimes and violent crimes (263 incidents) making up 24.7%. This balance indicates a focus on property-related incidents, which may be linked to the area's mix of urban and rural environments. While the overall rate remains below the national average, the increase in theft from the person and bicycle theft highlights the need for targeted measures to address these emerging trends.

April 2023 saw a sharp increase in theft from the person, rising by 175% (4 to 11 incidents) — a jump that may reflect heightened outdoor activity during the Easter holiday. Bicycle theft also climbed by 150% (2 to 5), potentially linked to increased cycling during spring weather. Possession of weapons rose by 100% (3 to 6). Conversely, robbery fell by 16.7% (6 to 5), and other crime dropped by 12.5% (24 to 21), suggesting some crime types are stabilising. Anti-social behaviour, the most common category, was 44% above the UK average, indicating a localised challenge in managing public disorder. Violence and sexual offences, meanwhile, were 38% below the UK average, a contrast that may reflect Dacorum's demographic profile or effective community initiatives. These shifts underscore the need for targeted strategies to address rising theft while maintaining progress in reducing more severe crimes.

Dacorum's crime rate in April 2023 rose by 9.1% compared to March, moving from 6.1 to 6.6 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while modest, reflects a shift in crime patterns during the Easter period and spring season, when outdoor activity typically rises. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 36 crimes per day — a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 151 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests the likelihood of encountering crime is relatively low compared to areas with higher rates. When scaled to the population of 161,420, the 1,067 recorded crimes equate to a manageable proportion of the community, though the rise from the previous month indicates a need for continued monitoring. The local context, which includes a mix of urban and rural areas, may influence the distribution of crime types, with public spaces and seasonal events potentially contributing to fluctuations.