Dacorum Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

June 2023 saw Dacorum's overall crime rate remain 5.9% below the UK average at 8.0 per 1,000 residents, a figure consistent with the area's historically lower-than-average crime profile. The top three crime categories—anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences, and shoplifting—accounted for 65.8% of all reported crimes, reflecting patterns typical of a mixed-use commuter and suburban district with a significant retail presence. Anti-social behaviour, at 2.4 per 1,000 residents, was 62% above the UK average, likely linked to the area's dense housing developments and proximity to major transport hubs. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences—2.1 per 1,000—were 28% below the UK average, a trend possibly attributable to the district's lower population density compared to inner-city areas. Shoplifting, at 0.7 per 1,000, was 30% above the UK average, suggesting that retail outlets in Dacorum may be particularly vulnerable to opportunistic theft. Seasonal factors may have influenced these figures, as June marks the beginning of the summer tourist season in nearby rural areas, increasing foot traffic in local shops and public spaces. However, the absence of a significant spike in vehicle crime or burglary compared to other months indicates that Dacorum's security measures and community policing efforts may be effectively mitigating risks in these categories.

June 2023 saw notable month-on-month increases in public order offences (+35.0%), violence and sexual offences (+19.9%), and anti-social behaviour (+13.6%), with public order offences rising from 40 to 54 incidents. This surge in public order offences, which includes disturbances and disorderly conduct, may be connected to the start of the summer season and increased social activity in public spaces. Conversely, violent crimes such as robbery fell sharply by 60.0% (from 15 to 6 incidents), suggesting that targeted interventions or increased police visibility in high-risk areas may have had an impact. Anti-social behaviour, which accounts for nearly 30% of all crimes, remains a persistent challenge, with its rate 62% above the UK average. However, several categories showed encouraging declines, including possession of weapons (-54.5%) and theft from the person (-33.3%), both of which were 100% below the UK average. These reductions may reflect the effectiveness of local initiatives such as community engagement programmes or improved lighting in high-risk areas. A resident considering safety measures might note that while public order issues have risen, violent crimes have decreased, indicating a combination of different types of crime in the district.

Dacorum's crime rate in June 2023 rose by 5.5% compared to May's 7.6 per 1,000 residents, yet it remains 5.9% below the UK average. With 1292 crimes reported over 30 days, the district experienced an average of 43 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 125 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents, showing that while crime is present, it is relatively infrequent in a population of 161,420. The increase from May may be influenced by seasonal factors, as June marks the beginning of the summer period when tourism in nearby rural areas could lead to higher foot traffic in local retail zones. However, the overall rate still places Dacorum well below the UK average, a position reinforced by its lower-than-average rates in several categories, including public order offences (55% below UK average) and drugs-related crimes (52% below). The district's population size also plays a role, as larger urban areas tend to report higher absolute numbers of crimes. Despite the month-on-month rise, the crime rate remains within a range that suggests effective local policing strategies and community initiatives are helping to maintain a relatively safe environment for residents.