Dacorum Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2024, Dacorum recorded 1,078 crimes across its population of 161,420 residents, translating to a crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 people. This rate is 13% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a consistent trend that positions Dacorum as a relatively safe area compared to the national picture. The most common crimes were anti-social behaviour (28.1% of total incidents), followed by violence and sexual offences (24.4%) and shoplifting (10.0%). Anti-social behaviour, at 1.9 per 1,000, was 56% above the UK average, a striking discrepancy that may be influenced by the area's mix of suburban and rural landscapes, where community interactions and local events could contribute to such incidents. Violence and sexual offences, however, were 38% below the UK average, reflecting lower levels of concentrated nightlife or fewer high-risk areas. April's seasonal context—marked by the Easter period and increased outdoor activity—may have influenced patterns, with anti-social behaviour and shoplifting likely benefiting from greater public engagement. The crime mix also reveals a lower-than-average rate for burglary (3.4% of total crimes) and public order offences (3.4%), which could indicate effective local policing or a lower density of high-traffic areas. These findings, combined with the overall rate, suggest that Dacorum's crime profile is shaped by its geographical and social characteristics, with seasonal shifts playing a role in specific categories.

April 2024 saw a sharp 100% increase in theft from the person, rising from four to eight incidents—a jump that may reflect heightened outdoor activity during the Easter period. Meanwhile, burglary and bicycle theft both declined significantly, with burglary falling 33.9% to 37 incidents and bicycle theft dropping 33.3% to two reported cases. These decreases could be linked to seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity or the timing of Easter holidays, which may have temporarily altered crime dynamics. The breakdown of crime types reveals stark contrasts with national averages: anti-social behaviour, the most common offence, occurred at a rate 56% above the UK average, while violence and sexual offences were 38% below the national rate. This divergence suggests that Dacorum's social environment—shaped by its commuter belt characteristics—may contribute to these patterns. Residents might find the 100% increase in theft from the person particularly relevant, as it highlights a specific area for local awareness and prevention efforts.

Dacorum's crime rate in April 2024 rose 4.5% from 6.4 to 6.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a slight upward trend after a period of stability. This increase, though modest, reflects a broader pattern of seasonal fluctuations seen in similar areas during spring. Daily crime figures show an average of 36 reported incidents per day, a number that, while lower than the UK average, remains a tangible presence in the local community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 150 residents—a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within the district's population of 161,420. This monthly exposure rate, though not alarmingly high, underscores the need for continued vigilance. When compared to the UK average, Dacorum's overall rate remains 13% below the national figure, a consistent trend that highlights the area's relative safety. However, the slight increase in April suggests that local factors—such as the Easter holiday period or increased foot traffic during spring—may be influencing crime patterns in ways that require further analysis.