Dacorum Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2024, Dacorum’s crime rate stood at 7.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 7.9% below the UK average of 7.6. This performance highlights a nuanced balance between property and violent crime, with the former slightly outnumbering the latter in both absolute numbers and rate. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.1% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.7%, and shoplifting at 11.2%. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday, and shorter daylight hours—likely influenced patterns, particularly in retail and public spaces. For instance, shoplifting rates remained 16% above the UK average, possibly driven by post-Christmas shopping anticipation or targeted promotions. Meanwhile, the decline in anti-social behaviour may reflect reduced social activity as term-time events wound down, though the rise in public order offences by 47.4% suggests ongoing challenges in managing community spaces. The overall crime rate’s proximity to the UK average, despite this balance, indicates that local factors such as Dacorum’s mix of urban and semi-rural areas, combined with effective policing, may be contributing to its relatively low rate. However, the sharp increase in possession of weapons—up 80% from the previous month—raises questions about emerging trends or enforcement activities that warrant further scrutiny.

November 2024 saw a marked shift in crime patterns, with property crimes accounting for 40.6% of all reported incidents compared to 34.1% for violent crimes. This balance suggests a continued emphasis on property-related offences, despite the overall rate remaining below the UK average. Among the most significant changes, possession of weapons rose by 80% (from 5 to 9), a spike that may reflect increased enforcement or a genuine uptick in incidents. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell sharply by 35.6%, possibly linked to the end of school terms or reduced social gatherings. Shoplifting rates remained 16% above the UK average at 0.8 per 1,000, a figure that could be influenced by Black Friday promotions and the timing of November’s peak shopping period. Theft from the person dropped by 40%, indicating improved security measures or a shift in criminal focus during the month.

Dacorum's crime rate in November 2024 fell by 8.0% compared to the previous month, dropping from 7.6 to 7.0 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the seasonal slowdown typical in late autumn, though local factors likely play a role. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 38 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for roughly every 143 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible sense of risk for residents, though it remains below the UK average. With a population of 161,420, the area’s crime profile reflects a mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics, where commercial hubs and residential areas coexist. The drop in anti-social behaviour by 35.6% and vehicle crime by 29.8% may indicate improved policing or fewer incidents tied to seasonal activities such as Black Friday shopping. However, the increase in public order offences by 47.4% suggests ongoing challenges in managing community tensions or disorder, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or nightlife activity.