Rural Dacorum Crime Rate

Rural Dacorum is a highly secure and peaceful area, boasting an excellent safety score of 88/100, which is far above the UK average of 79/100. Its overall crime rate of 53.3 per 1,000 people is also significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Furthermore, the property crime rate of 23.2 is well below the UK benchmark of 32.2, suggesting a safe environment for residents' assets. While crime has increased by 7.7% year-over-year, the absolute numbers remain low. This upward trend reinforces the importance of maintaining local security standards. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime in Rural Dacorum, with a focus on property and vehicle offences, and insights into the specific times when these incidents are most likely to occur.

Crime in Rural Dacorum

Rural Dacorum's crime profile is primarily defined by three categories: violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson, and anti-social behaviour. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, representing 35.1% of all reports (54 incidents). Criminal damage and arson follows at 14.9% (23 incidents), while anti-social behaviour accounts for 11.7% of the total crime volume with 18 reported cases.

For residents and property owners, the property crime rate in Rural Dacorum is 23.2 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.2, it is a key area for local security focus. Property-related offences include criminal damage and arson (14.9%), other theft (11.0%), vehicle crime (6.5%), and burglary (6.5%). With 10 burglaries and 10 vehicle crimes reported in the 12-month period, the risk is tangible for a rural area. Notably, the combined percentage of burglary and vehicle crime is 13%, suggesting that physical asset protection remains a priority. Residents should focus on a balanced security approach that addresses the risk of both home and vehicle offences, particularly during the peak times identified in the local data.

Crime Trends in Rural Dacorum

The crime trend in Rural Dacorum shows an increase, with a 7.7% rise in total reported incidents year-over-year. While the area remains very safe, this upward trajectory is a reminder to stay vigilant. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the year started with a low crime rate of 4.2 in January, which dipped to its lowest point of 2.4 in March and April.

The rate fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable spike in June recording the year's highest rate of 8.3. Following this peak, the rate generally trended downwards, with August recording 5.9 and September 5.2. Despite these fluctuations and the overall increase, Rural Dacorum's status as a top-tier safe area remains unchanged. The June peak and the overall 7.7% increase are key takeaways for local residents, suggesting a period where extra security measures may be particularly beneficial.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Dacorum

The most common crime in Rural Dacorum is violence and sexual offences, followed by criminal damage and arson. While the area is very safe, it is always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in the evening. Stick to well-lit paths and consider letting someone know when you're heading home.

Vehicle crime is a significant factor in Rural Dacorum, particularly at night when it accounts for 39% of reported incidents. To protect your car, always ensure it is locked and that no valuables, bags, or electronics are left on display. If you can, park in a well-lit area or within range of a proactive security system. Using a simple steering lock can also be a strong visible deterrent.

Note that 20% of burglaries in Rural Dacorum happen at night and 19% in the afternoon. Make sure your home is secure when you're out, and don't forget to lock side gates and sheds. Reporting any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police helps maintain the high safety standards that Rural Dacorum is known for. By following these simple steps, you can help keep yourself and your property secure in this safe rural community.

When Crime Happens in Rural Dacorum

Rural Dacorum shows distinct time-based crime patterns, particularly for theft and vehicle offences. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) are the most active periods for theft, accounting for 44% and 49% of incidents in those periods respectively. This suggests that property-related activity is common during the day.

The night (12am - 6am) presents a different risk profile, with burglaries peaking at 20% and vehicle crime reaching 39% of all night-time incidents. The afternoon is also a high-risk time for burglary at 19%. The evening (6pm - 12am) is dominated by "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and miscellaneous offences, which account for 48% of reports in that period. This data suggests a dual-risk profile: general theft is most common during the day, while burglaries and vehicle crime are at significantly higher risk during the late-night and early-morning hours. Residents should ensure that home security is a priority during the day and that both home and vehicle protection are top focuses overnight.

Rural Dacorum compares favourably to the larger urban centres in the region, offering a much quieter and safer residential environment. Its crime rate of 53.3 is consistent with other high-safety rural areas in Hertfordshire. For those seeking a peaceful rural setting with a very high safety score, Rural Dacorum is a premier choice, providing a robust level of security and a high quality of life.

Home Security in Rural Dacorum

Rural Dacorum's property crime rate of 23.2 per 1,000 people is relatively low, but the 7.7% increase in overall crime suggests that maintaining this level of safety requires a proactive approach. Traditional security systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. In Rural Dacorum, where burglaries peak at night and in the afternoon, and vehicle crime is a major night-time concern, stopping the intruder before they succeed is the real goal.

The scOS artificial intelligence system provides this proactive protection by monitoring your property boundaries in real-time. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious individuals or unauthorised vehicles before they reach your home or driveway. The system's autonomous response, such as activating lights or audio deterrents, can destroy the element of surprise for a potential criminal. For Rural Dacorum residents, this means your security is actively working to prevent crime 24/7, offering a level of protection that ensures the area's high safety records are maintained and that your home remains a difficult target.