Rural Dacorum Crime Rate

Rural Dacorum is a safe and secure area with an overall crime rate of 54.7 per 1,000 people, which is well below the UK average of 91.7. The area maintains an excellent safety score of 87/100, positioning it as one of the safer regions in the country. While recent data shows an increasing trend with a 17.9% rise in year-over-year crime, the total volume of incidents remains low. Property crime is also relatively infrequent, with a rate of 23.6 per 1,000 compared to the national average of 32.3. This profile makes Rural Dacorum a desirable location for those prioritising security, though the recent upward trend suggests that maintaining vigilance and investing in home security remains important for residents.

Crime in Rural Dacorum

Rural Dacorum's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which make up 36.1% of all recorded incidents (57 crimes). This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 15.2% and anti-social behaviour at 11.4%. When looking at property crime—including burglary, theft, shoplifting, and vehicle crime—the overall rate is 23.6 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Burglary accounts for 7.0% of total crime, while vehicle crime and shoplifting each contribute 5.1%. For those living in this rural area, the data suggests that while violent offences are the most frequent, property-related crimes still represent a significant portion of police activity, necessitating standard home and vehicle security precautions.

Crime Trends in Rural Dacorum

Rural Dacorum has experienced a 17.9% increase in crime over the latest 12-month period, according to data from December 2024 to November 2025. Monthly analysis reveals that the crime rate was relatively stable in the early part of the year, with rates between 2.4 and 5.2 per 1,000. However, there was a significant spike in June 2025, where the rate reached 8.3 per 1,000. Following this peak, the rate fluctuated but generally trended downwards, ending the period at 4.2 per 1,000 in November. While the overall year-over-year increase is notable, the decline from the mid-year high is an encouraging sign. Residents should remain aware that despite the recent increase, Rural Dacorum continues to maintain a much lower crime volume than the national average.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Dacorum

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Rural Dacorum, representing 36.1% of all incidents. To stay safe, we recommend being mindful of your personal safety when using rural footpaths or walking in isolated areas, especially after dark. Always let someone know your expected return time and carry a mobile phone with you. Criminal damage and arson are also significant factors; ensure that any outbuildings, such as sheds or barns, are securely locked and that flammable materials are stored safely out of sight. For homeowners, installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your property can serve as an effective deterrent against anti-social behaviour and opportunistic damage. Finally, staying active in local community groups or social media safety pages can help you stay informed about any suspicious activity in the area, allowing for a collective and proactive approach to local security.

Crime in Rural Dacorum follows a predictable temporal pattern. Theft is the primary concern during the daylight hours, making up 44% of morning crimes and 47% of afternoon incidents. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely when residents are away from their homes or active in the community. As evening falls, the profile shifts, with "other" crimes becoming the most frequent at 51%. However, the night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a distinct rise in property-related threats, with vehicle crime increasing to 30% and burglary accounting for 24% of all incidents. This indicates that while the day is dominated by theft, the night carries a higher risk for vehicles and home security. Residents should ensure that all property is securely locked away before nightfall.

Rural Dacorum is situated within a broader region known for its high safety standards. When compared to the national average, the area's crime rate of 54.7 per 1,000 is notably low. It sits alongside other high-safety urban settlements and villages in the Dacorum local authority, providing a consistent safety profile for residents. While some immediate neighbours may have even lower rates, Rural Dacorum offers a safe, low-crime alternative to the more densely populated urban centres nearby. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking the security of a rural setting without being completely isolated from regional infrastructure.

In Rural Dacorum, where property crime sits at 23.6 per 1,000, homeowners should be aware that traditional security measures are often reactive. Standard alarms and CCTV cameras typically only alert you after a crime has been committed, providing little more than evidence for a police report. For those living in more isolated rural properties, proactive protection is far more effective. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By monitoring your property boundary with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect potential threats in real-time. If an intruder is identified, the system can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating floodlights or playing audible warnings, to deter the individual before they attempt entry. This proactive approach is essential for rural security, where response times from emergency services may be longer. By turning your home into a hard target, scOS ensures that opportunistic criminals move on, preserving the peace and security of your rural Dacorum property.