East Hertfordshire Crime Rate

East Hertfordshire currently records a crime rate of 66.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. The district maintains an impressive safety score of 85/100, reflecting its status as one of the most secure areas in the country. The recent crime trend is classified as stable, showing a negligible 0.7% decrease year-over-year. This data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, highlights that the area remains a low-crime environment for its 156,875 residents. While town centres like Bishop's Stortford and Hertford see more activity, the district as a whole offers a level of safety that far exceeds national benchmarks, providing significant peace of mind for homeowners and families alike.

About East Hertfordshire

East Hertfordshire is a predominantly rural and highly affluent district, consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK. The area is characterised by historic market towns such as Hertford, Bishop's Stortford, and Ware, alongside numerous charming villages. Its economy is strong, with a high proportion of professional and managerial residents, many of whom commute to London or work in the district's thriving service and retail sectors.

The district's crime statistics are influenced by its suburban and rural nature. With a lower population density than neighbouring urban centres, East Hertfordshire typically experiences much lower rates of criminal activity. However, its affluence and excellent transport links, including the M11 and major rail lines, can occasionally attract opportunistic property crime. The presence of Stansted Airport nearby also influences the local dynamic, though the district itself remains largely residential. Overall, the combination of high employment, active community involvement, and a very high safety score makes East Hertfordshire one of the most secure and stable districts in the Home Counties.

Crime in East Hertfordshire

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes in East Hertfordshire, totalling 3,692 incidents and making up 35.6% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is also a notable factor, accounting for 22.6% of reports, followed by other theft at 6.7%. These figures reflect a pattern common in safe, affluent districts where community-focused and low-level offences predominate over more serious organised crime.

Property crime in East Hertfordshire is recorded at a very low rate of 20.6 per 1,000 people. This includes 430 burglaries, 601 vehicle crimes, and 585 shoplifting offences. Burglary itself accounts for 4.2% of total crime, with a rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents. Although these numbers are significantly below the national average for property crime (32.3), the district's prosperity means that homes and vehicles can still be targets for opportunistic theft. Criminal damage and arson also contribute 6.6% to the total. For residents, these figures highlight that while the overall risk is low, maintaining consistent security practices is essential for protecting valuable assets. Ensuring that homes are well-secured remains a key priority for maintaining the district's high safety standards.

East Hertfordshire Crime Trends

The crime trend in East Hertfordshire is remarkably stable, with a tiny 0.7% decrease recorded over the last year. Monthly data shows a consistent pattern of low activity, with the crime rate per 1,000 starting at 4.9 in December 2024 and ending at 5.3 in November 2025. There was a slight seasonal increase during the summer months, peaking at 6.5 in June and August, which is a common trend as more people are active outdoors.

This stability is a positive sign for the district, suggesting that crime levels are well-managed and not prone to sudden surges. The minor fluctuations throughout the year are typical and do not indicate any underlying shift in the area's safety. For residents of East Hertfordshire, this consistent trend reinforces the district's reputation as a reliable and secure place to live and work. Monitoring these trends allows local authorities to maintain their effective community safety strategies.

East Hertfordshire sits in a very safe pocket of the Home Counties. When compared to the more urbanised nearby areas like Harlow or Stevenage, the district's crime rate is significantly lower, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Its statistics are comparable to other safe neighbours like North Hertfordshire, Broxbourne, and Welwyn Hatfield. Even compared to Epping Forest, East Hertfordshire maintains a very competitive safety profile. This regional context reinforces the district's status as a secure and stable environment within the broader Hertfordshire and South East area.

Protecting Your Property in East Hertfordshire

In a safe and affluent district like East Hertfordshire, property crime—though less frequent than the national average—remains a key concern for residents. With a property crime rate of 20.6 per 1,000 people, the primary threat is often opportunistic theft targeting high-value homes and vehicles. Traditional security systems, which often only record footage or sound an alarm after a break-in has occurred, are increasingly seen as reactive and insufficient for those seeking total protection.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using artificial intelligence to detect threats before they reach your home. By monitoring your property's boundaries, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour and intervene autonomously—for example, by activating lights or a speaker. This element of surprise is a powerful deterrent, often causing a potential intruder to move on before any damage is done. For homeowners in East Hertfordshire, where properties may have larger grounds or be more secluded, this proactive boundary protection is particularly valuable. It transforms your security from a simple recording device into an active participant in your home's safety, ensuring that you are preventing crime rather than just documenting it. In an area where peace of mind is highly valued, scOS provides the ultimate level of proactive security.

How To Keep Safe in East Hertfordshire

The most common crime in East Hertfordshire is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 35.6% of all reports. While the district is generally very safe, the following tips can help you maintain your personal security:

1. Be Mindful in Town Centres: When out in Bishop's Stortford, Hertford, or Ware, especially during the evening, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, busy areas.
2. Secure Your Property: Even in low-crime areas, always ensure doors and windows are locked when you leave the house or go to bed. Affluent areas can sometimes be targeted for opportunistic theft.
3. Report Suspicious Activity: If you see someone acting unusually in your neighbourhood, report it to the police. Community vigilance is a key factor in keeping the district's crime rates low.
4. Stay Connected: When walking alone, let someone know your expected arrival time or use a location-sharing app with a trusted friend or family member.
5. Vehicle Safety: Don't leave any items on display in your car, even if they seem of low value. Opportunistic 'smash and grab' incidents can occur even in the safest neighbourhoods.