Benington Crime Rate

Benington is one of the safest villages in the region, boasting an elite safety score of 96/100. The village's overall crime rate is a remarkably low 15.6 per 1,000 people, which is over 80% lower than the UK average of 91.7. While there has been a 7.1% increase in reported crime year-over-year, this is measured from an exceptionally low baseline and does not detract from the village's status as a high-safety zone. Property crime is also minimal at just 5.9 per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 32.3. For the 2,882 residents, Benington offers an exceptionally secure environment where serious crime is rare and residential safety is a hallmark of the community.

Benington is an exceptionally safe village, where violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, making up 35.6% of all reports with 16 recorded incidents. Anti-social behaviour is second at 20.0%, followed by vehicle crime at 15.6%. These figures reflect a very low volume of crime overall, with most incidents being infrequent and social in nature.

Property-related crime—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is remarkably low at a rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents. This is far below the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, vehicle crime (7 cases) and burglary (5 cases) are the most frequent. The burglary rate is only 1.7 per 1,000 people, accounting for 11.1% of total crime. For residents, this means that while home and vehicle security are important, the statistical risk of experiencing a crime is minimal. The area's safety is a defining characteristic, with property crime being very rare and often opportunistic rather than organized.

The crime trend in Benington shows a 7.1% increase in total crime over the last 12 months. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows the crime rate fluctuating significantly, with a low of 0.4 in August and a peak of 2.8 in March.

While a 7.1% increase sounds like a trend, it is important to note that it represents a tiny number of actual incidents due to the village's exceptionally low baseline. The rate has mostly stayed below 3 per 1,000 residents each month. This suggests that while there have been minor fluctuations in reported activity, the village remains one of the safest in the country. Residents should not be concerned by the percentage increase, but rather stay aware of local community reports.

How To Keep Safe in Benington

Benington is an exceptionally safe village, but the most prevalent crime type is violence and sexual offences (35.6%). This is often related to domestic or private incidents, but general safety awareness is always good.

• Vehicle Security: Vehicle crime accounts for 15.6% of local incidents and peaks at night (56%). Always ensure your car is locked and avoid leaving any items on display, even in your own driveway.
• Maintain Your Property Boundary: With burglary being the fourth most common crime (11.1%), keeping fences and gates in good repair can deter opportunistic access and clearly define your private space.
• Community Connectivity: Join a local Neighbourhood Watch or community group. In small, safe villages, residents are the best source of information about unusual activity or unknown vehicles.
• Shed and Outbuilding Security: In rural villages, thieves sometimes target outbuildings. Ensure your sheds and garages are fitted with robust locks and consider an alarm sensor.
• Report ASB: Anti-social behaviour makes up 20.0% of local crime. Reporting incidents helps local police maintain the peaceful atmosphere that makes Benington so desirable.

Crime in Benington follows a low-volume but distinct daily cycle. Morning and afternoon hours see a higher proportion of theft-related incidents. Afternoon is also the absolute peak time for burglary (46%), likely targeting homes while residents are out. Evening hours see a rise in anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. The most notable pattern occurs at night; between midnight and 6am, vehicle crime accounts for 56% of all activity. This indicates that while the village is very safe for people during the day, vehicles are the primary target for opportunistic offenders overnight. Residents can maintain the village's high safety standards by focusing on vehicle security and boundary protection during these hours.

Benington is a standout village for safety within East Hertfordshire. When compared to nearby settlements, it is significantly more secure than Walkern (46.2), Dane End (39.7), and Watton at Stone (41.0). While it may not reach the zero crime level of the tiny hamlet of Aston, it offers a level of safety that is far superior to almost any other urban area in the region. Its crime rate of 15.6 reflects a community that is deeply residential and peaceful. For those seeking a safe place to live, Benington provides an ideal balance of village life and exceptional security.

With a property crime rate of only 5.9 per 1,000, Benington is one of the most secure areas you can choose. However, the 7.1% increase in reported crime—even from a low base—suggests that opportunistic offenders are occasionally active. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV or Ring cameras are reactive; they record footage of a crime while it happens. In an area this safe, the goal of security should be to maintain that status by preventing even the rarest of incidents.

A proactive AI-powered system like scOS is the modern solution for high-safety areas. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundary 24/7, scOS can detect a potential intruder before they attempt a break-in. Features like autonomous light and sound deterrence can warn off a curious individual before they even reach your door. For Benington residents, scOS provides a level of intelligent protection that traditional systems cannot, ensuring that your home remains as secure as the statistics suggest it should be.