Bishop's Stortford Crime Rate

Bishop's Stortford is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 71.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in a high safety score of 83/100, well above the national average of 79/100. Most encouragingly, crime in Bishop's Stortford has seen a downward trend, with a 7.6% decrease in reported offences over the last year. As a primarily residential area with a population of over 44,000, Bishop's Stortford offers a secure environment for families and professionals alike. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, time patterns, and safety advice tailored specifically to the Bishop's Stortford area.

Crime Breakdown in Bishop's Stortford

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Bishop's Stortford, making up 36.2% of all reported incidents (1,145 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 21.8%, followed by shoplifting at 7.6%. When looking at property crime as a whole—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—the rate in Bishop's Stortford is 23.9 per 1,000 people. Within this category, vehicle crime (3.7 per 1,000) and burglary (2.8 per 1,000) are key considerations for residents. Shoplifting and 'other theft' are also significant factors, with a combined rate of over 10 per 1,000. These figures suggest that while Bishop's Stortford is a safe urban settlement, residents should remain focused on securing their homes and vehicles against opportunistic theft, which forms a notable portion of the local crime landscape.

Crime Trends in Bishop's Stortford

The crime trend in Bishop's Stortford is currently decreasing, with a 7.6% reduction in total offences over the last 12 months. Analysis of the monthly data shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year. The rate started at 5.8 per 1,000 in December 2024 and reached a peak of 7.3 in June 2025. Following this, the rate remained relatively consistent, averaging around 6.0 per 1,000 from July to November. This overall downward trajectory is a positive indicator for the town's safety, suggesting that local security measures and law enforcement are effectively reducing the volume of reported crime. For residents, this trend provides a strong sense of security, though the monthly fluctuations remind us that vigilance should be maintained.

How To Keep Safe in Bishop's Stortford

The most common crime in Bishop's Stortford is violence and sexual offences, which, while relatively low, still requires awareness. To stay safe, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings, especially during late-night hours. Stick to well-lit routes and try to avoid walking alone in secluded areas whenever possible.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent concern in Bishop's Stortford. Residents are encouraged to report incidents to local authorities to help them address community issues effectively. For property protection, shoplifting is a notable factor; local business owners should consider enhanced security measures. For homeowners, vehicle crime is a key area to focus on, particularly at night when it peaks. Always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left visible, as this can attract opportunistic theft. Burglaries are most likely at night and in the afternoon, so ensuring your home is securely locked and appears occupied when you are away is vital. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme is also a great way to stay informed about safety in your specific part of Bishop's Stortford and contribute to a more secure environment for everyone. Visible security measures like alarms or smart lighting can also provide an effective deterrent against crime. even in a safe area, these proactive steps are essential for maintaining your peace of mind.

Crime Time Patterns in Bishop's Stortford

Analysis of crime timing in Bishop's Stortford reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are relatively quiet, though they still see a significant portion of theft-related offences (48%). As the day progresses, the afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a peak in theft, accounting for 51% of incidents during this period, and burglary at 19%. Evening hours (6pm-12am) are characterized by a rise in 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 44% of reports. Most notably, night-time (12am-6am) sees a major peak in vehicle crime, which represents a substantial 41% of all activity during these hours. Burglary also remains a factor at night (20%). These patterns suggest that while daytime theft is a concern for businesses, the night-time hours present the highest risk for vehicle and home security, requiring robust overnight protection.

When comparing Bishop's Stortford to its immediate neighbours, it presents a safe profile, although its crime rate of 71.8 per 1,000 is higher than some adjacent areas. Nearby Little Hallingbury reports a lower crime rate of 40.6. Nearby Birchanger, Spellbrook, and Bury Green all recorded 0.0 in this data period, offering even quieter alternatives. This suggests that Bishop's Stortford is the primary hub for reported crime within its immediate cluster of very low-crime settlements. For those looking at the region, it remains a very secure place to live compared to more urban areas.

In Bishop's Stortford, where property crime is 23.9 per 1,000, residents can take pride in their safe community. However, maintaining this high standard of security requires moving beyond reactive measures. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which can be distressing and do little to prevent the initial loss. The scOS AI-powered operating system offers a proactive alternative designed to stop crime before it happens. By using advanced AI to monitor your cameras, scOS identifies potential threats at the boundary of your property. It can distinguish between everyday activity and suspicious behaviour, such as someone loitering near your vehicle or testing your door locks. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously respond by activating security lights or audio alerts, deterring the intruder in real-time. For Bishop's Stortford residents, this professional-grade, intelligent protection is the most effective way to ensure that their home remains a difficult target for opportunistic crime.