Bishop's Stortford Crime Rate

Bishop's Stortford is a secure and attractive urban settlement, boasting a high safety score of 83/100, which is well above the UK average of 79/100. Its overall crime rate of 72.5 per 1,000 people is also significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Furthermore, the property crime rate of 24.4 is well below the UK benchmark of 32.2, suggesting a safe environment for residents' assets. Most encouragingly, crime in Bishop's Stortford is on a downward trend, having decreased by 7.8% over the last year. This positive shift reinforces the town's reputation as a safe and desirable place to live. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime in Bishop's Stortford, with a focus on property and vehicle offences, and insights into the specific times when these incidents are most likely to occur.

Crime in Bishop's Stortford

Bishop's Stortford's crime profile is primarily defined by three categories: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, representing 35.8% of all reports (1,142 incidents). Anti-social behaviour follows at 21.5% (685 incidents), while shoplifting accounts for 7.8% of the total crime volume with 250 reported cases.

For residents and property owners, the property crime rate in Bishop's Stortford is 24.4 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 shoplifting (7.8%), other theft (7.2%), criminal damage and arson (6.3%), and vehicle crime (5.3%). Burglary accounts for 4.0% of total crime with 129 reported cases. Notably, the combined percentage of burglary and vehicle crime is 9.3%, 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 Bishop's Stortford

The crime trend in Bishop's Stortford is encouraging, with a 7.8% decrease in total reported incidents year-over-year. This downward trajectory indicates that the town is becoming safer. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the year started with a low crime rate of 5.3 in January, which dipped to its lowest point of 4.9 in February.

The rate fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable peak in June recording the year's highest rate of 7.3. Following this peak, the rate generally stabilized, recording 6.0 in July and 6.4 in August. Despite these seasonal fluctuations, the overall 7.8% decline is a strong indicator of a secure environment. Residents can feel confident in the town's security, though the peak in June suggests a period where extra vigilance is beneficial.

How To Keep Safe in Bishop's Stortford

The most common crime in Bishop's Stortford is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. While the town 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 Bishop's Stortford, particularly at night when it accounts for 43% 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 18% of burglaries in Bishop's Stortford happen at night and 17% 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 downward trend in crime that Bishop's Stortford is currently enjoying. By following these simple steps, you can help keep yourself and your property secure in this safe town community.

When Crime Happens in Bishop's Stortford

Bishop's Stortford 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 49% and 51% 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 18% and vehicle crime reaching 43% of all night-time incidents. The afternoon is also a high-risk time for burglary at 17%. The evening (6pm - 12am) is dominated by "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and miscellaneous offences, which account for 43% 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.

Bishop's Stortford compares favourably to many of the larger urban centres in the region, offering a high level of safety. While nearby Little Hallingbury (40.1) has a lower crime rate, Bishop's Stortford's rate of 72.5 is still much lower than the UK average. Other very rural neighbours like Birchanger, Spellbrook, and Bury Green all reported 0.0 crimes in this period. For those seeking a safe and well-connected town with a decreasing crime trend, Bishop's Stortford is a premier choice, providing a robust level of security and a high quality of life.

Home Security in Bishop's Stortford

Bishop's Stortford's property crime rate of 24.4 per 1,000 people is relatively low, and the 7.8% decrease in overall crime shows that local vigilance is working. However, with property-related offences accounting for a significant portion of local crime, a proactive approach to security is still essential. Traditional security systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. In Bishop's Stortford, 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 Bishop's Stortford residents, this means your security is actively working to prevent crime 24/7, offering a level of protection that ensures the town's high safety records are maintained and that your home remains a difficult target.