Bishop's Stortford Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bishop's Stortford's crime rate in November 2023 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, 17.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure places the area among the safer built-up regions in the country, a position reinforced by its relatively low violent crime rate of 1.6 per 1,000 (25.6% of total crimes). Violence and sexual offences, the most common category, were 38% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area's character as a commuter town with limited nightlife and a strong focus on family-oriented communities. Anti-social behaviour, however, emerged as a notable concern, accounting for 22.3% of all crimes and 33% above the UK average of 1.1 per 1,000. This may be partly explained by the area's proximity to Hertford and the influx of transient populations during the university term. November's seasonal dynamics, including the impact of dark evenings and the timing of Bonfire Night, likely influenced crime patterns, with shoplifting and vehicle crime both exceeding national averages. The latter may reflect the presence of commuter parking facilities near major transport hubs, which are known to be hotspots for vehicle-related offences. While the overall stability in the crime rate suggests no dramatic shifts, the interplay between local demographics and seasonal factors underscores the need for targeted policing efforts in high-risk areas such as retail centres and public transport nodes.

November 2023 saw notable shifts in specific crime categories, with possession of weapons increasing by 100% and theft from the person rising by 75%. These spikes, though modest in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night events or increased alcohol consumption during darker evenings. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 21.8% compared to October, possibly due to the early onset of winter holidays reducing public gatherings. The area's violent crime rate of 1.6 per 1,000 is 38% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the 33% increase in anti-social behaviour compared to the national figure of 1.1 per 1,000. Shoplifting and vehicle crime also exceeded UK averages, with shoplifting at 0.7 per 1,000 (27% above) and vehicle crime at 0.7 per 1,000 (40% above). These trends may be linked to the area's retail presence and commuter infrastructure, which could attract opportunistic theft. Residents should remain aware of these patterns, particularly as Black Friday shopping events may contribute to increased retail-related crime.

Bishop's Stortford's crime rate in November 2023 remained stable at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, matching the rate recorded in the previous month. This consistency suggests no significant short-term shifts in overall crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately nine crimes reported each day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity within the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 161 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area in a lower-risk bracket compared to many similar-sized towns. With a population of 44,015, this statistic translates to a relatively low probability of any individual encountering crime, even when considering the seasonal pressures of November. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, reinforcing Bishop's Stortford's position as a safer area relative to the national picture. However, the daily and monthly exposure figures highlight the need for continued vigilance, particularly in areas with higher concentrations of retail or public spaces.