Buntingford Crime Rate

Buntingford is a highly secure and attractive urban settlement, boasting an excellent safety score of 87/100, which is far above the UK average of 79/100. Its overall crime rate of 56.1 per 1,000 people is also significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Furthermore, the property crime rate of 14.5 is less than half the UK benchmark of 32.2, suggesting a very safe environment for residents' assets. Most encouragingly, crime in Buntingford is stable, with a slight 0.8% decrease year-over-year. This consistency 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 Buntingford, with a focus on property and vehicle offences, and insights into the specific times when these incidents are most likely to occur.

Crime in Buntingford

Buntingford's crime profile is primarily defined by three categories: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, representing 37.2% of all reports (191 incidents). Anti-social behaviour follows at 28.6% (147 incidents), while criminal damage and arson accounts for 7.4% of the total crime volume with 38 reported cases.

For residents and property owners, the property crime rate in Buntingford is 14.5 per 1,000 people. While this is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2, it is a key area for local security focus. Property-related offences include shoplifting (6.6%), vehicle crime (4.7%), criminal damage and arson (7.4%), and other theft (3.3%). Burglary accounts for 3.3% of total crime with 17 reported cases. Notably, the combined percentage of burglary and vehicle crime is 8.0%, 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 Buntingford

The crime trend in Buntingford is very stable, with a slight 0.8% decrease in total reported incidents year-over-year. This consistency indicates that the town is maintaining its high safety standards. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the year started with a very low crime rate of 2.4 in January, which rose to 3.4 in February.

The rate fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable peak in July recording the year's highest rate of 7.1, and another high point in October at 6.3. Following these peaks, the rate recorded 3.2 in November and ended the year at 5.0 in December. Despite these seasonal fluctuations, the overall stable trend and the low monthly rates are strong indicators of a secure environment. Residents can feel confident in the town's security, though the peaks in July and October suggest periods where extra vigilance is beneficial.

How To Keep Safe in Buntingford

The most common crime in Buntingford 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 factor in Buntingford, particularly at night when it accounts for 45% 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 23% of burglaries in Buntingford happen in the afternoon and 19% at night. 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 high safety standards that Buntingford is known for. By following these simple steps, you can help keep yourself and your property secure in this safe town community.

When Crime Happens in Buntingford

Buntingford 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 31% and 36% 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 accounting for 19% and vehicle crime reaching a massive 45% of all night-time incidents. The afternoon is the peak time for burglary at 23%. The evening (6pm - 12am) is dominated by "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and miscellaneous offences, which account for 50% of reports in that period. This data suggests a dual-risk profile: general theft is most common during the day, while vehicle crime is 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 vehicle protection is a top focus overnight.

Buntingford compares favourably to many of the larger urban centres in the region, offering a high level of safety. While nearby Great Hormead (55.2) and Braughing (55.8) have similar crime rates, Buntingford's rate of 56.1 is still much lower than the UK average. Other very rural neighbours like Cottered and Barkway all reported 0.0 crimes in this period. For those seeking a safe and well-connected town with a stable crime trend, Buntingford is a premier choice, providing a robust level of security and a high quality of life.

Home Security in Buntingford

Buntingford's property crime rate of 14.5 per 1,000 people is very low, and the stable trend in overall crime shows that the town is maintaining its high safety standards. 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 Buntingford, where burglaries peak in the afternoon and at night, 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 Buntingford 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.