Buntingford Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Buntingford recorded a crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents in November 2023, 41.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure reflects a relatively low level of criminal activity for a built-up area within East Hertfordshire, though it is not without its challenges. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 47.5% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (22.5%) and shoplifting (17.5%). The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and extended periods of darkness—likely influenced these patterns. For instance, the 56.3% decrease in shoplifting compared to October may be partially explained by the conclusion of the major post-Christmas sales period, though the rate still remained 45% above the UK average. Similarly, the 35.7% increase in violence and sexual offences could be linked to the reduced visibility and increased social activity associated with late autumn events. The area's crime profile suggests a combination of local factors, such as the presence of retail centres and community engagement, and broader seasonal trends. While the overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, the persistence of certain crime types above national levels indicates areas for targeted intervention. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (60% below the UK average) and property-related offences may be attributable to Buntingford's character as a smaller, more tightly-knit community with limited commercial zones compared to larger urban centres. However, the 100% increase in vehicle crime and other crime categories highlights the need for continued monitoring of emerging trends.

November 2023 saw a 35.7% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 14 to 19 incidents. This shift contrasts with a 56.3% decline in shoplifting, which fell from 16 to 7 cases despite the Black Friday shopping period. The spike in violence may be linked to the transition from autumn to winter, with darker evenings potentially increasing opportunities for such crimes. Vehicle crime surged by 100% as the month began, with two incidents recorded compared to zero in October, reflecting seasonal patterns in vehicle-related theft. Buntingford's rate for violence and sexual offences (2.1 per 1,000) was 19% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, indicating a relatively safer performance in this category. Conversely, shoplifting in Buntingford (0.8 per 1,000) was 45% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, highlighting a localised challenge in retail crime prevention.

Buntingford's crime rate in November 2023 fell by 20.1% compared to October's rate of 5.5 per 1,000, marking a notable downward trend. This reduction aligns with a broader seasonal pattern observed in similar built-up areas during late autumn, where cooler weather and shorter daylight hours may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the 30-day period, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall crime rate compared to national averages. When scaled to the local population, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 229 residents over the course of the month, underscoring the area's comparative safety. While this monthly exposure is a useful benchmark for residents, it does not account for variations in individual risk factors such as proximity to retail centres or nightlife areas. The population context further highlights the significance of this statistic: with 9,164 residents, the 40 total crimes recorded represent a manageable level of activity in a community of this size.