Datchworth Crime Rate

Datchworth is one of the safest villages in the region, boasting an elite safety score of 91/100. The village's overall crime rate is a remarkably low 39.6 per 1,000 people, which is over 55% lower than the UK average of 91.7. Recent data from December 2024 to November 2025 indicates a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 14.0% year-over-year. Property crime is also minimal at just 6.5 per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 32.3. For the 2,327 residents, Datchworth offers an exceptionally secure environment where serious crime is rare and residential safety is a hallmark of the community.

Datchworth is an exceptionally safe village where anti-social behaviour is the most frequent crime type, making up 39.1% of all reports with 36 recorded incidents. Violence and sexual offences follow at 35.9%, and vehicle crime is third at 6.5%. These figures reflect a very low volume of crime overall, with most incidents being related to social conduct rather than serious property crime.

Property-related crime—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is remarkably low at a rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents. This is far below the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, vehicle crime (6 cases) and burglary (5 cases) are the most frequent. The burglary rate is only 2.1 per 1,000 people, accounting for 5.4% of total crime. For residents, this means that while home and vehicle security are important, the statistical risk of experiencing a crime is minimal. The area's safety is a defining characteristic, with property crime being very rare and often opportunistic rather than organized.

The crime trend in Datchworth shows a 14.0% decrease in total crime over the last 12 months. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows the crime rate fluctuating, with a low of 2.2 in March and a peak of 5.2 in July.

Despite the spike in July, the overall trend has been downward, with the year ending at a rate of 3.0 in November. This suggests that the summer months may see a temporary increase in activity, but the village generally maintains a low crime volume. For residents, this decreasing trend reinforces Datchworth's status as a safe place to live. Continued vigilance during the busier summer months is advised, but the long-term data indicates a community that is becoming increasingly secure.

How To Keep Safe in Datchworth

Datchworth is an exceptionally safe village, but the most prevalent crime type is anti-social behaviour (39.1%). This is often related to community or public incidents, but general safety awareness is always good.

• Vehicle Security: Vehicle crime accounts for 6.5% of local incidents and peaks at night (61%). Always ensure your car is locked and avoid leaving any items on display, even in your own driveway.
• Maintain Your Property Boundary: With burglary being a notable crime type (5.4%), keeping fences and gates in good repair can deter opportunistic access and clearly define your private space.
• Community Connectivity: Join a local Neighbourhood Watch or community group. In small, safe villages, residents are the best source of information about unusual activity or unknown vehicles.
• Shed and Outbuilding Security: In rural villages, thieves sometimes target outbuildings. Ensure your sheds and garages are fitted with robust locks and consider an alarm sensor.
• Report ASB: Anti-social behaviour makes up 39.1% of local crime. Reporting incidents helps local police maintain the peaceful atmosphere that makes Datchworth so desirable.

Crime in Datchworth follows a low-volume but distinct daily cycle. Morning and afternoon hours see a higher proportion of theft-related incidents. Afternoon is also the absolute peak time for burglary (45%), likely targeting homes while residents are out. Evening hours see a rise in anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. The most notable pattern occurs at night; between midnight and 6am, vehicle crime accounts for 61% of all activity. This indicates that while the village is very safe for people during the day, vehicles are the primary target for opportunistic offenders overnight. Residents can maintain the village's high safety standards by focusing on vehicle security and boundary protection during these hours.

Datchworth is a standout village for safety within East Hertfordshire. When compared to nearby settlements, it is significantly more secure than Knebworth (72.7) and Woolmer Green (50.1). While it may not reach the zero crime level of the tiny hamlet of Tewin Wood, it offers a level of safety that is far superior to almost any other urban area in the region. Its crime rate of 39.6 reflects a community that is deeply residential and peaceful. For those seeking a safe place to live, Datchworth provides an ideal balance of village life and exceptional security.

With a property crime rate of only 6.5 per 1,000, Datchworth is one of the most secure areas you can choose. However, the prevalence of anti-social behaviour suggests that opportunistic offenders are occasionally active. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV or Ring cameras are reactive; they record footage of a crime while it happens. In an area this safe, the goal of security should be to maintain that status by preventing even the rarest of incidents.

A proactive AI-powered system like scOS is the modern solution for high-safety areas. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundary 24/7, scOS can detect a potential intruder before they attempt a break-in. Features like autonomous light and sound deterrence can warn off a curious individual before they even reach your door. For Datchworth residents, scOS provides a level of intelligent protection that traditional systems cannot, ensuring that your home remains as secure as the statistics suggest it should be.