Datchworth Crime Rate

Datchworth is a secure and peaceful urban settlement with a crime rate of 38.7 per 1,000 residents, far below the UK average of 91.6. This low rate is reflected in its high safety score of 91/100. The area has seen a significant downward trend in crime, with an 18.2% reduction year-over-year, indicating a continually improving safety environment. Most reports in Datchworth concern anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences, while property-related crimes like burglary and vehicle theft remain relatively low. This analysis provides a detailed look at the crime statistics, trends, and time patterns that define Datchworth's local safety profile, offering residents a clear picture of their neighbourhood's security.

Datchworth's crime profile is primarily defined by anti-social behaviour (36.7%) and violence and sexual offences (35.6%). Vehicle crime is the third most common category, though it accounts for a much smaller 6.7% of total reports. Property-related crime overall—including burglary, theft, and vehicle offences—stands at a rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents. Burglary itself makes up 5.6% of the total crime in the area. This data suggests that while social conduct issues and personal safety are the main focus of local statistics, the risk to physical property is relatively low. For homeowners, the main threats are opportunistic, such as vehicle crime and occasional burglaries. Maintaining a visible security presence can be an effective way to mitigate these risks in an area where property crime is not the dominant concern.

Datchworth is experiencing a very positive safety trend, with an 18.2% reduction in crime year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate was highest in July, reaching 5.2 per 1,000. However, for most of the year, the rate remained stable between 2.2 and 3.9 per 1,000. The year ended on a lower note, with December recording a rate of 2.6. This sustained decrease suggests that Datchworth is becoming an even safer place to live. The absence of significant spikes—other than a minor summer increase—indicates a predictable and secure environment for residents. This downward trend is a strong indicator of the area's overall safety and community stability.

How To Keep Safe in Datchworth

Anti-social behaviour is the most common crime type in Datchworth. To help maintain the area's safety and your personal well-being, consider these tips:

• Report any persistent anti-social behaviour to the local police; this helps them identify patterns and deploy resources effectively to keep the community peaceful.
• Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the area, especially during the evening hours when a variety of incidents are more likely to occur.
• Secure your vehicle overnight, as vehicle crime is most prevalent between 12am and 6am. Ensure no valuables are left inside and windows are fully closed.
• Install motion-sensor lighting around your property. This not only improves your own safety but also acts as a deterrent for potential intruders.
• Given that burglaries peak in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), ensure your home is fully locked and consider using timer switches for lights if you are away during the day.

Datchworth's crime patterns show a distinct shift between day and night. During the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), burglary is the most significant concern, accounting for 55% of incidents in that period. This suggests a vulnerability when homes are unoccupied during the working day. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes and anti-social behaviour become more prominent. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees a sharp rise in vehicle crime, which makes up 40% of reports during these hours, while burglary remains a notable factor at 42%. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) also show a significant burglary rate (36%). These statistics highlight the need for consistent property security, particularly during the afternoon and overnight periods.

Datchworth compares very favourably to many of its neighbours. Its crime rate of 38.7 per 1,000 is lower than Woolmer Green (49.4) and significantly better than Knebworth (73.5). While Oaklands (23.4) and Tewin Wood (0.0) have lower rates, Datchworth remains a very safe choice within the East Hertfordshire region. Its substantial 18.2% decrease in crime over the last year makes it an increasingly attractive and secure location for residents looking for a peaceful community.

With a property crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 in Datchworth, the likelihood of being a victim of theft or burglary is low. However, the data shows that burglary is most common in the afternoon, while vehicle crime peaks at night. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are often reactive, recording footage only after a crime has begun. For Datchworth residents, proactive protection offers a more effective solution. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries and can identify threats in real-time. It can distinguish between normal routines and suspicious patterns, triggering autonomous responses like lighting or audio alerts to deter an intruder before they reach your home. This level of professional-grade deterrence ensures that Datchworth homeowners are not just recording crime, but stopping it entirely, maintaining the area's high safety standards.