Hertford Crime Rate

Hertford is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 84.5 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in a high safety score of 81/100, above the national average of 79/100. However, crime in Hertford has seen an upward trend, with a 5.8% increase in reported offences over the last year. As a primarily residential area with a population of over 30,000, Hertford offers a secure environment for families and professionals alike. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, time patterns, and safety advice tailored specifically to the Hertford area.

Crime Breakdown in Hertford

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Hertford, making up 35.6% of all reported incidents (929 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 20.3%, followed by shoplifting and 'other theft', both at 7.8%. When looking at property crime as a whole—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—the rate in Hertford is 27.6 per 1,000 people. Within this category, shoplifting and 'other theft' are the primary concerns for residents, followed by vehicle crime (4.7 per 1,000). Burglary is relatively low at 2.5 per 1,000. These figures suggest that while Hertford is a safe urban settlement, residents should remain focused on securing their properties and vehicles against opportunistic theft, which forms a notable portion of the local crime landscape.

Crime Trends in Hertford

The crime trend in Hertford is currently increasing, with a 5.8% rise in total offences over the last 12 months. Analysis of the monthly data shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year. The rate started at 6.7 per 1,000 in December 2024 and saw a significant peak in June 2025 at 9.7, followed by another peak in August at 9.2. Following this, the rate returned to more typical levels, averaging around 7.0 per 1,000. This upward trajectory suggests that residents should be more vigilant than in previous years. The peaks during the summer months indicate that certain periods may see significantly higher activity.

How To Keep Safe in Hertford

The most common crime in Hertford is violence and sexual offences, which, while relatively low, still requires awareness. To stay safe, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings, especially during late-night hours. Stick to well-lit routes and try to avoid walking alone in secluded areas whenever possible.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent concern in Hertford. Residents are encouraged to report incidents to local authorities to help them address community issues effectively. For property protection, shoplifting and other theft are notable factors; local business owners should consider enhanced security measures. For homeowners, vehicle crime is a key area to focus on, particularly at night when it peaks. Always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left visible, as this can attract opportunistic theft. Burglaries are most likely at night and in the afternoon, so ensuring your home is securely locked and appears occupied when you are away is vital. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme is also a great way to stay informed about safety in your specific part of Hertford and contribute to a more secure environment for everyone. Visible security measures like alarms or smart lighting can also provide an effective deterrent against crime. even in a safe area, these proactive steps are essential for maintaining your peace of mind.

Crime Time Patterns in Hertford

Analysis of crime timing in Hertford reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are relatively quiet, though they still see a significant portion of theft-related offences (50%). As the day progresses, the afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a peak in theft, accounting for 54% of incidents during this period, and burglary at 15%. Evening hours (6pm-12am) are characterized by a rise in 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 42% of reports. Most notably, night-time (12am-6am) sees a major peak in vehicle crime, which represents a substantial 47% of all activity during these hours. Burglary also remains high at night (16%). These patterns suggest that while daytime theft is a concern for businesses, the night-time hours present the highest risk for vehicle and home security, requiring robust overnight protection.

When comparing Hertford to its immediate neighbours, it presents a safe profile, although its crime rate of 84.5 per 1,000 is higher than some adjacent areas. Nearby Ware reports a lower crime rate of 69.7, and Hertford Heath is lower still at 48.0. Nearby Birch Green and Letty Green both recorded 0.0 in this data period, offering even quieter alternatives. This suggests that Hertford is the primary hub for reported crime within its immediate cluster of low-crime settlements. For those looking at the region, it remains a secure place to live compared to more urban areas.

In Hertford, where property crime is 27.6 per 1,000, residents can take pride in their safe community. However, maintaining this high standard of security requires moving beyond reactive measures. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which can be distressing and do little to prevent the initial loss. The scOS AI-powered operating system offers a proactive alternative designed to stop crime before it happens. By using advanced AI to monitor your cameras, scOS identifies potential threats at the boundary of your property. It can distinguish between everyday activity and suspicious behaviour, such as someone loitering near your vehicle or testing your door locks. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously respond by activating security lights or audio alerts, deterring the intruder in real-time. For Hertford residents, this professional-grade, intelligent protection is the most effective way to ensure that their home remains a difficult target for opportunistic crime.