Hertford Crime Rate

Hertford is a secure and attractive urban settlement, boasting a high safety score of 81/100, which is well above the UK average of 79/100. Its overall crime rate of 83.3 per 1,000 people is also lower than the national average of 91.6. Furthermore, the property crime rate of 27.6 is below the UK benchmark of 32.2, suggesting a safe environment for residents' assets. Crime in Hertford is stable, with a slight 1.7% increase 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 Hertford, with a focus on property and vehicle offences, and insights into the specific times when these incidents are most likely to occur.

Crime in Hertford

Hertford's crime profile is primarily defined by three categories: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and other theft. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, representing 34.6% of all reports (891 incidents). Anti-social behaviour follows at 20.9% (537 incidents), while other theft accounts for 8.2% of the total crime volume with 210 reported cases.

For residents and property owners, the property crime rate in Hertford is 27.6 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.2, it is a key area for local security focus. Property-related offences include other theft (8.2%), shoplifting (8.1%), vehicle crime (5.6%), and criminal damage and arson (5.5%). Burglary accounts for 3.3% of total crime with 84 reported cases. Notably, the combined percentage of burglary and vehicle crime is 8.9%, 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 Hertford

The crime trend in Hertford is stable, with a slight 1.7% increase 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 crime rate of 6.5 in January, which dipped to its lowest point of 5.4 in December.

The rate fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable peak in June recording the year's highest rate of 9.7, and another high point in August at 9.2. Following these summer peaks, the rate generally stabilized, recording 6.4 in September and 7.5 in October. 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 June and August suggest periods where extra vigilance is beneficial.

How To Keep Safe in Hertford

The most common crime in Hertford 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 significant factor in Hertford, 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 18% of burglaries in Hertford happen at night and 16% in the afternoon. 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 Hertford 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 Hertford

Hertford 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 51% and 55% 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 peaking at 18% and vehicle crime reaching 45% of all night-time incidents. The afternoon is also a high-risk time for burglary at 16%. The evening (6pm - 12am) is dominated by "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and miscellaneous offences, which account for 41% of reports in that period. This data suggests a dual-risk profile: general theft is most common during the day, while burglaries and vehicle crime are 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 both home and vehicle protection are top focuses overnight.

Hertford compares favourably to many of the larger urban centres in the region, offering a high level of safety. While nearby Hertford Heath (48.6) and Ware (71.8) have lower crime rates, Hertford's rate of 83.3 is still lower than the UK average. Other very rural neighbours like Birch Green and Letty Green all reported 0.0 crimes in this period. For those seeking a safe and well-connected town with a stable crime trend, Hertford is a premier choice, providing a robust level of security and a high quality of life.

Home Security in Hertford

Hertford's property crime rate of 27.6 per 1,000 people is relatively 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 Hertford, where burglaries peak at night and in the afternoon, 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 Hertford 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.