Rural East Hertfordshire Crime Rate

Rural East Hertfordshire remains an exceptionally secure area, evidenced by a high safety score of 89/100. The overall crime rate stands at 49.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This settlement, which encompasses several rural communities within the East Hertfordshire local authority, has seen a 9.1% increase in reported crime year-over-year. Despite this upward trend, the area maintains a property crime rate of just 14.9 per 1,000, well below the national average of 32.3. This data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, suggests that while residents should stay aware of local changes, the region continues to be one of the safer places to reside in the United Kingdom.

The crime landscape in Rural East Hertfordshire is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 31.6% of all incidents with 271 recorded cases. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 24.3% and burglary at 9.3%. These figures highlight that personal safety and community conduct are the primary concerns for local residents.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, maintains a significant presence with a combined rate of 14.9 per 1,000 residents. Burglary specifically accounts for 80 incidents, while vehicle crime adds another 52. For homeowners, this necessitates a vigilant approach to perimeter security and vehicle safety. While the overall property crime rate is lower than the UK average, the volume of burglary and 'other theft' suggests that opportunistic criminals remain active across the settlement's residential areas. Protecting outbuildings and ensuring high-quality physical security for doors and windows remains a priority for maintaining the area's high safety standing.

Between December 2024 and November 2025, Rural East Hertfordshire experienced a 9.1% increase in total crime. The year began with a crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 in December 2024, rising steadily to a peak of 4.9 in November 2025. This upward trend was marked by several fluctuations, with notable highs in August (4.7) and March (4.6).

The data suggests a gradual increase in reported incidents over the 12-month period, rather than a sudden spike. For residents, this means that while the area remains very safe compared to the national average, the environment is becoming slightly more active in terms of police-recorded crime. This trend is likely driven by a combination of increased reporting and a rise in opportunistic property crimes. Continuous monitoring of these monthly figures is advisable to see if this trend stabilises or continues into the next year.

How To Keep Safe in Rural East Hertfordshire

While Rural East Hertfordshire is very safe, the most prevalent crime type is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.6% of reports. Much of this category includes domestic incidents and verbal altercations, but general personal safety remains important.

• Stay Aware in Isolated Areas: When walking or exercising in more remote rural parts of the settlement, especially after dark, stay on well-lit paths and let someone know your expected return time.
• Encourage Community Vigilance: Join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. In rural areas, residents are often the best source of intelligence for local police regarding suspicious behaviour or unfamiliar vehicles.
• Secure Your Home Boundary: Since burglary is the third most common crime, ensure that gates, fences, and hedges are well-maintained to prevent easy access to the rear of your property.
• Report Anti-Social Behaviour: With ASB making up 24.3% of local crime, reporting incidents to the local council or police helps ensure that small issues are addressed before they escalate.
• Vehicle Security: Always double-check that your vehicle is locked and valuables are removed, particularly if parking in more secluded rural spots.

Crime in Rural East Hertfordshire follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning and afternoon, theft and burglary are more prominent, often occurring while residents are at work or school. Afternoon hours specifically see a peak in burglary, accounting for 36% of such offences. As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts toward anti-social behaviour and public order issues. The night-time period is particularly notable for vehicle crime, which represents 38% of all incidents between midnight and 6am. This suggests that while personal safety is a daytime concern, property and vehicle security are most at risk under the cover of darkness. Residents should tailor their security habits to these cycles, ensuring vehicles are particularly well-protected overnight.

When comparing Rural East Hertfordshire to the wider region, it sits comfortably as a low-crime area. While it may have slightly more recorded activity than the smallest, most isolated hamlets in the district, it is significantly quieter than the primary urban hubs of East Hertfordshire. The 49.0 crime rate reflects a balanced rural-urban settlement where community safety is high. Nearby areas with more commercial infrastructure or higher population densities often see crime rates closer to the UK average, making Rural East Hertfordshire a preferred choice for those prioritising a secure residential environment. This regional context reinforces the area's reputation for safety despite the modest recent increase in reported incidents.

With a property crime rate of 14.9 per 1,000, Rural East Hertfordshire residents benefit from a low-risk environment, yet the recent 9.1% increase in crime suggests a need for modern security solutions. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard burglar alarms, are reactive; they record or alert you only after a perimeter has been breached. In a rural or semi-rural setting, where police response times can vary, proactive protection is essential.

An AI-powered system like scOS changes the dynamic by focusing on prevention rather than reaction. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries 24/7, scOS can identify a potential intruder before they reach your door. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly spot suspicious cars, while autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio deterrents—can stop a crime before it starts. For homeowners in this area, moving beyond simple recording to an intelligent, proactive operating system provides the most robust defence against the rising local trend in burglary and vehicle theft.