Watton at Stone Crime Rate

Watton at Stone is a safe and secure urban settlement with a crime rate of 41.0 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to its impressive safety score of 91/100. While the area has seen a slight year-year-over increase in crime of 5.9%, it remains a low-risk environment for both residents and property. The local crime profile is primarily characterised by violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour, with property-related crimes like burglary being exceptionally rare. This analysis explores the detailed breakdown of these statistics, providing insights into the trends and time-based patterns that affect safety within the Watton at Stone community.

Watton at Stone's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (38.9%) and anti-social behaviour (26.9%). Other theft follows as the third most common category at 8.3%. Property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences—stands at a rate of 9.5 per 1,000 residents. Interestingly, burglary is remarkably rare in this area, with only 1 incident recorded, representing just 0.9% of total crime. This suggests that while theft and vehicle crime occur, the risk of a residential break-in is extremely low. For residents, the data indicates that personal safety and general community conduct (ASB) are more prominent concerns than property-targeted crimes. Homeowners should still maintain standard security, but the statistical likelihood of being a victim of burglary is significantly lower than in many other parts of the region.

Watton at Stone has experienced a modest 5.9% increase in crime over the last year. Monthly analysis for 2025 shows a somewhat fluctuating pattern, with a significant peak in June at 6.1 per 1,000. Other notable months include February (4.6) and August (4.9). The lowest activity was recorded in May at 1.5 per 1,000. Despite the slight annual increase, the crime rate remains well within the 'very safe' category. The fluctuations suggest that crime in Watton at Stone is often incident-based rather than a steady upward trend. Residents should remain aware of these occasional spikes but can be reassured that the overall safety profile of the area remains strong compared to national figures.

How To Keep Safe in Watton at Stone

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Watton at Stone. While the overall numbers are low, the following tips can help you maintain your personal safety:

• Be mindful of your surroundings when walking through the village, particularly in less populated or poorly lit areas after dark.
• If you are walking home late, stay on main roads and consider carrying a personal safety alarm for added peace of mind.
• Ensure your home is well-lit externally; motion-sensor lighting is an effective way to improve visibility and deter unwanted activity around your property.
• Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as this helps them allocate resources and maintain the area's peaceful character.
• Keep your vehicle locked and avoid leaving valuables inside, as vehicle crime, though infrequent, is a known factor in the local area.

Crime in Watton at Stone is most heavily concentrated during the daylight hours. Morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) periods see the highest levels of theft, which accounts for 63% and 68% of incidents respectively. This suggests that theft-related offences are primarily occurring when people are active and retail or commercial areas are open. Conversely, the evening (6pm - 12am) and night (12am - 6am) periods show a shift towards 'other' crimes and a notable increase in vehicle crime, which peaks at 26% during the early hours of the morning. Burglary also shows a slight increase in frequency during the night-time period. These patterns indicate that while theft is a daytime concern, property and vehicle security should be a priority overnight.

Watton at Stone sits within a cluster of relatively safe Hertfordshire areas. Its crime rate of 41.0 per 1,000 is very similar to Dane End (39.7) and Datchworth (38.7), suggesting a consistent safety profile across this part of the district. It is notably safer than Walkern, which has a higher rate of 49.8. However, Benington (14.6) and Tewin Wood (0.0) offer even lower crime rates. For those considering the local region, Watton at Stone represents a safe, middle-ground option that is far more secure than the national average.

With a property crime rate of 9.5 per 1,000 in Watton at Stone, the statistical risk to your home is low, especially regarding burglary. However, theft and vehicle crime do occur, and reactive security measures—like standard CCTV—often only provide evidence after the damage is done. For those who value prevention, the scOS AI-powered security system offers a proactive alternative. Unlike traditional systems that notify you after a sensor is tripped, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter 24/7. It can distinguish between a delivery person and a potential threat, activating autonomous responses such as lighting or audio alerts to deter intruders before they even attempt a break-in. By choosing scOS, Watton at Stone homeowners can ensure their property remains a hard target, effectively preventing crime rather than just recording it. This proactive approach is the most reliable way to maintain the high safety standards residents expect in this community.