Blackwater (Hart) Crime Rate

Blackwater (Hart) is a safe and secure urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 43.5 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in an excellent safety score of 88/100. Although the area has seen a 13.7% increase in crime year-over-year, it remains one of the safer locations in the region. The data indicates a high-trust environment, though recent trends suggest that residents should be increasingly mindful of property and vehicle security. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of local crime types, monthly trends, and specific time-based patterns to help you stay informed about the safety of Blackwater.

In Blackwater (Hart), the crime profile is heavily weighted towards violence and sexual offences, which constitute 51.3% of all recorded incidents (22.3 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common category at 10.4%, followed closely by vehicle crime at 10.1%. This higher-than-average percentage for vehicle crime is a notable characteristic of the local area.

Property-related crime—encompassing burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 12.5 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. However, within this category, vehicle crime is a primary concern for residents, alongside criminal damage and arson (7.6%). Burglary accounts for 4.1% of total crime. The data indicates that while overall property crime is low, the specific risk to vehicles is more pronounced here than in many neighbouring settlements, requiring targeted security awareness from local homeowners.

Blackwater's crime trend is currently increasing, with a 13.7% rise in total offences over the last 12 months. Monthly analysis shows significant volatility; the year began with a low of 2.3 per 1,000 in December 2024 but spiked sharply to 5.5 in March 2025.

Following this peak, the rate fluctuated, with another high of 4.5 in May and consistent figures around 4.0 through the summer and early autumn. By October 2025, the rate had settled slightly to 3.6. This overall upward trajectory, despite the recent autumn dip, suggests that the area is experiencing a period of increased criminal activity compared to previous years. Residents should remain aware of this trend and consider enhancing their home and vehicle security to mitigate the rising risk.

How To Keep Safe in Blackwater (Hart)

With violence and sexual offences being the most frequent crime type, personal safety is the priority. However, the high rate of vehicle crime, particularly at night, also requires specific attention from residents.

1. Ensure your vehicle is parked in a secure garage or a well-lit area overnight, as 59% of night-time crime in Blackwater is vehicle-related.
2. Use a steering lock or a Faraday pouch for keyless entry fobs to add an extra layer of protection against opportunistic car thieves.
3. Be vigilant during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), which is the peak time for burglary incidents (23%) in the local area.
4. When walking home late, stay on main routes and avoid poorly lit paths, especially near the borders with neighbouring towns.
5. Consider installing motion-sensor lighting around your driveway and property boundaries to deter anti-social behaviour and potential intruders.

Crime in Blackwater follows very specific time-based trends. The most striking pattern occurs at night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime accounts for a massive 59% of all recorded incidents. This highlights a significant risk to cars parked overnight. During the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), the nature of crime shifts toward property theft and burglary, with burglary reaching its highest proportional peak of 23% during these hours. Morning hours see a mix of vehicle crime (33%) and theft (31%). These statistics suggest that while daytime security should focus on the home, night-time measures must prioritise vehicle protection. Understanding these cycles allows residents to better target their security efforts.

In the local context, Blackwater (Hart) is part of a relatively safe corridor. Its crime rate of 43.5 per 1,000 compares favourably to neighbouring Hawley (54.9) and Yateley (46.5). It is also slightly safer than Sandhurst in the adjacent Bracknell Forest area, which reports a rate of 44.6. Only the very small or rural area of Minley shows a lower (0.0) rate. This positioning makes Blackwater a statistically secure choice for residents looking for an urban settlement that maintains the high safety standards characteristic of the Hart district while remaining well-connected to surrounding towns.

Blackwater's property crime rate of 12.5 per 1,000 is low, but the 10.1% share for vehicle crime is a specific concern, especially as it accounts for 59% of night-time incidents. Traditional security systems often fail to protect vehicles because they are reactive; they might record a thief in your driveway, but they won't stop them. For Blackwater residents, preventing the crime before it happens is the most effective strategy.

The scOS operating system offers this proactive protection. By using AI-powered boundary detection and multi-camera intelligence, scOS identifies suspicious activity at the edge of your property. It can even verify vehicle plates to spot unauthorised cars instantly. If a potential thief approaches your vehicle at night, scOS doesn't just record—it can autonomously trigger lights or speakers to destroy the element of surprise. This immediate intervention is a powerful deterrent that DIY cameras simply cannot provide. For those in Blackwater looking to safeguard their property and vehicles, scOS provides the intelligent, real-time protection needed to counter local crime patterns.