Hertsmere Crime Rate

Hertsmere Crime Overview

Hertsmere presents a stable safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 95.9 per 1,000 people. This figure is slightly above the UK average of 93.1, but the area maintains a safety score of 79/100, which is marginally better than the national average of 78. The district, which includes towns like Borehamwood, Bushey, and Potters Bar, has seen a stable crime trend with a minor 2.0% increase over the last year. This consistency suggests that while crime volume is present, it is not experiencing a significant upward trajectory. The local statistics are primarily driven by violence and anti-social behaviour, along with notable levels of vehicle crime and theft. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these figures to help residents and business owners understand and manage their local safety environment effectively.

About Lichfield

Lichfield is a historic local authority district in Staffordshire, famous for its three-spired cathedral and its rich literary and cultural heritage. The district is primarily residential and rural, anchored by the city of Lichfield and the town of Burntwood. Its strategic location at the intersection of the A5, A38, and M6 Toll makes it a highly desirable area for commuters working in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. This excellent connectivity, however, also makes the area accessible for transient criminal activity, particularly vehicle-related offences.

The area's crime statistics are influenced by its relative affluence and its role as a regional hub for tourism and shopping. The city centre attracts many visitors, which contributes to reports of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Economically, Lichfield is a prosperous district with high employment rates and a strong sense of community, which is reflected in its high safety score. The mix of historic urban centres and quiet rural villages creates a varied but generally secure environment. The local economy is driven by service industries, retail, and tourism, all of which benefit from the area's reputation for safety and its well-maintained public spaces.

Crime Breakdown in Hertsmere

In Hertsmere, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 31.3% of all incidents with 3,313 cases. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 18.1%, followed by other theft at 9.7%. For those focused on property protection, the overall property crime rate—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft—is 37.0 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Shoplifting and vehicle crime are also significant factors, with 931 and 736 incidents reported respectively. While burglary represents 4.2% of total crime (449 incidents), the high volume of other theft and vehicle-related offences suggests that residents and business owners face a persistent risk of opportunistic crime. The data indicates that robust security for both homes and vehicles is a key priority for maintaining safety in the district.

Crime Trends in Hertsmere

The crime trend in Hertsmere is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 2.0%. Analysis of the monthly data reveals a fairly consistent level of activity throughout the year, with crime rates per 1,000 residents typically ranging from 6.9 to 8.9. A slight peak was observed in May 2025 (8.9) and July 2025 (8.8), which is a common seasonal pattern where activity increases during the warmer months.

The latter part of the year saw a gradual decrease, with September 2025 recording the lowest recent rate of 6.9 per 1,000 before a slight rise to 7.3 in October. These small fluctuations suggest that while there has been a minor increase in reported crime, the overall safety of the area remains consistent. For residents, this stability is a positive sign, indicating that the district is not experiencing any significant or alarming spikes in criminal activity and that safety levels are being maintained effectively.

Regional Safety Context

In the context of the London-Hertfordshire border, Hertsmere serves as an important suburban link. Its crime rate of 95.9 per 1,000 is higher than the statistical 0.0 reported for neighbouring areas like Barnet, Watford, Harrow, and St Albans in this specific dataset. This is often typical of districts with major transport arteries like the M25 and A1(M), which can influence local crime patterns, particularly vehicle-related offences. However, with a safety score of 79/100, Hertsmere remains a very safe and affluent choice compared to many other areas bordering the capital. It offers a balanced environment where the convenience of city access is matched by a generally secure and well-managed residential atmosphere.

Proactive Security for Hertsmere

Hertsmere has a property crime rate of 37.0 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the national average. Vehicle crime and other theft are significant contributors to local statistics, often targeting the affluent residential areas for which the district is known. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive; they notify you after an intruder has already entered your property or damaged your vehicle, providing little more than footage for an insurance claim.

scOS offers a proactive alternative that is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using advanced AI and multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7. It can distinguish between a neighbour's cat and a genuine threat, and its DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious cars near your home. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lights and audio warnings. This destroys the element of surprise and often causes the intruder to move on before they ever attempt a break-in. For Hertsmere residents, this proactive approach offers true peace of mind, ensuring that your security system is an active guardian that stops threats rather than just a passive recorder of your property losses. This professional-grade security is essential for maintaining the high safety standards expected in the district.

How To Keep Safe in Hertsmere

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Hertsmere, accounting for 31.3% of reports. Residents are encouraged to follow these practical safety tips to enhance their personal and property security.

1. Be Aware in Urban Centres: When in busy areas like Borehamwood or Potters Bar, stay mindful of your surroundings, especially during the evening. Stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid isolated shortcuts.
2. Vehicle Security is Key: With vehicle crime being a notable factor, always ensure your car is locked and use a steering wheel lock if possible. Never leave valuables on display, even for short periods.
3. Secure Your Perimeter: To deter other theft and burglary, ensure your home's exterior is well-lit and that side gates are securely locked. Sturdy fencing can act as a significant deterrent to opportunistic thieves.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is the second most common issue. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps them identify patterns and allocate resources more effectively to the affected neighbourhoods.
5. Community Informing: Join local Neighbourhood Watch schemes or social media safety groups. Staying informed about recent activity in your specific area is one of the best ways to stay ahead of opportunistic crime.