Borehamwood Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Borehamwood's April 2024 crime rate of 9.2 per 1,000 residents places it 19.5% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This marked departure from the national norm is most pronounced in anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 28.2% of all crimes reported—nearly double the UK average of 1.2 per 1,000. The local breakdown reveals a distinct pattern: while violent crimes (91 incidents) and property crimes (144 incidents) dominate the overall tally, the most significant outlier is the 2.6 per 1,000 rate for anti-social behaviour, which is 113% higher than the UK average. This category alone constitutes nearly a third of all reported crimes in the area, suggesting a combination of factors including public space usage and community dynamics. Seasonal context may offer partial insight: April's Easter period, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity could contribute to heightened social interactions in public spaces, exacerbating incidents of disorder. Shoplifting (1.1 per 1,000) and other theft (0.8 per 1,000) also exceed UK averages. The area's built-up character within Hertsmere—a commuter-oriented suburb with a mix of residential and commercial zones—likely shapes these patterns, as retail centres and public spaces become focal points for both anti-social behaviour and property-related crimes. While the overall rate is elevated, the distribution of crime types suggests a need to address specific local vulnerabilities, such as the overrepresentation of anti-social behaviour compared to the national profile.

April 2024 saw sharp increases in several categories, most shoplifting, which surged by 114.3% from 21 to 45 incidents—a jump that may reflect seasonal retail activity or targeted crime patterns. Similarly, drug-related offences doubled from 5 to 10, and possession of weapons rose from 1 to 2, both indicating potential shifts in local dynamics. These increases contrast with declines in burglary (down 44.4%), bicycle theft (down 33.3%), and theft from the person (down 28.6%), which could signal the effectiveness of recent policing initiatives or changes in offender behaviour. The crime mix also shows a notable shift: while property crimes (144) outnumbered violent crimes (91), the proportion of anti-social behaviour—accounting for 28.2% of all crimes—significantly exceeds the UK average of 11.3% (based on the 1.2 per 1,000 rate). This divergence highlights a local challenge, as anti-social behaviour in Borehamwood is 113% above the national average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in public spaces. For residents, the most immediate concern may be the surge in shoplifting, which could impact local businesses and require collaboration between police and retailers to address. Meanwhile, the drop in burglary rates—despite the area's built-up nature—may be linked to improved home security measures or seasonal factors, such as the Easter holiday period reducing opportunities for entry.

Borehamwood's crime rate in April 2024 (9.2 per 1,000) represents a 13.3% increase from the previous month's rate of 8.1 per 1,000, underscoring a recent upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 13 crimes per day—a figure that, while not uncommon for a built-up area, warrants attention given the elevated overall rate compared to the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 108 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not alarmingly high, is higher than the UK average of 1 in 131 residents (based on the 7.7 per 1,000 national rate). This monthly figure provides context for residents, illustrating that while the risk of crime is not extreme, it is higher than the national benchmark. The population of 41,531 residents further contextualises these numbers, with the local rate reflecting a density of incidents that, while manageable, requires sustained community engagement and policing. The contrast between Borehamwood's rate and the UK average is particularly stark in anti-social behaviour, which is 113% above the national figure, suggesting that local factors—such as the area's commuter-oriented layout and public spaces—may contribute to the discrepancy. This comparison highlights the need for tailored strategies that address the specific challenges of a built-up suburb within a larger commuter belt, where public space usage and social dynamics differ from more rural or urban centres.