Borehamwood Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Borehamwood's crime profile in February 2024, accounting for 25.9% of all reported crimes. This category alone contributes significantly to the area's crime rate of 9.2 per 1,000 residents, which is 29.6% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour follows closely at 25.3%, reflecting persistent community tensions or social challenges in the built-up area. Shoplifting emerges as the third most prevalent crime, with 57 incidents (14.9% of total crimes), potentially linked to the area's retail presence and seasonal factors. February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have shifted focus to indoor spaces, contributing to the prominence of violence and anti-social behaviour. The relatively high rate of property crimes (148 total) compared to violent crimes (99) suggests a combination of local demographics and environmental factors. While the UK average for violence is 2.5 per 1,000 (2.4 in Borehamwood), the area's anti-social behaviour rate (2.3 per 1,000) is 119% above the UK average, highlighting a critical disparity. This may reflect localised pressures in a commuter-oriented suburb with high population density and limited recreational spaces. The seasonal context of February—a month with reduced daylight and colder temperatures—could also influence crime patterns, with fewer outdoor opportunities driving more indoor incidents. However, direct causal links, and further analysis would be needed to identify specific contributing factors.

February 2024 saw a dramatic surge in shoplifting, with 57 incidents reported—a 159.1% increase from 22 in January. This spike may be linked to pre-spring retail activity or targeted enforcement in local stores. Concurrently, theft from the person and robbery both doubled, rising to 7 and 6 incidents respectively. These increases contrast sharply with declines in vehicle crime (-63.3%), burglary (-62.5%), and other theft (-28.6%), which may reflect seasonal shifts in criminal activity. Borehamwood's anti-social behaviour rate (2.3 per 1,000) is 119% above the UK average (1.1 per 1,000), suggesting a significant local challenge that warrants targeted community interventions. Conversely, the area's burglary rate (0.1 per 1,000) is 67% below the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), due to effective local policing or secure housing stock. Residents should note the sharp rise in shoplifting, which could indicate a need for enhanced retail security measures. The crime mix also shows a shift towards property-related offences (41.3% of total crimes) compared to violent crimes (25.9%), though the latter remains a pressing concern. These trends highlight the need for tailored strategies addressing both property and personal safety in the area.

Borehamwood's crime rate in February 2024 (9.2 per 1,000) remained stable compared to January's 9.3 per 1,000, indicating no significant month-on-month change. However, this rate is higher than the UK average, with a 29.6% gap. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 13 crimes per day in February, a figure that may seem high for a suburban community but is consistent with local policing data. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 108 residents, translating to a monthly exposure rate that is slightly higher than the UK average (which would need specific data to compare). With a population of 41,531, this means the area's crime burden is distributed across a relatively compact built-up space, potentially intensifying local impacts. The comparison to the UK average underscores Borehamwood's distinct crime profile, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which are high. While the area's burglary and criminal damage rates are below the UK average, the overall picture suggests a need for targeted measures to address specific local challenges. These figures provide context for residents and policymakers, illustrating both the area's vulnerabilities and areas where performance aligns with national trends.