Borehamwood Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Borehamwood's crime rate in January 2025 reached 10.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 45.1% above the UK average of 7.1. This marks a notable divergence from national trends, reflecting the area’s unique dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.2% of all crimes, followed by shoplifting (18.0%) and anti-social behaviour (14.7%). These figures align with the town’s profile as a built-up area within Hertsmere, where retail and community hubs may contribute to higher rates of certain offences. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday period, reduced retail footfall, and shorter days—may influence patterns. For instance, the decline in outdoor crimes typical of shorter daylight hours could partly explain the relatively lower rates of vehicle crime and burglary compared to the UK average. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting and drug-related crimes suggests other factors may be at play, such as shifts in local demographics or economic pressures. The prominence of violence and sexual offences, which are 35% above the UK average, may reflect the area’s social infrastructure, including the density of public spaces and the presence of community events that draw crowds. These observations highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of Borehamwood’s crime profile, shaped by both local conditions and broader national trends.

The most dramatic month-on-month change was the 140.6% surge in shoplifting, rising from 32 to 77 cases. This leap far outpaces the UK average for shoplifting, which is 206% below Borehamwood’s rate. The increase in drug-related crimes (+117.6%) and other crime (+40%) contrasts sharply with declines in burglary (-41.7%) and possession of weapons (-33.3%). These shifts suggest a combination of local pressures and seasonal factors. For example, the post-holiday period may have led to increased demand for illicit substances, while reduced retail activity may have lowered opportunities for burglary. The dominance of violence and sexual offences (3.4 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (1.5 per 1,000) remains stark, with both categories significantly exceeding the UK average. Shoplifting’s sharp increase could indicate a seasonal trend, as January often sees a spike in retail crime following the holiday season. Residents may find the daily crime count of 14 incidents per day (based on January’s total) particularly relevant, offering a tangible sense of the frequency of crime in the area.

Borehamwood’s crime rate rose by 13.5% from 9.1 per 1,000 in December 2024 to 10.3 per 1,000 in January 2025. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 97 residents, a figure that underscores the density of incidents in a relatively small population. When compared to the UK average, Borehamwood’s rate is 45.1% higher, with specific categories like shoplifting and drugs showing even more pronounced disparities. The daily crime count of 14 incidents per day provides a local benchmark for residents, though this figure does not account for variations in population density or local policing strategies. The area’s built-up character within Hertsmere, combined with its proximity to London and commuter routes, may influence crime patterns differently than rural or coastal regions. For instance, the lower rate of burglary compared to the UK average could reflect the presence of secure housing or effective community policing. However, the surge in shoplifting and drug-related crimes highlights vulnerabilities that may require targeted interventions. These comparisons offer a snapshot of Borehamwood’s position within the UK’s broader crime profile, emphasizing both areas of concern and potential strengths in local crime management.