Borehamwood Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Borehamwood's overall crime rate for October 2025 stood at 8.5 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 10.4% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure reflects a persistent challenge in maintaining safety within a built-up area of Hertsmere, where the urban fabric and community dynamics may influence crime patterns. The top three crime categories—violence and sexual offences (32.4%), anti-social behaviour (16.2%), and shoplifting (8.2%)—highlight a mix of personal safety concerns and public order issues. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.7 per 1,000, were 2% above the UK average, consistent with patterns often observed in medium-sized towns with mixed residential and commercial zones. Anti-social behaviour, which rose 11% above the UK average, may be linked to the area's seasonal rhythm, as darker evenings in October likely extend the time window for such incidents. Shoplifting, while relatively low at 0.7 per 1,000, showed a marked increase in October, influenced by Halloween-related activity or retail strategies. The data also reveals a notable imbalance in crime types: property crimes (124) and violent crimes (114) each accounted for roughly a third of all reported incidents, suggesting a combination of personal safety and economic factors. Seasonal context plays a role here, with October's shorter days and the transition from autumn to winter contributing to increased anti-social behaviour and property-related crimes. While the area's built-up nature may foster higher interaction between residents and commercial spaces, the crime profile indicates a need for targeted interventions in both public order and retail security.

October 2025 saw sharp increases in shoplifting (+107.1%), drugs (+58.3%), and criminal damage and arson (+42.1%) compared to the previous month. These spikes contrast with declines in theft from the person (-75.0%) and bicycle theft (-50.0%), which fell below UK averages by 100% and 100% respectively. The rise in shoplifting, from 14 to 29 incidents, may be tied to Halloween-related retail activity or opportunistic behaviour during darker evenings. Drug-related crimes, now at 19 incidents (0.5 per 1,000), are 79% above the UK average, a figure that could reflect broader regional trends in substance misuse or localised pressures. Criminal damage and arson, up to 27 incidents, are 25% above the UK average and may be linked to the area's seasonal context, where colder weather and increased indoor activity could heighten tensions. Meanwhile, the significant drop in theft from the person—from 4 to 1—suggests either improved policing or reduced opportunities during October. This contrast in trends underscores the need for nuanced approaches to crime prevention, balancing efforts to address rising drug-related incidents with strategies to maintain the decline in personal theft. Residents might find the 11% above UK average for anti-social behaviour particularly concerning, as this category remains a persistent challenge in built-up areas with high foot traffic and mixed-use developments.

Borehamwood's crime rate in October 2025 rose to 8.5 per 1,000, a 4.2% increase from the previous month's rate of 8.1 per 1,000. This monthly shift translates to approximately 11 reported crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within the area's population of 41,531. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 118 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while not directly comparable to UK-wide data, reflects the localised nature of crime in Hertsmere's built-up area. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the rate of 8.5 per 1,000 is higher than the UK average, suggesting that Borehamwood's unique characteristics—such as its mix of residential and commercial zones—may amplify certain crime types. The daily crime count of 11 incidents provides a tangible measure for residents, illustrating the frequency of reported incidents in a way that abstract rates might not. This figure is particularly relevant for those living in areas with high foot traffic or proximity to retail hubs, where shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are most commonly reported. The comparison to the previous month also highlights the volatility of crime trends, with a 4.2% increase underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive policing strategies. While the absolute number of crimes may not appear overwhelming, the relative concentration within a relatively small population highlights the importance of community-focused crime prevention initiatives in maintaining public safety.