Borehamwood Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Borehamwood's overall crime rate in January 2026 stood at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 11.8% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure reflects a persistent challenge for the built-up area within Hertsmere, where crime patterns are shaped by its proximity to London and the presence of mixed-use developments. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.3% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.2%) and drugs-related offences (9.9%). These figures align with the area’s character as a commuter hub and suburban settlement, where social tensions and illicit activity may intersect. Seasonal factors also appear to influence crime trends: January, a post-holiday month marked by shorter days and reduced retail footfall, typically sees a decline in outdoor crimes. However, the persistent elevation of violent crime suggests deeper socioeconomic pressures, potentially linked to the area’s transient population and limited community engagement initiatives. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.5 per 1,000, but Borehamwood’s rate of 2.7 per 1,000 indicates an 8% gap, underscoring a localised challenge in addressing such crimes. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remains high, with a UK average of 0.9 per 1,000 compared to Borehamwood’s 1.2 per 1,000. This may be partially explained by the area’s dense residential clusters and the seasonal lull in community activities during winter, which could reduce informal social controls. The high rate of drug-related offences—0.8 per 1,000 compared to the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000—raises questions about localised drug networks or increased enforcement activity. While the seasonal context of January may limit opportunities for outdoor crimes, the data suggests that the area’s crime profile is influenced by a combination of structural factors and transient population dynamics.

January 2026 saw stark fluctuations in specific crime categories, with drugs-related offences surging by 106.7% compared to the previous month. This jump, from 15 to 31 incidents, brought the rate to 0.8 per 1,000 residents—186% above the UK average. Such a dramatic increase may be linked to post-holiday disruptions or unseasonal spikes in illicit activity, though direct causation cannot be confirmed without further data. Concurrently, theft from the person rose by 200%, with incidents increasing from one to three. This sharp rise could reflect heightened vulnerability during the winter months or shifts in criminal tactics, though it remains unclear whether this is part of a broader trend. On the other hand, criminal damage and arson fell by 51.6%, declining from 31 to 15 incidents. This drop may be consistent with the seasonal context of January, where reduced outdoor activity and colder weather could limit opportunities for such crimes. The area’s rate of public order offences was 5.7% below the UK average, suggesting that localised efforts to manage disturbances may be yielding results. However, the 100% increase in possession of weapons—from zero to four incidents—raises concerns about the potential for escalation in violent crime. Residents should be aware of these shifts, particularly the surge in drugs-related activity, which may indicate broader systemic issues requiring targeted intervention.

Borehamwood’s crime rate in January 2026 (7.6 per 1,000) marked a 7.1% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.1 per 1,000. This decline, while modest, may reflect the seasonal slowdown in crime typically observed during winter. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 10 crimes per day in January, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 132 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for vigilance. When viewed through the lens of population size—41,531 residents—the rate of 7.6 per 1,000 translates to 314 total crimes, a figure that, when divided across the built-up area, suggests uneven distribution of crime hotspots. The comparison to the UK average highlights Borehamwood’s elevated risk in certain categories: for example, the 186% above average rate for drugs-related offences is stark, particularly when juxtaposed with the UK’s lower baseline. However, other categories, such as public order offences, show a 5% deficit compared to the national average, indicating some local success in managing disturbances. These contrasts illustrate the combination of local factors and national trends, with Borehamwood’s unique geography and demographics shaping its crime profile in ways distinct from the UK as a whole.