Bushey Crime Rate

Bushey’s crime profile reveals a surprising anomaly: vehicle crime is 42% above the UK average, despite an overall 10.4% year-on-year decline in crime. This area, a commuter hub within Hertsmere, has a crime rate of 69.8 per 1,000 — 23.2% below the UK average, making it a relatively safe place to live. However, the elevated vehicle crime rate highlights specific vulnerabilities tied to the area’s infrastructure and parking patterns.

Bushey is a built-up area within Hertsmere, characterised by a mix of residential and commercial properties. As a commuter town with proximity to London, it experiences moderate traffic and a diverse population. The area's suburban layout and limited public transport may contribute to higher vehicle crime rates, while its relatively low population density may reduce opportunities for certain types of property crime. Socioeconomic factors, such as the presence of retail centres, likely influence anti-social behaviour and theft rates.

The most striking finding is that vehicle crime in Bushey is 42% above the UK average, despite a 15.3% year-on-year decline. This anomaly may stem from the area’s commuter-focused infrastructure, where parking lots and driveways offer easy access for opportunistic thieves. While overall property crime is 26.1% below the UK average, vehicle crime remains elevated, possibly due to the high number of parked vehicles in residential areas. Anti-social behaviour, though 11% below the UK average, may be linked to local amenities and social hubs. Other theft has fallen sharply by 44% YoY, suggesting improved security measures or reduced opportunities. The rise in possession of weapons (+138% YoY) is concerning but remains below the UK average, indicating localized spikes that require further investigation.

Crime in Bushey has decreased by 10.4% year-on-year, with the most significant decline in other theft (-44% YoY). However, possession of weapons has surged by 137.5% YoY, remaining 22% below the UK average. This spike may be linked to localized incidents or changes in policing priorities. Monthly trends show a peak in March 2025 (7.0 per 1,000) and a sharp drop in February 2026 (3.9 per 1,000), likely influenced by seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity during colder months and increased police presence during peak times.

How To Keep Safe in Bushey

To mitigate vehicle crime, consider using tracking devices for parked cars and installing visible security systems. For anti-social behaviour, avoid high-traffic areas late at night, though this is less critical in Bushey’s relatively safe environment. Residents should also stay informed about local trends, such as the sharp rise in possession of weapons, and report suspicious activity promptly. Community engagement and local policing efforts are likely contributing to the overall 10.4% year-on-year decline in crime.

Crime in Bushey follows distinct patterns based on time of day and week. Vehicle crime peaks at night (12am-6am), aligning with the area’s lower population density during these hours. Theft and burglary are most common in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), likely tied to retail activity and daytime social interactions. Evening hours (6pm-12am) see a mix of theft and vehicle crime, while night hours are dominated by vehicle-related offences. Weekends, particularly Saturdays, show heightened activity due to extended nightlife and social events, contributing to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime.

Compared to nearby areas, Bushey is significantly safer than Elstree and Watford (Watford), which have crime rates 52% and 43% higher, respectively. Radlett, the safest neighbour, has a crime rate 33% lower than Bushey. These differences likely reflect variations in population density, policing, and local economic factors.

For Bushey households, vehicle crime — 42% above the UK average — is the primary concern, scOS addresses this by monitoring property boundaries with hardwired cameras that resist Wi-Fi jamming. Its AI distinguishes between household members and potential intruders, triggering lights and speakers to deter thieves. DVLA integration flags stolen vehicles, providing an additional layer of protection. For areas where a car on the drive is a prime target, scOS’s real-time monitoring is more effective than reactive systems.