Bushey Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

January 2024 marked a continued decline in overall crime in Bushey, with a rate of 5.9 crimes per 1,000 residents — 20.3% below the UK average of 7.4. This performance contrasts with the national trend, reflecting a combination of local factors and seasonal patterns. The most prevalent crimes were anti-social behaviour (31.7% of all reported incidents), violence and sexual offences (28.6%), and other theft (17.4%). The seasonal context of January, characterised by post-holiday periods and shorter daylight hours, may partly explain the reduced retail footfall and lower outdoor crime rates typically observed during this time of year. Anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 1.9 crimes per 1,000 residents, was 92% higher than the UK average for this category, suggesting a specific local dynamic that warrants attention. Meanwhile, vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000) and burglary (0.2 per 1,000) were both below UK averages by 40% and 44% respectively, potentially linked to Bushey's built-up area status and lower population density compared to more densely populated urban centres. The overall crime picture illustrates a balance between persistent local challenges and effective community-level crime prevention measures, though the significant disparity in anti-social behaviour rates indicates areas for targeted intervention.

The month-on-month analysis reveals a mixed picture of crime trends in January 2024. 'other crime' saw a 200% increase, rising from 2 to 6 incidents — a sharp contrast to the 75% decrease in criminal damage and arson, which fell from 12 to 3. This shift may reflect seasonal transitions, with fewer property-related crimes coinciding with reduced outdoor activity and more incidents categorised as 'other crime' during colder months. Bicycle theft also doubled (1 to 2), a figure that aligns with the UK average but highlights the vulnerability of cycling infrastructure in the area. Meanwhile, vehicle crime decreased by 18.2%, consistent with the UK average and possibly influenced by reduced commuter traffic during January. The most striking UK comparison is in anti-social behaviour, which was 92% above the national average. This category's dominance — comprising over a third of all reported crimes — suggests a need for focused community engagement strategies. Conversely, burglary and vehicle crime were both significantly below UK averages, with burglary at 0.2 per 1,000 compared to the UK's 0.4. This could indicate effective local policing or a lower prevalence of high-risk housing stock in the built-up area. Residents might find the 200% rise in 'other crime' particularly concerning, as this category often includes unclassified incidents that could signal emerging patterns requiring further investigation.

Bushey's crime rate in January 2024 rose by 22.0% compared to December's 4.9 per 1,000 residents. below the UK average. This increase translates to roughly 5 crimes reported per day in the built-up area — a figure that, while modest, reflects the localised nature of crime in Hertsmere. When considering population exposure, one crime occurred for every 169 residents over the course of the month, a rate that is significantly lower than the UK's broader context. This monthly exposure metric provides a tangible perspective for residents: in a typical week, the likelihood of encountering a reported crime in Bushey is much lower than in many other parts of the country. The built-up area's characteristics, including its proximity to larger urban centres and its role as a commuter hub, may contribute to this relatively low exposure rate compared to more densely populated regions. However, the 22% month-on-month increase highlights the need for continued vigilance, particularly as anti-social behaviour and other unclassified crimes remain elevated. The daily crime count of 5 incidents — equivalent to one crime for every 6 residents per month — illustrates the importance of community-based crime prevention initiatives in maintaining this lower-than-average profile.