Potters Bar Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Potters Bar

Potters Bar records an overall crime rate of 95.1 per 1,000 people per year, which is marginally above the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area maintains a safety score of 79 out of 100, aligning closely with the UK average of 78. Over the past year, Potters Bar has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a notable 9.0% rise year-over-year. This upward trajectory suggests a need for increased awareness among residents. This introduction provides a framework for a detailed examination of specific crime types, trends, and comparisons with neighbouring areas.

Crime Type Analysis in Potters Bar

In Potters Bar, Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, with 673 incidents, accounting for 29.1% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 27.7 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting and Anti-social behaviour both rank as the second most prevalent issues, each with 375 crimes (16.2% of total), and rates of 15.4 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Potters Bar, which includes burglary, other theft, vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson, robbery, and bicycle theft, stands at a rate of 42.9 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, these statistics highlight the importance of safeguarding properties and belongings, especially considering the elevated rates of shoplifting and other theft within the area.

Crime Trends in Potters Bar

Potters Bar has experienced an increasing crime trend over the past year, with a 9.0% rise year-over-year. An examination of the monthly data reveals fluctuations in the crime rate per 1,000 residents. March 2025 saw a notable peak at 10.0, suggesting a period of heightened criminal activity. Conversely, September 2025 recorded the lowest rate at 6.8, indicating a recent downturn. Other months like December 2024, February 2025, June 2025, and August 2025 also showed lower rates around 7.1-7.4. This overall increasing trend, despite monthly variations, suggests that residents should remain vigilant regarding local crime.

Understanding Time-Based Crime Patterns in Potters Bar

Crime patterns in Potters Bar show distinct hourly variations. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) are significantly affected by theft (50%) and vehicle crime (19%), with burglary also present at 12%. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees theft remain high at 54% and burglary increasing to 20%. In the evening (6pm - 12am), "Other" crimes become the most significant category at 36%, with theft at 24% and vehicle crime at 20%. Night-time (12am - 6am) is heavily influenced by vehicle crime (47%) and burglary (21%), along with "Other" crimes at 22%. These patterns suggest that property crimes, particularly vehicle-related offences and burglaries, are a concern during unattended hours, while theft and shoplifting are prevalent during the day.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Potters Bar's crime rate of 95.1 per 1,000 is slightly above the UK average, positioning it differently from some of its surrounding areas. When compared to North Mymms, Northaw, Brookmans Park, and South Mimms, Potters Bar's urban nature likely contributes to its higher rate. North Mymms, Northaw, and Brookmans Park are generally more rural or suburban and might exhibit lower crime figures. South Mimms, while having a small population, shows a very high crime rate, likely due to its proximity to major transport routes and commercial activity, offering a contrasting comparison. This context helps residents understand Potters Bar's position within the regional safety landscape.

Protecting Your Home in Potters Bar

With Potters Bar experiencing an increasing property crime rate of 42.9 per 1,000 people per year, significantly above the national average, it is essential for residents to implement robust home security measures. Traditional security systems, while providing recordings, often only alert you after a break-in has occurred. For truly proactive protection, consider an AI-powered solution.

scOS, for example, is designed to prevent crime at your property boundary, acting before an intruder gains access. It uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property continuously and can learn your family's routines to differentiate real threats from everyday events. The system's autonomous response, including activating lights and speakers, aims to deter potential criminals within the crucial 60 seconds they take to assess a property. This professional-grade security offers a significant advantage over reactive DIY systems, providing comprehensive protection against property crime in Potters Bar.