Potters Bar Crime Rate

Potters Bar has an overall crime rate of 94.1 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the UK average of 93.1. The area holds a solid safety score of 79/100, just above the national benchmark of 78/100. However, the crime trend is currently increasing, with an 8.3% rise in total offences year-over-year. For a population of approximately 24,324, these figures indicate a busy urban settlement with significant social and commercial activity. The town's location near the M25 and its role as a key commuter hub contribute to its specific crime profile. Understanding these statistics is essential for residents to take effective precautions and safeguard their property.

Potters Bar Crime Analysis

In Potters Bar, the crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 29.4% of all reports, at a rate of 27.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue (15.9%), followed closely by shoplifting at 14.9%. These figures reflect the town's busy commercial activity and its role as a key transport hub.

Property crime is a major concern in Potters Bar, with an overall rate of 42.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than the UK average and includes shoplifting (14.9%), other theft (9.4%), vehicle crime (7.0%), and burglary (5.0%). With a burglary rate of 4.7 per 1,000, homeowners should be particularly vigilant. The high volume of theft-related crime suggests that residential and commercial properties are frequent targets for opportunistic criminals. Effective security measures that focus on proactive deterrence are essential for protecting assets in this busy urban settlement.

Potters Bar Crime Trends

The crime trend in Potters Bar is currently increasing, with an 8.3% rise in total reported offences over the last year. This upward movement suggests that the town is experiencing a period of higher criminal activity, which warrants increased awareness among residents and businesses.

Monthly data shows a significant peak in activity during the spring, with March 2025 recording a rate of 10.0 per 1,000 people. Other high points occurred in May (9.0) and July (8.2). The lowest rate was recorded in September 2025 at 6.8. These variations suggest that crime levels are higher during the spring and summer months, a common pattern in many urban settlements. For Potters Bar residents, this increasing trend and the seasonal peaks highlight the importance of maintaining robust security measures throughout the year.

How To Keep Safe in Potters Bar

The most prevalent crime type in Potters Bar is violence and sexual offences. Maintaining personal safety in this urban settlement requires awareness, especially in busy commercial areas and near transport hubs.

1. When using Potters Bar station or walking in the town centre at night, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.
2. Given the high rate of shoplifting and other theft, be extra mindful of your belongings in busy retail areas and supermarkets.
3. Ensure your car is always locked and valuables are out of sight to reduce the risk of vehicle crime, which peaks during the night.
4. Report any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities; consistent reporting helps the police manage public spaces more effectively.
5. If you are walking alone, avoid using headphones or being distracted by your phone, so you can remain fully aware of who is around you.
6. Consider installing a proactive security system at your home to deter opportunistic intruders and protect your property.

Potters Bar Crime Time Patterns

Analysis of crime timing in Potters Bar reveals significant variations throughout the day. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is a peak time for theft-related offences, which account for 56% of all crimes reported during these hours. This likely correlates with high volumes of shoppers and commercial activity. In contrast, the night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a shift toward vehicle crime, which makes up 48% of all reported incidents during this period.

Evening hours (6pm - 12am) are characterised by a high percentage of 'Other' offences (37%), which often includes anti-social behaviour and public order issues. Burglary remains a consistent threat across all time periods, peaking at 20% of reports during the night. For residents, these patterns suggest that while daytime vigilance is needed for personal theft, the security of vehicles and the home perimeter is most critical during the overnight and evening periods.

Potters Bar is a major urban centre within the Hertsmere area. Compared to its neighbours, Potters Bar's crime rate of 94.1 is significantly higher than the more rural Brookmans Park (31.7) and the reported 0.0 for North Mymms and Northaw. However, it is much lower than the exceptional rate reported for South Mimms (463.2), which is heavily influenced by motorway-related incidents. Potters Bar's safety score of 79/100 confirms it as a generally secure location, despite its higher crime density compared to the immediate surrounding countryside.

Proactive Security in Potters Bar

Potters Bar's property crime rate of 42.4 per 1,000 residents is a significant statistic that highlights the risk of opportunistic theft and burglary. Traditional security systems, such as recording-only CCTV or basic alarms, are reactive; they provide evidence after a crime has occurred but do little to prevent it. In a town with high theft and shoplifting rates, stopping an incident before it starts is the most effective way to protect your property.

scOS offers a proactive solution by using AI to monitor property boundaries in real-time. It doesn't just record; it identifies threats. The system's multi-camera intelligence can distinguish between a delivery driver and someone loitering near your vehicle. When a threat is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible alerts, to deter criminals instantly. For Potters Bar residents, this proactive approach is essential for safeguarding homes and cars, moving beyond simple recording to active crime prevention in a busy commuter environment.