Rural Hertsmere Crime Rate

Rural Hertsmere is a safe area with an overall crime rate of 76.2 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 93.1. The area holds a strong safety score of 84/100, well above the national benchmark of 78/100. The current crime trend is stable, showing a 3.5% decrease year-over-year. For a population of approximately 3,293, these statistics indicate a secure living environment within the rural parts of the Hertsmere local authority. While the overall figures are positive, the isolated nature of some properties can make them targets for specific types of crime. Understanding these local patterns is essential for residents to take effective precautions and maintain the area's high safety standards.

Rural Hertsmere Crime Analysis

In Rural Hertsmere, the crime profile is led by anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 28.3% of all reports, at a rate of 21.6 per 1,000 residents. Violence and sexual offences are the second most common issue (26.7%), followed by other theft at 10.4%. These figures suggest that social order and interpersonal incidents are the primary safety concerns in these rural areas.

Property crime is a significant factor for the local community, with an overall rate of 24.9 per 1,000 people. This includes other theft (10.4%), criminal damage and arson (9.2%), vehicle crime (6.0%), and burglary (5.6%). The burglary rate of 4.2 per 1,000 is a notable issue for rural homeowners, who may be more isolated. The combined impact of theft and criminal damage suggests that properties and outbuildings are frequent targets for opportunistic criminals. Effective security measures that focus on proactive deterrence and boundary protection are vital for maintaining safety in these more remote residential areas.

Rural Hertsmere Crime Trends

The crime trend in Rural Hertsmere is currently stable, with a 3.5% decrease in total reported offences over the last year. This suggests that while there are fluctuations, the overall safety levels in these rural areas have remained relatively consistent for the local population.

Monthly data shows some variation throughout the year. Crime rates peaked in June 2025 at 9.4 per 1,000 people, with another high point in May at 8.2 and August at 7.9. The lowest rate was recorded in October 2025 at 4.3. These variations suggest that crime levels are higher during the summer months, a common pattern in many rural areas. For Rural Hertsmere residents, this stable trend means that safety levels are generally being maintained, though the summer peaks highlight the importance of remaining vigilant during the warmer months.

How To Keep Safe in [Area Name]

Anti-social behaviour is the most common crime in Rural Hertsmere. Maintaining personal safety in these rural areas involves staying aware of your surroundings and taking sensible precautions, especially for isolated properties.

1. Ensure all outbuildings, garages, and gates are securely locked with high-quality padlocks and considered integrated into your home security system.
2. Given the high rate of anti-social behaviour, report any incidents to the local authorities; consistent reporting helps the police allocate resources to rural areas.
3. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and valuables are out of sight to reduce the risk of vehicle crime, which peaks during the night.
4. If you are walking alone in remote areas, use personal safety apps that allow you to share your location with trusted friends or family members.
5. Consider installing proactive security lighting and AI-driven monitoring to deter opportunistic intruders from approaching your property.
6. Be mindful of your belongings in communal rural spaces and local shops, where opportunistic theft can occur.

Rural Hertsmere Crime Time Patterns

Analysis of crime timing in Rural Hertsmere reveals significant variations throughout the day. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is a peak time for theft-related offences, which account for 54% of all crimes reported during these hours. In contrast, the night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a shift toward vehicle crime, which makes up 40% of all reported incidents during this period.

Evening hours (6pm - 12am) are characterised by a high percentage of 'Other' offences (40%), which often includes anti-social behaviour and public order issues. Burglary is a consistent threat across all time periods, peaking at 23% of reports during the night. For residents, these patterns suggest that while daytime vigilance is needed for theft, the security of vehicles and the home perimeter is most critical during the overnight and evening periods. Proactive monitoring during these peak times is essential for effective deterrence in rural areas.

Rural Hertsmere encompasses the less densely populated parts of the district. Compared to nearby urban settlements, its crime rate of 76.2 is slightly higher than Bushey (71.6) and Radlett (55.5), which may reflect the wider geographical area and different reporting boundaries. However, it remains significantly safer than more major urban hubs. Its safety score of 84/100 confirms it as a highly secure option for those looking for a rural lifestyle with relatively low crime risk within the busy Hertfordshire region.

Proactive Security in Rural Hertsmere

With a property crime rate of 24.9 per 1,000 residents and a notable proportion of theft and criminal damage, Rural Hertsmere homeowners should consider advanced security measures. In rural areas, the distance between properties can provide cover for criminals, making traditional security systems less effective. Standard CCTV or basic alarms are reactive; they provide evidence after a crime has occurred, which is often too late for isolated homes.

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 wildlife and someone loitering near your outbuildings or windows. When a threat is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible alerts, to deter individuals instantly. For Rural Hertsmere residents, this proactive approach is the most effective way to safeguard their homes and equipment, moving beyond simple recording to active crime prevention in an environment where police response times may be longer.