North Hertfordshire Crime Rate

North Hertfordshire is one of the safer regions in England, with an overall crime rate of 65.5 per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. This is reflected in its high safety score of 85/100. The area has seen a stable trend in criminal activity, with a 4.5% decrease in total crimes year-over-year. This data, covering a population of approximately 137,201, indicates a well-managed and secure environment. While some urban areas within the district experience more activity, the general outlook for North Hertfordshire remains very positive compared to national benchmarks. The following sections break down these statistics to provide a clearer picture of local safety.

North Hertfordshire is a diverse local authority district that blends bustling commuter towns like Hitchin and Letchworth Garden City with tranquil rural villages and significant agricultural land. Its location is a major factor in its demographic and economic profile; the district sits on the A1(M) corridor and the Great Northern rail line, making it a popular residential choice for professionals working in London and Cambridge.

The area's crime statistics are influenced by this mix of urban and rural settings. The larger towns act as commercial hubs with active nighttimes and retail centres, which naturally attract higher volumes of people and, consequently, higher rates of anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft. Conversely, the rural areas face different challenges, such as agricultural crime and isolated property security. The transient population moving through major transport hubs also plays a role in the local crime data. Overall, North Hertfordshire remains an affluent area with high employment, which helps maintain a safety score well above the national average.

In North Hertfordshire, the primary crime concern is violence and sexual offences, which constitute 36.0% of all reports with 3,235 incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 22.3% and other theft at 7.6%. These figures highlight that personal safety and community order are the main focus for local law enforcement.

Property crime as a whole is a significant factor for residents, with a combined rate of 20.6 per 1,000 people. This includes 681 cases of 'other theft', 652 incidents of criminal damage and arson, and 570 shoplifting offences. Vehicle crime (396 cases) and burglary (357 cases) also contribute to this total. While the burglary rate is relatively low at 2.6 per 1,000, the cumulative impact of theft and damage means that residents should remain proactive about home and vehicle security. The data suggests that while serious violent crime is not the norm, opportunistic property offences and public nuisance issues are the most likely challenges for the local community.

The crime trend in North Hertfordshire is stable, with a 4.5% year-over-year decrease in total offences. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows a steady volume of crime throughout the year, with rates fluctuating between 4.4 and 6.1 per 1,000 residents.

The year began with a crime rate of 5.5 in January, dipping slightly to 4.7 in February. The spring and summer months saw a gradual increase, with the crime rate peaking at 6.1 in July. This mid-year peak is common in many UK districts as increased outdoor activity and longer daylight hours can lead to more reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Following this peak, the rate remained consistent at 5.5 in August and September before declining to its lowest point of 4.4 in December. This downward trend at the end of the year suggests that North Hertfordshire remains a consistently safe environment, with criminal activity well-contained.

North Hertfordshire is positioned within a cluster of relatively safe areas. According to the provided data, nearby Stevenage, Luton, Central Bedfordshire, East Hertfordshire, St Albans, and Welwyn Hatfield all reported crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 residents. While these figures may reflect specific data reporting periods, North Hertfordshire's rate of 65.5 per 1,000 demonstrates its status as a secure district. It serves as an excellent middle ground for those wanting to avoid the higher crime rates typically found in larger metropolitan areas like Luton, while still benefiting from the amenities of established towns like Hitchin and Letchworth. Local residents generally enjoy a high level of security compared to the wider Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire region.

Home security in North Hertfordshire should focus on prevention rather than just evidence gathering. With a property crime rate of 20.6 per 1,000 people, the risk of theft or damage is a reality that homeowners must address. Traditional security systems, such as Ring or Nest, are reactive; they notify you after someone has already stepped onto your porch or entered your home.

By contrast, scOS is an AI-powered operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. It proactively watches your property boundary, identifying potential threats in real-time. Whether it's detecting an unfamiliar vehicle or identifying a person loitering near your entrance, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like activating security lights or audible warnings. This destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For North Hertfordshire residents, especially those in more secluded rural properties or high-value commuter homes, this proactive approach offers a level of protection that simple recording devices cannot provide, ensuring your home remains a safe haven.

How To Keep Safe in North Hertfordshire

Violence and sexual offences represent the highest proportion of crime in the district. While the area is generally safe, taking proactive steps in public and social settings can further enhance your personal security.

1. When using public transport or walking in town centres like Hitchin or Letchworth at night, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.
2. If you are out late, try to travel with friends or use reputable local taxi services rather than walking home alone through quiet or unlit paths.
3. Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded retail areas or pubs to prevent opportunistic 'other theft', which is the third most common crime in the district.
4. Trust your intuition; if a situation or person makes you feel uneasy, move to a busy area or enter a shop to seek assistance.
5. Residents are encouraged to participate in local Neighbourhood Watch schemes to stay informed about any specific safety concerns in their immediate vicinity.