North Hertfordshire Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in North Hertfordshire

North Hertfordshire presents a reassuring picture in terms of crime statistics, with an overall crime rate of 67.0 crimes per 1,000 residents per year. This figure positions the district as notably safer than the national average, which stands at 93.4 crimes per 1,000 people. Reflecting this lower incidence of crime, North Hertfordshire has achieved an impressive safety score of 85 out of 100, surpassing the UK average safety score of 78. The latest data indicates a stable trend, with a marginal decrease of 0.2% year-over-year, suggesting a consistent level of safety for its 137,201 residents. These figures provide a positive context for understanding the detailed crime patterns within the area.

About North Hertfordshire

North Hertfordshire is a district characterised by its blend of charming market towns, such as Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, and Royston, interspersed with picturesque rural landscapes. This mix of suburban and rural environments, predominantly residential with vibrant town centres, contributes significantly to its relatively low crime rates. The area serves as a commuter belt for London and other major cities, attracting a settled population with stable employment and higher-than-average income levels. The presence of established communities and a generally lower transient population compared to more urbanised areas often correlates with reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. Local activities revolve around community events, independent businesses, and well-maintained public spaces, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and vigilance that underpins the district's strong safety score. The robust local economy and community-focused infrastructure are key factors in maintaining a secure environment for its residents.

Crime Breakdown in North Hertfordshire

An analysis of crime types in North Hertfordshire reveals that violence and sexual offences constitute the most prevalent category, accounting for 35.8% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 24.0 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common concern, representing 22.0% of crimes with a rate of 14.7 per 1,000. The third most frequent crime type is other theft, making up 7.9% of the total, at 5.3 per 1,000.

When examining property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, North Hertfordshire experiences a rate of 21.4 per 1,000 people per year. This includes 354 burglaries (2.6 per 1,000), 418 vehicle crimes (3.0 per 1,000), and 729 other theft incidents (5.3 per 1,000), alongside 643 cases of criminal damage and arson (4.7 per 1,000). While these figures are lower than national averages, homeowners and residents should remain vigilant, particularly regarding the security of their properties and belongings. Understanding these patterns can help residents take targeted precautions to protect their homes and personal possessions from opportunistic crime.

Crime Trends in North Hertfordshire

North Hertfordshire has demonstrated a stable crime trend over the past year, with a negligible year-over-year change of -0.2%. This indicates a consistent level of safety within the district. Reviewing the monthly crime rate data per 1,000 residents, there have been minor fluctuations but no significant upward or downward spirals. For instance, the crime rate saw a dip from 6.4 in October 2024 to 5.1 in December 2024, before rising slightly to 5.5 in January 2025, and then 4.7 in February 2025. It then rose to 5.6 in March, April, and May 2025. A slight peak was observed in July 2025 at 6.1, followed by a return to 5.5 in August and September 2025.

This overall stability suggests that existing community safety initiatives are maintaining effectiveness. For residents, a stable trend means that the general risk of crime has not altered significantly, allowing for continued confidence in the area's safety. However, remaining aware of these consistent patterns helps residents and local authorities to sustain vigilance and adapt preventative measures where necessary, ensuring the district continues to be a secure place to live.

Comparing North Hertfordshire with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, North Hertfordshire's crime statistics can be compared with those of its neighbours. The district maintains a favourable position when contrasted with more urbanised areas like Stevenage and Luton, which typically exhibit higher crime rates due to their larger populations and denser urban environments. For example, Luton, a larger town, often faces different crime challenges associated with its metropolitan characteristics.

When compared to Central Bedfordshire and East Hertfordshire, North Hertfordshire generally aligns with the safer, more rural or suburban profiles of these districts. These areas often share similar demographic and geographic characteristics, contributing to comparable safety levels. St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield, while distinct in their local dynamics, also fall within a similar bracket of relatively lower crime rates compared to major urban centres. This regional comparison underscores North Hertfordshire's consistent performance as a safe and secure place to live within the broader Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire region, offering residents a reassuring sense of community and security.

Enhancing Home Security in North Hertfordshire

Given North Hertfordshire's property crime rate of 21.4 per 1,000 people, residents may wish to consider robust home security measures to protect their properties. While traditional CCTV systems offer valuable footage after an incident, the modern approach to security focuses on preventing crime before it occurs. This shift from reactive recording to proactive deterrence is crucial for safeguarding your home and belongings.

Advanced security solutions, such as an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, offer a significant advantage. Instead of merely documenting a burglary, scOS actively detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence, ensuring no blind spots. Its ability to learn your family's routines and verify vehicles via DVLA means it can distinguish real threats from everyday occurrences, eliminating false alarms. When a genuine threat is identified, scOS can trigger an autonomous response, activating lights and speakers to deter intruders instantly, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This professional-grade, proactive protection makes a clear statement that your property is seriously protected, often causing potential intruders to move on within the critical 60-second decision window. While DIY systems have their place, professional solutions offer unparalleled peace of mind by actively intervening to prevent crime.