Ashwell Crime Rate

Ashwell, within North Hertfordshire, recorded a crime rate of 30.4 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, placing Ashwell amongst the safer areas nationally. While the village benefits from a relatively low crime rate, understanding the nature of reported incidents is important for residents. The overall trend has been stable, showing a slight decrease of 2.0% year-on-year, suggesting a consistent level of safety within the community. This page provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics, trends, and practical advice to help residents stay informed and safe.

Ashwell's crime statistics for the period from January 2025 to December 2025 reveal a nuanced picture of safety within the village. The most prevalent crimes reported were violence and sexual offences, accounting for nearly half (49.0%) of all recorded incidents, totaling 24 cases. Anti-social behaviour followed, with 7 reported instances, and other theft accounted for 5 crimes. While burglaries, at 4 incidents, remain a concern, they are proportionally lower than violence and sexual offences. Public order offences (3), criminal damage and arson (2), and vehicle crime (1) contributed to the overall crime profile. The relatively small population of Ashwell (1614 residents) means that even a small number of incidents can significantly impact the crime rate per 1,000 residents. Understanding these patterns is crucial for community safety initiatives and targeted prevention strategies.

Crime in Ashwell has remained stable, demonstrating a slight decrease of 2.0% year-on-year from January 2025 to December 2025. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a noticeable peak in crime rates in September and October 2025, followed by a decline towards the end of the year. For example, the crime rate was 4.3 per 1,000 residents in January 2025, increasing to 3.7 per 1,000 in September and October, before dropping to 1.9 per 1,000 in December 2025. While these fluctuations are common, the overall trend indicates a consistent level of safety within the village, suggesting that preventative measures and community vigilance are effective.

How To Keep Safe in Ashwell

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Ashwell, it's vital to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone. Avoid walking in poorly lit areas at night and consider travelling with a friend or using well-established routes. Due to the occurrence of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. With burglaries being a concern, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, even when at home. Finally, be mindful of vehicle security and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight within your vehicle. Regularly check that your vehicle is locked and consider a visible deterrent to discourage opportunistic theft.

Crime in Ashwell tends to follow a pattern influenced by both daily routines and broader seasonal factors. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is a notable concern, likely linked to commercial activity and deliveries. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) sees a similar pattern, with theft remaining a significant factor. In the evening (6pm-12am), burglary rates increase, potentially linked to residents being away from home. However, the highest proportion of burglaries and vehicle crime occurs during the night (12am-6am), suggesting a heightened risk during these hours. Violence and sexual offences tend to peak during the evening and night, particularly on weekends, reflecting increased social activity.

Compared to surrounding areas, Ashwell demonstrates a notably lower crime rate than Dunton, which recorded 42.4 per 1,000 residents. Steeple Morden and Guilden Morden, both neighbouring villages, have recorded no reported crime during the same period, highlighting the generally low-crime environment within this part of North Hertfordshire. While these comparisons offer reassurance, it's important to remain vigilant and aware of surroundings regardless of the overall crime statistics.

Traditional CCTV systems often serve as a passive record of events, capturing footage after a crime has occurred. scOS, however, represents a shift towards proactive protection. Its AI-powered technology monitors all cameras simultaneously, identifying potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles, and the pattern learning system distinguishes between familiar faces and potential intruders. For example, if a vehicle with cloned plates approaches your property, scOS will instantly alert you and trigger pre-set responses – lights activating, speakers engaging – creating an element of surprise that can deter criminals. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. This is the difference between reactive recording and proactive protection.