Hitchin Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Hitchin

Hitchin, a Built-Up Area within North Hertfordshire, records an overall crime rate of 68.8 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure positions Hitchin as a safer location compared to the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area also boasts a commendable safety score of 85 out of 100, which is considerably higher than the national average of 78/100, reflecting a generally secure environment for its population of 35,193. In recent times, Hitchin has experienced a positive trend, with the crime rate decreasing by 6.7% year-over-year, indicating an improving safety landscape for its residents.

Crime Type Analysis

In Hitchin, Violence and sexual offences represent the most frequent type of crime, accounting for 33.5% of all incidents, at a rate of 23.0 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, making up 20.7% of crimes with a rate of 14.3 per 1,000 residents. Other theft ranks as the third most significant crime type, contributing 9.6% to the total, at a rate of 6.6 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Hitchin, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 23.5 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a comparatively lower risk of falling victim to property crimes, though remaining vigilant and implementing effective security measures is always advisable to protect personal property and ensure peace of mind.

Crime Trends in Hitchin

Hitchin has experienced a positive trend in crime over the past year, with an encouraging decrease of 6.7% in total reported crimes year-over-year. Monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents show fluctuations, with a peak of 6.8 in October 2024 and 6.5 in July 2025, and a low of 4.9 in February 2025. Following a dip in December 2024 to 5.0, the rates saw some increases in early 2025, before generally stabilising. The overall downward trend suggests an improving safety situation, providing a more secure environment for the community.

Time Patterns of Crime in Hitchin

Crime in Hitchin exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are particularly high, accounting for 58% of crimes, followed by 'Other' crime at 23% and vehicle crime at 12%. This suggests a period where people are leaving their homes, making properties and parked vehicles potentially vulnerable, alongside commercial activity.

The afternoon (12pm-6pm) continues to see theft as the dominant crime, representing 60% of incidents. Burglary also becomes more prevalent at 14%. This period, often associated with peak shopping and business hours, provides opportunities for various forms of theft.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the crime landscape shifts. 'Other' crime rises to 42%, with theft decreasing to 30%, and burglary and vehicle crime both at 15% and 14% respectively. This suggests a broader range of incidents occurring as social activities increase.

Night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile, with vehicle crime becoming the most significant at 36%, followed by 'Other' crime at 31% and burglary at 19%. Theft reduces to 15%. These hours are typically when properties are unattended or residents are asleep, creating opportunities for vehicle-related offences and residential break-ins.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Hitchin's crime statistics with neighbouring areas, it provides valuable regional context. With an overall crime rate of 68.8 per 1,000, Hitchin generally maintains a similar, if not slightly better, safety profile compared to very small surrounding settlements like Ickleford and Gosmore. It is also comparable to St Ippolyts and Little Wymondley. This comparison highlights Hitchin's position as a relatively safe urban area within its immediate vicinity, offering a reassuring level of security for its residents.

Protecting Your Property in Hitchin

With Hitchin's property crime rate at 23.5 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, residents should still prioritise robust home security. Traditional security cameras often only provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred. For truly effective protection, consider proactive systems designed to prevent crime before it happens at your property boundary. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers this advanced level of deterrence.

scOS utilises multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the perimeter, rather than just recording an event after a break-in. By learning your routines and identifying real threats, it can activate lights and engage speakers to disorient potential intruders, destroying their element of surprise. This proactive intervention means that instead of merely documenting a crime, you can prevent it. Professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, making burglars decide within 60 seconds that your property is too much effort and to move on, providing a superior level of security compared to reactive DIY solutions.