Hitchin Crime Rate

Hitchin is a safe and vibrant market town with an overall crime rate of 66.6 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This high level of safety is reflected in its impressive safety score of 85/100. Recent data shows a very positive trend, with crime decreasing by 12.3% year-over-year. This reduction highlights the effectiveness of local community and policing efforts in maintaining Hitchin as a secure place to live. With a property crime rate of 22.6 per 1,000, residents enjoy a much lower risk of theft and burglary compared to the national average of 32.3. Whether you are a long-term resident or considering a move to the area, Hitchin offers a reassuringly secure environment.

Hitchin's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.6% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 20.9%. The third most frequent crime is 'other theft', representing 9.2% of the total.

The overall property crime rate in Hitchin is 22.6 per 1,000 residents. This category includes 87 burglaries, 98 vehicle crimes, and 167 shoplifting incidents. For residents, this indicates that while Hitchin is safer than the UK average (32.3 for property crime), opportunistic theft remains a factor. Homeowners should be particularly mindful of vehicle security and ensuring that outbuildings are well-protected, as these are often targets for the types of theft seen in the area. Overall, the data suggests a community where serious crime is rare, but vigilance regarding personal property is still beneficial.

Hitchin's crime trend is notably positive, with a 12.3% decrease in total crimes over the past year. Monthly analysis shows a relatively stable rate of around 5.0 to 5.3 crimes per 1,000 residents during the winter and spring months. A seasonal peak occurred in July 2025, with the rate rising to 6.5, followed by another slight increase in September to 6.3.

The year ended on a downward note, with November recording a rate of 5.1. This overall reduction is a strong indicator of improving safety in the town. For residents, the data suggests that while minor monthly fluctuations occur—likely due to seasonal footfall and events—the long-term trend is toward a more secure environment. This sustained decrease over 12 months provides confidence in the town's current safety strategies and community resilience.

How To Keep Safe in Hitchin

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Hitchin, making up 33.6% of all reports. While the town is generally very safe, staying alert in social and transit areas is recommended.

When enjoying Hitchin's town centre in the evening, stick to well-lit areas and use the main pedestrian routes. If you are using public transport or taxis, plan your journey in advance and try to travel with friends. Keeping your mobile phone charged and sharing your expected arrival time with a trusted contact adds an extra layer of personal security.

Anti-social behaviour accounts for 20.9% of crime. To help keep your neighbourhood safe, report any persistent issues to the local council or police. Engaging with community groups and keeping your own property well-maintained can also help discourage such behaviour in residential streets.

Vehicle crime is most prevalent at night (33% of night-time incidents). Always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any items—even low-value ones—on display. If possible, park in a garage or a well-lit driveway. For homeowners, installing motion-activated lighting near your driveway is a simple but effective way to deter opportunistic thieves during the hours of darkness.

Crime in Hitchin follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft-related offences are most common, accounting for 54% and 56% of incidents respectively. This aligns with the town's retail activity and busy commercial periods. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become the dominant category at 45%. The night-time hours (12am-6am) see a significant shift toward property-related offences, with vehicle crime spiking to 33% and burglary to 21% of all reports during this period. These night-time peaks highlight a greater risk to unattended assets under the cover of darkness.

In the local context, Hitchin is surrounded by several smaller settlements with varying crime profiles. Ickleford (57.4) and Gosmore (51.1) both report lower crime rates than Hitchin, which is expected given their smaller populations and more rural nature. Conversely, Little Wymondley has a slightly higher rate at 70.2 per 1,000 residents. St Ippolyts shows a near-zero crime rate in this period, highlighting it as an exceptionally quiet neighbour. For those looking at the North Hertfordshire region, Hitchin serves as the primary urban hub, offering a wide range of amenities while still maintaining a safety profile that is far superior to most UK towns of a similar size.

Hitchin’s property crime rate of 22.6 per 1,000 residents, while low, still encompasses nearly 200 incidents of burglary and vehicle crime annually. For homeowners, the limitation of traditional security like standard CCTV or video doorbells is that they are reactive; they record the crime after it has already occurred. To truly secure a property in Hitchin, a proactive AI-powered system like scOS is the modern standard.

scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your entire property boundary simultaneously. It doesn't just record; it detects potential threats in real-time. By distinguishing between residents, pets, and unknown intruders, it eliminates false alarms. If a threat is detected at night—when vehicle crime and burglary peak in Hitchin—scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audio alerts. This immediate response destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on, often causing them to abandon their attempt before any damage is done. In a town where most property crime is opportunistic, scOS provides the proactive defense needed to stay one step ahead.