Hitchin Crime Rate

Hitchin is a safe and desirable market town with an overall crime rate of 66.2 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. The town holds a high safety score of 85/100, indicating a secure environment for its population of over 35,000. Most encouragingly, Hitchin is experiencing a strong downward trend in criminal activity, with a 13.1% decrease in total crimes year-over-year. This suggests that local safety is improving and that Hitchin remains one of the more secure urban areas in North Hertfordshire. The following analysis explores the specific crime patterns and time-based trends that define the town's current safety profile.

Hitchin experiences a crime profile where violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, making up 33.5% of all reports with 781 incidents. Anti-social behaviour follows at 21.1%, with 'other theft' being the third most significant category at 9.2%. For residents, these figures suggest that while the town is generally safe, public order and opportunistic theft are the primary concerns.

Property crime in Hitchin overall occurs at a rate of 22.4 per 1,000 residents. This category includes 213 cases of other theft, 167 shoplifting incidents, and 164 cases of criminal damage and arson. Burglary (94 cases) and vehicle crime (91 cases) also factor into this total. With a burglary rate of 2.7 per 1,000, homeowners should be aware that while the risk is lower than the UK average, property-related offences still account for a substantial portion of local police activity. This underscores the importance of maintaining visible and effective security measures to deter opportunistic criminals who target residential and commercial properties.

Hitchin's crime trend is currently decreasing, with a significant 13.1% reduction in total offences year-over-year. This is a very positive indicator for the town's safety. Monthly data from 2025 shows that crime rates remained relatively stable for much of the year, typically hovering between 4.5 and 6.5 per 1,000 residents.

The lowest crime rate was recorded in December (4.5), while the highest peaks occurred in April (6.2), July (6.5), and September (6.3). The July peak is a common trend in urban areas, often associated with increased outdoor activity during the summer months. However, the overall trajectory for Hitchin is one of improvement. For residents, this decreasing trend suggests that local policing and community safety initiatives are effectively reducing the volume of crime, making Hitchin an increasingly secure place to live and work.

How To Keep Safe in Hitchin

Violence and sexual offences are the most recorded crime type in Hitchin. While the town is generally safe, being mindful of personal safety in the town centre and during evening hours is recommended.

1. When enjoying Hitchin’s vibrant nightlife, especially around the Market Place, always stay with friends and ensure you have a pre-booked taxi or a planned route home.
2. Stick to well-lit main roads when walking at night; avoid using the various alleyways and cut-throughs that are less visible to the public.
3. Be aware of your surroundings in busy shopping areas to prevent 'other theft', which is the third most common crime in the town.
4. Keep valuables like smartphones and wallets secure and out of sight when in public spaces to avoid attracting opportunistic thieves.
5. If you ever feel unsafe, head towards a busy, well-lit area like a supermarket or a pub and ask for assistance. Local businesses are often part of community safety networks.

Crime in Hitchin follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 55% and 58% of crimes respectively. This aligns with the town's active retail and commercial hours. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm - 12am), there is a significant shift; while theft drops to 26%, 'other' crimes—which often include anti-social behaviour and public order offences—rise to 43%.

The night-time period (12am - 6am) presents a different risk profile. Vehicle crime peaks during these hours, making up 34% of recorded incidents, while burglary reaches its highest percentage of the day at 22%. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and commercial, night-time crime focuses on residential property and vehicles. Residents should ensure their cars and homes are fully secured before retiring for the night.

Hitchin sits within a cluster of varied settlements in North Hertfordshire. Compared to its neighbours, Hitchin's crime rate of 66.2 per 1,000 is slightly higher than the rural village of Ickleford (57.4) and Gosmore (53.7), which is expected given its larger urban population and commercial centre. However, it is notably safer than Little Wymondley, which has a higher rate of 71.6 per 1,000. St Ippolyts reported 0.0 crimes in this period, highlighting the safety of the immediate rural fringe. For those looking for a balance between urban amenities and a secure living environment, Hitchin compares very favourably to larger metropolitan areas in the region, maintaining a safety score that is among the highest for towns of its size.

Homeowners in Hitchin face a property crime rate of 22.4 per 1,000, making effective security a wise investment. Traditional security measures, while common, are often reactive. Standard DIY cameras or doorbell systems typically notify you after someone has already approached your door or, worse, after a break-in has occurred. They provide footage of the crime, but they don't necessarily prevent it.

scOS changes this dynamic by providing proactive, AI-driven protection. Instead of just recording, scOS monitors your property boundaries and uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats before they reach your home. It can distinguish between your family, a delivery driver, and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously respond—activating lights or speakers to deter the criminal. For Hitchin residents, this means moving from a system that documents a burglary to one that actively prevents it, ensuring your home remains secure even when you are away.