Letchworth Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Letchworth, North Hertfordshire, reveal a crime rate of 85.7 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is slightly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting that Letchworth is marginally safer than the national average. However, a closer examination of the data is necessary to understand the specific types of crime prevalent in the area and any emerging trends. While overall crime rates are comparatively reasonable, certain categories, notably violence and sexual offences, warrant particular attention. Understanding these trends and their underlying causes is vital for implementing effective preventative measures and ensuring the safety and well-being of Letchworth residents.

Letchworth’s crime statistics reveal a concerning pattern, particularly regarding violent offences. The most prevalent crimes recorded between January 2025 and December 2025 were violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.7% of all recorded incidents (1073 crimes). Anti-social behaviour followed closely, representing 22.2% of all crimes (631 incidents). Shoplifting also contributes significantly to the area’s crime profile, representing 9.3% of all recorded offences (265 incidents). Overall property crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and criminal damage, is a notable concern. The property crime rate stands at 25.9 per 1,000 residents, highlighting the vulnerability of homes and businesses within Letchworth. Understanding the factors contributing to these figures, such as population density, local economic conditions, and community engagement initiatives, is crucial for developing targeted crime prevention strategies.

Crime rates in Letchworth have shown a consistent downward trend between January 2025 and December 2025, decreasing by 6.0% year-on-year. This reduction is reflected in the monthly data, with crime rates consistently lower in the later months of the year. For example, the crime rate in December 2025 was 5.8 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the 7.6 per 1,000 observed in January 2025. This downward trend suggests that crime prevention initiatives and community engagement efforts may be contributing to a safer environment in Letchworth. However, continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to sustain this positive momentum.

How To Keep Safe in Letchworth

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Letchworth, it’s crucial to prioritise personal safety. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and stick to well-populated routes. Secondly, consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to foster community vigilance and information sharing. Thirdly, secure your home and belongings diligently – ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing an alarm system. Fourthly, if you witness any suspicious activity, report it to the police immediately. Finally, trust your instincts – if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it.

Crime in Letchworth demonstrates patterns influenced by the time of day. Burglary incidents are most frequent during the afternoon (13%) and night (17%). Vehicle crime is notably higher during the night (27%), while theft tends to peak during commercial hours in the afternoon (53%). Violence and sexual offences show a tendency to increase during the evening hours (0%), particularly on weekends. These patterns suggest that residents should be particularly vigilant during these periods, taking appropriate safety precautions and reporting any suspicious activity.

Letchworth’s crime rate of 85.7 per 1,000 residents places it within a similar range to several neighbouring areas. Baldock, with a rate of 83.4 per 1,000, exhibits a comparable level of crime. However, Stotfold’s rate of 51.0 per 1,000 is considerably lower, suggesting a safer environment. Hitchin, with a rate of 66.2 per 1,000, also demonstrates a lower crime rate compared to Letchworth. These comparative figures highlight the variability in crime levels across North Hertfordshire and underscore the importance of localised crime prevention strategies.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. Reading these recordings can be a reactive process. Consider a proactive approach. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, detects threats at your property boundary, preventing incidents before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, and the DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles. For example, scOS learns your family’s routines and delivery schedules, only alerting you to genuine threats. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds – the visible deterrence of scOS can be enough to make them move on. While DIY security systems have their place, professional-grade protection, like scOS, offers a significant upgrade in preventative capabilities, particularly given Letchworth's crime statistics.