Reed Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Reed

Reed, a Built-Up Area within North Hertfordshire, records an overall crime rate of 53.1 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating that Reed is a very safe place to live. The area boasts an impressive safety score of 89 out of 100, well above the UK average of 78/100, reflecting a highly secure environment for its population of 1,564. However, the crime trend in Reed has seen an increase of 13.7% year-over-year, suggesting a slight upward shift in crime incidents from a low base.

Crime Type Analysis

In Reed, Anti-social behaviour is the most common crime type, accounting for 24.1% of all incidents, at a rate of 12.8 per 1,000 people. Violence and sexual offences are the second highest, representing 22.9% of crimes with a rate of 12.2 per 1,000 residents. Other theft ranks third, contributing 18.1% to the total, at a rate of 9.6 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Reed, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 25.6 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 reduced risk of falling victim to property crimes, contributing to the area's high safety score. Despite the lower rates, maintaining good security practices remains a sensible approach, especially given the notable presence of 'Other theft' and burglary.

Crime Trends in Reed

Reed has experienced an increasing crime trend over the past year, with a rise of 13.7% in total reported crimes year-over-year. Monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents show fluctuations, with a peak of 8.3 in December 2024 and a low of 1.3 in October 2024 and September 2025. After a period of lower rates in late 2024, rates generally fluctuated upwards, with a notable spike in December 2024. This increasing trend, albeit from a low base, suggests that residents should be aware of the recent upward shift in crime incidents.

Time Patterns of Crime in Reed

Crime in Reed shows varying patterns throughout the day. In the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is the most significant crime type, accounting for 54% of incidents, followed by burglary at 18% and 'Other' crime at 19%. Vehicle crime is also notable at 10%. This period suggests vulnerabilities related to people leaving for work and commercial activity.

The afternoon (12pm-6pm) continues to see theft as the dominant crime, making up 54% of incidents, with burglary becoming more prominent at 28%. 'Other' crime is also notable at 15%. Vehicle crime is less prominent. This period, often busy with daily activities, presents opportunities for various forms of theft and residential break-ins.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'Other' crime becomes the most prevalent at 33%, with burglary at 31% and theft decreasing to 25%. Vehicle crime is at 12%. This shift suggests a broader range of incidents occurring as social activities increase.

During the night-time (12am-6am), burglary becomes the most significant at 36%, followed by vehicle crime at 29% and 'Other' crime at 23%. Theft significantly drops to 12%. These hours are typically associated with increased risks for residential break-ins and vehicle-related offences when properties are less supervised.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Reed's crime statistics with neighbouring areas, it provides valuable regional context. With an overall crime rate of 53.1 per 1,000, Reed maintains a favourable safety profile compared to surrounding settlements like Barkway, Therfield, Barley, and Royston (North Hertfordshire). Its crime rate is often lower than or comparable to these areas, highlighting its position as one of the safer Built-Up Areas within the region, offering a reassuring level of security for its residents.

Protecting Your Property in Reed

With Reed's property crime rate at 25.6 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, residents should still benefit from 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.