Reed Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Reed, North Hertfordshire, indicate a crime rate of 51.8 per 1,000 residents for the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, placing Reed in a less safe position relative to the national picture. While the safety score for Reed stands at a respectable 90/100, reflecting a perceived level of safety amongst residents, the crime rate itself warrants attention. This analysis will break down the specific types of crime prevalent in Reed and offer insights into recent trends.

The crime landscape in Reed is shaped by its small population and location within North Hertfordshire. While the overall crime rate is elevated compared to neighbouring villages, a closer examination reveals the primary concerns. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the largest proportion of recorded incidents, followed closely by violence and sexual offences, and criminal damage and arson. Other theft, including shoplifting and burglary, also contributes significantly. The prevalence of these crime types suggests potential underlying factors such as limited community resources, potential issues with public spaces, and perhaps a need for greater engagement within the local neighbourhood. Understanding these drivers is crucial for developing targeted preventative measures.

Crime rates in Reed have remained stable, showing a slight year-on-year increase of 1.3%. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations, with a peak in October 2025 (6.4 per 1,000/month) and a low in September 2025 (1.3 per 1,000/month). This relatively consistent trend suggests that while crime remains a concern, there have been no significant shifts in criminal activity during the observed period.

How To Keep Safe in Reed

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences and criminal damage in Reed, consider these safety suggestions: Firstly, report any instances of antisocial behaviour to the police. Secondly, be aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening. Thirdly, ensure your home and vehicle are securely locked, especially overnight. Fourthly, consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to increase community vigilance. Finally, invest in visible security measures, such as motion-sensor lighting, to deter potential offenders.

Crimes in Reed tend to fluctuate throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most likely to occur during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), while violence and sexual offences are more prevalent in the evening (6pm - 12am). Vehicle crime shows a higher incidence during the night (12am - 6am), and other crimes are more common during the afternoon. Understanding these patterns can inform personal safety strategies and targeted policing efforts.

Reed's crime rate is significantly higher than that of surrounding villages such as Barkway, Therfield, and Barley, which report zero recorded crimes. However, it is closer to the rate seen in Royston (North Hertfordshire), which experiences 57.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. This suggests that Reed’s location and characteristics may contribute to its higher crime rate compared to the most rural areas but remain lower than more populated centres like Royston.

Traditional CCTV systems provide a record of incidents, but scOS offers a proactive approach to home protection. In Reed, where criminal damage and arson are concerns, the ability to deter crime before it occurs is invaluable. scOS, with its multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification, can identify potential threats at the property boundary, triggering autonomous responses like lighting activation and speaker warnings. The 60-second decision point for many burglars is critical; the visible deterrence of a scOS system can be enough to make them move on, preventing a break-in altogether. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another.