Reed Crime Rate

Reed presents a relatively safe environment with an overall crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in its impressive safety score of 88/100, placing it well above the national benchmark of 78. However, recent data indicates an increasing trend, with total offences rising by 31.9% year-over-year. While the settlement remains a low-crime area in a national context, this upward trajectory suggests a shift in the local landscape that residents should be aware of. The following data provides a detailed analysis of the types and timings of these incidents.

Crime Breakdown in Reed

The most frequent reports in Reed involve violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour, each accounting for 23.1% of all local crime. Other theft follows as the third most common category, representing 17.6% of incidents. Collectively, property crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—stands at 28.2 incidents per 1,000 people. While the overall safety score is high, the presence of burglary at 14.3% of the total suggests that homeowners should remain vigilant. Understanding these figures is essential for residents to implement effective home security measures and maintain the area's generally safe character.

Reed Crime Trends

The crime rate in Reed has seen a significant year-over-year increase of 31.9%. Analysis of the monthly trendData reveals considerable volatility throughout the year. The highest activity was recorded in December 2024 (8.3 per 1,000) and October 2025 (6.4), suggesting seasonal spikes. Conversely, February 2025 (1.9) and September 2025 (1.3) were exceptionally quiet months. This fluctuating pattern indicates that while the overall trend is upward, Reed experiences periods of relative calm interspersed with short-term increases in reported offences. Residents should remain mindful that even in low-crime areas, trends can shift rapidly.

How To Keep Safe in Reed

Violence and sexual offences are among the most reported crimes in Reed. While the area is generally safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal security.

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the hours of darkness, and stick to well-lit, familiar routes.
2. Use personal safety apps or share your live location with a trusted friend or family member when travelling late at night.
3. Ensure your home's entry points are well-lit with motion-activated lighting to deter loitering and improve visibility.
4. Report any suspicious behaviour or persistent anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them build an accurate picture of local activity.
5. Consider joining or forming a local Neighbourhood Watch group to stay informed about recent incidents and safety advice.

Crime Timing in Reed

Crime in Reed follows distinct temporal patterns. Theft-related offences are most prevalent during the daylight hours, making up 56% of crimes in both the morning and afternoon periods. As the day transitions into the evening, the nature of crime shifts; burglary becomes more prominent, accounting for 31% of evening incidents and peaking at 38% during the night (12am - 6am). Vehicle crime also sees a significant spike during the night, representing 24% of reports. These trends suggest that while daytime activity is largely focused on opportunistic theft, the hours of darkness pose a higher risk for residential and vehicle-related property crimes.

Local Context and Comparisons

When comparing Reed to its immediate neighbours, there are stark contrasts in activity. Nearby settlements such as Barkway, Therfield, and Barley all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people, highlighting them as exceptionally quiet rural areas. In contrast, Royston, also within North Hertfordshire, shows a crime rate of 59.0 per 1,000 people, which is very similar to Reed’s rate of 58.2. This suggests that Reed shares more in common with the larger market town of Royston in terms of crime frequency than with the smaller, virtually crime-free surrounding villages. Understanding these regional variations helps residents appreciate Reed's position within the local safety hierarchy.

Proactive Security for Reed Residents

With a property crime rate of 28.2 per 1,000 people and burglary accounting for over 14% of offences, Reed homeowners benefit from moving beyond traditional security. Standard CCTV cameras often only provide footage of a crime already in progress, which does little to prevent the initial loss. A proactive approach is necessary to maintain Reed's high safety score.

The scOS operating system offers a significant advantage by detecting threats at the property boundary before a break-in occurs. Its AI-powered multi-camera intelligence monitors all angles simultaneously, identifying suspicious patterns that DIY systems might miss. By using autonomous responses, such as activating lighting or audio deterrents, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area where vehicle crime and burglary are present, features like DVLA vehicle verification ensure that only recognised visitors are ignored, while potential threats are intercepted in real-time. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure your home.