Royston (North Hertfordshire) Crime Rate

Royston (North Hertfordshire) is a notably safe urban settlement, boasting a safety score of 87/100, which is well above the UK average of 79/100. The town's overall crime rate is 57.8 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. Furthermore, Royston is seeing a positive trend in safety, with crime rates decreasing by 7.2% year-over-year. This combination of a high safety score and a declining crime rate makes it one of the more secure locations for its 15,414 residents. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Royston's crime data, including a breakdown of crime types, time-based patterns, and practical safety advice.

In Royston, the safety landscape is primarily influenced by violence and sexual offences, which make up 37.1% of all reported crimes at a rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor, accounting for 24.4% of incidents. For those concerned with property security, the overall property crime rate in Royston is 16.9 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary (4.0%), vehicle crime (5.8%), and other theft (7.0%). While these figures are relatively low compared to national averages, the prevalence of 'other theft' and vehicle-related incidents suggests that residents should remain vigilant about securing their homes and cars, particularly in residential areas where these crimes often cluster.

Royston's crime trend is currently decreasing, with a 7.2% reduction in total crimes over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the year started and ended with its lowest crime rates, both at 3.8 per 1,000 residents. A gradual increase was observed through the spring and summer months, peaking in July at 6.0 per 1,000. This summer peak is common in many towns as outdoor activity increases. However, the subsequent decline through August and September, followed by a sharp drop in November, indicates a successful overall reduction in criminal activity. This downward trend is a positive sign for the 15,414 residents of Royston, suggesting a consistently improving safety environment.

How To Keep Safe in Royston

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Royston. To stay safe, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone during the evening or in quieter residential areas. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid shortcuts through parks or unlit alleys. If you are out late, try to travel with others and ensure your phone is charged. Anti-social behaviour is also a factor in the town; if you encounter such behaviour, avoid direct confrontation and report it to the local authorities. Since vehicle crime peaks at night, always ensure your car is locked, parked in a well-lit area if possible, and that no valuables are left on display. These simple, proactive steps can help you maintain your personal safety in Royston's secure environment.

Analysis of crime timing in Royston shows distinct patterns for different offence types. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related crimes are most prevalent, accounting for 45% and 50% of activity respectively, likely coinciding with retail hours and daytime property vacancy. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes including anti-social behaviour become more prominent (37%). The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant shift towards vehicle crime, which makes up 47% of all recorded incidents during these hours. Burglary remains a consistent threat throughout the latter half of the day and night, with its highest frequency (22%) occurring in the afternoon and late-night periods, suggesting that both unoccupied homes and the cover of darkness are being exploited.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Royston occupies a middle ground in terms of crime rates. It is significantly safer than Bassingbourn, which has a higher rate of 76.7 per 1,000. However, it has more reported activity than the smaller, more rural settlements of Kneesworth and Therfield, both of which reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. Royston also has a slightly higher crime rate than Melbourn (45.0 per 1,000). Despite these local variations, Royston's overall crime rate remains far below the UK average, confirming its status as a safe and secure community within the North Hertfordshire area.

In Royston, where the property crime rate is 16.9 per 1,000 residents, the focus for homeowners should be on prevention rather than just recording. Traditional security cameras, such as those from Ring or Nest, are often reactive—they tell you a crime has happened after the fact. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, changes this dynamic. It provides proactive protection by monitoring your property's boundaries and using AI to detect threats in real-time. scOS can distinguish between a delivery person and a potential intruder, and can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers to stop a crime before it begins. This level of professional-grade security is particularly effective against the vehicle crime and burglary patterns seen in Royston, ensuring your home is protected 24/7 with intelligent, autonomous oversight.