Whitwell (North Hertfordshire) Crime Rate

Whitwell (North Hertfordshire) maintains an impressive safety profile with an overall crime rate of 44.0 per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in its high safety score of 88/100, which is well above the national benchmark of 78. However, recent data indicates a notable upward trend, with crime levels increasing by 35.3% year-over-year. Despite this rise, the area remains one of the safer settlements in the region. The low density of property crime suggests a community where residential security is generally high, though the recent trend suggests that residents should remain vigilant as local dynamics evolve. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime occurring and the patterns behind them.

Crime Breakdown in Whitwell (North Hertfordshire)

Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of local crime, accounting for 40.6% of all recorded incidents with a rate of 17.9 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 23.2% and public order offences at 11.6%. These three categories form the core of the area's reported activity, suggesting that social and interpersonal conflicts are more frequent than acquisitive crimes.

Property-related crime in Whitwell remains relatively low, with a combined rate of 10.2 per 1,000 people. This figure encompasses criminal damage and arson (8.7%), vehicle crime (5.8%), and burglary (4.3%). Other theft and robbery make up the remaining small percentage of property offences. While these figures are well below national averages, the presence of vehicle crime and burglary indicates that residents should remain mindful of securing their homes and cars. For homeowners, the low property crime rate is encouraging, but the recent upward trend in overall crime suggests that maintaining robust physical security and community vigilance is prudent to prevent opportunistic offences.

Crime Trends in Whitwell (North Hertfordshire)

The crime rate in Whitwell has seen a significant year-over-year increase of 35.3%. This rise is noteworthy for a small community, though it should be viewed in the context of very low absolute numbers. The monthly trend data shows considerable volatility throughout the year. The highest activity was recorded in January 2025, with a rate of 8.9 per 1,000, and October 2025, which saw a rate of 7.0.

In contrast, the area experienced much quieter periods in December 2024 and June 2025, both recording a low rate of 1.3 per 1,000. These fluctuations are typical for built-up areas with smaller populations, where a single incident or a short-lived spree can significantly impact the percentage statistics. For residents, the 35.3% increase serves as a reminder that even historically safe areas can experience shifts in activity. Monitoring these monthly patterns can help the community identify periods where increased vigilance or police presence may be beneficial to curb the upward trend.

How To Keep Safe in Whitwell (North Hertfordshire)

The highest crime category in Whitwell is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 40.6% of all recorded incidents. While many of these incidents may be contained within private settings or specific groups, maintaining personal safety and community awareness is essential.

To stay safe, always remain aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening hours. Utilise well-lit routes and avoid isolated paths. We recommend participating in local neighbourhood watch schemes or community social media groups to stay informed about any unusual activity in the village. If you witness anti-social behaviour, which is the second most common crime here, report it promptly to the local authorities to prevent escalation. Finally, ensure that your home's exterior is well-lit; while property crime is low, good lighting is a proven deterrent against various types of opportunistic crime and helps you feel more secure when arriving home after dark.

Crime Timing in Whitwell (North Hertfordshire)

Analysis of crime timing in Whitwell reveals distinct patterns for different offence types. Vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night-time hours between 12am and 6am, where it accounts for a significant 45% of all recorded incidents in that period. This suggests that vehicles parked on streets or in driveways are most vulnerable under the cover of darkness.

Burglary shows a different trend, peaking during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm) at 29% of period crimes, and remaining a factor in the morning and evening. This aligns with national patterns where intruders target properties when they believe residents are out at work or school. Theft-related offences also peak in the morning and afternoon hours. In contrast, the evening hours (6pm - 12am) are dominated by "Other" offences, which likely include anti-social behaviour and public order issues associated with late-day social activity. Understanding these windows of vulnerability allows residents to tailor their security habits effectively.

When comparing Whitwell to its immediate neighbours, it sits in a relatively safe bracket, though it is not the quietest area in North Hertfordshire. Nearby Kimpton has a lower crime rate of 24.2 per 1,000 people, suggesting a slightly calmer environment. Most strikingly, the surrounding settlements of Breachwood Green, Preston, and Rush Green all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people in the most recent data period. This indicates that while Whitwell is very safe by national standards, it experiences more activity than some of its ultra-rural neighbours. For those considering the region, Whitwell offers a balance of village life with a slightly higher, yet still manageable, level of recorded activity compared to the absolute quiet of Breachwood Green or Preston.

With property crime in Whitwell sitting at 10.2 per 1,000 people, the risk to homeowners is low but present, particularly given the 35.3% year-over-year increase in total crime. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV, often fall short because they are reactive; they record a burglary as it happens or notify you after the intruder has already entered your home. In a village setting like Whitwell, where police response times may be longer than in major cities, prevention is the only effective strategy.

The scOS operating system shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By using multi-camera AI intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying threats before a break-in occurs. It distinguishes between a delivery driver and a potential intruder, using autonomous responses like engaging speakers or activating lights to destroy the element of surprise. For residents concerned about the peak in afternoon burglaries or night-time vehicle crime, a proactive AI system ensures that your home is never a soft target. Traditional systems give you evidence; scOS gives you protection.