Harston Crime Rate

Crime in Harston

Harston is a notably safe and secure village in South Cambridgeshire, currently holding an excellent safety score of 91/100. This places it well above the UK average of 79, reflecting a peaceful environment for its 1,147 residents. The overall crime rate in Harston is 38.4 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Furthermore, the crime trend is currently decreasing, with an 8.3% drop recorded year-over-year. This positive trajectory reinforces Harston’s reputation as a low-risk residential area. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring in the area and when they are most likely to happen, helping residents and visitors stay informed.

Crime Breakdown in Harston

In Harston, the safety landscape is primarily characterized by violence and sexual offences, which account for 29.6% of all reported crimes. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 22.7% and burglary at 15.9%. These three categories represent the most frequent issues faced by the local community, though the overall volume of crime is low.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 17.4 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. Specifically, burglary is the most prominent property concern at 15.9% of total crime, followed by criminal damage and arson at 11.4%. Other theft and vehicle crime account for 9.1% and 4.5% respectively. For residents, this indicates that while the overall risk of property interference is low, burglary and criminal damage are the most relevant factors to consider. Homeowners should focus on securing the perimeter and ensuring that outbuildings and gardens are as protected as the main residence.

Crime Trends in Harston

The crime trend in Harston is currently decreasing, with a positive 8.3% drop year-over-year. This downward trajectory is a strong indicator of the area's ongoing safety. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the year began with very low activity, recording just 0.9 crimes per 1,000 in January. The rate saw its first significant increase in April, reaching a peak of 7.0.

Following this spring high, the crime rate settled into a very consistent pattern throughout the summer and early autumn, averaging 2.6 per 1,000 for five consecutive months. A secondary spike occurred in October, reaching 5.2, before dipping back to 1.7 by December. These fluctuations are typical for smaller populations where even a few incidents can impact the monthly rate. For residents, the overall annual decrease and the long periods of low activity are very encouraging signs.

How To Keep Safe in Harston

The most common crime in Harston is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 29.6% of all reported incidents. Although the overall volume of crime is low, maintaining personal safety is always a priority for residents and visitors.

Firstly, stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening, and try to stick to well-lit routes. Sharing your location with a trusted contact if you are out late is a simple but effective precaution. Secondly, with burglary accounting for 15.9% of local crime, ensure that your home is well-secured with high-quality locks and that any outbuildings are also protected. Thirdly, keep your vehicle locked and avoid leaving any valuables on display, as vehicle crime is present in the area. Finally, staying active in local community safety groups and looking out for your neighbours can help maintain Harston’s strong safety record. Vigilance and community connection are the best tools for keeping the village safe.

Time Patterns of Crime in Harston

Crime in Harston follows distinct temporal patterns, particularly regarding property and vehicle-related offences. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft is a major factor, accounting for 38% of reported incidents, while burglary also appears at 26%. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), burglary peaks at 40%, and theft remains high at 37%. This suggests that the middle of the day is a high-risk window for residential property, likely when homes are unoccupied.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), burglary remains a key concern at 38%, while 'other' crimes (including anti-social behaviour) rise to 38%. Overnight (12am - 6am), the focus shifts significantly towards vehicle crime, which accounts for 23% of incidents, while burglary reaches its daily peak at 44%. These patterns highlight that while daytime is a risk for theft and burglary, the late-night and early-morning hours are when homes and vehicles are most vulnerable to more intrusive offences in Harston.

Nearby Area Comparison

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Harston maintains a high level of safety, though some surrounding areas report even lower activity. Nearby Hauxton, Newton, and Little Shelford all recorded 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people, representing an exceptionally high standard of safety. Harston’s rate of 38.4 is notably lower than Foxton (South Cambridgeshire), which reports 46.6 crimes per 1,000. Overall, Harston sits comfortably within a cluster of very safe South Cambridgeshire settlements, offering a level of security that is significantly better than the national average.

Proactive Security for Harston Residents

With a property crime rate of 17.4 per 1,000 people and burglary being a top-three crime type, Harston residents should consider the benefits of advanced home security. Traditional systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY alarms, are typically reactive. They record footage while a crime is occurring or sound an alarm after a break-in has already happened. While useful for evidence, these systems do not stop the crime from taking place.

Proactive protection, such as the scOS AI-powered operating system, is designed to prevent crime before it starts. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS can identify potential intruders before they reach your home. It distinguishes between residents, deliveries, and genuine threats, only alerting you when necessary. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers. This proactive approach ensures that any potential burglary is stopped at the boundary, maintaining the safety of your home and the low crime rate of the Harston community.