St Albans Crime Rate

St Albans currently records a crime rate of 79.8 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 91.7. The district maintains a strong safety score of 83/100, indicating that it is a relatively secure place for its 151,012 residents. The recent crime trend is classified as stable, showing a 4.6% increase year-over-year. This data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, highlights that the area remains a secure environment, though it does face typical urban challenges. While the city centre sees more activity, the overall safety profile suggests that St Albans continues to offer a stable and secure environment for both families and businesses in the heart of Hertfordshire.

About St Albans

St Albans is a historic cathedral city and district in Hertfordshire, renowned for its rich Roman heritage, beautiful architecture, and high quality of life. The area is a premier location within the London commuter belt, offering a mix of vibrant urban living and picturesque rural landscapes. Its economy is strong, with a high proportion of professional residents and a thriving retail and service sector, alongside its status as a major tourist destination.

The district's crime statistics are influenced by its varied character. The city centre, as a major commercial and nightlife hub, naturally sees higher rates of crime, particularly in categories like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. The district's affluent nature and excellent transport links, including the M1 and major rail lines, can also attract opportunistic property crime. However, the borough's active community safety partnerships and very high safety score indicate a well-managed environment where safety is a priority. The combination of high employment and effective local policing ensures that St Albans remains one of the most secure and desirable districts in the Home Counties, balancing the needs of its 151,012 residents with its status as a busy historic and regional hub.

Crime in St Albans

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in St Albans, with 3,603 recorded incidents making up 29.9% of the total. Anti-social behaviour is also significant, accounting for 19.3% of reports, while shoplifting follows at 10.8%. These figures reflect the typical challenges of a district with a busy commercial centre and a high population density.

Property crime in St Albans occurs at a rate of 33.4 per 1,000 people. This includes 494 burglaries, 866 vehicle crimes, and 1,304 shoplifting offences. Vehicle crime is a notable factor, representing 7.2% of all crime, while burglary accounts for 4.1%. Although the property crime rate is slightly above the UK average (32.3), the combined volume of theft and criminal damage (7.1%) remains a priority for residents. Homeowners and car owners are advised to maintain consistent security practices, as property-related offences still make up a substantial portion of local criminal activity. Ensuring that homes and vehicles are properly protected is essential for long-term peace of mind in the district. Protecting homes against the lower but persistent risk of burglary remains a key priority for maintaining the area's safety standards.

St Albans Crime Trends

The crime trend in St Albans is currently stable, with a 4.6% increase in total offences recorded over the last year. Monthly data shows some fluctuation, with the crime rate per 1,000 starting at 6.1 in December 2024 and reaching a peak of 7.9 in July 2025. This summer peak is a common pattern as increased outdoor activity and tourism can lead to more reported incidents.

Following the summer high, the rate saw some variation, ending at 6.5 in November 2025. Despite these monthly variations, the overall year-over-year stability indicates that crime levels are being effectively managed. For residents, being aware of these trends can help in taking extra precautions during peak periods, while the district's overall safety score of 83/100 remains a positive indicator of its long-term consistency. Monitoring these trends allows for more effective community safety strategies.

St Albans is situated in a very safe part of the Home Counties. When compared to the nearby urban centres of Watford or Luton, St Albans' crime rate is significantly lower, making it an attractive option for those seeking a secure lifestyle. It also shares a similar safety profile with other Hertfordshire districts like Welwyn Hatfield and Dacorum, and is lower than the higher-activity areas of Hertsmere. For those considering the region, St Albans offers a good balance of historic charm and safety, especially when compared to the larger nearby cities. Understanding this local context helps residents appreciate the district's overall secure standing.

Protecting Your Property in St Albans

With a property crime rate of 33.4 per 1,000 people, St Albans residents face a consistent risk of theft and burglary, particularly in the district's more urbanised areas. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, are often reactive—they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. In an area where vehicle crime and shoplifting are persistent issues, proactive protection is essential to prevent incidents before they occur.

scOS offers a significant step forward in home security by using AI to monitor your property's perimeter. Unlike traditional systems, scOS can distinguish between normal activity and a genuine threat at your boundary. If a potential intruder is detected, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, often deterring the criminal before they even attempt a break-in. For St Albans homeowners, this shift from recording a crime to preventing one is vital. A visible, intelligent security system sends a clear message to opportunistic thieves that your home is a difficult target. In an area where property crime is a factor, the peace of mind provided by proactive, real-time detection is invaluable for protecting your home and family.

How To Keep Safe in St Albans

The most common crime in St Albans is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 29.9% of all recorded incidents. While the district is generally safe, the following tips can help you maintain your personal security:

1. Stay Aware in the City Centre: When visiting St Albans city centre, especially in the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and be mindful of your surroundings.
2. Secure Your Vehicle: With vehicle crime making up over 7% of all offences, always ensure your car is locked and avoid leaving any valuables on display, even for short periods.
3. Be Vigilant in Crowded Areas: In busy shopping and historic tourist areas, keep your personal belongings secure to prevent opportunistic theft, which can sometimes escalate.
4. Join Neighbourhood Watch: Engaging with local community safety groups can help you stay informed about specific crime trends in your part of the district.
5. Trust Your Instincts: If you feel uncomfortable in a particular location or situation, move to a busier, well-lit area or enter a local business that is open to the public.