St Albans Crime Rate

St Albans recorded a crime rate of 79.9 per 1,000 people for the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6, establishing the local authority as a safer-than-average region. St Albans boasts a strong safety score of 82/100, exceeding the UK national average of 79. The crime trend is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 3.3%. This combination of a high safety score and a crime rate below the national average makes St Albans a highly desirable and secure place to live and work. The following sections provide a comprehensive breakdown of crime types, monthly patterns, and localized insights for the area.

St Albans is an affluent and historic cathedral city in Hertfordshire, characterised by its mix of high-end residential areas, a thriving commercial centre, and significant tourist appeal. As a major commuter hub with direct rail links to London, it attracts a large daily transient population, which can influence local crime statistics, particularly theft-related offences. The local authority area also includes suburban and rural settlements, providing a diverse demographic profile. The city's bustling retail sector and vibrant nightlife contribute to higher reports of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour compared to more isolated rural districts. Economic factors generally reflect high employment and prosperity, but the city's accessibility and wealth can occasionally make it a target for opportunistic property crime. Understanding these characteristics helps explain why St Albans maintains a high safety score while experiencing typical urban crime challenges.

In St Albans, the crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, accounting for 29.8% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is also significant at 19.1%, followed by shoplifting at 10.5%. For residents and homeowners, property-related crime is a key consideration, with the combined rate for offences like burglary, vehicle crime, and theft standing at 33.6 per 1,000 people. Vehicle crime is particularly notable, representing 7.5% of total crime, while burglary accounts for 4.1%. Other theft also makes up a substantial 10.1% of reports. This distribution suggests that while personal safety is a priority, the risk of opportunistic theft and vehicle-related offences is a persistent factor in the area, requiring residents to be proactive about both home and vehicle security.

St Albans is currently seeing a stable safety trend, with a minor year-over-year increase in crime of 3.3%. Monthly data from 2025 shows the crime rate starting at 6.4 in January and reaching a peak of 7.9 in July. Following this summer high, the rate generally declined, ending the year at 6.2 in December. This downward trajectory toward the end of the year is an encouraging sign for the community. Residents can take confidence in the fact that while there has been a slight annual rise, the current direction is positive and the overall crime rate remains well below the national average.

St Albans acts as a central hub in Hertfordshire, and its crime profile should be viewed in a regional context. While neighbouring areas like Welwyn Hatfield, Hertsmere, Watford, Luton, Dacorum, and Three Rivers have reported near-zero crime rates in this specific statistical snapshot, St Albans' rate of 79.9 per 1,000 reflects its status as a busy, active city. For residents and businesses, St Albans offers a secure environment that is safer than the UK national average, providing a robust balance between urban activity and residential security compared to larger metropolitan neighbours.

In the affluent city of St Albans, where the property crime rate is 33.6 per 1,000 people, residents often seek high-level security to match their property values. Traditional security measures—like standard alarms or basic CCTV—are reactive, only providing evidence after a crime has been committed. For those who value prevention, scOS offers a proactive AI-powered alternative. scOS monitors your property's boundary in real-time, using multi-camera intelligence to detect threats before an intruder even reaches your door. By identifying suspicious patterns and verified vehicles, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating security lights or audio warnings—that disrupt a criminal's plan in the critical 60 seconds of their decision-making. With vehicle crime and burglary being persistent risks in urban areas, this professional-grade deterrence is the best way to maintain the high safety standards that St Albans residents expect. Traditional systems record the crime; scOS prevents it.

How To Keep Safe in St Albans

The most common crime in St Albans is violence and sexual offences. While the city is generally very safe, it is always wise to maintain situational awareness, especially when walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts through parks or alleys. If you are enjoying the city's nightlife, stay with your group and ensure you have a pre-planned way to get home.

Anti-social behaviour is another notable issue at 19.1%. Residents can help by reporting persistent problems to the local authorities. For property owners, the 33.6 per 1,000 property crime rate means home security should be a priority. Ensure all windows and doors are locked when you are out and consider installing a high-quality security system. For vehicle owners, be aware that vehicle crime accounts for 7.5% of total crime. Always park your car in a garage or a secure, well-lit driveway and never leave valuables inside. These simple, proactive steps can help maintain St Albans' excellent safety record and protect your property from opportunistic theft. Shoplifting is also a factor at 10.5%, so local business owners should ensure they have robust retail security in place.