Colney Heath Crime Rate

Colney Heath is characterised by its high level of safety, featuring an overall crime rate of 37.1 per 1,000 residents. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 91.7, earning the area an excellent safety score of 92/100. Furthermore, the crime trend is moving in a positive direction, with a 7.8% decrease in reported incidents over the past year. This combination of low crime and a declining trend makes Colney Heath one of the most secure urban settlements in the St Albans local authority. The following report details the crime types, trends, and safety advice specific to the Colney Heath area.

Crime Breakdown for Colney Heath

Colney Heath's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 31.4% of all reported crimes, equivalent to 11.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.9% and criminal damage and arson at 14.4%. These figures suggest that most reported issues in the area are related to interpersonal conflicts or public order rather than organised property theft.

The overall property crime rate in Colney Heath is 14.5 per 1,000 residents, which is less than half the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, vehicle crime is the most frequent concern at 11.0% of total crimes, followed by burglary at 5.9%. While the absolute numbers are low, the presence of vehicle-related offences indicates that opportunistic criminals may target cars parked on residential streets or in driveways. For homeowners, the relatively low burglary rate is encouraging, but the consistent percentage of criminal damage suggests that maintaining a visible security presence can help deter vandalism and protect property value.

Colney Heath is experiencing a positive trend in its safety profile, with a year-over-year decrease in crime of 7.8%. The monthly trendData shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents remained relatively stable throughout the year, fluctuating between a low of 1.9 in March 2025 and a peak of 4.4 in July 2025. The end of the period saw the rate settle at 3.5 in November 2025, consistent with the start of the data cycle. This stability, coupled with the overall reduction in reported incidents, suggests that local law enforcement and community safety initiatives are effectively managing crime in the area. For residents, this downward trend provides reassurance that Colney Heath remains a secure and improving environment.

How To Keep Safe in Colney Heath

The most frequent crime type in Colney Heath is violence and sexual offences, though the overall rate remains low. Maintaining awareness and community connection are the best ways to stay safe.

To ensure your safety in the village:

• Be mindful when walking in quieter areas after dark; stick to primary routes and carry a charged mobile phone.
• Engage with local community groups or social media pages to stay informed about any unusual activity in the neighbourhood.
• Ensure that home entrances and side gates are securely locked, even when you are at home, to prevent opportunistic walk-ins.
• If you witness anti-social behaviour, report it to the local authorities to ensure that patrols are directed where they are most needed.
• Consider installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your property to increase visibility and discourage loitering.

Crime in Colney Heath follows distinct time-based patterns. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 32% and 39% of reports respectively. This indicates that crimes are often opportunistic, occurring while residents are at work or away from their properties. The evening hours see a shift toward anti-social behaviour and other public order offences, which make up 47% of reports. At night, vehicle crime becomes the dominant issue, representing 54% of all crime between midnight and 6am. This suggests that vehicles parked on the street are most vulnerable during the early hours. Burglary risks also fluctuate, with a notable peak of 18% during the afternoon, highlighting that home security is a 24-hour requirement in the village.

In the local context, Colney Heath stands out as a highly secure residential pocket. It is considerably safer than the nearby commercial and student hub of Hatfield, which has a much higher crime rate of 137.7 per 1,000. It also compares favourably to Welham Green (49.2 per 1,000). While it does not match the zero-crime reports of the very small rural communities of Smallford and North Mymms, it offers a robust level of security for an area of its size and population density. For those looking for a safe neighbourhood within easy reach of larger towns, Colney Heath is an excellent benchmark for regional safety.

Colney Heath enjoys a low property crime rate of 14.5 per 1,000, but the 11.0% share of vehicle crime and 5.9% share of burglary highlight areas where residents can still improve their security. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage of a crime only after it has occurred. For homeowners in Colney Heath, a proactive approach like scOS offers a more effective solution. By using AI to monitor property boundaries, scOS can detect an intruder the moment they step onto your land, triggering autonomous responses such as lighting or audio warnings. This stops the crime before it escalates to a break-in or vehicle theft. With the ability to recognise family members and ignore routine movements, scOS provides professional-grade security that fits seamlessly into village life, offering prevention-focused protection that standard recording devices cannot match.