Harpenden Crime Rate

Harpenden is an exceptionally safe town, recording an overall crime rate of 39.6 per 1,000 residents during the period from December 2024 to November 2025. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, and the town maintains an outstanding safety score of 91/100, which is far above the national average of 79. The crime trend in Harpenden is currently on an increasing trajectory, showing a 10.8% rise year-over-year. While this increase is from a very low base, it suggests that residents should remain vigilant and continue to take proactive steps to ensure their personal and property safety. The following analysis provides a more detailed look at the types of crime occurring in Harpenden and offers practical advice for staying secure.

In Harpenden, the most common crime types are violence and sexual offences, representing 26.2% of all recorded incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.2% and vehicle crime at 12.4%. These figures suggest that while Harpenden is a very safe area, personal safety and vehicle security are the primary concerns for residents. Property crime in Harpenden occurs at a rate of 19.1 per 1,000 residents. This combined figure includes burglary (9.4%), vehicle crime (12.4%), other theft (12.0%), and criminal damage and arson (8.4%). For homeowners, the relatively high percentage of vehicle crime and 'other theft' suggests that opportunistic offences are the most common property-related risks. While burglary rates are also a notable factor for the area, the overall property crime rate is very low compared to the UK average. Residents should focus on securing their vehicles and ensuring their homes are well-protected to maintain the high safety standards of the town.

The crime trend in Harpenden is currently increasing, with a 10.8% rise year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals some fluctuations in the crime rate per 1,000 residents. The year began with its lowest point in January at 2.7 and saw a gradual increase through the spring and summer. A peak of 4.3 was reached in August 2025, followed by a slight decline towards the end of the year, finishing at 3.4 in November. This overall upward trend suggests that the volume of reported incidents has grown over the past twelve months, although it remains very low by national standards. For residents, this highlights the importance of staying informed about local crime patterns and maintaining good security practices to ensure Harpenden remains a safe place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Harpenden

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type in Harpenden, accounting for 26.2% of incidents. While the overall volume is very low, it is still important to take practical steps for personal safety. When out and about, especially in the evening, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit areas. Given the notable rate of vehicle crime and burglary, ensure that your car is always locked with no valuables visible and that your home is securely locked with all entry points protected. For your home, simple measures like using timer switches for lights can deter the opportunistic theft that is also present in the area. Harpenden is an exceptionally safe town, and by staying vigilant and looking out for your neighbours, you can help maintain the high safety standards that the community enjoys.

In Harpenden, crime patterns show distinct variations throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are dominated by theft-related offences (43%) and vehicle crime (23%). This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft peaks at 48% and burglary also rises to 26%, likely as properties are left unattended. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'other' offences (including anti-social behaviour) rise to 31%, while burglary remains a significant threat at 25%. The night-time period (12am-6am) sees a major peak in vehicle crime, which accounts for 50% of all incidents during these hours, while burglary also remains high at 24%. These patterns suggest that while theft is more common during the day, residential property and vehicles are at much higher risk of burglary and theft under the cover of darkness. Understanding these time-based risks allows Harpenden residents to tailor their home and vehicle security more effectively.

When compared to nearby areas, Harpenden's crime rate of 39.6 per 1,000 residents is much lower than Redbourn (64.0). Other nearby areas such as Lea Valley, Kinsbourne Green, and Blackmore End all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific dataset. These comparisons highlight Harpenden's status as a very safe and desirable residential area. For those living in or considering Harpenden, the statistics show a town with a very low volume of crime, providing a secure and peaceful environment that is among the best in the region.

In Harpenden, where the property crime rate is a very low 19.1 per 1,000 residents, the focus of home security should be on maintaining that high level of safety through prevention. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or standard burglar alarms, are often reactive—they only alert you or provide evidence after a crime has already been committed. For Harpenden homeowners, a more proactive approach is highly recommended. The scOS operating system uses advanced AI to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time, identifying potential threats before they can escalate into a break-in. By distinguishing between normal activity and suspicious behaviour, scOS ensures you are only alerted to genuine risks. Features like autonomous lighting responses and immediate boundary alerts act as a powerful deterrent, often causing opportunistic thieves to move on before even attempting a crime. In an area where vehicle crime and burglary are the primary property concerns, a system that prevents incidents at the property line is the most effective way to safeguard your home and belongings. Proactive AI protection is the modern standard for residential security.