Stevenage Crime Rate

Stevenage presents a complex safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 109.8 per 1,000 people. This figure is higher than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 74/100. Of concern is the recent trend direction, which shows crime increasing by 9.0% year-over-year. As a major urban and commercial hub in Hertfordshire, the town experiences higher levels of activity than its more rural neighbours. While many of the recorded incidents are concentrated in high-footfall areas, the rising trend suggests that residents and business owners should be increasingly proactive about their security. The following analysis breaks down these figures to help you understand the specific risks and safety patterns within the Stevenage area.

Stevenage is a prominent 'New Town' in Hertfordshire, characterised by its planned residential neighbourhoods and significant commercial sectors. As a major employment hub, it hosts large-scale pharmaceutical and aerospace industries, alongside a bustling town centre and retail parks. These features, combined with high-density housing and excellent transport links—including a major railway station connecting to London—contribute to a higher transient population and increased footfall. Such urban factors often correlate with higher recorded crime rates, particularly in commercial zones where shoplifting and other thefts are more prevalent. The area's mix of concentrated urban living and large-scale commercial activity shapes its unique safety profile compared to more rural Hertfordshire districts.

In Stevenage, violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of local crime, accounting for 38.3% of all reports (42.0 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is also prominent, making up 19.6% of total incidents. The third most common category is 'other theft' at 7.8%. When looking at property-related crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and criminal damage—the rate stands at 32.5 per 1,000 people. Shoplifting is particularly notable at 7.0%, reflecting the area's large retail presence. For residents, the combined property crime rate suggests that while serious personal crime is the primary statistical driver, the risk of opportunistic theft and vandalism remains a daily reality that requires robust home and business security measures.

Stevenage is currently experiencing an upward trend in criminal activity, with a 9.0% increase in total crimes over the last year. Monthly data shows that while crime rates fluctuated between 7.7 and 8.8 per 1,000 in late 2024 and early 2025, there was a significant jump in the spring and summer. March 2025 saw a rate of 9.7, which rose further to a peak of 10.6 in July. The latter half of 2025 has remained consistently high, with October ending at 9.9. This sustained increase suggests that the factors driving local crime are not temporary. For residents, this means that security should be a year-round priority rather than a seasonal concern. The peak in July aligns with national patterns where warmer weather often leads to higher levels of public-order and anti-social behaviour reports in urban centres.

Stevenage serves as the primary urban centre in its immediate region, which is reflected in its higher crime rate compared to surrounding areas. Nearby districts such as North Hertfordshire, East Hertfordshire, Welwyn Hatfield, and St Albans all report significantly lower crime levels, as does Central Bedfordshire. Even Luton, a larger urban area, shows a lower rate in this specific comparison. This contrast highlights Stevenage's role as a focal point for commercial and social activity, which naturally draws higher crime statistics. For those considering the region, Stevenage offers the most urbanised environment, but this comes with a statistical increase in crime compared to the exceptionally quiet surrounding Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire districts.

With property crime in Stevenage at 32.5 per 1,000 people and a rising year-over-year trend, traditional security measures are often insufficient. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive—they capture footage of a crime while it is happening or after the fact. In an environment where crime is increasing by 9.0%, residents need a proactive solution. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can identify suspicious patterns and threats at your property boundary. Its multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification allow it to distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise and deterring criminals before they can cause damage or gain entry. For Stevenage homeowners, moving to a proactive AI system like scOS is the most effective way to counter the rising local crime rates.

How To Keep Safe in Stevenage

The most prevalent crime type in Stevenage is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, particularly in the town centre or near the railway station, we recommend staying in well-lit, populated areas after dark. If you are using late-night transport, try to travel with others and share your journey details with a friend. For those living in high-density residential areas, anti-social behaviour is also a common concern; reporting incidents to the local council and police helps ensure that resources are allocated to your neighbourhood. Additionally, given the 7.0% shoplifting rate in retail areas, shoppers should keep personal belongings secure and be mindful of their surroundings in busy crowds. Finally, with crime trends currently increasing, staying informed through local police social media channels can provide timely alerts about specific issues in your ward.