Hatfield Broad Oak Crime Rate

Hatfield Broad Oak recorded a crime rate of 71.3 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment than many areas of the country. However, it’s crucial to examine the specific types of crime occurring and any emerging trends. While the area boasts a safety score of 82 out of 100, indicating a positive perception of safety among residents, understanding the nuances of the local crime landscape is vital for informed decision-making and proactive safety measures. The consistent reporting of crime types over the data period suggests a need for targeted interventions.

Hatfield Broad Oak, within Uttlesford, exhibits a concerning crime profile. The highest reported crime type is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.0% of all incidents (51 crimes). This is followed by criminal damage and arson (12.1%), anti-social behaviour (9.5%), and vehicle crime (9.5%). While burglary represents a smaller proportion of overall crime (6.0%), it remains a worry for residents. Property crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and criminal damage, contributes to a rate of 24.6 per 1,000 residents. The prevalence of violence and sexual offences suggests potential underlying issues within the community that warrant further investigation. Understanding the area's demographics and social dynamics could provide valuable context for addressing these concerns.

Crime rates in Hatfield Broad Oak have remained relatively stable year-on-year, demonstrating a 2.7% change. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations; January and February saw lower crime rates (approximately 4.9 per 1,000/month), followed by a peak in March (8.0 per 1,000/month) and April (6.8 per 1,000/month). A noticeable dip occurred in September (3.1 per 1,000/month), with rates gradually increasing towards December (7.4 per 1,000/month). This suggests seasonal variations in crime patterns and the need for adaptive security strategies.

How To Keep Safe in Hatfield Broad Oak

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, consider these practical steps. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Secondly, secure your vehicle properly to prevent theft or damage, using a steering wheel lock and alarm. Thirdly, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Finally, ensure your home is well-lit and consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme for increased community vigilance. Remembering these simple measures can significantly enhance your personal safety.

Crime in Hatfield Broad Oak tends to fluctuate throughout the day. Burglary is most common in the afternoon (28%), while theft is also prominent during commercial hours (33%). Vehicle crime shows a pattern of heightened activity overnight (47%), likely reflecting opportunities for opportunistic theft. Violence and sexual offences are more prevalent in the evening (0%), particularly during weekends, indicating a possible link to social activities and nightlife. These patterns highlight the importance of targeted preventative measures during peak crime times.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Hatfield Broad Oak's crime rate is notably higher than Takeley Street (0.0 per 1,000) and Sheering (0.0 per 1,000), but lower than Little Hallingbury (40.1 per 1,000) and Hatfield Heath (37.6 per 1,000). This variation highlights the localised nature of crime and the importance of considering specific area characteristics when assessing safety.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a burglary has occurred. scOS offers a proactive approach. The 60-second window is critical – that’s when a potential burglar decides whether to proceed. scOS, with its multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification, creates a visible deterrent. Imagine scOS detecting an unfamiliar vehicle approaching your property boundary, lights activating, and a voice message deterring the potential intruder. This isn't just recording footage; it’s preventing crime. Reading crime statistics for Hatfield Broad Oak is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another. scOS’s pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms and ensuring only genuine threats trigger a response.