Watford Crime Rate

Watford Crime Overview

Watford is a busy urban local authority with an overall crime rate of 108.0 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 76/100. The crime trend in Watford is stable, showing a minor 3.9% increase year-over-year. Property crime is also above the national average at 38.5 per 1,000 residents, compared to the UK average of 32.9. As a major commercial and transport hub, Watford's crime statistics reflect its high footfall and urban density. Understanding these figures is essential for residents and businesses to stay safe in this vibrant town. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of local crime patterns and trends.

About Watford

Watford is a significant commercial and transport hub in Hertfordshire, which greatly influences its crime statistics. As a major regional shopping destination and home to a Premier League football club, the town experiences high footfall and a large transient population. The presence of Watford Junction, a key rail interchange, and the town's vibrant nightlife further contribute to its urban profile. These factors, while driving economic prosperity, also lead to higher reports of theft, anti-social behaviour, and public order offences compared to more suburban neighbours. The high population density and the concentration of retail and leisure activities mean that crime is often concentrated in the town centre and around transport links. Economic factors, including its role as a major employment centre, also play a part in the local crime rate, which reflects the town's status as a busy, multi-functional urban environment.

Crime in Watford

Violence and sexual offences are the most common reports in Watford, accounting for 33.2% of all crime. Anti-social behaviour (20.0%) and other theft (8.3%) also feature prominently. Overall property crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 38.5 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 32.9. Shoplifting is also a significant factor, making up 7.6% of reports. For residents, these statistics highlight the importance of personal safety in the town centre and the need for robust home and vehicle security. The prevalence of theft-related offences suggests that opportunistic crime is a key concern in this busy urban area.

Watford Crime Trends

The crime trend in Watford is stable, with a minor 3.9% increase in total offences over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows that the crime rate fluctuated throughout the year, peaking at 11.1 per 1,000 in July 2025. Other high-activity months include August (10.1) and June (9.5). The lowest rates were recorded in December (7.9) and February (7.5). This seasonal pattern suggests a slight increase in criminal activity during the summer months, possibly linked to higher footfall and outdoor events. The overall stability indicates that while there are monthly variations, the long-term safety profile of the town remains consistent. Residents should remain vigilant, especially during the busier summer period.

Local Context: Watford

In the context of the surrounding Hertfordshire and North London areas, Watford is a primary urban centre with a correspondingly higher crime rate than its more suburban neighbours. Its rate of 108.0 per 1,000 is significantly higher than the reported figures for Three Rivers, Hertsmere, St Albans, and Dacorum. This is common for a regional hub that attracts a large transient population for shopping, work, and leisure. While its crime rate is higher, Watford also offers a level of amenity and connectivity that its neighbours do not. For those considering the region, Watford represents a more active urban environment compared to the quieter, more residential districts nearby.

Proactive Security for Watford

With a property crime rate of 38.5 per 1,000, Watford residents and businesses face a higher risk than the national average. In a busy urban environment, traditional security systems like standard CCTV or ring doorbells are often not enough. These systems are reactive; they record a crime as it happens or after the fact, providing evidence but failing to prevent the incident.

scOS offers a proactive solution designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By using AI to monitor your security cameras in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats at your property boundary. If an intruder is detected near your home or business, scOS can autonomously respond by activating lights or audio warnings. This immediate intervention can deter a criminal in the crucial seconds before they attempt a break-in or theft. In an area like Watford, where opportunistic theft and vehicle crime are significant factors, scOS provides a sophisticated, professional-grade layer of protection that ensures your property remains truly secure. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure your assets in this active urban area.

How To Keep Safe in Watford

Violence and sexual offences are the most reported crimes in Watford. Given the town's busy urban nature and active nightlife, personal safety should be a priority.

1. Stay Aware in Public: When walking in the town centre, especially at night, stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones.
2. Use Well-Lit Routes: Stick to main roads and busy areas when travelling at night. Avoid shortcuts through less populated streets or parks.
3. Secure Your Belongings: With theft being a common issue, keep your bags and wallets secure and close to you, especially in crowded retail areas.
4. Plan Your Night Out: If you are enjoying Watford's nightlife, plan your journey home in advance and stay with friends. Use licensed taxis or public transport.
5. Vehicle Security: Always ensure your car is locked and no valuables are left on display, as vehicle crime is a notable factor in the local property crime rate.