Watford (Watford) Crime Rate

Watford exhibits a crime rate of 99.6 incidents per 1,000 residents over the 12-month period from January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is slightly above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a marginally heightened risk of crime compared to the national picture. While the rate has remained stable year-on-year, showing a small increase of 2.4%, fluctuations are observed throughout the year, with peaks during the summer months. Understanding the breakdown of these crimes and the factors contributing to them is crucial for residents and local authorities alike.

Watford exhibits a concerning pattern of criminal activity, with Violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent at 4690 incidents, representing 33.7% of all recorded crimes. Anti-social behaviour follows closely with 2808 occurrences, accounting for 20.2%. Shoplifting contributes significantly with 1155 reported incidents, representing 8.3% of total crimes. The combination of these top three crime types, along with other theft, criminal damage, and public order offences, paints a picture of a neighbourhood facing a range of challenges. The overall property crime rate stands at 34.9 per 1,000 residents, highlighting the need for preventative measures and community engagement to address these ongoing issues.

The crime rate in Watford has remained stable over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, showing a modest 2.4% year-on-year change. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with the highest recorded rate of 10.2 incidents per 1,000 residents in July 2025 and the lowest in February 2025 at 7.0 per 1,000. These variations suggest seasonal or cyclical patterns influencing crime levels. While the overall trend is stable, continued monitoring and targeted interventions remain crucial for maintaining community safety.

How To Keep Safe in Watford

Given that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Watford, prioritize personal safety. Walk with a friend or in well-lit areas, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like mobile phones. Secure your home with strong locks and consider an alarm system. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police – your vigilance can help protect yourself and your neighbours.

Crime patterns in Watford demonstrate variation throughout the day. Burglary incidents are slightly more common between 12am and 6am, while theft sees a higher frequency during commercial hours, particularly in the afternoon. Vehicle crime tends to concentrate during overnight periods, highlighting a need for increased vigilance regarding vehicle security. Violence and anti-social behaviour are more prevalent during evening hours, particularly on weekends. Understanding these patterns can inform personal safety precautions and targeted community interventions.

Watford’s crime rate of 99.6 per 1,000 residents is higher than some neighbouring areas but lower than others. Moor Park has a significantly lower rate at 36.6 per 1,000, while Bushey and Rickmansworth report rates of 71.1 and 71.3 per 1,000 respectively. Chandler’s Cross, notably, presents a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, suggesting a considerably safer environment compared to Watford.

Traditional CCTV systems often record footage after a burglary has occurred, providing evidence but failing to prevent the incident. A proactive security system like scOS, however, changes the game. scOS utilizes AI to detect threats at your property boundary – fake plates are instantly verified with the DVLA, and multi-camera intelligence watches all angles simultaneously. The visible presence of scOS acts as a significant deterrent, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their actions within that crucial 60-second decision window. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another. If you're serious about protection, consider the preventative power of scOS.