Watford (Watford) Crime Rate

Watford (Watford) Crime Overview

Watford (Watford) is a busy urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 99.6 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 78/100, which matches the national average. The crime trend in Watford (Watford) is stable, showing only a 2.6% increase year-over-year. Property crime is above the national average at 35.7 per 1,000 residents, compared to the UK average of 32.9. As a major commercial and retail hub, the area's crime statistics reflect its high footfall and urban density. Understanding the specific timing and types of crime can help residents further enhance their safety in this vibrant community.

Crime in Watford (Watford)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common reports in Watford (Watford), making up 33.1% of total crime. Anti-social behaviour (20.3%) and shoplifting (8.5%) also feature prominently. Property crime, including burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, occurs at a rate of 35.7 per 1,000 residents, which is above the UK average of 32.9. Vehicle crime and public order offences both account for 6.0% of reports. For residents, these statistics suggest a busy urban environment where opportunistic theft and vehicle-related issues are significant risks. Homeowners should maintain robust security practices, particularly as shoplifting and other theft-related crimes indicate high levels of opportunistic activity in the area.

Watford (Watford) Crime Trends

The crime trend in Watford (Watford) is stable, with a minor 2.6% increase in total offences over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows that the crime rate peaked at 10.2 per 1,000 in July 2025, but otherwise remained consistently between 7.0 and 9.2. The most recent data from October 2025 shows a rate of 8.5, which is consistent with the annual average. This overall stability is a strong indicator of a predictable urban environment. The minor year-over-year increase suggests that while there are monthly variations, the long-term safety profile of the settlement remains consistent. Residents should remain vigilant but can be reassured by the lack of significant rising trends.

How To Keep Safe in Watford (Watford)

Violence and sexual offences are the most reported crimes in Watford (Watford). Given the area's busy urban nature and active retail sector, personal safety should be a priority.

1. Stay Alert in Public: When walking in the town centre, especially at night, stay alert to your surroundings and avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones.
2. Secure Your Vehicle: Vehicle crime is a primary risk at night. Always ensure your car is locked, windows are up, and no valuables are left inside, even if parked in a well-lit area.
3. Retail Vigilance: Shoplifting and theft are common in the area. When shopping locally, keep your personal belongings like bags and wallets secure and close to you.
4. Boundary Lighting: Install motion-activated lights around your home to deter loitering and opportunistic property crime.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice unusual behaviour in your neighbourhood, reporting it to the police can help prevent crime before it happens.

Crime Timing in Watford (Watford)

Crime in Watford (Watford) follows a clear daily cycle. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft and shoplifting are significant concerns, accounting for 50% and 54% of crimes respectively. This is common in areas with significant retail activity during the most active hours of the day. As the evening (6pm - 12am) approaches, 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, become more prominent, making up 47% of reports. However, the night-time (12am - 6am) presents a specific risk for property, with vehicle crime peaking at 45% and burglary at 13%. This indicates that while the daytime is relatively active, the protection of vehicles and home boundaries is essential during the overnight hours.

Local Context: Watford (Watford)

In the context of the surrounding local authority area, the Watford urban settlement is a primary commercial and residential hub. Its crime rate of 99.6 per 1,000 is higher than nearby Bushey (71.6) and Rickmansworth (73.7), and significantly higher than the more rural Moor Park (36.3). This is common for a regional centre that attracts a large transient population for shopping and work. While its crime rate is higher than its suburban neighbours, it offers a level of amenity and activity that is characteristic of a major urban area. For those seeking a quieter environment, the surrounding villages offer a lower crime frequency.

Proactive Security for Watford (Watford)

While Watford (Watford) maintains a safety score in line with the UK average, its property crime rate of 35.7 per 1,000 suggests that residents should remain vigilant. The fact that vehicle crime is a major night-time threat—accounting for 45% of reports—means that proactive protection is a wise investment. Traditional security systems like basic CCTV are reactive; they provide a recording of an event after it has happened, which is often too late to prevent the loss of property.

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 someone is seen loitering near your car or home at night, 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 theft. In an urban area like Watford, where opportunistic crime is more common, scOS provides a sophisticated, professional-grade layer of protection that ensures your home and vehicles remain secure. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to secure your assets.