Monthly Crime Statistics

Watford Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Watford's July 2025 crime rate of 10.2 per 1,000 residents is 18.6% above the UK average. Bicycle theft surged by 141.7%, reflecting heightened activity during peak summer.

1,418
Total Crimes
10.2
Per 1,000 People
8.6
UK Average
+14.4%
vs Previous Month

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Watford’s crime rate in July 2025 stands at 10.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 18.6% above the UK average of 8.6. This divergence from the national trend is particularly notable given the area’s position as a commuter town near London, where high population density and seasonal activity often influence crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences (33.2% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (24.7%) dominate the crime mix, both significantly exceeding UK averages. The latter, at 2.5 per 1,000, is 61% higher than the UK’s 1.6 per 1,000, a figure that may reflect the town’s proximity to London’s nightlife and the impact of summer festivals on public spaces. Other theft (7.6%) and vehicle crime (6.5%) also show marked increases, with the latter 79% above the UK average. These trends are consistent with July’s seasonal context: schools out, tourism peaks, and outdoor events, which likely contribute to heightened activity in public areas. While the UK average for public order offences remains stable, Watford’s 0.6 per 1,000 is 6% below the national figure, possibly due to local policing efforts or community initiatives. The overall pattern suggests that Watford’s crime profile is shaped by its role as a hub for both commuters and summer visitors, with seasonal dynamics amplifying certain types of crime.

July 2025 saw a sharp 141.7% increase in bicycle theft, with reported cases rising from 12 to 29. This surge aligns with the season’s peak in outdoor activity and festivals, where unsecured bikes may be more vulnerable. Vehicle crime also spiked by 91.7%, jumping from 48 to 92, likely due to increased traffic and parked vehicles at summer events. Conversely, robbery and theft from the person both declined—by 35.3% and 17.6% respectively—possibly indicating improved community vigilance or targeted policing efforts. Anti-social behaviour, at 24.7% of total crimes, remains 61% above the UK average, a persistent challenge in densely populated areas. These shifts highlight a combination of seasonal factors and local conditions, with some crime types rising sharply while others show unexpected declines.

Watford's crime rate in July 2025 rose to 10.2 per 1,000 residents, marking a 14.4% increase from the previous month’s rate of 8.9. This shift places the area 18.6% above the UK average, a gap that widened significantly over the past 30 days. On a daily basis, the area experiences approximately 46 crimes per day, translating to roughly one reported crime for every 99 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure rate is a local figure without a direct UK counterpart, it underscores the pace at which incidents occur in a densely populated built-up area. The population context further highlights the scale: with 139,690 residents, the rise in crime is not just a numerical shift but a tangible increase in risk for individuals. This contrast with the UK average suggests that local factors—such as seasonal events or community dynamics—are playing a more pronounced role than usual in driving crime rates upward.

Crime Breakdown - July 2025

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences4713.433.2%
Anti-social behaviour3502.524.7%
Other theft1080.87.6%
Vehicle crime920.76.5%
Public order890.66.3%
Shoplifting880.66.2%
Criminal damage and arson860.66.1%
Bicycle theft290.22.1%
Drugs290.22.1%
Burglary280.22%
Other crime150.11.1%
Theft from the person140.11%
Robbery110.10.8%
Possession of weapons80.10.6%

Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for Watford (Watford)

4,683+
Areas Covered
8.2M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in Watford (Watford). This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.ukCrime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National StatisticsPopulation statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home OfficeNationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI RequestsAdditional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,683+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally monthly) and maintain archives for historical analysis.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 8 March 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month