Welwyn Hatfield Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Welwyn Hatfield

Welwyn Hatfield recorded an overall crime rate of 100.7 crimes per 1,000 residents over the last year. This figure is slightly higher than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively elevated level of criminal activity. The area's safety score stands at 77 out of 100, which is just below the national average of 78. This suggests that while Welwyn Hatfield maintains a reasonable level of safety, there are areas for improvement. The most recent data indicates an increasing trend in crime, with an 8.6% rise year-over-year, setting a context for the more detailed breakdown of crime types and trends within the district.

About Welwyn Hatfield

Welwyn Hatfield is a district in Hertfordshire, encompassing both urban centres like Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield, as well as more rural areas. With a population of 122,819, it experiences a mix of characteristics that can influence its crime statistics. The presence of significant transport hubs, including major road networks and railway stations, can contribute to a transient population and opportunities for certain types of crime, such as vehicle crime and theft. The district also features commercial centres, retail parks, and areas of nightlife, which naturally attract higher footfall and can be associated with increased instances of shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and public order offences. Additionally, the varied socio-economic landscape across the district, from affluent residential zones to more densely populated urban areas, can play a role in the distribution and types of criminal activity observed. Understanding these underlying factors helps to provide context for the crime rate and safety score within Welwyn Hatfield.

Crime Breakdown in Welwyn Hatfield

The crime landscape in Welwyn Hatfield is predominantly shaped by Violence and sexual offences, which account for 4,268 incidents, or 34.5% of all crimes, at a rate of 34.8 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 2,410 recorded incidents (19.5% of the total), equating to 19.6 per 1,000. Shoplifting ranks third, with 1,273 crimes, representing 10.3% of the total and a rate of 10.4 per 1,000.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, other theft, criminal damage and arson, vehicle crime, bicycle theft, robbery, and theft from the person, collectively presents a significant concern. The overall property crime rate for Welwyn Hatfield is 36.3 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary stands at 3.9 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 5.0 per 1,000, and other theft at 6.6 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, these figures underscore the importance of robust security measures to protect their properties and belongings against various forms of theft and damage.

Crime Trends in Welwyn Hatfield

Crime in Welwyn Hatfield has shown an increasing trend over the past year, with an 8.6% rise in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents saw a dip in early 2025, reaching a low of 7.3 in February, after starting at 8.5 in October 2024. However, there was a noticeable increase in the spring and early summer months, peaking at 9.5 in May 2025, before a slight reduction towards 7.6 in September 2025. This pattern suggests a seasonal element to crime, with higher rates observed during warmer months. For residents, this upward trend, particularly in certain periods, highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and awareness regarding local safety.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Welwyn Hatfield's crime rate of 100.7 per 1,000 residents can be compared to several neighbouring areas. Broxbourne and Hertsmere, for instance, offer similar suburban characteristics, while St Albans presents a more historic and affluent profile. Enfield and Barnet, being London boroughs, typically exhibit higher population densities and urban challenges. Stevenage, a new town, has its own unique demographic and crime patterns. By examining these areas, residents can gain a comprehensive understanding of how Welwyn Hatfield's safety profile fits within the wider region, appreciating both its commonalities and distinctions in crime statistics.

Protecting Your Property in Welwyn Hatfield

Given Welwyn Hatfield's property crime rate of 36.3 per 1,000 residents, which is above the national average, proactive home security is a crucial consideration for homeowners. It’s important to recognise that traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or DIY cameras, often only provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred. While this can be useful for identification, it doesn't prevent the crime itself. Instead, consider adopting a proactive approach to security. Systems like scOS are designed to detect threats at your property boundary before a break-in even happens. By utilising AI and multi-camera intelligence, such systems can identify potential intruders and act autonomously, for example, by activating lights or engaging speakers. This immediate, visible deterrence can destroy the element of surprise for a burglar, making them move on within the crucial 60-second decision window. Investing in professional-grade security that focuses on prevention offers a significantly higher level of protection than systems that merely record events after the fact.