Welwyn Hatfield Crime Rate

Welwyn Hatfield is a significant local authority area in Hertfordshire with an overall crime rate of 100.8 per 1,000 people per year. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 93.1. The area maintains a safety score of 77/100, which is very close to the UK average of 78/100. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Welwyn Hatfield is increasing, with a 9.3% rise year-over-year. This suggests that while the area is generally consistent with national safety norms, there has been a notable uptick in criminal activity recently. Understanding the local crime breakdown is essential for residents and businesses to stay informed and take appropriate safety measures.

About Welwyn Hatfield

Welwyn Hatfield is a diverse local authority area in Hertfordshire that blends planned garden cities with historic towns and rural villages. The area's crime statistics are influenced by several key factors. It serves as a major commercial and transport hub, with the A1(M) corridor and direct rail links to London attracting a transient population. The presence of the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield significantly increases the student population, which can influence crime types such as anti-social behaviour and theft.

Hatfield also hosts large-scale retail destinations like The Galleria, which contributes to higher rates of shoplifting and vehicle-related offences. In contrast, Welwyn Garden City offers a more residential profile, though its central business district also sees commercial crime. The mix of high-density urban centres and affluent suburban areas creates a varied crime landscape. Economic factors, including the area's role as a major employment centre for the tech and pharmaceutical industries, also play a part in the overall crime rate and safety score.

Crime Breakdown in Welwyn Hatfield

The most frequent crimes in Welwyn Hatfield are violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.5% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.8% and shoplifting at 10.2%. These figures reflect the area's mix of residential communities and busy commercial retail centres.

Property-related crime across the district is a significant factor, with an overall rate of 36.1 per 1,000 people. This encompasses several categories, including shoplifting (10.2%), other theft (6.5%), vehicle crime (5.0%), and burglary (3.9%). Criminal damage and arson also contribute 6.2% to the total. For residents and business owners, this means that acquisitive crime—where items are stolen—is a persistent issue. While the burglary rate is relatively low compared to other urban areas, the combined impact of theft and vehicle crime highlights the importance of robust property protection.

The crime trend in Welwyn Hatfield is currently increasing, with a 9.3% rise in total crimes compared to the previous year. A review of the monthly data shows a relatively consistent level of activity, with crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuating between 7.3 and 9.5. The peak months were May, June, and July 2025, each recording rates above 9.0. Following a slight dip in late summer, activity rose again to 8.6 in October 2025. This sustained upward trend suggests that residents should be more proactive about their security, as the volume of recorded incidents across the district is higher than it was twelve months ago.

When compared to surrounding local authorities, Welwyn Hatfield's crime rate of 100.8 per 1,000 residents appears higher than several of its neighbours. Broxbourne, Hertsmere, St Albans, Stevenage, Enfield, and Barnet all recorded zero crimes in the same comparative data period. This suggests that Welwyn Hatfield is a more active hub for recorded incidents within this specific regional context. For those living in or moving to the area, it is important to recognise that as a major commercial and transport centre, Welwyn Hatfield naturally experiences higher volumes of certain crime types than more purely residential or rural neighbours.

With an overall property crime rate of 36.1 per 1,000 people and an increasing trend of 9.3%, Welwyn Hatfield residents and businesses face a tangible risk of acquisitive crime. Shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglary together form a significant portion of local activity. In such an environment, traditional security measures like basic CCTV or alarm systems are often insufficient because they are reactive; they only alert you or provide evidence after the damage is done.

scOS offers a proactive approach to security that is designed to stop crime before it happens. By utilizing AI-powered intelligence, scOS monitors all your cameras simultaneously and can identify potential threats at the property boundary. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously trigger responses—such as activating high-intensity lights or audio warnings—to deter the criminal before they reach your door. For a district like Welwyn Hatfield, where commercial and residential activity is high, scOS provides the real-time intervention needed to prevent property crime and ensure your home or business remains secure.

How To Keep Safe in Welwyn Hatfield

The most common crime in Welwyn Hatfield is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. While much of this activity is concentrated in specific urban and commercial centres, it is important for residents across the district to remain vigilant. When visiting busy areas like Hatfield town centre or The Galleria, be mindful of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure.

To enhance your safety across the local authority area:

• Be aware of the high shoplifting rates in commercial areas and stay alert to your surroundings when shopping.
• Ensure your vehicle is locked and no valuables are left on display, particularly when parked in public car parks or near transport hubs.
• Secure your home with high-quality locks and consider upgrading to a proactive security system to deter burglary and theft.
• If you are a student or resident in high-density areas, participate in local safety initiatives and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
• Use well-lit routes when walking at night and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive electronics openly.