Hatfield Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Hatfield

Hatfield recorded an overall crime rate of 135.5 crimes per 1,000 residents over the last year. This figure is significantly 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 68 out of 100, which is notably below the national average of 78. This suggests that while Hatfield maintains a reasonable level of safety, there are significant areas for improvement. The most recent data indicates an increasing trend in crime, with a 10.8% rise year-over-year, setting a context for the more detailed breakdown of crime types and trends within the town.

Crime Breakdown in Hatfield

The crime landscape in Hatfield is predominantly shaped by Violence and sexual offences, which account for 2,098 incidents, or 37.4% of all crimes, at a rate of 50.7 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 1,027 recorded incidents (18.3% of the total), equating to 24.8 per 1,000. Other theft ranks third, with 404 crimes, representing 7.2% of the total and a rate of 9.8 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 Hatfield is 45.1 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary stands at 4.1 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 6.9 per 1,000, and other theft at 9.8 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 Hatfield

Crime in Hatfield has shown an increasing trend over the past year, with a 10.8% 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 February 2025, reaching a low of 9.3, after starting at 11.0 in October 2024. However, there was a noticeable increase in the spring and early summer months, peaking at 13.0 in May 2025, before a slight reduction towards 10.6 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 Time Patterns in Hatfield

Analysis of crime patterns in Hatfield reveals distinct shifts in criminal activity throughout the day. Morning hours, from 6am to 12pm, are primarily affected by theft and vehicle crime, indicating activity in commercial areas and on roads. The afternoon period, between 12pm and 6pm, sees a continuation of high theft rates, with burglary also notably present. As evening approaches, from 6pm to 12am, there's a rise in 'other' crime types, alongside sustained theft and vehicle-related incidents. Overnight, from 12am to 6am, vehicle crime becomes particularly prominent, closely followed by 'other' offences and burglary, as criminals exploit the cover of darkness and reduced public presence. Understanding these temporal patterns can help residents to tailor their security measures effectively.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Hatfield's crime rate of 135.5 per 1,000 residents can be compared to several neighbouring areas. Smaller, more rural settlements like Smallford, Colney Heath, and Welham Green typically experience lower crime rates, while Welwyn Garden City, a larger urban area, presents a more comparable profile. By examining these areas, residents can gain a comprehensive understanding of how Hatfield's safety profile fits within the wider region, appreciating both its commonalities and distinctions in crime statistics.

Protecting Your Property in Hatfield

Given Hatfield's property crime rate of 45.1 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly 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.