Hatfield Crime Rate

Hatfield is an active urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 136.7 per 1,000 people per year. This is considerably higher than the UK average of 93.1, indicating a higher-than-average volume of criminal activity. The town holds a safety score of 68/100, which is below the UK average of 78/100. Recent data shows that the crime trend in Hatfield is increasing, with a 12.2% rise year-over-year. As a major educational and commercial hub, Hatfield's crime statistics are influenced by its transient population and busy retail areas. Residents and visitors should be aware of these figures and take appropriate precautions to ensure their personal and property safety.

Crime Breakdown in Hatfield

Hatfield's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.3% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.5% and 'other theft' at 7.1%. These figures reflect the town's high population density and its status as a major transport and educational hub.

Property-related crime in Hatfield is a serious concern, with an overall rate of 45.7 per 1,000 people. This includes other theft (7.1%), shoplifting (6.3%), vehicle crime (5.0%), and burglary (3.2%). Criminal damage and arson also represent 6.3% of the total. For residents, this means that while violence is the most frequent category, the high rate of property crime—nearly 50% above the UK average—poses a significant risk to homeowners and vehicle owners. Acquisitive crime is a persistent issue in the town, necessitating robust security measures for both residential and commercial properties.

The crime trend in Hatfield is currently increasing, with a 12.2% rise in total crimes over the last year. Detailed monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents remained high throughout 2025, peaking at 13.0 in May and 12.9 in July. The lowest rate of 9.3 was recorded in February 2025. This consistent and significant level of activity, combined with the overall annual increase, suggests that the town is experiencing a sustained period of high criminal activity. Residents should be proactive about their security and remain vigilant, as the volume of recorded incidents is notably higher than in previous years.

How To Keep Safe in Hatfield

The most common crime in Hatfield is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and theft. Given the high overall crime rate, residents and visitors should take active steps to ensure their safety, particularly in busy town centre areas.

To improve your safety and protect your property:

• Be highly vigilant in the town centre and near the university campus, where theft and anti-social behaviour are more frequent.
• Ensure your vehicle is securely locked at all times, especially overnight when vehicle crime accounts for 40% of local activity.
• Secure your home with high-quality locks and consider installing a proactive AI-powered security system to deter opportunistic burglars.
• Keep high-value items, such as laptops and smartphones, out of sight when in public and when at home.
• If walking home late at night, stick to well-lit main roads and travel in groups if possible.
• Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them target their patrols more effectively.

Crime in Hatfield shows a clear pattern related to the town's daily activity. Theft and shoplifting are the dominant offences during the morning (50%) and afternoon (51%), coinciding with peak hours for retail and transport. As the day progresses, 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour, become more prominent, accounting for 48% of evening incidents. However, the night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a dramatic shift toward property crime, with vehicle crime peaking at 40% and burglary at 16% of all recorded activity. This indicates that while the town is active during the day, residential and parked property is at its highest risk during the late-night hours.

In the local Hertfordshire context, Hatfield is the most active area for recorded crime. Its rate of 136.7 per 1,000 residents is significantly higher than Welwyn Garden City (96.5), Welham Green (48.0), and Colney Heath (35.5). Nearby Smallford reported zero crimes during the same period. These comparisons highlight Hatfield's position as a high-activity hub, likely driven by its status as a major transport junction and the presence of the University of Hertfordshire. For those living in the region, Hatfield represents a more urbanised and high-crime environment than its immediate neighbours.

With a property crime rate of 45.7 per 1,000 people and a 12.2% increase in overall crime, Hatfield presents a significant challenge for property protection. A major concern is that vehicle crime accounts for 40% of all night-time incidents (12am - 6am), and burglary accounts for 16%. Traditional security systems are often reactive, meaning they only record footage or sound an alarm after a break-in has already started. In a high-activity area like Hatfield, this is often too late to prevent loss or damage.

scOS offers a proactive solution designed to prevent crime before it happens. Using AI-powered intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your home. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like high-intensity lights or audio warnings, removing the element of surprise and causing intruders to move on. This proactive approach is the most effective way to protect your assets and maintain your family's safety in an area with a high property crime rate.