Oaklands Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Oaklands

Oaklands recorded an overall crime rate of 26.6 crimes per 1,000 residents over the last year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively very low level of criminal activity. The area's safety score stands at 93 out of 100, which is notably above the national average of 78. This suggests that Oaklands maintains an excellent level of safety. The most recent data indicates a stable trend in crime, with a 4.5% fall year-over-year, setting a positive context for the more detailed breakdown of crime types and trends within the village.

Crime Breakdown in Oaklands

The crime landscape in Oaklands is predominantly shaped by Violence and sexual offences, which account for 36 incidents, or 42.9% of all crimes, at a rate of 11.4 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 17 recorded incidents (20.2% of the total), equating to 5.4 per 1,000. Other theft ranks third, with 7 crimes, representing 8.3% of the total and a rate of 2.2 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 low concern. The overall property crime rate for Oaklands is 7.0 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary stands at 0.6 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 1.9 per 1,000, and other theft at 2.2 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, despite the lower overall rate.

Crime Trends in Oaklands

Crime in Oaklands has shown a stable trend over the past year, with a 4.5% fall 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 low of 1.0 in June 2025, after starting at 2.5 in October 2024. There was a slight increase in November 2024 to 3.5, but overall, the trend has been generally stable with minor decreases. This positive pattern suggests a consistently secure environment in the area. For residents, this stable trend highlights a safe community, though vigilance remains important.

Crime Time Patterns in Oaklands

Analysis of crime patterns in Oaklands reveals distinct shifts in criminal activity throughout the day. Morning hours, from 6am to 12pm, are predominantly affected by theft, with vehicle crime also present. The afternoon period, between 12pm and 6pm, sees a significant concentration of theft, reflecting daytime activity. As evening approaches, from 6pm to 12am, there's a mix of theft, 'other' crimes, and vehicle-related incidents. Overnight, from 12am to 6am, vehicle crime is largely dominant, alongside theft and 'other' offences, with burglary also occurring. Understanding these temporal patterns can help residents to tailor their security measures effectively.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Oaklands' crime rate of 26.6 per 1,000 residents can be compared to several neighbouring areas. Other smaller communities like Woolmer Green, Codicote, and Knebworth offer similar profiles, while Welwyn, a slightly larger village, presents a different crime landscape. By examining these areas, residents can gain a comprehensive understanding of how Oaklands' safety profile fits within the wider region, appreciating both its commonalities and distinctions in crime statistics.

Protecting Your Property in Oaklands

Given Oaklands' property crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly below 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.