Rural Welwyn Hatfield Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Rural Welwyn Hatfield, based on data from January 2025 to December 2025, indicate a crime rate of 75.7 per 1,000 residents annually. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. The area boasts a safety score of 82/100, further reinforcing this perception. However, it’s crucial to analyse the specific types of crimes occurring and understand the underlying trends to provide informed guidance on safety and prevention.

The crime landscape in Rural Welwyn Hatfield is complex, with Violence and Sexual Offences being the most prevalent concern, accounting for 38.9% of reported incidents. These are followed by Anti-social Behaviour (23.2%) and Criminal Damage and Arson (8.8%). While Vehicle Crime represents a smaller proportion (6.1%), it remains a noticeable issue. The overall Property Crime rate stands at 20.9 per 1,000 residents per year, indicating a vulnerability to property-related offences. The nature of the area, a predominantly rural, sparsely populated region, may contribute to certain crime types, potentially influenced by factors such as isolated properties and limited visibility. Demographics are relatively stable, but the area’s attractiveness to commuters and seasonal workers could introduce fluctuating patterns of activity.

Crime rates in Rural Welwyn Hatfield have been steadily decreasing, demonstrating a -12.2% year-on-year reduction. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in reported incidents in June 2025 (8.1 per 1,000) and a low point in September 2025 (4.6 per 1,000). While January and November also show higher figures (5.9 and 7.5 per 1,000 respectively), the overall downward trend is encouraging, suggesting the effectiveness of ongoing crime prevention initiatives.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Welwyn Hatfield

Given that Violence and Sexual Offences are the most prevalent crime type, it's vital to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone. Secure your property thoroughly, including doors and windows, and consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Due to the prevalence of Criminal Damage and Arson, be mindful of fire safety and report any suspicious activity promptly. Finally, given the occurrence of Vehicle Crime, ensure your vehicles are securely parked and locked, and consider using vehicle alarms or tracking devices.

Criminal activity in Rural Welwyn Hatfield exhibits varying patterns throughout the day. Burglaries are most commonly reported during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), accounting for 26% of incidents, followed by the morning (6am-12pm) with 15%. Theft is also prevalent during commercial hours in the afternoon. Vehicle crime shows a concerning trend, peaking during the night (12am-6am), representing 42% of incidents, suggesting a need for heightened vigilance during those hours.

Crime rates in neighbouring areas, such as Hatfield town and surrounding villages, generally mirror the trends observed in Rural Welwyn Hatfield, with similar levels of Violence and Sexual Offences and Anti-social Behaviour reported. However, areas with larger populations tend to exhibit higher overall crime rates, highlighting the relative safety of this rural environment.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach – recording incidents after they've occurred. However, in an area like Rural Welwyn Hatfield, where properties are often spread out and visibility can be limited, a proactive security system can make a significant difference. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, provides an element of protection beyond traditional systems. By analysing camera feeds at the property boundary, scOS proactively detects potential threats – fake vehicle registration plates are instantly flagged, and the system learns your family's routines, only alerting you to genuine risks. The visible presence of professional-grade equipment like scOS can deter potential burglars, often causing them to reconsider their actions within that critical 60-second window – the time most burglars decide whether to proceed. It’s not about reacting to a burglary; it’s about preventing it altogether.