Welwyn Crime Rate

Welwyn is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 78.6 per 1,000 people per year. This is lower than the UK average of 93.1, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. The area holds a high safety score of 84/100, which is six points higher than the UK average of 78/100. However, recent data shows that the crime trend in Welwyn is increasing, with a 16.7% rise year-over-year. As a historic and largely residential town, Welwyn's crime profile is dominated by anti-social behaviour and theft. Understanding these statistics is important for residents to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to maintain their personal and property safety in an evolving local landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Welwyn

In Welwyn, the most frequent crime type is anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 32.9% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by violence and sexual offences at 27.1% and 'other theft' at 16.2%. These figures indicate that while low-level disruption is the primary issue, more serious offences and property theft also form a significant part of the local crime profile.

Property-related crime in Welwyn is a notable factor, with an overall rate of 25.6 per 1,000 residents. This encompasses several categories, including other theft (16.2%), burglary (3.5%), vehicle crime (3.5%), and shoplifting (2.9%). Criminal damage and arson also contribute 5.3% to the total. For residents, this means that while the town is generally safe, acquisitive crime—where property is targeted—is a persistent issue. The high rate of 'other theft' compared to burglary and vehicle crime suggests that opportunistic theft is a particular concern for the community.

The crime trend in Welwyn is currently increasing, with a 16.7% rise in total crimes over the last year. Detailed monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents varied throughout the year, peaking at 10.0 in July 2025. The lowest rate of 4.6 was recorded in February 2025. This suggests that while crime is generally lower than the national average, there are periods of increased activity, particularly during the summer months. The overall upward trend indicates that residents should remain vigilant and consider whether their current security measures are sufficient to meet this changing local landscape.

How To Keep Safe in Welwyn

The most common crime in Welwyn is anti-social behaviour, followed by violence and sexual offences and other theft. While the overall volume of crime is lower than the national average, residents should remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves and their property.

To improve your safety and protect your home:

• Be aware of your surroundings and report any anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them target their patrols effectively.
• Pay particular attention to property security, as theft is the most frequent offence during the day. Ensure high-value items are out of sight from windows.
• Secure your home with high-quality locks and consider installing a proactive AI-powered security system to deter opportunistic burglars.
• Ensure your vehicle is securely locked at all times, especially overnight when vehicle crime accounts for 29% of local activity.
• If walking home late at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid quieter, unlit paths.
• Join a local community messaging group to stay informed about any suspicious activity in the area.

Crime in Welwyn follows distinct daily cycles. Theft is the dominant offence during the morning (71%) and afternoon (72%), coinciding with periods of higher footfall or when residents are away. As the day transitions into evening, 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour, become more prominent, accounting for 33% of incidents. However, the night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a significant shift toward property crime, with vehicle crime peaking at 29% and burglary at 20% of all recorded activity. This indicates that while the town is busy during the day, residential and parked property is at its highest risk during the late-night hours.

In the local Hertfordshire context, Welwyn (78.6 per 1,000) is safer than nearby Welwyn Garden City, which has a higher crime rate of 96.5. However, it is notably more active than several nearby areas, including Oaklands (25.0) and Codicote (47.7). Nearby Tewin Wood reported zero crimes during the same period. These comparisons highlight Welwyn's position as a moderately active residential hub that is nonetheless safer than the larger neighbouring garden city. For those looking at the region, it offers a high level of safety with a typical suburban crime profile.

With a property crime rate of 25.6 per 1,000 people and a 16.7% increase in overall crime, Welwyn residents should be proactive about their security. A significant concern is that during the night-time hours (12am - 6am), vehicle crime accounts for 29% of all incidents and burglary for 20%. Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive; they only alert you or record footage once an intruder has already entered your property.

scOS provides a proactive alternative 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 lights or audio warnings, removing the element of surprise and causing intruders to move on. In a town like Welwyn, where theft and anti-social behaviour are the primary concerns, this proactive approach is the most effective way to protect your assets and maintain your family's safety.