Welwyn Garden City Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Welwyn Garden City

Welwyn Garden City recorded an overall crime rate of 96.7 crimes per 1,000 residents over the last year. This figure is slightly 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 79 out of 100, which is just above the national average of 78. This suggests that while Welwyn Garden City maintains a reasonable level of safety, there are areas for improvement. The most recent data indicates an increasing trend in crime, with a 9.5% rise year-over-year, setting a context for the more detailed breakdown of crime types and trends within the town.

Crime Breakdown in Welwyn Garden City

The crime landscape in Welwyn Garden City is predominantly shaped by Violence and sexual offences, which account for 1,619 incidents, or 31.4% of all crimes, at a rate of 30.3 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 965 recorded incidents (18.7% of the total), equating to 18.1 per 1,000. Shoplifting ranks third, with 889 crimes, representing 17.2% of the total and a rate of 16.6 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 Welwyn Garden City is 39.4 per 1,000 residents, which is notably higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary stands at 4.4 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 4.0 per 1,000, and other theft at 5.2 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.

Crime Trends in Welwyn Garden City

Crime in Welwyn Garden City has shown an increasing trend over the past year, with a 9.5% 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 late 2024 and early 2025, reaching a low of 7.1 in September 2025, after starting at 8.1 in October 2024. However, there was a noticeable increase in the spring and early summer months, peaking at 8.7 in April and June 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 Welwyn Garden City

Analysis of crime patterns in Welwyn Garden City reveals distinct shifts in criminal activity throughout the day. Morning hours, from 6am to 12pm, are primarily affected by theft and burglary, indicating a focus on properties and commercial areas as residents begin their day. The afternoon period, between 12pm and 6pm, sees a continuation of high theft and burglary rates, often targeting unattended homes during working hours. As evening approaches, from 6pm to 12am, there's a rise in 'other' crime types, alongside sustained burglary and vehicle-related incidents. Overnight, from 12am to 6am, vehicle crime becomes particularly prominent, closely followed by 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, Welwyn Garden City's crime rate of 96.7 per 1,000 residents can be compared to several neighbouring areas. Smaller, more rural settlements like Tewin, Welwyn, Tewin Wood, and Letty Green typically experience lower crime rates. By examining these areas, residents can gain a comprehensive understanding of how Welwyn Garden City's safety profile fits within the wider region, appreciating both its commonalities and distinctions in crime statistics.

Protecting Your Property in Welwyn Garden City

Given Welwyn Garden City's property crime rate of 39.4 per 1,000 residents, which is 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.