Harpole Crime Rate

Harpole is a secure and well-regarded village in West Northamptonshire, boasting a safety score of 90/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 44.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. The area is currently seeing an improving safety trend, with a 9.2% decrease in crime compared to the previous year. Data from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 highlights Harpole as a low-risk environment, particularly for property-related offences. While violence and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported categories, the actual volume remains manageable. This analysis provides Harpole residents with detailed insights into local crime types, temporal trends, and practical steps to maintain their high standard of safety.

Crime in Harpole

Harpole's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 25 recorded incidents, representing 36.2% of all local crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 24.6% (17 crimes) and vehicle crime at 10.1% (7 crimes). While the percentage of violent offences appears high, the actual volume remains relatively low for a population of over 1,500. The presence of vehicle crime as a top-three category indicates that car-related theft is a specific concern for residents in this area.

Property-related crime in Harpole—comprising burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 10.9 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, vehicle crime is the most frequent (4.5 per 1,000), followed by other theft and criminal damage (both at 2.5 per 1,000). Burglary is notably uncommon, with only 2 incidents reported during the entire year. For homeowners, these statistics suggest that while the home itself is statistically very safe from intrusion, assets kept outside—particularly vehicles—are at a higher relative risk. Residents should prioritise driveway and vehicle security, as well as general perimeter protection, to mitigate the risk of opportunistic theft or vandalism.

Harpole is experiencing a positive trend in its safety profile, with total crime decreasing by 9.2% year-over-year. Throughout 2025, the monthly crime rate per 1,000 people remained low, fluctuating between 1.9 and 6.4. The year began with very low activity in January (2.6) and February (1.9), followed by a moderate increase in March (5.1). Activity remained relatively stable through the summer and autumn, with small peaks in July (5.1) and October (3.8). The year concluded with its highest monthly rate of 6.4 in December. While this year-end spike is notable, the overall annual trend remains downward. For residents, this suggests that local safety initiatives or community vigilance are having a tangible impact. The consistent low volume of crime, combined with a decreasing trend, reinforces Harpole's position as a safe and improving residential area within the West Northamptonshire local authority.

How To Keep Safe in Harpole

The highest crime category in Harpole is violence and sexual offences. While the total number of incidents is low, personal safety and awareness remain important for all residents.

1. When walking through the village at night, stick to well-lit routes and avoid poorly lit footpaths or isolated areas.
2. Given that vehicle crime is a top-three concern, always double-check that your car is locked and that no valuables are left in sight, especially if parked on the street overnight.
3. Use motion-activated lighting on your driveway or near your front door to deter both opportunistic thieves and individuals engaged in anti-social behaviour.
4. Stay connected with the local community via social media groups or neighbourhood watch programmes to remain informed about any suspicious activity or local safety alerts.
5. If you are out alone, consider carrying a personal alarm and ensuring your phone is fully charged, as awareness and preparation are key to personal security.

Crime in Harpole follows clear temporal trends that residents should be aware of. Vehicle crime is the most time-sensitive offence, with a significant 62% of incidents occurring during the night-time hours (12am - 6am). This indicates that vehicles parked overnight are the primary target for local criminal activity. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related crimes are more common, peaking at 49% in the afternoon period. This likely reflects opportunistic theft during hours of higher public movement. Burglary also shows a daytime presence, with 18% of afternoon crimes being burglaries, suggesting that empty homes are targeted during working hours. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a rise in 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 35% of reports in that window. Understanding these patterns—especially the night-time vulnerability of vehicles—allows Harpole residents to take more effective, time-specific security measures.

Harpole's safety profile is consistent with the surrounding villages in West Northamptonshire. Its crime rate of 44.0 per 1,000 is nearly identical to Nether Heyford (44.7) and slightly higher than Kislingbury (39.8) and Bugbrooke (37.7). In contrast, the nearby settlement of Rothersthorpe reported no crimes at all during this period. For those looking at the region, Harpole offers a balanced safety environment that is typical for a medium-sized village. It is much safer than the larger urban centres nearby, providing a secure residential atmosphere while remaining part of a wider community of low-crime rural and semi-rural settlements. This regional context reinforces Harpole's reputation as a safe and stable place to live.

With a property crime rate of 10.9 per 1,000, Harpole is a low-risk area, but the prevalence of vehicle crime—particularly at night—highlights a specific vulnerability. Traditional security systems often act as digital witnesses, recording footage of a crime that has already happened. For Harpole residents, a proactive approach is far more effective. An AI-powered system like scOS provides protection by monitoring property boundaries in real-time. It can distinguish between routine movement and a genuine threat, such as someone lingering near a parked car at 3 am. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like security lights or audio alerts, often stopping a crime before it begins. This is a crucial distinction: while DIY cameras might show you who stole your car, scOS is designed to prevent the theft from occurring in the first place. For a village like Harpole, where property crime is opportunistic, professional-grade proactive security is the most reliable way to ensure your home and vehicles remain part of the area's positive safety statistics.