Herts is fifth safest county

Hertfordshire has the fifth lowest crime rate in England and Wales according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics.

Measured across 43 police force areas, the county registered 63.3 crimes per 1000 residents, which is two thirds of the average. It is the lowest in the Eastern region with Cambridge scoring 80.7, Essex 91 and Norfolk 75.7.

The highest regions in the country were Cleveland 139.6, West Yorkshire 132.9 and Greater Manchester 128.5. The only places lower than Hertfordshire are Wiltshire 58.1, North Yorkshire 58.5, Devon and Cornwall 58.9 and Surrey 59.7.

Compared to the county as a whole, Hertford fared slightly worse with a crime rate of 69 per 1000 residents. However, Hertford is the 66th safest medium-sized town in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The town's crime rate is still significantly below pre-Covid levels. In 2019 there were 88 crimes per 1000 residents, having rised from 72 in 2016.

Herts Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd said: "Often the fear of crime is higher than the reality, so I welcome this report which shows Hertfordshire really is one of the safest places to live.

"We are outperforming our neighbouring areas and it is reassuring to see that the chances of residents in our county becoming a victim of crime are among the lowest in England and Wales.

"Hertfordshire now has more police officers than at any time in its history, which has helped us maintain a strong neighbourhood policing model. The constabulary have also embarked on a Prevention First strategy which concentrates on reducing the number of crimes being committed.

"I recognise for that these figures will offer small comfort to those who have had offences committed against them. There is a comprehensive victim services team at Hertfordshire Beacon who offer support to those affected, even if the crime has not been reported to police."

The figures have come from all recorded crime, except for fraud, up to the year ending September 2022.