Crime in Harpenden South: statistics, rates and trends

192 crimes were recorded in Harpenden South in the 12 months to July 2026, 28.1 per 1,000 residents. That is lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and up 16% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 53 reports (28% of the total).

Of the 3,911 neighbourhoods covered by this site, Harpenden South has the 3,805th highest crime rate.

Recorded crime in Harpenden South was highest in the year to July 2020 (233 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2023 (156). Over the whole period it fell 6%, against a fall of 4% across England and Wales. Rates use today's population for every year, so they show the direction of change rather than exact historic rates.

Month by month

The table shows every category of crime recorded in Harpenden South over the 12 months to July 2026. The index compares the local rate with England and Wales: 1.00 is the national rate, 2.00 is double it. The largest increases were in anti-social behaviour (+52%) and vehicle crime (+13%). The largest falls were in burglary (-30%).

Violence and sexual offences in Harpenden South

Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Harpenden South recorded 53 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (7.8 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and down 2% on the year before. It made up 27.6% of all crime in the area.

Anti-social behaviour in Harpenden South

Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Harpenden South recorded 41 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.0 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and up 52% on the year before. It made up 21.4% of all crime in the area.

Vehicle crime in Harpenden South

Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Harpenden South recorded 35 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.1 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and up 13% on the year before. It made up 18.2% of all crime in the area.

Burglary in Harpenden South

Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Harpenden South recorded 14 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.1 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and down 30% on the year before. It made up 7.3% of all crime in the area.

Other theft in Harpenden South

Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Harpenden South recorded 14 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.1 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and up 17% on the year before. It made up 7.3% of all crime in the area.

Public order in Harpenden South

Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Harpenden South recorded 13 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.9 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and up 225% on the year before. It made up 6.8% of all crime in the area.

Criminal damage and arson in Harpenden South

Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Harpenden South recorded 11 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.6 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and down 21% on the year before. It made up 5.7% of all crime in the area.

Other crime in Harpenden South

Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Harpenden South recorded 4 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.6 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and with no comparable figure for the year before. It made up 2.1% of all crime in the area.

Bicycle theft in Harpenden South

Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Harpenden South recorded 3 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and with no comparable figure for the year before. It made up 1.6% of all crime in the area.

Drugs in Harpenden South

Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Harpenden South recorded 3 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and with no comparable figure for the year before. It made up 1.6% of all crime in the area.

Shoplifting in Harpenden South

Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Harpenden South recorded 1 report in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.1 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and with no comparable figure for the year before. It made up 0.5% of all crime in the area.

Crime rates in the neighbourhoods closest to Harpenden South, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Harpenden South.

Police.uk records each crime at an approximate location, usually the centre of a nearby street or a landmark, to protect victims' privacy. These are the locations with the most reports in Harpenden South over the 12 months to July 2026.

The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Harpenden South over the 12 months to July 2026. Many cases are still open when the data is published, and anti-social behaviour has no outcome recorded, so these shares change as investigations finish.

Harpenden South has an estimated population of 6,824. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Harpenden South sits in decile 9.7, less deprived than average. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.

Figures are police-recorded crime published on data.police.uk, covering August 2017 to July 2026. Each crime is counted in the small area (LSOA) where it was recorded and added up to Harpenden South. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.

Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.