[H1]HITCHIN: Crimes of a violent nature and sexual offences were the most reported incidents reported to the police in our town, the latest data has shown.[H1]

The most commonly reported crimes in Hitchin during December 2021 have been collated by Hertfordshire Constabulary.

A total of 64 sexual offences and incidents of a violent nature were reported in Hitchin during the last month of 2021.

Anti-social behaviour was second with 48 offences, with 'other thefts' in third with 21.

Criminal damage and arson was fourth with 14 reported crimes in our town in the final month of 2021.

The police said in a statement: "Hitchin is the third safest medium-sized town in Hertfordshire, and is the 54th most dangerous overall out of Hertfordshire's 140 towns, villages, and cities.

"The overall crime rate in Hitchin in 2021 was 47 crimes per 1,000 people.

"This compares favourably to Hertfordshire's overall crime rate, coming in 23% lower than the Hertfordshire rate of 58 per 1,000 residents.

"For England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as a whole, Hitchin is the 32nd safest medium-sized town, and the 3,575th most dangerous location out of all towns, cities, and villages."