An attempted burglary in Welwyn Garden City has prompted Hertfordshire Constabulary to issue a community alert and appeal for witnesses. The incident occurred at a property on Birch Court, Howlands, where the front door was broken and left with holes. The Welwyn Hatfield West Neighbourhood Policing Team distributed the warning after the attempted break-in, which happened between 9pm on 4 July and 9.03am the following morning.
Supervisor PCSO Anne Devine sent the alert, urging residents to review their home security. The force advises checking that downstairs windows and doors are securely locked, and to avoid leaving keys or valuables on windowsills. Residents are also encouraged to consider doorbell cameras, interior cameras, or monitored burglar alarms. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting crime reference 41/62984/26, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Burglary offences in Welwyn Garden City have been rising, with 177 reports recorded in the 12 months to April 2026. That equates to a crime rate of 2.78 per 1,000 daytime population, and the monthly Burglary Crime Rate Index has climbed 13 per cent over three years. The force has previously committed to attending all home break-ins, and neighbourhood teams work alongside detectives and specialist units tackling acquisitive crime.
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