Hertfordshire Constabulary recorded 355 criminal incidents in Welwyn Garden City during December 2025, a rise linked to the festive season. The figures show most reports related to violence, shoplifting and anti‑social behaviour (ASB), particularly concentrated in the town centre.
Much of the police activity was concentrated around the Howard Centre, Fretherne Road and the High View shopping area. To tackle these issues the force has used extra high‑visibility patrols, targeted operations such as Operation Brillo, and Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to curb disorder during the busiest periods.
Shoplifting has become a major concern for local shop owners, who have urged for more visible policing. Data from CrimeRate.co.uk shows elevated retail‑theft rates in the town, and a new Retail Crime Forum — launched at the Tesco HQ in late 2025 — now brings business leaders and police together to tackle repeat offenders.
Local police leaders say they will use the December statistics to set priorities for early 2026. Residents can track neighbourhood performance on the police.uk ‘Compare your area’ pages or sign up for community alerts via Herts Connected.
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