Essex Crime Rate & Essex Crime Statistics
According to Crimerate, in 2023 Essex had over 84 crimes committed per 1,000 people. Some of the worst crimes committed during this time were anti-social behaviour crimes, arson and criminal damage crimes, and violent and sexual offences crimes.
Anti-social behaviour crimes had an average crime rate of 37 crimes per 1,000 people and were committed over 14,971 times. Arson and criminal damage crimes were reported over 13,776 times – making its average crime rate 8.05 crimes per 1,000 people. Violent and sexual offences crimes were Essex’s worst crime in 2023. These types of offences were committed over 68,118 times – making its average crime rate 37 crimes per 1,000 people.
The high crime statistics in Essex, cause many people to wonder if the city is safe. In this article, we’ll look deeper at what crime is like in some of Essex’s most popular neighbourhoods.
Crime In Grays Essex
Grays is currently considered to be Essex’s third most dangerous town. In 2023, Grays had an overall crime rate of 130 crimes committed per 1,000 people.
This is significantly worse than Essex’s overall crime rate, which is 84 per 1,000 daytime population, making it 53% higher.
Grays worst crime in 2023 was violent and sexual offences. These types of crimes were committed over 1,671 times – making it have an overall crime rate of 54.
The top neighbourhoods for high amounts of crime in Grays are listed in the table below:
Neighbourhood |
Crime Count |
Crime Rate |
West Thurrock and South Stifford |
2,992 |
128 |
Grays Riverside |
2,073 |
187 |
Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park |
1,108 |
134 |
Crime In Harlow Essex
Harlow is currently considered the most dangerous town in Essex. Last year, Harlow had an overall crime rate of 135 crimes reported per 1,000 people. Compared to the crime rate in Essex as a whole, Harlow is 60% higher. Additionally, the town was rated within the top 20 most dangerous locations out of all major towns in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
The most common crimes are violence and sexual offences. Last year, these types of crimes were committed over 4,476 times.
The top neighbourhoods for high amounts of crime in Harlow are listed in the table below:
Neighbourhood | Crime Count | Crime Rate |
Toddbrook | 2,233 | 228 |
Mark Hall | 1,314 | 119 |
Little Parndon and Hare Street | 1,293 | 74 |
Crime In Basildon Essex
Basildon is ranked as the second most dangerous major town in Essex and in the top tweeny most dangerous out of all its 319 cities, towns and villages. Last year, Basildon had an overall crime rate of 131 crimes reported per 1,000 people. Compared to the crime rate in Essex as a whole, Basildon is 55% higher. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crimes in this area. Last year, violent crime was committed over 6,715 times.
The top neighbourhoods for high amounts of crime in Basildon are listed in the table below:
Neighbourhood |
Crime Count |
Crime Rate |
Fryerns |
2,560 |
102 |
St Martin’s |
24,30 |
190 |
Pitsea South East |
1,990 |
189 |
Crime In Braintree Essex
Braintree is ranked as Essex’s second most dangerous medium-sized town. Last year, this area had a crime rate of 101 crimes committed per 1,000.
Compared to the crime rate in Essex as a whole, Braintree is 19% higher. Additionally, the town is rated as the 1037th most dangerous location out of all towns, cities, and villages in the UK.
The top neighbourhoods for high amounts of crime in Braintree are listed in the table below:
Neighbourhood |
Crime Count |
Crime Rate |
Central Braintree & Beckers Green |
1,669 |
145 |
Bocking South |
606 |
75 |
Bocking Blackwater |
559 |
81 |
Crime In Colchester Essex
Colchester is ranked as the 24th most dangerous place in Essex out of its 319 cities, towns and villages. Last year, Colchester had an overall crime rate of 114 crimes per 1,000.
Compared to the crime rate in Essex as a whole, Colchester is 35% higher. Additionally, the town is rated as the 43rd most dangerous major town in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
The top neighbourhoods for high amounts of crime in Colchester are listed in the table below:
Neighbourhood | Crime Count | Crime Rate |
Castle | 3,517 | 160 |
Greenstead | 1,779 | 156 |
New Town & Christ Church | 1.494 | 140 |
Crime In Chelmsford Essex
Chelmsford is ranked as the second safest major town in Essex. But is still considered one of the twenty most dangerous areas in Essex. Last year, Chelmsford had an overall crime rate of 127 crimes per 1,000 people. Compared to the crime rate in Essex as a whole, Chelmsford is 51% higher than Essex’s own. The top neighbourhoods for high amounts of crime in Chelmsford are listed in the table below:
Neighbourhood | Crime Count | Crime Rate |
Moulsham & Central | 3,845 | 117 |
Marconi | 1,150 | 111 |
St Andrews | 1,017 | 160 |
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