Stratford St Mary Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Stratford St Mary, based on data from January 2025 to December 2025, reveal a crime rate of 25.8 per 1,000 residents annually. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a generally safer environment. While the safety score stands at a reassuring 94 out of 100, understanding the specifics of reported crimes is crucial for residents. The most frequently reported crimes include violence and sexual offences, burglary, and criminal damage and arson. This overview aims to provide a factual and objective assessment of the crime landscape in Stratford St Mary, empowering residents with information and resources for personal safety.

The crime landscape in Stratford St Mary is shaped by its close-knit community and rural setting. The highest reported crimes involve violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.3% of incidents, followed by burglary (22.6%), and criminal damage and arson (19.4%). Vehicle crime represents a further 9.7% of recorded incidents, while other theft and public order offences contribute to the overall picture. The relatively low population density of this built-up area means that individual incidents can have a disproportionate impact on the overall crime rate. Factors such as proximity to larger towns and occasional transient populations may also influence the types of crimes observed. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for developing targeted crime prevention strategies.

Crime rates in Stratford St Mary have remained relatively stable, demonstrating a decrease of 3.1% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period, with peaks observed in March (4.2 per 1,000/month) and September (4.2 per 1,000/month), and lows in June, October, November, and December (0.8 per 1,000/month). This pattern suggests seasonal influences or cyclical variations in crime activity. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend indicates a degree of stability, reassuring for residents. While this is positive, continued monitoring and targeted interventions remain essential to maintain this downward trajectory.

How To Keep Safe in Stratford St Mary

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's vital to be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night where possible. With burglary being a significant concern, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, even when at home. Criminal damage and arson incidents highlight the importance of securing valuable outdoor items and reporting any suspicious activity promptly. For vehicle crime prevention, consider parking in well-lit areas and using a steering wheel lock. Finally, consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to foster a sense of community and collective vigilance.

Crime patterns in Stratford St Mary show a varied distribution throughout the day. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), burglaries account for 31% of incidents, with theft and vehicle crime also contributing. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) sees burglaries rise to 48%, while theft remains a factor. In the evening (6pm-12am), burglaries decrease slightly to 39%, but vehicle crime increases to 15%. Notably, the night hours (12am-6am) show a concentration of burglaries at 41% and a significant proportion of vehicle crime at 32%, highlighting a potential vulnerability during these times. These trends suggest a need for increased vigilance during evening and overnight hours.

Compared to surrounding areas, Stratford St Mary demonstrates a notably lower crime rate than both East Bergholt (42.9 per 1,000) and Langham (Colchester) (61.7 per 1,000). Dedham and Lamb Corner both report a crime rate of 0.0, highlighting the relative safety of these villages. These figures emphasize Stratford St Mary's position as a comparatively secure community within the Babergh district.

Traditional CCTV systems often simply record footage after a burglary has occurred. However, the scOS system takes a proactive approach to home security. By utilising AI-powered threat detection at the property boundary, scOS can identify potential risks – such as unfamiliar vehicles or individuals – before they reach your property. This multi-camera intelligence system learns your routines and recognises your family, filtering out everyday activity and only alerting you to genuine threats. The visible presence of scOS, with its DVLA vehicle verification and autonomous response capabilities – including activating lights and speakers – creates a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to move on within those crucial first 60 seconds. If you're seeking a truly proactive and preventative security solution, consider the benefits of scOS.