Basildon Crime Rate

Introduction to Basildon Crime Statistics

Basildon, with a population of 193,632, reports an overall crime rate of 97.4 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is slightly above the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area's safety score is 77 out of 100, indicating a generally safer environment compared to the UK average safety score of 78. Over the past year, Basildon has experienced a stable crime trend, showing a minor decrease of 2.9% year-over-year. This introduction sets the context for a detailed analysis of crime types, trends, and local comparisons within Basildon.

About Basildon

Basildon, a large new town in Essex, presents a mixed urban and suburban landscape that contributes to its crime statistics. As a significant commercial and residential hub, it features a bustling town centre with retail outlets, leisure facilities, and a vibrant nightlife, particularly around the Eastgate Shopping Centre and Festival Leisure Park. These areas, while providing economic activity and entertainment, can also attract higher levels of public order offences, theft, and anti-social behaviour due to increased foot traffic and social interactions.

The town's extensive road network, including proximity to the A127 and A13, and its railway links to London Fenchurch Street, make it a transport hub. This connectivity, while beneficial for commuters, can also facilitate vehicle crime and other forms of theft, as offenders may use these routes for quick access and egress. Basildon’s population of over 190,000 residents, coupled with transient populations associated with commercial activity, can influence the overall crime rate. Economic factors, including employment opportunities and social deprivation in certain pockets, can also play a role in shaping the local crime landscape, particularly impacting property-related offences and violence.

Crime Breakdown in Basildon

In Basildon, an analysis of crime types reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 7,195 incidents, which is 38.2% of all crimes and a rate of 37.2 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common, with 2,071 reported cases (11.0% of the total), equating to 10.7 per 1,000 people. Vehicle crime ranks third, with 1,643 incidents, representing 8.7% of all crimes and a rate of 8.5 per 1,000 residents.

Focusing on property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Basildon recorded a total of 6,880 incidents. This results in a property crime rate of 36.0 per 1,000 residents per year, which is slightly higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, these figures highlight the importance of securing vehicles and properties, as these categories contribute significantly to the overall crime landscape in Basildon.

Crime Trends in Basildon

Basildon has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a slight decrease of 2.9% in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Examining the monthly trend data, the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuated. In late 2024, rates were around 8.5 (October) decreasing to 7.6 (December). Early 2025 saw a dip to 6.7 in February before rising to 8.2 in March and April. The summer months of July and August experienced higher rates, at 9.2 and 9.0 respectively, before settling at 7.8 in September 2025. This stable trend suggests that while crime levels are not drastically changing, residents should remain vigilant, particularly during periods of historically higher activity.

Comparing Basildon with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Basildon's crime rate of 97.4 per 1,000 residents can be compared to its neighbours. Castle Point, Rochford, and Brentwood generally exhibit lower crime rates, suggesting a relatively safer environment in these areas. In contrast, Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea often present higher crime figures, indicating more urban challenges. Chelmsford typically sits closer to the UK average. These comparisons provide valuable context for residents, showing that while Basildon's crime rate is slightly above the national average, it is positioned within a diverse regional landscape, with some areas being safer and others facing greater challenges.

Protecting Your Property in Basildon

Given Basildon's property crime rate of 36.0 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK average, proactive home security is paramount. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting as a reactive recording device rather than a preventative measure. If you are seeking genuine protection, a professional-grade security system can make a significant difference.

Consider systems like scOS, an AI-powered operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. Instead of merely recording a break-in, scOS detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence. This proactive approach ensures that potential intruders are identified and deterred early, often making them move on within the crucial 60-second decision window. Features like autonomous response, where lights activate and speakers engage, destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely upon. While DIY solutions have their place, professional systems offer a level of deterrence and real-time intervention that fundamentally changes the game, providing peace of mind by actively safeguarding your property.