Crays Hill Crime Rate

Introduction to Crays Hill Crime Statistics

Crays Hill, a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 1,836, records an overall crime rate of 76.8 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. Crays Hill's safety score is 82 out of 100, indicating a safer environment compared to the UK average safety score of 78. However, the area has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a 14.6% rise year-over-year. This introduction provides a framework for a deeper look into the specific crime types, evolving trends, and local comparisons within Crays Hill.

Crime Breakdown in Crays Hill

In Crays Hill, an examination of crime types reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most common, with 49 incidents, representing 34.8% of all crimes and a rate of 26.7 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent, with 18 reported cases (12.8% of the total), equating to 9.8 per 1,000 people. Vehicle crime ranks third, with 15 incidents, making up 10.6% of all crimes and a rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, totals 80 incidents in Crays Hill. This results in a property crime rate of 29.4 per 1,000 residents per year, which is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Despite the overall lower property crime rate, the presence of vehicle crime, other theft, and criminal damage suggests that residents should still prioritise securing their homes and vehicles.

Crime Trends in Crays Hill

Crays Hill has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a notable 14.6% rise in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Monthly data shows fluctuations, with rates at 2.7 per 1,000 in October 2024, rising to 7.1 in January 2025. February saw a dip to 4.4, followed by a significant increase, peaking at 12.0 in July, before declining to 3.3 in September 2025. The overall upward trend indicates that residents should be mindful of local crime developments and consider reviewing their security measures, particularly during periods of historically higher activity.

Time Patterns of Crime in Crays Hill

Crime patterns in Crays Hill's Built-Up Area show distinct shifts throughout the day. In the morning (6am-12pm), theft accounts for 41% of crimes, followed by vehicle crime at 24% and burglary at 16%. This suggests that properties and vehicles left unattended during the start of the workday may be targeted. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft remain high at 46%, with burglary also significant at 28%, indicating that daytime activities and unattended properties are factors.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), vehicle crime becomes a prominent category at 25%, alongside 'Other' crimes at 31% and burglary at 26%. This shift suggests increased activity around vehicles and varied types of offences as social activities increase. Night-time (12am-6am) is predominantly marked by vehicle crime, which accounts for 50% of incidents, often occurring when vehicles are parked and unattended, along with burglary at 25%. These insights can help residents to understand when specific crime types are more likely to occur and adjust their security accordingly.

Comparing Crays Hill with Nearby Areas

When comparing Crays Hill to its neighbouring Built-Up Areas, a clearer picture of regional safety emerges. Ramsden Bellhouse, Wickford, Noak Hill, and Nevendon are all relatively close. Crays Hill's crime rate of 76.8 per 1,000 residents generally positions it as more active than some of these smaller, more rural settlements, which often report lower crime figures. However, it typically remains safer than larger urban centres. These comparisons offer residents valuable context, highlighting Crays Hill's position within a spectrum of local safety, often influenced by population density and the nature of local amenities.

Protecting Your Property in Crays Hill

Given Crays Hill's property crime rate of 29.4 per 1,000 people, which is below the UK average, it’s still important for residents to consider robust home security. While the overall figures are positive, the increasing trend highlights the need for proactive protection. Traditional security measures often provide evidence after a crime, such as a recording of a burglary, rather than actively preventing it.

For those seeking to prevent crime, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a proactive solution. scOS detects threats at your property boundary, stopping potential intruders before they can gain entry. Its ability to learn routines and recognise family members minimises false alarms, ensuring alerts are only for real threats. This professional-grade deterrence, which can include visible security equipment and autonomous responses, makes your property a less appealing target for burglars, who often make their decision to proceed within 60 seconds. Prioritising prevention over mere recording can significantly enhance your home's safety.