Crays Hill Crime Rate

Crays Hill Crime Overview

Crays Hill currently holds a safety score of 79/100, which is exactly in line with the UK average. For the period of January 2025 to December 2025, the area recorded an overall crime rate of 88.2 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the national average of 91.6. However, it is important to note that crime in Crays Hill is on an increasing trend, with a significant 32.8% rise year-over-year. This suggests a shifting safety landscape that requires resident attention. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring in Crays Hill, the times they are most likely to happen, and practical steps for property and personal protection.

Crime in Crays Hill

Crays Hill's crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.2% of all recorded incidents (31.1 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour and 'other theft' are also significant, each making up 11.1% of the total. Vehicle crime follows closely at 10.5%.

The property crime rate in Crays Hill is 33.8 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage. This rate is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.2, suggesting that property security is a more pressing issue here than in some neighbouring areas. With burglary accounting for 8.6% of total crime and vehicle crime at 10.5%, residents and homeowners should be proactive about securing their assets. The prevalence of theft and criminal damage indicates that both the interior and exterior of properties require consistent monitoring to deter opportunistic offenders.

Crays Hill Crime Trends

The crime trend in Crays Hill is currently on a sharp upward trajectory, with a 32.8% increase in total offences year-over-year. This is a significant rise that warrants attention from the local community. Monthly data from 2025 shows a volatile pattern, starting at a rate of 7.1 in January and peaking at 12.0 in July.

After the July peak, the rate dropped significantly to 3.3 in September, only to rise again to 9.3 in October. The year ended with a sustained higher rate of 8.7 in both November and December. This volatility, combined with the overall annual increase, suggests that Crays Hill is experiencing periods of intense criminal activity. Residents should remain vigilant and consider that safety patterns may be less predictable than in previous years.

How To Keep Safe in Crays Hill

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Crays Hill. To stay safe, it is important to maintain good personal awareness, especially when walking alone at night. Stick to familiar, well-lit routes and avoid areas that feel isolated. Letting a friend or family member know your plans can also add an extra layer of security.

'Other theft' and vehicle crime are also prevalent. For vehicle safety, never leave bags, electronics, or even small change visible in your car. Always ensure windows are fully closed and doors are locked, even if you are just stepping away for a moment. If you have a driveway, a motion-activated light can be a simple but effective deterrent for thieves operating under the cover of darkness.

Anti-social behaviour is another area of concern. Reporting any incidents to the local council or police helps build a clearer picture of where resources are needed. Building strong relationships with your neighbours can also help; a community that looks out for one another is much less attractive to those looking to commit crimes or cause a nuisance. For homeowners, ensuring that your property looks well-maintained and secure can also help deter opportunistic behaviour.

Crays Hill Crime Time Patterns

Crime in Crays Hill follows a distinct daily cycle. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) are the peak times for theft, accounting for 46% and 51% of incidents respectively. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon and evening, with 28% of incidents occurring in each of these periods.

As night falls, the focus shifts dramatically toward vehicle crime. In the evening (6pm - 12am), vehicle crime represents 27% of activity, but this surges to 52% during the late-night hours (12am - 6am). This suggests that while theft and burglary are primarily daytime and evening concerns, vehicle security is the paramount issue for residents during the night. Homeowners should ensure their properties are well-secured by mid-afternoon and that vehicles are protected throughout the night.

Nearby Area Comparison

Crays Hill's crime rate of 88.2 per 1,000 residents makes it one of the more active urban settlements in the immediate vicinity. In comparison, Wickford has a lower rate of 63.2, and Noak Hill is significantly quieter at 32.0. As with much of the region, there is a stark contrast with the nearby rural hamlets of Ramsden Bellhouse and Nevendon, both of which recorded zero crimes. This data suggests that Crays Hill is experiencing more urban-style crime pressures than its immediate neighbours, making property security a particularly relevant topic for local homeowners.

Proactive Security in Crays Hill

With a property crime rate of 33.8 per 1,000 people—slightly above the UK average—and an increasing crime trend, Crays Hill residents should consider more robust security solutions. Traditional CCTV and DIY alarm systems are often reactive; they tell you that a crime has happened after the fact. In an area where burglary and vehicle crime are notable risks, the goal should be prevention rather than just evidence collection.

scOS provides a proactive, AI-driven security operating system that is designed to stop crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property's boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify suspicious activity and deploy autonomous deterrents—such as activating floodlights or playing audible warnings—the moment a threat is detected. This professional-grade approach is highly effective at deterring the opportunistic theft and vehicle crime seen in Crays Hill. By making your home a 'hard target,' you significantly reduce the likelihood of being targeted by offenders who are looking for an easy opportunity.