North Benfleet Crime Rate

Introduction to North Benfleet Crime Statistics

North Benfleet, a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 1,615, records an overall crime rate of 135.6 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. North Benfleet's safety score is 65 out of 100, indicating it is less safe than the UK average safety score of 78. Furthermore, the area has experienced a concerning increasing crime trend, with a substantial 26.6% rise year-over-year. This introduction provides a framework for a deeper look into the specific crime types, evolving trends, and local comparisons within North Benfleet.

Crime Breakdown in North Benfleet

In North Benfleet, an examination of crime types reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most common, with 101 incidents, representing 46.1% of all crimes and a rate of 62.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent, with 26 reported cases (11.9% of the total), equating to 16.1 per 1,000 people. Criminal damage and arson ranks third, with 25 incidents, making up 11.4% of all crimes and a rate of 15.5 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 69 incidents in North Benfleet. This results in a property crime rate of 39.0 per 1,000 residents per year, which is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. The prevalence of criminal damage and arson, alongside vehicle crime, suggests that residents should prioritise securing their homes and vehicles, especially given the rising trend.

Crime Trends in North Benfleet

North Benfleet has experienced a concerning increasing crime trend over the last year, with a substantial 26.6% rise in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Monthly data shows fluctuations, with rates at 11.8 per 1,000 in October and November 2024, dipping to 8.1 in December. February 2025 saw 9.9, followed by 11.8 in March and May. A significant peak of 19.8 was recorded in July, before declining to 8.1 in September 2025. This strong upward trend indicates that residents should be highly vigilant of local crime developments and consider reviewing and enhancing their security measures.

Time Patterns of Crime in North Benfleet

Crime patterns in North Benfleet's Built-Up Area exhibit distinct shifts throughout the day. In the morning (6am-12pm), theft accounts for 30% of crimes, followed by vehicle crime at 28% and 'Other' crimes at 34%. This suggests a period where opportunistic thefts, perhaps from unattended vehicles or properties as residents leave for work, are more common. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) also sees theft remain significant at 37%, with 'Other' crimes at 34% and burglary at 17%, indicating that daytime activities and unattended properties are factors.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'Other' crimes become most prominent at 49% of all incidents, with vehicle crime at 26% and burglary at 13%. 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 54% of incidents, often occurring when vehicles are parked and unattended, along with 'Other' crimes at 29%. These insights can help residents to understand when specific crime types are more likely to occur and adjust their security accordingly.

Comparing North Benfleet with Nearby Areas

When comparing North Benfleet to its neighbouring Built-Up Areas, a clearer picture of regional safety emerges. Nevendon, Thundersley and South Benfleet, Wickford, and Rayleigh are all relatively close. North Benfleet's significantly higher crime rate of 135.6 per 1,000 residents positions it as more active than most of these surrounding areas, which generally report lower crime figures. Thundersley and South Benfleet might present similar urban challenges, while more rural Nevendon and Wickford typically have lower rates. Rayleigh, a larger town, would have its own distinct profile. These comparisons highlight North Benfleet's particular challenges within the local safety landscape, suggesting a need for increased awareness among residents.

Protecting Your Property in North Benfleet

Given North Benfleet's property crime rate of 39.0 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average, and its increasing crime trend, robust home security is paramount. Relying solely on traditional CCTV to record a burglary is a reactive measure; true protection lies in preventing the crime. If you are serious about safeguarding your home, consider an advanced, proactive security solution.

scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers prevention at your property boundary. Unlike systems that merely notify you after an incident, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats instantly. This means potential intruders are identified before they even gain entry, destroying their element of surprise and often causing them to abandon their plans. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can catch fake plates, adding another layer of deterrence. Investing in professional-grade security like scOS signals serious protection, making it clear to potential burglars that your property is not an easy target and encouraging them to move on.