North Benfleet Crime Rate

North Benfleet Crime Overview

North Benfleet currently has a safety score of 62/100, which is lower than the UK average of 79/100. For the period of January 2025 to December 2025, the area recorded an overall crime rate of 148.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 91.6. Of further concern is the 36.4% increase in crime recorded year-over-year, indicating a rising trend in criminal activity. These figures suggest that North Benfleet is a more high-risk area than its immediate neighbours. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime occurring, when they are most likely to happen, and how residents can best protect themselves and their property in this challenging environment.

Crime in North Benfleet

North Benfleet's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 46.7% of all recorded incidents (69.3 per 1,000 residents). Criminal damage and arson, along with anti-social behaviour, each account for 11.7% of the total. Public order offences also feature prominently at 9.2%.

The property crime rate in North Benfleet is 37.8 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage. This figure is higher than the UK average of 32.2, indicating that property security is a significant concern for the area. While burglary itself accounts for only 2.5% of total crime, the high rate of criminal damage and vehicle crime (5.4%) suggests that the exterior of properties and parked vehicles are frequently targeted. For residents, this means that while the risk of a break-in is statistically lower, the risk of opportunistic damage or vehicle interference is notably higher than in many neighbouring communities.

North Benfleet Crime Trends

The crime trend in North Benfleet is currently on a significant upward trajectory, with a 36.4% increase in total offences year-over-year. This is a substantial rise that highlights a growing safety concern for the local community. Monthly data from 2025 shows high levels of activity throughout the year, with a major peak in July, where the crime rate reached 19.8 per 1,000 residents.

Other months with high activity include November (17.3) and December (14.9). The lowest rate of the year was recorded in April at 6.8, but this appears to be an outlier in an otherwise high-crime year. This sustained increase across most months suggests that the rise in crime is not due to a single event but is a more broad-based trend. Residents should be aware that the area's safety profile is currently in a state of flux and prioritize their security accordingly.

How To Keep Safe in North Benfleet

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in North Benfleet, occurring at a significantly higher rate than the national average. Personal safety is paramount; try to avoid walking alone after dark and stay in well-lit, busy areas. If you must travel at night, consider using a reputable taxi service or travelling with a friend. Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

Criminal damage and anti-social behaviour are also major concerns. To protect your property, ensure that the exterior is well-maintained and that any signs of damage are repaired quickly, as this can deter further incidents. Installing motion-activated security lights and ensuring that side gates and outbuildings are securely locked can also help. Reporting all incidents of ASB to the local police helps them to identify patterns and allocate resources more effectively.

For vehicle owners, the risk of crime is notable. Always ensure your car is locked and that no valuables—even small items like loose change or charging cables—are left on display. If possible, park in a garage or a secure, well-lit driveway. Community vigilance is also key; getting to know your neighbours and looking out for each other's properties can significantly improve the overall safety of the neighbourhood.

North Benfleet Crime Time Patterns

Crime in North Benfleet shows clear patterns throughout the day. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) are the peak periods for theft, accounting for 39% and 46% of incidents respectively. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon, making up 10% of crime during those hours.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, surge to 58% of all activity. As night falls (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes the dominant threat, representing 42% of all recorded incidents. This suggests that property owners should be most vigilant about their homes during the afternoon and ensure that vehicles are securely protected throughout the night. The high concentration of 'other' crimes in the evening also highlights a need for caution during these hours.

Nearby Area Comparison

North Benfleet's crime rate of 148.6 per 1,000 residents is considerably higher than other nearby urban areas. For instance, Wickford (63.2), Rayleigh (52.3), and Thundersley and South Benfleet (50.5) all have much lower crime rates. The contrast with Nevendon, which recorded no crime, is even more pronounced. This data indicates that North Benfleet is a localised hotspot for criminal activity within the broader region. For residents and those considering the area, this highlights the importance of robust security measures and community awareness compared to the surrounding more peaceful settlements.

Proactive Security in North Benfleet

With a property crime rate of 37.8 per 1,000 people—well above the UK average—and a significant upward trend in crime, North Benfleet residents need a security strategy that prioritises prevention. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which is of limited comfort when your property has already been damaged or your vehicle stolen.

A proactive AI-powered system like scOS offers a superior alternative. By monitoring your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS can identify suspicious activity, such as an intruder lingering near your car or approaching your front door, and deploy autonomous deterrents immediately. This could include activating bright floodlights or playing an audible warning. This 'first line of defence' approach is particularly effective in North Benfleet, where criminal damage and vehicle crime are common. By stopping the crime at the boundary, scOS prevents the loss and damage that reactive systems can only record. For those in high-crime areas, this professional-grade, autonomous protection is the most effective way to ensure peace of mind.