Runwell Crime Rate

Crime and Safety in Runwell

Runwell is a secure settlement in Essex, with an overall crime rate of 60.9 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. Reflecting this, the area has a high safety score of 85/100, which is well above the UK average of 78. The current crime trend is decreasing, having seen a -12.0% change year-over-year. For the 10,738 residents, these statistics paint a picture of a safe and improving community where the risk of falling victim to crime is considerably lower than in many other parts of the county.

Crime Type Analysis for Runwell

In Runwell, violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of reported crime, accounting for 42.8% of all incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 13.0% and vehicle crime at 8.9%. These figures suggest that while Runwell is a safe settlement, person-based offences and vehicle-related incidents are the primary challenges for local law enforcement.

Property-related crime in Runwell—which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 20.1 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 32.9, making it a relatively secure environment for homeowners. Within this category, vehicle crime is a notable factor, making up 8.9% of total crimes (5.4 per 1,000 people). Burglary accounts for 6.1% and 'other theft' for 7.7%. For residents, this indicates that while the risk of property crime is lower than the national average, vehicle security is a critical consideration, especially at night when vehicle crime intensity peaks at 50%.

Crime Trends in Runwell

Runwell’s crime rate has decreased over the last 12 months, with a -12.0% change. Monthly data shows some fluctuation, with a notable peak in October 2025 at 7.0 crimes per 1,000 people, following an earlier spike in January at 7.1. The lowest rate was recorded in February 2025 at 3.8.

The end of 2025 saw the rate peak in October. This overall downward trend is a positive indicator of long-term safety and community stability. For residents, this predictability is a positive indicator of long-term safety and community stability. The lack of a significant upward trend confirms Runwell's status as a consistently secure place to live in Essex.

How To Keep Safe in Runwell

With violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type in Runwell, alongside a notable risk of vehicle crime at night, residents should focus on personal and vehicle safety:

• Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the area, particularly during the evening.
• Ensure your vehicle is parked in a well-lit area or a secure garage, as vehicle crime is a significant nighttime factor.
• Never leave valuables on display in your car, as this can attract opportunistic theft, which accounts for a high percentage of daytime crime.
• Report any instances of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage to the local police to help them maintain the area’s safe environment.
• When walking at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through unlit areas or alleyways.

In Runwell, crime patterns vary significantly by time of day. Theft is the dominant crime during the morning and afternoon, accounting for 38-43% of all incidents. As night falls, the risk of vehicle crime increases dramatically, accounting for 25% of evening crimes and a significant 50% of all incidents between 12am and 6am. Burglary also remains a factor throughout the night, accounting for 22-26% of reports. This clear shift highlights that while daytime crime is mostly retail-related, the night brings a very high risk of vehicle-related offences.

Local Safety Comparison

Runwell's crime rate of 60.9 per 1,000 people is much lower than the major urban centre of Basildon (124.1). It is also slightly safer than nearby Wickford (64.3). Smaller nearby settlements like Brock Hill, Downham, and Ramsden Bellhouse record rates of 0.0. These comparisons highlight Runwell's status as a safe residential area that offers a high level of security while still being well-connected to larger urban and commercial hubs.

Securing Your Runwell Home

Runwell’s property crime rate of 20.1 per 1,000 is relatively low, but the 8.9% vehicle crime rate and its 50% intensity at night suggest that proactive protection is still valuable. Traditional security cameras are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has occurred. In an area like Runwell, where residents value their security, a proactive system is far more effective.

The scOS operating system provides proactive protection by using AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary. It can distinguish between your family and unknown individuals, alerting you only to genuine concerns. If suspicious activity is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and audio warnings, preventing vehicle theft or burglary before they happen. With features like DVLA verification to identify suspicious vehicles, scOS ensures your home and cars are protected by the most advanced technology, maintaining Runwell’s high safety standards.