Wickford Crime Rate

Introduction to Wickford Crime Statistics

Wickford, a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 27,406, records an overall crime rate of 66.1 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. Wickford's safety score is 85 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 an 8.4% rise year-over-year. This introduction provides a framework for a deeper look into the specific crime types, evolving trends, and local comparisons within Wickford.

Crime Breakdown in Wickford

In Wickford, an examination of crime types reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most common, with 582 incidents, representing 32.1% of all crimes and a rate of 21.2 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent, with 332 reported cases (18.3% of the total), equating to 12.1 per 1,000 people. Criminal damage and arson ranks third, with 212 incidents, making up 11.7% of all crimes and a rate of 7.7 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 624 incidents in Wickford. This results in a property crime rate of 25.1 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 prevalence of criminal damage and arson, along with vehicle crime, suggests that residents should still prioritise securing their homes and vehicles.

Crime Trends in Wickford

Wickford has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with an 8.4% rise in total crimes compared to the previous 12-month period. Monthly data shows fluctuations, with rates at 7.2 per 1,000 in October 2024, decreasing to a low of 3.8 in February 2025. Following this, there was an increase, reaching 7.0 in June, before a slight decline to 4.7 in September 2025. The overall upward trend indicates that residents should be mindful of local crime developments and consider reviewing their security measures.

Time Patterns of Crime in Wickford

Crime patterns in Wickford's Built-Up Area show variations throughout the day. In the morning (6am-12pm), 'Other' crime categories are most prevalent at 37%, followed by theft at 30% and vehicle crime at 24%. This suggests a mix of miscellaneous incidents and property-related offences as residents begin their day. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) also sees 'Other' crimes as the highest at 38%, with theft at 37% and burglary at 16%, indicating that daytime activities and unattended properties are factors.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'Other' crimes significantly increase to 55% of all incidents, with vehicle crime at 22% and burglary at 12%. This shift might reflect increased social activity or varied offences during these hours. Night-time (12am-6am) is predominantly marked by vehicle crime, which accounts for 49% of incidents, often targeting parked vehicles, along with 'Other' crimes at 33%. Understanding these temporal patterns can help residents to implement more targeted security measures.

Comparing Wickford with Nearby Areas

When comparing Wickford to its neighbouring Built-Up Areas, a clearer picture of regional safety emerges. Nevendon, Runwell, Ramsden Bellhouse, and Crays Hill are all relatively close. Wickford's crime rate of 66.1 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 Wickford's position within a spectrum of local safety, often influenced by population density and the nature of local amenities.

Protecting Your Property in Wickford

Given Wickford's property crime rate of 25.1 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.