Wickford Crime Rate

Wickford Crime Overview

Wickford maintains a strong safety profile with a safety score of 86/100, placing it well above the UK average of 79/100. The overall crime rate for the 2025 calendar year is 63.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. The crime trend in Wickford is currently stable, showing a minimal year-over-year change of just 0.5%. This consistency provides a sense of security for the local population, as the area avoids the volatility seen in larger urban centres. The following sections offer a deep dive into the specific types of crime prevalent in Wickford, when they occur, and how residents can best protect themselves and their property.

Crime in Wickford

Wickford's crime statistics are primarily composed of violence and sexual offences, which make up 32.5% of all reported incidents (20.5 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor, accounting for 21.2% of the total, followed by criminal damage and arson at 11.5%. Together, these three categories represent nearly two-thirds of all crime in the area.

The property crime rate in Wickford is 21.2 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and other forms of theft. While the overall crime rate is higher than some neighbouring villages, the property crime rate remains well below the UK average of 32.2. Vehicle crime (6.6%) and shoplifting (6.1%) are the most frequent property-related offences. For homeowners, the relatively low burglary rate (2.8% of total crime) is encouraging, though the prevalence of criminal damage suggests that external property security remains a high priority for the community.

Wickford Crime Trends

The crime trend in Wickford is remarkably stable, with a year-over-year change of only 0.5%. This indicates that the safety environment has remained consistent over the past twelve months. Monthly data from 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in June at 7.0 per 1,000 people, followed by a gradual decline through the late summer and autumn.

The early part of the year was relatively quiet, with February recording the lowest rate at 3.8. There was a noticeable increase in activity during the spring and early summer (April to July), which is a common seasonal pattern in many UK urban areas. By the end of the year, the rate had stabilised again, with December recording 5.7. For Wickford residents, this stability suggests a predictable safety environment where crime is well-managed and not currently on an upward trajectory.

How To Keep Safe in Wickford

Violence and sexual offences are the most commonly reported crimes in Wickford. While these figures often include a wide range of incidents, personal safety should always be a priority. When out in the evening, try to stay in well-lit areas and, where possible, travel with others. Being mindful of your surroundings and trusting your instincts are key to avoiding potentially unsafe situations.

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is the second most frequent issue in Wickford. If you encounter ASB, it is often best not to engage directly. Instead, report persistent issues to the local council or police non-emergency line. Community vigilance and reporting help local authorities allocate resources to the areas that need them most.

To protect against criminal damage and vehicle crime, consider the 'Clear Zone' principle. Keep the front of your property clear of high hedges that could provide cover for intruders, and ensure your car is parked in a well-lit spot. Simple steps like installing motion-activated security lights can be highly effective in deterring opportunistic offenders who prefer to operate in the shadows.

Wickford Crime Time Patterns

Wickford's crime data shows a clear shift in activity throughout the day. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, making up 32% and 38% of crime respectively. This is typical for an area with active retail and commercial zones. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon (13%) when many residents are at work.

As day turns to night, the nature of crime changes significantly. In the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes, primarily anti-social behaviour, surge to 59% of all incidents. During the late-night hours (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes the primary concern, accounting for 46% of all recorded crime. This pattern suggests that property owners should be most vigilant about their vehicles overnight and their homes during the mid-afternoon.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the context of the local authority, Wickford sits in the middle of the safety spectrum. Its crime rate of 63.2 per 1,000 is almost identical to neighbouring Runwell (63.0). It is notably safer than Crays Hill, which has a higher rate of 88.2. However, the contrast with the immediate rural surroundings is sharp, as Nevendon and Ramsden Bellhouse both recorded zero crimes during the same period. For residents, Wickford offers the convenience of an urban settlement with a safety profile that remains much more favourable than the wider UK average.

Proactive Security in Wickford

With a property crime rate of 21.2 per 1,000 people, Wickford homeowners should focus on securing the perimeter of their properties. While burglary rates are low, the prevalence of criminal damage and vehicle crime suggests that the exterior of the home is the primary zone of risk. Traditional security systems often fail here because they are designed to alert you only after a window has been smashed or a door has been opened.

A proactive approach using scOS AI technology changes this dynamic. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, scOS can distinguish between a neighbour walking their dog and a potential offender lingering near your vehicle. By activating deterrents like lights or autonomous voice responses before a crime is committed, scOS prevents the damage that traditional cameras only record. This level of professional-grade protection is the most effective way to ensure your home doesn't become part of Wickford's property crime statistics.