Wickford Crime Rate

Wickford presents as a notably safe urban settlement, featuring an overall crime rate of 63.1 per 1,000 residents. This figure sits significantly below the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to an impressive safety score of 86/100. When compared to the UK average safety score of 79/100, Wickford emerges as a secure environment for both residents and businesses. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in the area is stable, with a negligible year-over-year increase of just 0.9%. This consistency suggests a reliable level of public safety. The following analysis provides a deeper look into the specific types of crime reported and the temporal patterns that define the local security landscape.

Crime in Wickford

Wickford's crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.6% of all recorded incidents (21.2 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.6% and criminal damage and arson at 11.2%. While these figures represent the bulk of police activity, they must be viewed alongside the area's property crime profile.

The property crime rate in Wickford stands at 22.1 per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. This category encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft. Vehicle crime is the most prominent property-related concern, making up 7.5% of total crime, followed by shoplifting at 7.2%. Burglary remains relatively infrequent, representing only 2.8% of local incidents. For residents and homeowners, this indicates that while Wickford is generally safe, maintaining vigilance regarding vehicle security and domestic outbuildings is essential for maintaining the area's low property crime status.

Crime Trends in Wickford

The crime trend in Wickford is currently classified as stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 0.9%. This indicates that the local safety environment has remained remarkably consistent over the past twelve months. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows fluctuations in activity, with a notable peak in June 2025, when the rate reached 7.0 per 1,000 residents.

Following this summer peak, crime rates generally trended downwards, reaching a low of 4.6 per 1,000 by November 2025. Other quieter periods included February 2025 (3.8) and January 2025 (4.4). These seasonal variations are common in suburban areas, often linked to longer daylight hours and increased outdoor activity during the summer months. For residents, this stability is a positive sign, suggesting that local law enforcement and community safety initiatives are effectively managing crime levels without significant spikes or emerging threats.

How To Keep Safe in Wickford

The highest crime category in Wickford is violence and sexual offences. While these often involve known parties, maintaining personal safety in public spaces remains important.

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, especially during the evening, and stick to well-lit, busy routes through the town centre.
2. Ensure your home is secure by checking that all windows and doors are locked before retiring for the night or leaving the property empty.
3. Be mindful of vehicle security; 46% of night-time crime in Wickford is vehicle-related, so always remove valuables and use steering locks where possible.
4. Report any suspicious anti-social behaviour to the local authorities promptly to help maintain the community's high safety standards.
5. Consider installing a proactive security system that monitors your property's perimeter to provide an early warning of potential intruders.

Analysis of crime timing in Wickford reveals distinct patterns across the day. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) see a concentration of theft-related offences (30%), likely coinciding with the opening of retail outlets and increased footfall. As the day progresses into the afternoon, burglary rates peak at 13%, often when residential properties are most likely to be unoccupied.

The evening period (6pm - 12am) is dominated by 'Other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order issues, making up 60% of reports. However, the most striking trend occurs during the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 46% of all incidents. This suggests that while violent crime is the most frequent overall, the risk to property—specifically vehicles—is at its highest under the cover of darkness, requiring targeted security measures for car owners.

When examining the local region, Wickford's crime rate of 63.1 per 1,000 residents is very similar to nearby Runwell, which records 62.6 per 1,000. It is notably safer than Crays Hill, where the rate rises to 86.1 per 1,000. In contrast, very small neighbouring settlements such as Nevendon and Ramsden Bellhouse report zero crimes per 1,000, which is characteristic of highly rural or sparsely populated hamlets. For those considering the wider Basildon area, Wickford offers a balanced safety profile that is significantly more secure than the more densely populated urban centres nearby.

With a property crime rate of 22.1 per 1,000, Wickford residents should consider the limitations of traditional security. Most standard CCTV systems are reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which often does little to recover stolen property or alleviate the trauma of a break-in. In an area where vehicle crime and burglary still occur, a proactive approach is superior.

scOS offers a sophisticated alternative by utilising AI to detect threats at the property boundary. Instead of just recording an intruder, scOS can trigger autonomous responses such as activating lights or engaging speakers to deter the individual before they reach your door. This is particularly effective against the 60-second decision-making process most opportunistic burglars use. By integrating multi-camera intelligence and vehicle verification, scOS ensures that your home is protected by a system that never blinks, transforming your security from a passive recording device into an active deterrent that prevents crime from happening in the first place.