Earls Colne Crime Rate

Earls Colne recorded an overall crime rate of 45.0 per 1,000 people between December 2024 and November 2025. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a high safety score of 88/100. The area is also seeing a positive trend, with a substantial -8.8% year-over-year decrease in criminal activity. As a safe residential settlement within the Braintree local authority, Earls Colne provides a secure and tranquil environment compared to the more active town centres. The following report provides a detailed analysis of crime types and timing to help residents maintain their high standard of safety and security.

Crime Breakdown in Earls Colne

In the built-up area of Earls Colne, the most frequent reports are for violence and sexual offences, which account for 56.4% of all crime (93 incidents). Public order offences are the second most common concern at 9.1%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.5%. These three categories represent over 70% of all police activity in the settlement.

Property-related crime in Earls Colne is exceptionally low, with a combined rate of 12.5 per 1,000 people. This total includes just 6 burglaries and 5 vehicle crimes. Other theft accounts for 7.9% of total crime, while shoplifting makes up 4.2%. For homeowners, the burglary rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents is among the lowest in the region, suggesting a very secure residential environment. However, the prevalence of public order offences (9.1%) indicates that community-level issues are a persistent factor, highlighting the need for security that deters all forms of nuisance and damage.

Crime Trends in Earls Colne

Earls Colne has seen an 8.8% year-over-year decrease in crime, which is a positive indicator for the area. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows consistently low numbers, with the year starting at 2.7 in December and reaching a peak of 7.4 in May 2025.

Activity saw a notable decrease towards the end of the year, with the rate falling to 1.6 in November 2025. Despite the summer peak, the overall volume of crime remains lower than the previous year. For residents, these statistics suggest that Earls Colne is a stable and increasingly secure place to live. The area's high safety score continues to reflect a low level of criminal activity overall, providing a secure environment for the local community.

How To Keep Safe in Earls Colne

The most common crime type in Earls Colne is violence and sexual offences. While the overall rate is lower than the national average, personal safety remains a key focus for the community.

To stay safe, particularly in the morning when theft and burglary reach 54% and 11% of their daily activity respectively, ensure that all outbuildings, garages, and gates are securely locked, even if you are just in the house. If you are out walking after dark, stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in isolated spots. In the afternoon, when theft reaches its peak at 57%, ensure your property is well-lit and report any concerning activity to the local authorities.

With vehicle crime peaking at 25% during the night-time hours, it is essential to have a robust home security system active overnight. Ensure all windows and doors are double-checked before retiring. Given the exceptionally low burglary rate, a proactive security system that detects movement at the property boundary can provide the early warning needed to stay safe, helping to maintain the peaceful atmosphere of the Earls Colne community.

Crime Timing in Earls Colne

Criminal activity in Earls Colne follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern, accounting for 54% of reported activity. This high percentage of theft continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where it peaks at 57% of all incidents, while burglary also increases to 18%.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the nature of crime shifts significantly toward miscellaneous 'other' offences, which make up 47% of reports, while burglary remains high at 18%. During the night (12am - 6am), while overall crime is at its lowest, vehicle crime and burglary become the dominant concerns, making up 25% and 24% of night-time incidents respectively. These patterns suggest that property and vehicle security are most critical during the morning and overnight hours, while personal safety and community awareness should be a focus during the evening.

Earls Colne is a safe residential area in the Essex region. Its crime rate of 45.0 per 1,000 is lower than nearby Halstead (67.6) and is also lower than the UK average. While it is more active than some of its smaller neighbours like Chappel (23.7), it remains a secure choice for those looking for an urban area with a strong safety profile. Nearby White Colne, Colne Engaine, and Great Tey all reported 0.0 rates in this period, highlighting the quiet nature of the immediate vicinity. The area's consistent safety score and declining crime rate make it a standout location for regional security.

Proactive Property Defense in Earls Colne

With a property crime rate of 12.5 per 1,000 people, residents of Earls Colne face a low but tangible risk of burglary, vehicle crime, and theft. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or DIY alarm kits, are reactive; they provide evidence of a crime after it has already occurred. In an area like Earls Colne, where property values are high and the safety score is excellent, the goal should be prevention rather than just recording.

The scOS AI-powered home security system shifts this dynamic by offering proactive protection. By monitoring your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect potential threats before they reach your front door. The system uses multi-camera intelligence and autonomous responses—such as engaging integrated speakers or activating deterrent lighting—to disrupt a criminal's intent. In the 60 seconds it takes for a burglar to decide on a target, the visible presence of a professional-grade, proactive system often encourages them to move on. For Earls Colne residents, investing in an autonomous system that understands daily routines and only alerts on genuine threats provides a level of security that traditional recording devices simply cannot match.