Great Notley Crime Rate

Great Notley recorded an overall crime rate of 43.1 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 90/100. While the area has seen a 7.0% year-over-year increase in criminal activity, this rise is from a very low baseline, and the area remains one of the more secure parts of the Essex region. As a key built-up area within the Braintree local authority, Great Notley 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 Great Notley

In the built-up area of Great Notley, the most frequent reports are for violence and sexual offences, which account for 40.4% of all crime (129 incidents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common concern at 10.7%, followed by 'other theft' at 9.1%. These three categories represent over 60% of all police activity in the settlement.

Property-related crime in Great Notley is exceptionally low, with a combined rate of 13.7 per 1,000 people. This total includes just 7 burglaries and 13 vehicle crimes. Other theft accounts for 9.1% of total crime, while criminal damage and arson make up 8.2%. For homeowners, the burglary rate of 0.9 per 1,000 residents is among the lowest in the region, suggesting a very secure residential environment. However, the prevalence of 'other theft' (9.1%) and shoplifting (7.8%) indicates that opportunistic property offences are a persistent factor in the area's commercial and residential streets.

Crime Trends in Great Notley

Great Notley has seen a 7.0% year-over-year increase in crime, although the area's overall crime rate remains low. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows consistently low numbers, with the year starting at 2.0 in December and reaching a peak of 5.4 in July 2025.

Activity saw a notable decrease towards the end of the year, with the rate falling to 3.1 in November 2025. Despite the slight annual increase, the overall volume of crime remains very low compared to regional averages. For residents, these statistics suggest that while there has been a slight uptick in reported activity, Great Notley remains a stable and 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 Great Notley

The most common crime type in Great Notley 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 afternoon when theft reaches 63% of its daily activity, ensure that all outbuildings, garages, and gates are securely locked, even if you are just in the garden. If you are out walking after dark, stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in isolated spots. In the evening, when miscellaneous offences are more varied, ensure your property is well-lit and report any concerning activity to the local authorities.

With vehicle crime peaking at 41% 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 Great Notley community.

Crime Timing in Great Notley

Criminal activity in Great Notley follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern, accounting for 57% of reported activity. This high percentage of theft continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where it peaks at 63% of all incidents, while burglary also increases to 11%.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the nature of crime shifts significantly toward miscellaneous 'other' offences, which make up 43% of reports. During the night (12am - 6am), while overall crime is at its lowest, vehicle crime and burglary become the dominant concerns, making up 41% and 14% of night-time incidents respectively. These patterns suggest that property and vehicle security are most critical during the afternoon and overnight hours, while personal safety and community awareness should be a focus during the evening.

Great Notley is a safe residential area in the Essex region. Its crime rate of 43.1 per 1,000 is much lower than the district's larger settlements like Braintree (78.9) and Witham (80.1). It is also safer than nearby Rayne (36.7) and Black Notley (37.7) are in comparison to the UK average. This makes Great Notley an excellent choice for those seeking a secure, low-activity environment that is still within reach of local amenities. The area's high safety score is a key draw for prospective residents, offering a more peaceful lifestyle than many other parts of the county.

Proactive Property Defense in Great Notley

With a property crime rate of 13.7 per 1,000 people, residents of Great Notley 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 Great Notley, where property values are high and the safety score is exceptional, 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 Great Notley 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.