Castle Point Crime Rate

Castle Point is a safe and well-regarded local authority area in Essex, featuring an overall crime rate of 59.5 per 1,000 residents. This performance is notably better than the UK average of 93.1, earning the borough a high safety score of 85/100. Home to over 90,000 people, Castle Point maintains a secure environment that is approximately 36% safer than the national average. Recent trends show that crime is stable, with a 3.7% year-over-year decrease. This consistent downward pressure on crime rates reflects effective local policing and a strong community focus on safety. The following analysis provides a deeper dive into the specific crime types, trends, and comparisons that define the safety landscape of Castle Point.

About Castle Point

Castle Point is a borough in Essex that combines suburban residential areas with significant coastal and industrial features. It includes the towns of Canvey Island, South Benfleet, and Hadleigh. The area is characterised by its strong community feel and its role as a key residential hub for commuters, thanks to its proximity to Southend-on-Sea and direct rail links to London via the C2C line.

The borough's crime statistics are influenced by its unique geography, including the low-lying Canvey Island and the more elevated mainland areas. Major local features like Hadleigh Castle and the Benfleet Creek attract visitors, while the commercial centres provide employment and retail activity. The population is largely settled and residential, though the coastal areas see increased transient activity during the summer months. Economic factors in Castle Point are generally stable, with a mix of local trade and professional commuting. These characteristics contribute to a crime rate that is significantly lower than the national average, making it a sought-after area for families and professionals alike.

Crime Breakdown in Castle Point

In Castle Point, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type, accounting for 41.5% of all incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 11.8% and criminal damage and arson at 9.7%. These figures are typical for a local authority of this size, where interpersonal and community-level issues often form the bulk of reported offences.

When looking at property-related crime, the overall rate is 20.3 per 1,000 residents. This category includes shoplifting (7.5%), other theft (6.0%), vehicle crime (5.5%), and burglary (3.5%). Residents should note that while burglary is relatively low compared to other Essex boroughs, shoplifting and general theft are more prevalent, likely concentrated around the main retail hubs. For homeowners, the data suggests that while the risk of serious property crime is lower than the UK average, basic security and community vigilance remain important for maintaining the borough's high safety standards.

Crime Trends in Castle Point

The crime trend in Castle Point is currently stable, showing a year-over-year decrease of 3.7%. This consistent performance is a positive indicator for the borough's long-term safety. A review of the monthly data throughout 2025 reveals a steady environment with only minor seasonal fluctuations.

Crime rates peaked slightly in the early summer, with June recording 5.5 incidents per 1,000 residents and May at 5.4. Conversely, the safest month in the recent period was February 2025, when the rate dropped to 4.1. The latter half of 2025 showed remarkable consistency, with rates hovering around the 5.0 mark from July through September. For the 90,000+ residents of Castle Point, these figures suggest a well-managed security environment where crime is not only lower than the national average but also trending in the right direction.

In the local Essex context, Castle Point is a strong performer for safety. Its crime rate of 59.5 per 1,000 residents is slightly higher than neighbouring Rochford, which sits at 48.5. However, it remains a significantly safer alternative to larger nearby urban centres like Southend-on-Sea and Basildon, which often face higher crime challenges. Other regional areas such as Medway, Thurrock, and Chelmsford provide a broader context for Essex safety, but Castle Point consistently ranks as one of the more residential and secure boroughs. For those looking for a balance of transport links and a low-crime environment, Castle Point offers a highly competitive safety profile compared to its immediate neighbours.

With a property crime rate of 20.3 per 1,000, Castle Point is a relatively low-risk area, but the 1,800+ property-related incidents reported annually across the borough highlight the need for effective home security. Traditional security systems—such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras—are primarily reactive. They alert the homeowner or record footage only after an intruder has already approached the door or entered the property.

scOS provides a more advanced, proactive approach to home security. As an AI-powered operating system, scOS monitors all your cameras simultaneously to detect potential threats at the property boundary. Its multi-camera intelligence understands the difference between a delivery person and a suspicious loiterer, and its DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag unknown plates. By activating autonomous responses like lighting or audio warnings, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For residents of Castle Point, this means moving beyond simple recording to true crime prevention, ensuring your home remains a safe haven.

How To Keep Safe in Castle Point

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Castle Point, accounting for over 40% of reports. While the borough is safe, these broader regional tips can help residents across the local authority area maintain their personal security.

1. Utilise Community Policing: Engage with Essex Police's local community meetings and sign up for 'Essex Watch' to stay updated on crime trends and safety initiatives in your specific neighbourhood.
2. Improve Home Visibility: Ensure the front of your property is well-lit and that hedges are trimmed to remove hiding spots, which helps deter both anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft.
3. Be Vigilant in Retail Areas: With shoplifting being a top crime type, stay aware of your belongings in busy shopping areas like those in Benfleet and Canvey Island.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: Use the non-emergency 101 number to report ASB early, as this helps the police allocate resources to prevent these issues from escalating.
5. Secure Outbuildings: Many thefts in residential boroughs occur from sheds and garages; ensure these are fitted with high-quality locks and consider adding them to your home security system.