Thundersley and South Benfleet Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Thundersley and South Benfleet, within Castle Point, reveal a crime rate of 50.5 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a relatively safer environment. The area has demonstrated a decrease in crime, with a year-on-year reduction of 7.7%. While these figures offer a reassuring overview, it's important to examine the specific types of crimes occurring and understand the contributing factors. This report aims to provide a factual overview of the local crime landscape and offer practical advice for residents.

The most significant concerns within Thundersley and South Benfleet revolve around violence and sexual offences, accounting for a considerable 42.6% of all recorded crimes. These offences totalled 1039 incidents over the data period. Criminal damage and arson represent the second most prevalent concern, with 223 reported incidents, followed by shoplifting at 198. Overall, property crime is a notable aspect of the local crime landscape, with a rate of 18.6 per 1,000 residents. This encompasses a range of offences, including burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, all contributing to the overall picture of crime within the area. The presence of retail outlets and residential areas within the built-up area likely influences the types of crimes observed, with shoplifting reflecting commercial activity and burglary reflecting the presence of homes.

Crime rates in Thundersley and South Benfleet have been steadily decreasing throughout the data period, January 2025 to December 2025. This decline is reflected in the 7.7% year-on-year reduction. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a noticeable dip in crime in October 2025 (3.2 per 1,000) compared to earlier months like March and April (4.6 per 1,000). While figures remain relatively stable in the latter half of the year, the overall downward trend indicates positive progress in crime prevention efforts within the area. The decrease demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing safety initiatives and community engagement.

How To Keep Safe in Thundersley and South Benfleet

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider travelling in groups or using well-lit routes. With criminal damage and arson also being a concern, ensure that any outbuildings or vehicles are securely locked and that any flammable materials are stored safely. Shoplifting indicates a level of petty crime, so always keep valuables secure and be mindful of your belongings in public places. Secure your home and vehicles by ensuring doors and windows are locked, and consider installing an alarm system or security lighting. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the local authorities – your vigilance can help prevent crime.

Across Thundersley and South Benfleet, crime tends to be distributed throughout the day, though patterns emerge based on the type of offence. Burglary shows a slight concentration in the morning and afternoon, with a smaller peak in the evening. Violence and sexual offences are most frequently reported during the evening hours, particularly on weekend nights. Vehicle crime tends to be higher during the night, suggesting opportunities for theft under the cover of darkness. Theft sees a peak during standard commercial hours, reflecting activity within retail areas. Overall, understanding these temporal patterns can help residents and authorities to better allocate resources and implement preventative measures.

When compared to neighbouring areas, Thundersley and South Benfleet demonstrates a varied picture. North Benfleet has a significantly higher crime rate at 148.6 per 1,000, highlighting a stark contrast. Rayleigh, with a rate of 52.3 per 1,000, is also higher than Thundersley and South Benfleet. However, Canvey Island presents a considerably higher rate of 76.8 per 1,000, suggesting that Thundersley and South Benfleet is comparatively safer than some surrounding locations. Nevendon reports a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, the lowest in the region, showing a considerable difference.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, takes a proactive approach, detecting potential threats at the property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicle registration plates with the DVLA database and learning your family's routines to differentiate genuine threats from normal activity. The visible presence of scOS, with its lights and speaker system, creates an element of surprise for potential intruders, often causing them to reconsider their actions. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds - the element of surprise provided by scOS can make that decision easy – they move on.