East Hanningfield Crime Rate

East Hanningfield is a secure and peaceful community with a high safety score of 89/100, well above the UK average of 79. For its 1,790 residents, the overall crime rate is 42.5 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. Recent data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a positive downward trend, with total crime decreasing by 11.6% year-over-year. Property crime is also very low at 13.4 per 1,000 residents, making it a safe choice for homeowners. These statistics reflect a community where crime is infrequent and safety is a well-maintained standard of local life, offering a high degree of confidence for current and prospective residents.

East Hanningfield's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 44.7% of all recorded incidents (34 cases). Public order offences are the second most common at 11.8%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.5%. When examining property crime collectively—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—the rate in East Hanningfield is 13.4 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, indicating that the area is very safe for homeowners and property. Burglary is particularly rare, with only 2 incidents recorded over the entire year, representing just 2.6% of local crime. Vehicle crime accounts for 7.9%, suggesting that while property crime is low, vehicle security remains a relevant concern for local residents.

East Hanningfield is experiencing a positive safety trend, with an 11.6% decrease in total crime over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows consistently low crime rates. The year began at 3.9 in December and saw peaks of 5.0 in January, April, and August. However, the rate dropped significantly to its lowest point of 1.1 in September and remained low at 2.2 in October and 2.8 in November. This overall downward trajectory and the lack of major volatility highlight the area's status as a secure and stable community. For residents, this sustained reduction is an encouraging indicator of the area's ongoing safety.

How To Keep Safe in East Hanningfield

The most common crime in East Hanningfield is violence and sexual offences, though the actual number of incidents is low. To stay safe, maintain awareness of your surroundings when walking in public spaces, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit routes and avoid isolated areas when alone.

Public order offences and criminal damage are the next most common issues. If you experience disruptive behaviour, avoid direct confrontation and report it to the local authorities. Ensuring your property is well-maintained and has good exterior lighting can help deter low-level vandalism.

Property crime is low, but vehicle crime accounts for 7.9% of incidents and is most frequent at night when it makes up 51% of overnight offences. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and parked in a well-lit area or garage. For home security, while burglary is rare, ensure all entry points are secure. A proactive AI security system like scOS can provide an extra layer of protection by monitoring your property boundaries and deterring intruders before they can act. Community vigilance and being part of a local safety group can also help keep you informed about any recent incidents.

In East Hanningfield, crime timing reveals specific patterns for different offences. Theft-related crimes are most frequent during the morning (50%) and afternoon (60%), likely coinciding with daily transit and commercial activity. As the day progresses into evening, the focus shifts towards 'other' crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which account for 47% of incidents between 6pm and 12am. Night-time (12am-6am) is the most critical period for vehicle crime, which makes up a significant 51% of all overnight incidents. Burglary risk is low but remains consistent throughout the day and night at around 6% per period. These insights suggest that residents should prioritise vehicle security overnight and remain mindful of personal and property safety during the busy morning and afternoon periods. Understanding these windows of risk allows for more effective security planning.

In the local context, East Hanningfield (42.5) has a slightly higher crime rate than nearby Bicknacre (34.2). While it is more active than the rural hamlets of Woodham Ferrers, Howe Green, and Rettendon—all of which recorded zero crimes—it remains a very secure urban settlement. Its high safety score of 89 distinguishes it as a particularly safe pocket within the Chelmsford local authority area, providing a tranquil and low-crime environment that compares favourably with more urbanised parts of the region.

Homeowners in East Hanningfield benefit from a low property crime rate of 13.4 per 1,000 residents, but the 11.6% decrease in overall crime suggests that vigilance and good security are paying off. While burglary is extremely rare, vehicle crime still accounts for nearly 8% of incidents. Traditional security systems often act purely as recording devices, providing footage only after a crime has occurred. For residents in such a safe area, the goal is to maintain that security proactively. The scOS AI-powered operating system offers this by focusing on prevention rather than just recording. Its multi-camera intelligence watches your property boundaries in real-time, using AI to identify potential threats before they can reach your home or vehicle. scOS can distinguish between regular activity and suspicious behaviour, triggering autonomous responses like lighting or audio warnings to deter intruders. This proactive approach ensures that opportunistic criminals move on, keeping East Hanningfield's property crime rates among the lowest in the county. Professional-grade AI security like scOS provides a level of protection that reactive DIY systems simply cannot match.