Galleywood Crime Rate

Galleywood is a safe and desirable residential area with an overall crime rate of 57.2 per 1,000 people, which is well below the UK average of 91.6. The area enjoys a high safety score of 87/100, significantly outperforming the national average of 79/100. Furthermore, crime is on a clear downward trend, with a -12.3% year-over-year decrease recorded between January 2025 and December 2025. This combination of a low crime rate and a decreasing trend makes Galleywood a secure environment for its population of over 7,000 residents. While property crime is lower than the national average, certain types like burglary and vehicle crime remain points of focus for local security. This report provides a detailed analysis of when and where these crimes occur.

Crime Breakdown in Galleywood

In Galleywood, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime, accounting for 35.9% of all incidents (146 cases). Shoplifting is the second most common at 9.1%, followed by anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, both at 7.9%. The overall property crime rate for Galleywood is 22.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. This category includes burglary (7.1%), other theft (7.1%), and vehicle crime (5.7%). For residents, the data suggests that while the area is generally safe, property-related offences like burglary and vehicle crime are notable factors, particularly during the night. Homeowners should be aware that burglary rates in Galleywood (4.1 per 1,000) are slightly higher than in some neighbouring urban areas, making home security a relevant priority for the local community.

Galleywood is currently experiencing a significant downward trend in crime, with a -12.3% year-over-year decrease. Monthly data for 2025 shows a generally low rate that fluctuates between 2.5 in January and 5.9 during several peak months (June, August, October, and November). The year began with its lowest rate and saw a gradual increase through the spring and summer, which is a typical seasonal pattern. However, the overall volume remains low, and the double-digit percentage decrease over the 12-month period is a strong indicator of an improving safety environment. This trend suggests that Galleywood is becoming an even more secure place for its residents, despite the occasional seasonal fluctuations in reported incidents.

How To Keep Safe in Galleywood

The most common crime in Galleywood is violence and sexual offences. To enhance your personal and property safety in the area, we recommend the following:

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking in the area during the evening, particularly in less populated spots like Galleywood Common.
2. Ensure that your home is secure during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), as this is a peak time for burglary incidents in the area.
3. Park your vehicle in a well-lit area or a secure garage overnight, as vehicle crime accounts for a significant portion of night-time offences.
4. Keep valuables out of sight in your car and ensure all windows and doors are locked, even if you are only leaving the vehicle for a short time.
5. Consider joining a local neighbourhood watch group to stay informed about any local security issues and to help maintain Galleywood's strong community safety.

Crime in Galleywood follows a distinct temporal pattern. Daytime hours, specifically the morning and afternoon, are dominated by theft offences, which make up 41% and 42% of crimes respectively. This is common for residential areas with local retail. As evening sets in, 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, become the primary concern, accounting for 41% of incidents. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile, with vehicle crime peaking at 36% and burglary at 30% of all reports during these hours. Interestingly, burglary also peaks at 30% during the afternoon, suggesting that opportunistic thieves target homes when residents may be away at work or doing school runs. These patterns highlight the importance of maintaining high security for both homes and vehicles throughout the 24-hour cycle.

Galleywood is situated on the southern edge of Chelmsford, offering a quieter alternative to the city centre. Its crime rate of 57.2 per 1,000 is much lower than Chelmsford's 93.6, highlighting the safety benefits of its suburban location. When compared to other nearby areas, it is safer than Boreham (85.2) but has a higher crime rate than Stock (35.0). Other very small neighbouring settlements like West Hanningfield, Howe Green, and Margaretting report 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in this dataset, though these often represent very low population counts. For residents, Galleywood provides a balanced safety profile, offering more security than the city while maintaining good links to local amenities.

In Galleywood, where the property crime rate is 22.0 per 1,000, homeowners should focus on proactive security to maintain the area's high safety standards. Burglary and vehicle crime are notable concerns, particularly during the night and afternoon hours. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV, are reactive; they record footage of an incident that has already happened, which often does little to prevent the crime or recover stolen goods. A proactive AI-powered system like scOS changes this dynamic. By monitoring your property's boundary in real-time, scOS uses AI to detect potential intruders before they gain entry. The system can autonomously respond with lights or audio deterrents, destroying the element of surprise that criminals rely on. This is especially valuable in Galleywood, where 30% of night-time crime is burglary and 36% is vehicle-related. By choosing a system that prevents crime rather than just recording it, you ensure your home remains a difficult target, effectively deterring opportunistic offenders and protecting your assets around the clock.