Great Leighs Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Great Leighs

Great Leighs, a Built-Up Area with a population of 3,008, reports an overall crime rate of 58.5 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is significantly lower than the national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a considerably safer environment compared to the UK as a whole. The area's safety score stands at a commendable 85 out of 100, well above the UK average safety score of 78. Furthermore, recent data reveals a positive trend, with the overall crime rate decreasing by 13.7% year-over-year, suggesting an improving safety outlook for the local community. This overview provides context for a deeper dive into Great Leighs' specific crime types and trends.

Crime Type Analysis in Great Leighs

In Great Leighs, violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 75 incidents, which is 42.6% of all crimes at a rate of 24.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour ranks second, with 24 reported cases, representing 13.6% of the total at 8.0 per 1,000. Criminal damage and arson follows closely as the third most frequent offence, with 17 incidents, making up 9.7% of all crimes at 5.7 per 1,000.

Focusing on property-related crime, a key concern for residents, Great Leighs reports a rate of 14.9 per 1,000 residents. This category includes burglary (1.7 per 1,000), other theft (2.7 per 1,000), vehicle crime (4.7 per 1,000), and criminal damage and arson (5.7 per 1,000). This figure is notably below the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively secure environment for property. Nevertheless, maintaining vigilance and implementing appropriate security measures are always advisable to protect homes and valuables.

Crime Trends in Great Leighs

Great Leighs has experienced a positive trend in its crime figures, with the overall crime rate decreasing by 13.7% year-over-year. This reduction indicates an improving safety environment for residents. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations, yet an underlying pattern of reduction. For instance, the rate was 7.7 in October 2024, saw a significant dip to 1.0 in March 2025, and then rose to 6.7 in July and August 2025 before ending at 4.0 in September 2025. Despite these monthly variations, the annual decrease suggests effective local crime prevention strategies or a sustained positive shift in community safety. Residents can be reassured by this encouraging trend.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Great Leighs

Crime patterns in Great Leighs show distinct variations throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 33% of crimes, alongside notable vehicle crime at 29%. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees an even higher proportion of theft, at 44%, with "other" crimes also prominent at 36%. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the landscape shifts, with "other" crimes becoming dominant at 52%, and vehicle crime increasing to 28%, while theft drops to 13%. The night (12am-6am) is characterised by a significant spike in vehicle crime, reaching 59%, with "other" crimes also prominent at 29%. These patterns suggest that different types of crime are more prevalent during specific periods, often correlating with daily routines and opportunities for offenders.

Comparing Great Leighs with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it's insightful to compare Great Leighs with neighbouring areas. With an overall crime rate of 58.5 per 1,000 residents and a safety score of 85/100, Great Leighs stands as a relatively safe community. Nearby areas such as Young's End, Great Notley, Rayne, and Black Notley each present their own crime profiles. While specific comparative data for these areas are not detailed here, Great Leighs' statistics suggest it maintains a favourable safety standard within its immediate vicinity. This comparison helps residents understand its relative position in the local landscape and make informed decisions.

Protecting Your Property in Great Leighs

Despite Great Leighs' notably low property crime rate of 14.9 per 1,000 residents, which is well below the national average, prioritising robust home security remains a wise investment. While the area benefits from lower property crime, vigilance is always important. Traditional security cameras often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting as a reactive measure rather than a preventative one.

For those seeking to actively prevent crime, scOS offers an AI-powered home security operating system that detects threats at your property boundary, stopping intruders before they can enter. Unlike conventional systems, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor all areas simultaneously, eliminating the element of surprise. Its advanced features, including DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning, ensure that alerts are for genuine threats, reducing false alarms. Upon detection, scOS can autonomously activate lights and speakers, intervening in real-time and often deterring potential burglars within the crucial 60-second window. This professional-grade approach offers peace of mind through effective, proactive crime prevention.