Great Leighs Crime Rate

Great Leighs is a secure and peaceful community with a high safety score of 87/100, well above the UK average of 79. For its 3,008 residents, the overall crime rate is 50.2 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 an impressive downward trend, with total crime decreasing by 34.9% year-over-year. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 10.6 per 1,000 residents, making it one of the safer areas in the region for homeowners. These statistics reflect a community where crime is infrequent and safety is a well-maintained standard of local life.

Great Leighs' crime breakdown is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 49.7% of all recorded incidents (75 cases). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 13.2%, followed by criminal damage and arson and public order, both at 6.6%. When looking at property crime as a whole—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—the rate in Great Leighs is 10.6 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3, indicating that the area is very safe for homeowners and property. Burglary is particularly rare, with only 3 incidents recorded over the entire year, representing just 2.0% of the area's total crime. Vehicle crime accounts for 6.0%, suggesting that while property crime is low, vehicle security remains the more relevant concern for local residents.

Great Leighs is experiencing a very positive safety trend, with a substantial 34.9% decrease in total crime over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a consistently low crime rate, starting at 8.0 in December and dropping significantly to 1.7 in January and 1.0 in March. While there was a slight increase during the summer months—peaking at 6.7 in July and August—the rate stabilised at 4.0 for the final three months of the period (September to November). This lack of major volatility and the overall downward trajectory highlight the area's status as an increasingly safe place to live. The significant year-over-year reduction is a clear indicator of the effectiveness of local safety initiatives.

How To Keep Safe in Great Leighs

The most common crime in Great Leighs is violence and sexual offences, though the actual number of incidents is relatively 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.

Anti-social behaviour accounts for over 13% of local reports. If you experience disruptive behaviour, avoid direct confrontation and report it to the local authorities. Community vigilance helps maintain the high safety standards of the village.

Property crime is low, but vehicle crime accounts for 6.0% of incidents and is most frequent at night. 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. This is particularly effective during the afternoon and night when the few recorded burglaries are most likely to occur.

In Great Leighs, crime timing reveals specific patterns for different offences. Theft-related crimes are most frequent during the morning (44%) and afternoon (52%), likely coinciding with daily transit and commercial activity. As the day progresses into evening, the focus shifts towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, which account for 52% of incidents between 6pm and 12am. Night-time (12am-6am) is the most critical period for vehicle crime, which makes up a significant 49% of all overnight incidents. Burglary, while very rare, is most likely to occur in the afternoon (11%) and night (10%). These insights suggest that residents should prioritise vehicle security overnight and remain mindful of personal and property safety during the busy afternoon and evening periods.

In the local context, Great Leighs (50.2) maintains a safety profile that is very favourable compared to the wider Chelmsford area. It has slightly higher reported crime than nearby Rayne (36.7) and Black Notley (37.7), but remains a very secure option. The rural hamlet of Young's End reported zero crimes, highlighting the area's generally low-crime nature. Compared to Great Notley (43.1), Great Leighs is slightly more active but still offers a high safety score of 87, making it a reliable choice for residents seeking a secure environment.

Homeowners in Great Leighs enjoy a very low property crime rate of 10.6 per 1,000 residents, but the 34.9% decrease in overall crime suggests that vigilance and good security are paying off. While burglary is extremely rare, vehicle crime still accounts for 6.0% 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 Great Leighs' 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.