South Woodham Ferrers Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in South Woodham Ferrers

South Woodham Ferrers, a Built-Up Area with a population of 16,056, demonstrates a significantly lower overall crime rate of 35.1 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is substantially below the national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, positioning it as a remarkably safer location within the UK. The area boasts an impressive safety score of 91 out of 100, far exceeding the UK average safety score of 78. Furthermore, the crime rate has shown a very positive trend, decreasing by 16.7% year-over-year, indicating a substantial improvement in local safety. This introduction provides a concise overview of the area's crime statistics, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis.

Crime Type Analysis in South Woodham Ferrers

In South Woodham Ferrers, the most common crime type is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 263 incidents, which is 46.6% of all crimes at a rate of 16.4 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the second most frequent offence, with 48 cases, representing 8.5% of the total at 3.0 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour ranks third, with 42 reported cases, making up 7.5% of all crimes at 2.6 per 1,000.

Considering property-related crime, a key concern for homeowners, South Woodham Ferrers reports a very low rate of 11.5 per 1,000 residents. This category includes burglary (0.9 per 1,000), other theft (2.4 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.1 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (2.4 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.2 per 1,000), and robbery (0.2 per 1,000). This figure is significantly below the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, reflecting a generally secure environment for property. Nevertheless, vigilance and appropriate security measures remain important to maintain this high standard of safety.

Crime Trends in South Woodham Ferrers

South Woodham Ferrers has experienced a significant positive trend in its crime figures, with the overall crime rate decreasing by an impressive 16.7% year-over-year. This substantial reduction indicates a considerably improving safety environment for residents. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals consistent low figures, with some fluctuations. For instance, the rate was 4.0 in October 2024, dropped to 1.9 in February 2025, and then saw a slight rise to 3.9 in August 2025 before ending at 2.4 in September 2025. This strong annual decrease, despite minor monthly variations, suggests effective local crime prevention or a sustained positive shift in community safety. Residents can be reassured by this encouraging trend.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in South Woodham Ferrers

Crime patterns in South Woodham Ferrers exhibit distinct shifts throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prevalent, accounting for 47% of crimes, alongside notable vehicle crime at 19%. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees an even higher proportion of theft, at 53%, with burglary also more common at 14%. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the landscape changes, with "other" crimes becoming dominant at 45%, and vehicle crime increasing to 20%, while theft drops to 22%. The night (12am-6am) is characterised by a significant spike in vehicle crime, reaching 47%, and a consistent incidence of burglary at 14%. These patterns suggest that different types of crime are more prevalent during specific periods, often correlating with daily routines and opportunities for offenders.

Comparing South Woodham Ferrers with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it's insightful to compare South Woodham Ferrers with neighbouring areas. With an exceptionally low overall crime rate of 35.1 per 1,000 residents and a high safety score of 91/100, South Woodham Ferrers stands out as a particularly safe community. Nearby areas such as Hullbridge, Battlesbridge, Woodham Ferrers, and Rettendon each have their own crime profiles. While specific comparative data for these areas are not detailed here, South Woodham Ferrers' statistics suggest it maintains a superior safety standard within its immediate vicinity. This comparison helps residents understand its relative position in the local landscape.

Protecting Your Property in South Woodham Ferrers

Despite South Woodham Ferrers boasting a very low property crime rate of 11.5 per 1,000 residents, proactive home security remains a valuable consideration. While the area is safer than the national average, no community is entirely immune to property-related offences. Traditional security setups, like basic CCTV, typically record incidents after they occur, offering evidence rather than preventing the crime itself.

For those who prioritise prevention, advanced solutions such as scOS provide AI-powered home security that actively deters threats at your property's perimeter. Unlike systems that merely document a burglary, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor simultaneously, eliminating the element of surprise for intruders. Its smart features, including DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning, ensure that alerts are genuinely about threats, not everyday occurrences. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously activate lights and speakers, intervening in real-time and often making potential intruders move on within moments. This professional-grade approach offers peace of mind through effective, proactive crime prevention.