Monthly Crime Statistics

South Woodham Ferrers Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

South Woodham Ferrers recorded 66 crimes in March 2023, with a crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents—46.1% below the UK average. Violent crimes outnumbered property crimes, a balance that reflects local dynamics.

66
Total Crimes
4.1
Per 1,000 People
7.6
UK Average
0%
vs Previous Month

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South Woodham Ferrers, a built-up area within Chelmsford, recorded a crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents in March 2023—a figure that places it 46.1% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This relatively low rate suggests a stable environment, though the composition of crimes reveals a nuanced picture. Violent crimes, numbering 28 (accounting for 42.4% of all offences), slightly outpaced property crimes (26), which is an unusual balance compared to the national profile where property crimes typically dominate. The area’s violent crime rate (1.7 per 1,000) was 38% below the UK average, likely reflecting a combination of factors such as community engagement, local policing strategies, and the area’s character as a residential suburb with limited nightlife or high-risk public spaces. However, shoplifting (10 incidents, 0.6 per 1,000) was 22% above the UK average, a trend consistent with the presence of retail hubs and high streets that attract transient populations. The seasonal transition into spring, with longer evenings and the clocks changing, may have influenced crime patterns. The lower rates of anti-social behaviour (81% below UK average) and vehicle crime (38% below UK average) suggest that the area’s infrastructure and community focus on safety are effective in deterring certain types of offending. This profile indicates a generally secure environment, with targeted areas for improvement in shoplifting prevention and community engagement.

March 2023 saw a distinct balance between property and violent crimes, with 28 violent offences recorded compared to 26 property crimes. This slight dominance of violent crime over property crime is notable, as it diverges from the national trend where property crimes often outpace violent ones. The rate of violence and sexual offences (1.7 per 1,000) was 38% below the UK average, suggesting a lower prevalence of serious violent incidents in the area. Conversely, shoplifting emerged as a category of concern, with a rate of 0.6 per 1,000—22% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be linked to the area’s retail presence, which could attract opportunistic offenders. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.2 per 1,000, was 81% below the UK average, a figure that could indicate strong community policing or effective local initiatives in addressing nuisance crimes. Residents may find the shoplifting rate particularly relevant, as it highlights a specific vulnerability in the area’s crime profile that could inform targeted prevention strategies.

The crime rate in South Woodham Ferrers for March 2023 stood at 4.1 per 1,000 residents, a figure that places the area 46.1% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. When translated to daily figures, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day over the 31-day period, a pace that reflects a relatively low level of criminal activity compared to national trends. On a monthly basis, this equates to one reported crime for every 243 residents, a statistic that underscores the area’s comparatively safe environment. This monthly exposure rate is particularly notable when considering the local population of 16,056, as it suggests that the majority of residents are unlikely to encounter crime during the month. The daily and monthly metrics highlight a consistent pattern of low-level crime, which may be influenced by the area’s built-up character within Chelmsford, where community cohesion and local policing initiatives likely contribute to the reduced incidence of more severe offences. However, the data also reveals specific categories, such as shoplifting, that deviate from UK averages, indicating that targeted interventions may still be necessary in certain areas of the crime profile.

Crime Breakdown - March 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences281.742.4%
Shoplifting100.615.2%
Other theft70.410.6%
Vehicle crime50.37.6%
Public order40.36.1%
Criminal damage and arson40.36.1%
Anti-social behaviour30.24.6%
Drugs30.24.6%
Other crime20.13%

Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for South Woodham Ferrers

4,683+
Areas Covered
8.2M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in South Woodham Ferrers. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.ukCrime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National StatisticsPopulation statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home OfficeNationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI RequestsAdditional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,683+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally monthly) and maintain archives for historical analysis.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 19 April 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month