South Woodham Ferrers Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

South Woodham Ferrers continues to demonstrate a markedly lower crime profile than the UK average, with a recorded rate of 3.7 crimes per 1,000 residents in May 2024 — a figure 56% below the national average of 8.4. This sustained disparity reflects the area's character as a relatively low-density built-up zone within Chelmsford, where community cohesion and local policing efforts likely contribute to reduced criminal activity. The most prevalent crime type remains violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.3% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (11.7%) and vehicle crime (11.7%). These figures align with patterns observed in similar suburban and commuter-oriented areas, where alcohol-fuelled disputes and vehicle-related offences are common during warmer months. Seasonal factors in May — including extended evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising — may partly explain the persistence of violence and public order offences, though the area's overall safety remains stronger than the UK average. The relatively low incidence of property crimes (43.3% of total) suggests effective community engagement and perhaps a lower concentration of high-value assets compared to more urban centres. While the rate of violent crime remains a concern, the absence of significant spikes in burglary or theft indicates that local deterrents, such as well-lit public spaces and active neighbourhood watch schemes, may be functioning effectively.

May 2024 saw a notable 66.7% decrease in burglary cases, dropping from 3 to 1 — a sharp decline that may reflect heightened resident vigilance or successful targeted policing efforts. Conversely, public order offences surged by 100%, rising from 3 to 6 incidents, a trend consistent with the seasonal increase in outdoor drinking and socialising during longer evenings. Robbery also saw a 100% increase, with one incident reported compared to none in the prior month. Vehicle crime rose by 40%, climbing from 5 to 7 incidents, potentially linked to increased traffic movement during May's bank holidays. The area's performance against the UK average remains strong: violence and sexual offences (1.3 per 1,000) are 54% below the national rate, and anti-social behaviour (0.4 per 1,000) is 72% below the UK average. These figures suggest that while certain crime types are sensitive to seasonal fluctuations, the area's overall crime prevention mechanisms continue to deliver results that outperform national benchmarks.

The crime rate in May 2024 (3.7 per 1,000) represents an 11.3% increase from the previous month's rate of 3.4, though this remains well below the UK average. On a daily basis, South Woodham Ferrers experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in May, a figure that contextualises the area's safety within its local population of 16,056 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 268 residents — a monthly exposure rate that highlights the relatively low frequency of criminal incidents compared to larger urban centres. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it provides a tangible measure of risk that can inform personal safety practices. When compared to the UK average, the area's performance is striking: its crime rate is more than half the national figure, and several categories — including anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, and burglary — are significantly below the UK average. These disparities suggest that South Woodham Ferrers' socio-economic profile, with its mix of residential and light commercial areas, may foster a more stable environment than the average UK locality. The modest month-on-month increase, while notable, does not detract from the area's overall position as one of the safer built-up zones within the Chelmsford district.