South Woodham Ferrers Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2025, South Woodham Ferrers, a built-up area within Chelmsford, recorded a crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents—61.6% below the UK average of 8.6 per 1,000. This stark contrast underscores the area’s relative safety, though the profile of crime differs significantly from national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 52.8% of all reported incidents. This share, while high locally, remains 44% below the UK average for the category, reflecting a unique local dynamic. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also occurred at rates far below national averages, suggesting a community with lower levels of disorder compared to the UK as a whole. Seasonal factors likely played a role: with schools out and summer festivals in full swing, the area experienced a surge in activity that could explain the sharp rise in shoplifting. However, the overall crime rate remained remarkably low, consistent with the area’s character as a relatively tranquil commuter suburb. The low levels of property crime, particularly burglary and vehicle theft, further support this profile, though the 200% increase in shoplifting highlights the need for targeted measures during peak retail periods. The data also illustrates the impact of local geography: with minimal industrial or nightlife activity, violent crime is less concentrated than in major urban centres, yet it remains the most frequently reported category. This balance between low overall rates and specific vulnerabilities offers a nuanced picture of safety in South Woodham Ferrers, one shaped by its suburban setting and seasonal rhythms.

July saw a dramatic 200% increase in shoplifting, with the number of incidents rising from 1 to 3. This spike aligns with the area’s seasonal context—peak tourism and summer festivals likely driving retail activity. Burglary and vehicle crime also doubled compared to June, though these remain rare occurrences given the overall low crime rate. Conversely, public order offences fell by two-thirds, possibly reflecting a reduction in summer events or increased community engagement. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 52.8% of all crimes, a share significantly lower than the UK average of 44% for this category. This suggests a distinct local profile, with anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also far below national rates. For residents, the most immediate insight is the sharp rise in shoplifting: while only 3 cases were reported, this represents a stark departure from June’s single incident, indicating a need for heightened vigilance in retail areas during peak tourist months.

South Woodham Ferrers maintained a stable crime rate in July 2025, with a figure of 3.3 per 1,000 residents—just 1.9% above the previous month’s rate of 3.2. This consistency suggests no major shifts in local conditions, though seasonal factors may still influence patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day, a figure that translates to roughly one reported crime for every 303 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure is a local statistic only, it provides a tangible sense of risk for residents. The population context further highlights the low crime environment: with 16,056 residents, the 53 recorded crimes represent a minimal proportion of the community. This contrasts sharply with the UK average, but the comparison section avoids direct UK benchmarking for daily figures, as no such data exists for the nation. The stability in the crime rate, combined with the low per-capita exposure, reinforces the area’s relative safety compared to broader national trends.