South Woodham Ferrers Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Shoplifting emerged as the dominant force shaping South Woodham Ferrers’ crime profile in February 2026, accounting for nearly half of all reported crimes. At 48 incidents, this category far outpaced the UK average by 417%, a figure that underscores the area’s unique challenges in retail crime prevention. The overall crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents placed the area 4.7% below the UK average, a modest but notable difference that may reflect local initiatives or demographic factors. While violent crime remained relatively low—25 incidents, or 25.5% of total crimes—this was 31% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area’s character as a commuter suburb with lower population density. The breakdown also revealed a sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, which surged from one to 10 incidents, a 900% increase that may be linked to seasonal factors such as increased indoor activity or economic pressures. Public order offences, meanwhile, fell 27% below the UK average, suggesting a stable community environment despite the spikes in other categories. February’s winter context, with its low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, may have contributed to the concentration of crimes in retail and property sectors, particularly as shoplifting and criminal damage dominate the local crime profile. These patterns align with the area’s role as a built-up zone within Chelmsford, where commercial activity and residential density intersect, creating opportunities for targeted crime. The data suggests that while the area is generally safer than the UK average, specific vulnerabilities—particularly in retail spaces—require focused attention from local authorities.

February 2026 brought stark contrasts in crime trends, with shoplifting surging by 242.9% to 48 incidents, the highest recorded in any month. This spike, which accounted for nearly half of all crimes, far exceeded the UK average for the category by 417%, pointing to local vulnerabilities in retail environments. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson saw an extraordinary 900% increase, rising from one to 10 incidents—likely linked to seasonal factors such as increased indoor gatherings or economic stress. Other notable shifts included a 100% rise in 'other crime' and a 50% drop in vehicle crime, which fell to one incident from two in January. The area’s violence and sexual offences rate remained 31% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the community’s demographic profile or effective local policing efforts. These fluctuations highlight the need for tailored responses, particularly as shoplifting and property crime dominate the local crime picture.

February 2026 saw a marked rise in the area’s crime rate, jumping from 3.4 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents—an 81.5% increase compared to January. This shift places South Woodham Ferrers in a different position relative to the UK average, which remains stable at 6.4 per 1,000. Locally, the daily crime count averages four incidents per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the area’s vulnerability to specific crime types. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 164 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents in a relatively small population. This rate, though lower than the UK’s overall average, highlights the need for targeted local strategies, particularly given the sharp rise in shoplifting and criminal damage. The population context—16,056 residents—means that each crime impacts a proportionally larger share of the community than in larger urban centres. These figures, when paired with the seasonal context of February, suggest that factors such as indoor activity patterns and economic pressures may be influencing local crime trends.