Writtle Crime Rate

Writtle is a safe and desirable village with an overall crime rate of 52.8 per 1,000 people, which is well below the UK average of 91.6. The area enjoys a high safety score of 88/100, significantly outperforming the national average of 79/100. Furthermore, crime is on a clear downward trend, with a -13.0% year-over-year decrease recorded between January 2025 and December 2025. This combination of a low crime rate and a decreasing trend makes Writtle a secure environment for its population of over 5,000 residents. While property crime is lower than the national average, certain types like theft and burglary remain points of focus for local security. This report provides a detailed analysis of when and where these crimes occur.

Crime Breakdown in Writtle

In Writtle, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, accounting for 33.3% of all reports (94 incidents). Other theft is the second most common at 14.9%, followed by shoplifting at 14.2%. The overall property crime rate for Writtle is 24.5 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 32.2. This property crime figure includes other theft (7.9 per 1,000), burglary (3.2 per 1,000), and vehicle crime (2.8 per 1,000). For residents, the data suggests that while the area is generally very safe, property-related offences like theft and shoplifting are the primary concerns. Homeowners should be aware that burglary rates in Writtle (3.2 per 1,000) are a factor, particularly during the night and afternoon, making home security a relevant priority for the local community.

Writtle is currently experiencing a significant downward trend in crime, with a -13.0% year-over-year decrease. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the area maintains a generally low rate that fluctuates between 2.8 in March and 5.8 in September. The year began with a lower rate and saw a gradual increase through the spring and summer, which is a typical seasonal pattern. However, the overall volume remains low, and the double-digit percentage decrease over the 12-month period is a strong indicator of an improving safety environment. This trend suggests that Writtle is becoming an even more secure place for its residents, despite the occasional seasonal fluctuations in reported incidents.

How To Keep Safe in Writtle

The most common crime in Writtle is violence and sexual offences. To enhance your personal and property safety in the village, we recommend the following:

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking in the village during the evening, particularly in less well-lit spots or along public footpaths.
2. Ensure that your home is secure during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), as this is a peak time for burglary incidents in the area.
3. Park your vehicle in a well-lit area or a secure garage overnight, as vehicle crime accounts for a significant portion of night-time offences.
4. Keep valuables out of sight in your car and ensure all windows and doors are locked, even if you are only leaving the vehicle for a short time.
5. Consider joining a local neighbourhood watch group to stay informed about any local security issues and to help maintain Writtle's strong community safety.

Crime in Writtle follows a distinct temporal pattern. Daytime hours, specifically the morning and afternoon, are dominated by theft offences, which make up 63% and 65% of crimes respectively. This is common for residential areas with local retail. As evening sets in, 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, become the primary concern, accounting for 27% of incidents. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile, with vehicle crime peaking at 38% and burglary at 28% of all reports during these hours. Interestingly, burglary also peaks at 20% during the afternoon, suggesting that opportunistic thieves target homes when residents may be away at work. These patterns highlight the importance of maintaining high security for both homes and vehicles throughout the 24-hour cycle.

Writtle is located on the western edge of Chelmsford, offering a quieter alternative to the city centre. Its crime rate of 52.8 per 1,000 is much lower than Chelmsford's 93.6, highlighting the safety benefits of its village location. When compared to other nearby areas, it has a similar safety profile to Galleywood (57.2) and is significantly more active than the smaller, more rural villages of Roxwell and Margaretting, which both report 0.0 crimes per 1,000 in this dataset. For residents, Writtle offers a balanced safety profile, offering more security than the city while maintaining a consistent level of safety across its residential streets. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful, low-crime environment near urban facilities.

In Writtle, where the property crime rate is 24.5 per 1,000, homeowners should focus on proactive security to maintain the area's high safety standards. Theft and burglary are notable concerns, particularly during the night and afternoon hours. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV, are reactive; they record footage of an incident that has already happened, which often does little to prevent the crime or recover stolen goods. A proactive AI-powered system like scOS changes this dynamic. By monitoring your property's boundary in real-time, scOS uses AI to detect potential intruders before they gain entry. The system can autonomously respond with lights or audio deterrents, destroying the element of surprise that criminals rely on. This is especially valuable in Writtle, where 28% of night-time crime is burglary and 38% is vehicle-related. By choosing a system that prevents crime rather than just recording it, you ensure your home remains a difficult target, effectively deterring opportunistic offenders and protecting your assets around the clock.