Writtle Crime Rate

Writtle is one of the safer urban settlements in Essex, boasting an impressive safety score of 88/100. This score is well above the UK average of 79, reflecting a secure environment for its 5,342 residents. The overall crime rate in Writtle is 53.4 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.7. Recent data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 9.8% compared to the previous year. With a property crime rate of 25.6, Writtle offers a safer residential experience than many surrounding areas, making it a highly desirable location for those prioritising safety and low crime rates.

Writtle's crime breakdown shows that violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, making up 33.0% of the total with 94 cases. Shoplifting is also significant at 16.8%, followed by other theft at 12.6%. When considering property crime as a collective category—including burglary, shoplifting, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—the rate in Writtle is 25.6 per 1,000 residents. This is comfortably below the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. The presence of shoplifting as a top crime type suggests that local commercial areas are a primary focal point for criminal activity, while residential burglary (6.7% of total) and vehicle crime (4.9%) remain relatively low. For homeowners, this means the environment is generally secure, but proactive measures against opportunistic theft remain advisable.

Writtle is currently experiencing a positive safety trend, with an overall 9.8% decrease in crime over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that while there are minor fluctuations, the crime rate remains consistently low. The year began at 5.6 in December, followed by its lowest points in January (3.6), February (3.9), and March (2.8). A slight increase was noted in September (5.8) and October (5.1), but the rate returned to a lower 4.1 by November. This suggests that the area does not suffer from significant seasonal spikes, maintaining a stable and safe environment for its residents. The downward year-over-year trend is an encouraging indicator for the effectiveness of local crime prevention efforts.

How To Keep Safe in Writtle

While Writtle is generally very safe, the most common crime type is violence and sexual offences. Residents should remain vigilant when walking in the village centre or poorly lit areas at night. It is always safer to walk in pairs and stay in well-frequented zones.

Shoplifting and other theft are also prevalent. For local business owners, implementing high-visibility deterrents and modern surveillance is key. For residents, ensure that any deliveries are not left on doorsteps for extended periods, as 'other theft' often targets unattended parcels.

Home security should be a priority, particularly during the night when burglary and vehicle crime peak. Ensure all vehicles are locked and parked in well-lit areas. For your property, consider a proactive AI security system that can detect and deter intruders at the boundary. Regularly checking that all window and door locks are in good working order is a simple but effective preventative measure.

In Writtle, crime patterns are heavily influenced by the time of day. Morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) periods are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 63% and 65% of crimes respectively. This is likely due to the concentration of commercial activity and shoplifting during these hours. As the day transitions into night, the nature of crime shifts significantly. Between 12am and 6am, burglary and vehicle crime become the primary concerns, each accounting for approximately a third of all incidents (30% and 33% respectively). The evening period (6pm-12am) also sees a high rate of burglary at 24%. These patterns suggest that while daytime crime is largely business-focused, residential and vehicle security are most at risk during the hours of darkness. residents should be particularly vigilant with property security from dusk until dawn.

Compared to the larger urban hub of Chelmsford, which has a crime rate of 93.5 per 1,000 people, Writtle is considerably safer at 53.4. It also maintains a slightly lower crime rate than Galleywood (55.9). While it cannot match the zero-crime reports of nearby rural hamlets like Roxwell and Margaretting, Writtle stands out as a very secure urban settlement. For those looking for a balance between village life and urban accessibility, its high safety score of 88 makes it a regional leader for residential security.

Writtle homeowners benefit from a relatively low property crime rate of 25.6 per 1,000 residents, but the presence of shoplifting and other theft as top crime types indicates that opportunistic criminals are active in the area. Traditional security, such as standard alarms or recording-only CCTV, often only provides evidence after a crime has been committed. For those seeking true security, a proactive approach is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system transforms home security by preventing crimes before they happen. Its multi-camera intelligence monitors your property's boundaries in real-time, using advanced AI to identify potential threats. Unlike DIY systems that merely alert you to a person's presence, scOS can distinguish between known residents and suspicious behaviour, triggering autonomous responses like lighting or audio warnings. This immediate deterrence is vital in Writtle, where 30% of night-time crimes are burglaries. By stopping intruders at the property line, scOS ensures that your home remains a sanctuary, rather than just a scene for a later police investigation.