Layer Breton Crime Rate

Layer Breton is one of the safest villages in the region, with an annual crime rate of 40.0 per 1,000 people. This is far below the UK national average of 93.1, giving the area an outstanding safety score of 91 out of 100. However, the crime trend is currently increasing significantly, with a 40.8% rise in reported incidents year-over-year. Despite this increase, the overall volume of crime remains low, and the property crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 reflects an exceptionally secure living environment. The following sections provide a detailed look at the types of crime reported and when they occur.

Crime in Layer Breton

In Layer Breton, the most common crime type is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 37.7% of all reports with 26 incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 31.9% (22 cases) and public order offences at 7.2% (5 cases). These three categories represent the vast majority of local police reports.

Property crime in Layer Breton is very low, with a rate of 7.5 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts. Burglary accounts for 4.3% of total crime, and vehicle crime also stands at 4.3%. For residents, this indicates an exceptionally secure environment where the risk of serious property crime is minimal compared to the national average. However, the high percentage of anti-social behaviour suggests that community-level issues are a significant concern for local people, even if the total number of incidents is low.

Crime Trends in Layer Breton

Layer Breton has seen a significant increasing crime trend, with a 40.8% rise in total offences over the last year. Monthly data reveals that the crime rate has been somewhat volatile, fluctuating between 1.7 and 9.9 per 1,000.

The highest activity was recorded in August 2025, when the rate peaked at 9.9 per 1,000. Other spikes occurred in December 2024 (5.2) and April 2025 (3.5). The lowest rate occurred in January and July 2025 at 1.7 per 1,000. This increase in activity and the overall upward trend are important for residents to note, although the village remains exceptionally safe compared to national averages. Staying informed about local safety and maintaining good home security are key to managing this change in the local environment.

How To Keep Safe in Layer Breton

With violence and sexual offences being the most common category, personal safety remains important even in a very safe village like Layer Breton. Residents are advised to be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking in more isolated spots after dark. Sticking to well-lit paths and letting someone know your expected return time are simple but effective measures.

The prevalence of anti-social behaviour and public order offences suggests that securing your home and supporting community initiatives is a priority. Ensure all doors and windows are locked, and consider using security lighting. Since other theft and burglary are also factors, keep any high-value items out of sight and secure any outbuildings or sheds. Reporting any unusual activity to the local police helps them maintain Layer Breton's high safety score. Community vigilance is often the best defence in small, close-knit villages like this, particularly given the recent upward trend in reported crime.

Crime in Layer Breton follows a distinct temporal pattern. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the dominant offence, accounting for up to 31% of crimes between 12pm and 6pm. This likely relates to daytime activity around local properties. In the evening, the focus shifts toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, which make up 54% of reports between 6pm and 12am. Overnight, vehicle crime and burglary become much more prominent, with vehicle crime reaching 45% of all reports between 12am and 6am. This suggests that residential properties and vehicles are at their highest risk during the early hours of the morning. Residents are advised to ensure all doors and windows are securely locked overnight.

Layer Breton's safety profile is strong when compared to its neighbours. It is safer than the nearby village of Layer-de-la-Haye (27.9 per 1,000), although it sees more activity than very small rural parishes like Heckfordbridge and Copford (8.8 per 1,000). It is also safer than nearby Tolleshunt Knights (15.0 per 1,000). This comparison highlights Layer Breton's status as a safe village, though it experiences more activity than its very small rural neighbours, likely due to its population and local amenities. Overall, it remains an exceptionally safe area.

Layer Breton’s property crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 is among the best in the country, but the 40.8% increase in overall crime is a trend that residents should monitor. In a safe village, residents can sometimes become less vigilant, making them targets for opportunistic thieves. Traditional security systems that only record footage are less effective here, as they don't prevent a crime from happening in the first place.

A proactive AI system like scOS is an excellent choice for Layer Breton residents. By monitoring your property boundaries in real-time, it can detect suspicious activity—like someone checking car doors or loitering near your home—before they act. The system can then activate autonomous responses, such as lighting or audio warnings, to deter the individual immediately. This "boundary-first" approach is the best way to ensure your property remains secure, giving you peace of mind that your home is protected even with the recent increase in local crime.