Marks Tey Crime Rate

Marks Tey maintains a strong safety profile with an overall crime rate of 60.8 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. This is reflected in its high safety score of 84/100, placing it well above the national benchmark of 79/100. Recent data indicates a positive shift for the community, with crime rates decreasing by 14.1% year-over-year. As a key transport junction and residential hub within Colchester, Marks Tey presents a lower risk environment than many comparable urban settlements. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types, temporal patterns, and trends to help residents and visitors understand the safety landscape of the area between January and December 2025.

Crime Breakdown in Marks Tey

The criminal landscape in Marks Tey is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 38.0% of all reported incidents, equating to 23.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is the second most prevalent category, representing 21.5% of the total, followed by criminal damage and arson at 7.0%. These figures highlight that personal safety and vehicle security are the primary concerns for those living in or visiting the area.

Property crime in Marks Tey, which includes burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 26.5 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. While the overall volume is comparatively low, the high proportion of vehicle-related offences suggests that residents should remain vigilant regarding car security. Burglary specifically remains a minor component of the local statistics, representing just 3.2% of total crime.

Crime Trends in Marks Tey

Total crime in Marks Tey is currently on a downward trajectory, with a notable year-over-year decrease of 14.1%. This reduction indicates a significant improvement in the local safety environment compared to the previous twelve-month period. However, the monthly trend data shows considerable fluctuation throughout the year.

The safest month was April 2025, with a low rate of 2.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. Conversely, September 2025 saw a sharp spike, with the rate climbing to 10.4, more than four times the April low. Other peaks occurred in November (7.7) and February (5.8). These intermittent surges suggest that while the long-term trend is positive, Marks Tey is susceptible to short-term increases in criminal activity, possibly linked to seasonal factors or specific local events. For residents, the overall decrease is encouraging, but the volatility in monthly figures highlights the need for consistent security awareness.

How To Keep Safe in Marks Tey

The most prevalent crime type in Marks Tey is violence and sexual offences. While the overall crime rate is low, staying aware of your surroundings is the most effective way to maintain personal safety.

1. When walking alone, especially after dark, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas or footpaths.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings when using mobile devices in public; keeping your phone out of sight reduces your risk of becoming a target for opportunistic theft.
3. If you are out in the evening, try to travel with friends or use reputable local taxi services to ensure you get home safely.
4. Trust your instincts—if a situation or location feels uncomfortable, move to a busier, well-lit area immediately.
5. Consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend or family member when travelling home late at night.

Analysis of crime timings in Marks Tey reveals distinct patterns across the 24-hour cycle. Vehicle crime is the dominant threat during the late-night and early-morning hours, accounting for a staggering 77% of all incidents between 12am and 6am. This suggests that vehicles parked on streets or in driveways are most vulnerable when residents are asleep. As the day progresses, the focus shifts; the afternoon period (12pm to 6pm) sees the highest concentration of theft-related offences, making up 38% of reports, likely coinciding with increased commercial and transit activity. Evening hours (6pm to 12am) see a return to vehicle-centric crime, which constitutes 51% of incidents. Burglary also peaks slightly in the afternoon at 15%, indicating that daytime entry while residents are away from home is a specific risk factor to be managed.

When comparing Marks Tey to its immediate surroundings, there is a clear distinction between the settlement and its more rural neighbours. Both Great Tey and Fordstreet reported zero crimes per 1,000 people, highlighting their status as exceptionally quiet areas. Marks Tey's rate of 60.8 is also higher than Copford, which sits at 8.2 per 1,000. While Marks Tey appears more active than these smaller villages, it serves as a more significant residential and transit hub. It also carries a higher rate than Coggeshall (32.1), suggesting that within this specific cluster of north Essex settlements, Marks Tey experiences a more varied range of reported incidents, largely driven by its role as a transport node.

With a property crime rate of 26.5 per 1,000 people, residents of Marks Tey should consider the limitations of traditional security measures. Standard CCTV cameras are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. In an area where vehicle crime is the second most common offence, proactive protection is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By identifying potential threats at the property boundary, scOS can trigger autonomous responses such as activating lights or speakers to deter criminals before they act. This real-time intervention is particularly effective against opportunistic vehicle thieves who often operate under the cover of darkness. Implementing a system that recognises routines and only alerts on genuine threats ensures that your home remains a hard target, encouraging opportunistic offenders to move on to less protected properties.