Rowhedge Crime Rate

Rowhedge is one of the safest settlements in the region, boasting an overall crime rate of just 33.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to an impressive safety score of 92/100. While the area has seen a 10.8% increase in crime year-over-year, the total volume of incidents remains remarkably low for a community of its size. As a picturesque riverside village, Rowhedge offers a secure environment that stands in sharp contrast to the higher crime rates found in nearby urban areas of Colchester. The following data explores the specific crime types and trends that define this peaceful community from January to December 2025.

Crime Breakdown in Rowhedge

Rowhedge is characterized by a relatively low volume of crime, with violence and sexual offences being the most significant category, accounting for 40.3% of all reports. This translates to 13.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. The second most common crime is criminal damage and arson at 12.5%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 11.1%. These top three categories represent the majority of local police activity, focusing heavily on social conduct and minor property damage.

The overall property crime rate in Rowhedge stands at 11.3 per 1,000 people. This encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage. This rate is exceptionally low compared to the UK average of 32.2, suggesting that Rowhedge is a very secure location for homeowners. Burglary and vehicle crime each account for only 5.6% and 6.9% of total crime respectively, which is significantly lower than in many neighbouring urban areas. For residents, this means that while standard vigilance is always recommended, the statistical risk of serious property theft is quite low.

Crime Trends in Rowhedge

Rowhedge has experienced a 10.8% increase in total crime year-over-year. While this upward trend is worth noting, it is important to contextualise it within the area's very low overall crime volume; a small number of additional incidents can result in a significant percentage change.

Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate remained stable at 3.3 per 1,000 for January and February, before dipping slightly in the spring. A notable low point occurred in May 2025, where the rate dropped to just 0.5 per 1,000 residents. The busiest month was June 2025, with a rate of 4.7, followed by August at 4.2. These fluctuations suggest that crime in Rowhedge is sporadic rather than systemic. For residents, the slight increase over the year serves as a reminder to maintain basic security measures, even in an area that remains statistically very safe.

How To Keep Safe in Rowhedge

The most common crime in Rowhedge is violence and sexual offences, which often involves personal disputes or anti-social behaviour. Staying safe involves maintaining awareness of your surroundings and community.

1. When walking near the waterfront or in less busy areas, especially at night, try to stay with a companion and keep to well-lit paths.
2. Be a good neighbour—joining a local watch group or simply staying in touch with those nearby can help identify and report unusual activity quickly.
3. Keep personal belongings, such as phones and bags, secure and out of sight when in public spaces to deter opportunistic theft.
4. If you encounter anti-social behaviour, avoid direct confrontation and report the incident to local authorities to help them track patterns.
5. Ensure your home is well-lit at night; motion-activated lighting is an effective and simple way to discourage loitering near your property.

Crime in Rowhedge is distributed throughout the day, with theft-related offences being most prominent during daylight hours. In the morning (6am to 12pm), theft accounts for 39% of incidents, rising to 46% in the afternoon (12pm to 6pm). This suggests that daytime activity is the primary window for opportunistic theft. As evening falls (6pm to 12am), the nature of crime shifts toward "other" categories, which make up 57% of reports, likely including anti-social behaviour. During the night (12am to 6am), vehicle crime and "other" offences both represent 40% of activity. Burglary risks are relatively consistent across all periods, peaking slightly at 13% during the afternoon and night, highlighting that security should be a constant priority rather than a seasonal or time-specific one.

Rowhedge sits in a very safe pocket of Essex. When compared to nearby Berechurch, which has a crime rate of 88.3 per 1,000, Rowhedge is significantly more secure. It also compares favourably to Wivenhoe, which has a higher rate of 47.1. However, Rowhedge does see more reported activity than its most rural neighbours; both High Park Corner and Fingringhoe reported zero crimes per 1,000 people over the same period. This suggests that while Rowhedge is highly safe, its slightly larger population and local amenities lead to a level of activity that its smaller, more isolated neighbours do not experience. For those seeking a balance between community life and security, Rowhedge remains a top-tier choice.

With a property crime rate of 11.3 per 1,000 people, Rowhedge is a low-risk environment, but that doesn't mean residents should be complacent. Traditional security systems like Ring or Nest are often reactive, merely providing a video of a crime after it has occurred. For residents who value true prevention, scOS offers a more advanced solution. This AI-powered operating system uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your door. By using autonomous responses like activating lights or speakers, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In a safe area like Rowhedge, a visible and proactive security system often makes the difference, encouraging opportunistic offenders to move on. Professional-grade equipment managed by scOS signals that your home is not an easy target, ensuring that Rowhedge’s low crime statistics continue to apply to your property.