West Bergholt Crime Rate

Crime statistics for West Bergholt, Colchester, reveal a concerning trend. The area exhibits an ANNUAL crime rate of 47.3 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a higher risk of crime compared to the national average. The safety score stands at 88/100, indicating a relatively good level of safety, but the increase in crime is a cause for concern. Over the reporting period, crime has increased by a substantial 60.8% year-on-year, necessitating a closer examination of the contributing factors and potential preventative measures.

West Bergholt exhibits a concerning pattern of criminal activity, with Violence and Sexual Offences being the most prevalent type, accounting for 43.0% of recorded crimes. These offences totalled 67 incidents within the data period. Shoplifting follows closely, impacting local businesses with 27 reported incidents, representing 17.3% of all crimes. Public order offences, at 13 occurrences, contribute a further 8.3%. While burglary, criminal damage and arson, and anti-social behaviour are present, their impact is comparatively lower at 6.4%, 6.4%, and 5.8% respectively. The prevalence of these crimes suggests a complex interplay of factors potentially including socioeconomic conditions, local business density, and community engagement levels.

The increase in crime rates in West Bergholt, rising by 60.8% year-on-year, is a significant concern. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period from January 2025 to December 2025. A peak in crime was observed in April 2025 (7.3 per 1,000/month), followed by a slight decrease in subsequent months before a relative stabilisation. The lowest recorded monthly crime rate occurred in December 2025 (1.8 per 1,000/month). This volatility highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and proactive strategies to address the underlying causes of this concerning trend.

How To Keep Safe in West Bergholt

Given the high prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider travelling with a companion or using well-lit routes. Shoplifting is also a concern, so be mindful of your belongings when visiting local businesses. Secure your vehicles by parking in well-lit areas and ensuring valuables are out of sight. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Finally, consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to enhance community vigilance and deter criminal activity.

Criminal activity in West Bergholt displays distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglaries are most frequently reported during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), suggesting a vulnerability during daylight hours when residents are away. Vehicle crime shows a peak during the night (12am - 6am), indicating potential targeting of unattended vehicles. Theft tends to coincide with commercial hours, possibly linked to opportunities in retail environments. While violence is less frequent, its occurrence is notably higher during the evening hours (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends, suggesting a correlation with nightlife activities. Understanding these temporal patterns is crucial for targeted preventative measures.

Compared to neighbouring areas, West Bergholt's crime rate stands out. Great Horkesley has a crime rate of 35.2 per 1,000, while Eight Ash Green, Tye Green (Colchester), and Fordham (Colchester) all report a rate of 0.0 per 1,000. These stark contrasts highlight that West Bergholt faces a greater challenge in maintaining public safety compared to many surrounding communities.

Traditional CCTV systems often record footage after a crime has occurred, providing little to no preventative measure. The rising crime rate in West Bergholt, particularly the 60.8% year-on-year increase, underscores the need for a proactive approach to home security. scOS offers a fundamentally different solution. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras which simply record incidents, scOS utilizes AI to detect threats at your property boundary, preventing them from happening in the first place. Its multi-camera intelligence constantly monitors your property, while DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. The visible deterrence of professional-grade scOS equipment signals a serious level of protection, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their actions, effectively stopping crime before it starts. The right security system isn’t about reacting to a burglary; it’s about preventing one entirely.