Wivenhoe Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Wivenhoe, Colchester, reveal a crime rate of 47.1 per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This rate is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. However, the area has experienced a concerning 14.3% increase in crime year-on-year, highlighting a recent upward trend. While the safety score stands at 89/100, a positive indicator, the rising crime rates warrant attention and proactive safety measures. Understanding the specific types of crime and their distribution is crucial for residents and local authorities.

The crime landscape of Wivenhoe is dominated by several key offences. Violence and sexual offences account for the largest proportion, representing 37.3% of recorded crimes, totaling 116 incidents. Shoplifting follows closely, comprising 27.0% of the total with 84 reported incidents. Public order offences contribute significantly as well, with 26 incidents recorded. Criminal damage and arson (23 incidents), anti-social behaviour (18 incidents), and other theft (14 incidents) also feature prominently. While burglary remains a concern, it is comparatively less frequent with only 7 incidents. The relatively low number of robberies (1 incident) and bicycle thefts (2 incidents) indicates that these are less prevalent issues within the area. The distribution of these crimes reflects the characteristics of Wivenhoe, a village with a mix of residential and commercial areas, and the potential for both opportunistic and targeted offences.

Crime in Wivenhoe has been steadily increasing, culminating in a significant 14.3% year-on-year rise. This trend is reflected in the monthly data, which shows fluctuations but an overall upward trajectory. January 2025 recorded a relatively low 2.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, but this figure climbed to 7.1 per 1,000 in July 2025. While there was a dip in August (1.8 per 1,000), the rate increased again, peaking at 5.8 per 1,000 in June and 5.5 per 1,000 in October. December 2025 saw a slight decrease to 3.8 per 1,000, but the overall trend remains concerning, highlighting the need for proactive crime prevention strategies.

How To Keep Safe in Wivenhoe

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be particularly aware of your surroundings when out alone, especially at night. Consider walking with a friend or using well-lit routes. Due to the high rate of shoplifting, if you own a business, ensure adequate visibility and consider security measures such as CCTV and staff training. Public order offences are also common; report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities. For residents, reinforce home security measures such as secure locks and alarms, and be mindful of your neighbours. Finally, vehicle crime is a concern, so avoid leaving valuables in plain sight and consider parking in well-lit areas.

The pattern of crime in Wivenhoe varies throughout the day and night. Burglary incidents are relatively evenly distributed across the morning, afternoon, evening, and night, with a slight increase in the evening and night. Vehicle crime sees a significant spike during the night (12am-6am), suggesting opportunistic targeting. Theft is more prevalent during the afternoon hours, likely coinciding with commercial activity. Violence tends to be concentrated in the evening hours, particularly on weekends, reflecting potential increases in social activity and alcohol consumption.

Comparing Wivenhoe’s crime rate with surrounding areas provides context. Rowhedge has a crime rate of 33.7 per 1,000, indicating a slightly lower risk. High Park Corner, with a rate of 0.0 per 1,000, is exceptionally safe. Alresford (45.4 per 1,000) and Elmstead Market (48.3 per 1,000) present crime rates similar to Wivenhoe, suggesting a comparable level of risk in these locations. These comparisons demonstrate that while Wivenhoe is not the most dangerous area, residents should remain vigilant and informed.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a record of events, but often only after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; proactively preventing threats at your property line is another. scOS takes a different approach, leveraging AI to detect potential risks before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence monitors your property simultaneously, identifying suspicious activity and distinguishing between familiar faces (family, deliveries) and genuine threats. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags vehicles with fake plates, and the system’s pattern learning capabilities create a unique security profile for your household. The visible presence of scOS, with its autonomous response of lights and speakers, acts as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their actions – most burglars decide within 60 seconds. If you want real protection, consider a system that prevents crime, rather than just recording it.