Sawbridgeworth Crime Rate

Sawbridgeworth is a highly secure and attractive urban settlement, boasting an excellent safety score of 85/100, which is far above the UK average of 79/100. Its overall crime rate of 62.5 per 1,000 people is also significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Furthermore, the property crime rate of 19.3 is well below the UK benchmark of 32.2, suggesting a safe environment for residents' assets. Most impressively, crime in Sawbridgeworth is on a sharp downward trend, having decreased by 13.2% over the last year. This positive shift reinforces the town's reputation as a safe and desirable place to live. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime in Sawbridgeworth, with a focus on property and vehicle offences, and insights into the specific times when these incidents are most likely to occur.

Crime in Sawbridgeworth

Sawbridgeworth's crime profile is primarily defined by three categories: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and vehicle crime. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, representing 37.6% of all reports (257 incidents). Anti-social behaviour follows at 22.6% (154 incidents), while vehicle crime is a notable concern at 9.1% of the total crime volume with 62 reported cases.

For residents and property owners, the property crime rate in Sawbridgeworth is 19.3 per 1,000 people. While this is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2, it is a key area for local security focus. Property-related offences include vehicle crime (9.1%), criminal damage and arson (7.6%), other theft (6.0%), and burglary (4.2%). Burglary accounts for 4.2% of total crime with 29 reported cases. Notably, the combined percentage of burglary and vehicle crime is 13.3%, suggesting that physical asset protection remains a priority. Residents should focus on a balanced security approach that addresses the risk of both home and vehicle offences, particularly during the peak times identified in the local data.

Crime Trends in Sawbridgeworth

The crime trend in Sawbridgeworth is exceptionally positive, with a 13.2% decrease in total reported incidents year-over-year. This sharp downward trajectory indicates that the town is becoming significantly safer. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the year started with a crime rate of 6.7 in January, which dipped to its lowest point of 3.0 in October.

The rate fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable peak in August recording the year's highest rate of 7.4, and another high point in May at 7.0. Following these summer peaks, the rate generally trended downwards, recording 6.1 in September and 4.6 in November, before rising again to 6.0 in December. Despite these seasonal fluctuations, the overall 13.2% decline is a strong indicator of an improving safety environment. Residents can feel very confident in the town's security, though the peaks in May and August suggest periods where extra vigilance is beneficial.

How To Keep Safe in Sawbridgeworth

The most common crime in Sawbridgeworth is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. While the town is very safe, it is always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in the evening. Stick to well-lit paths and consider letting someone know when you're heading home.

Vehicle crime is a significant factor in Sawbridgeworth, particularly at night when it accounts for 55% of reported incidents. To protect your car, always ensure it is locked and that no valuables, bags, or electronics are left on display. If you can, park in a well-lit area or within range of a proactive security system. Using a simple steering lock can also be a strong visible deterrent.

Note that 19% of burglaries in Sawbridgeworth happen in the afternoon and 15% in the evening. Make sure your home is secure when you're out, and don't forget to lock side gates and sheds. Reporting any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police helps maintain the downward trend in crime that Sawbridgeworth is currently enjoying. By following these simple steps, you can help keep yourself and your property secure in this safe town community.

When Crime Happens in Sawbridgeworth

Sawbridgeworth shows distinct time-based crime patterns, particularly for theft and vehicle offences. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) are the most active periods for theft, accounting for 35% and 42% of incidents in those periods respectively. This suggests that property-related activity is common during the day.

The night (12am - 6am) presents a different risk profile, with burglaries accounting for 15% and vehicle crime reaching a massive 55% of all night-time incidents. The afternoon is the peak time for burglary at 19%. The evening (6pm - 12am) is dominated by "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and miscellaneous offences, which account for 44% of reports in that period. This data suggests a dual-risk profile: general theft is most common during the day, while vehicle crime is at significantly higher risk during the late-night and early-morning hours. Residents should ensure that home security is a priority during the day and that vehicle protection is a top focus overnight.

Sawbridgeworth compares favourably to many of the larger urban centres in the region, offering a high level of safety. While nearby Little Hallingbury (40.1) and Hatfield Heath (37.6) have lower crime rates, Sawbridgeworth's rate of 62.5 is still much lower than the UK average. Other very rural neighbours like Sheering and Spellbrook all reported 0.0 crimes in this period. For those seeking a safe and well-connected town with a decreasing crime trend, Sawbridgeworth is a premier choice, providing a robust level of security and a high quality of life.

Home Security in Sawbridgeworth

Sawbridgeworth's property crime rate of 19.3 per 1,000 people is very low, and the 13.2% decrease in overall crime shows that local vigilance is working. However, with property-related offences accounting for a significant portion of local crime, a proactive approach to security is still essential. Traditional security systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has been committed. In Sawbridgeworth, where burglaries peak in the afternoon and evening, and vehicle crime is a major night-time concern, stopping the intruder before they succeed is the real goal.

The scOS artificial intelligence system provides this proactive protection by monitoring your property boundaries in real-time. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious individuals or unauthorised vehicles before they reach your home or driveway. The system's autonomous response, such as activating lights or audio deterrents, can destroy the element of surprise for a potential criminal. For Sawbridgeworth residents, this means your security is actively working to prevent crime 24/7, offering a level of protection that ensures the town's high safety records are maintained and that your home remains a difficult target.