Epping Forest Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Epping Forest

Epping Forest reports an overall crime rate of 75.4 per 1,000 residents annually, which is notably lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This translates to a safety score of 82 out of 100, indicating that Epping Forest is a safer area when compared to the national average of 78. Over the past year, the crime rate in Epping Forest has remained stable, experiencing a slight decrease of 3.8%. This section provides a detailed analysis of crime statistics, trends, and safety information to offer a comprehensive understanding of the local crime landscape.

About Epping Forest

Epping Forest is a large local authority district characterised by a mix of rural landscapes, suburban towns, and villages. Its significant green spaces, including the ancient Epping Forest itself, attract residents and visitors alike, influencing both its character and crime patterns. The district includes residential areas alongside local commercial hubs and transport links to London, such as the Central Line. With a population of over 137,000, the area's demographics vary across its settlements, from more affluent commuter towns to more densely populated urban areas. These diverse characteristics contribute to varied crime statistics, with certain areas experiencing different crime pressures based on factors like population density, access to main roads, and the presence of retail or nightlife.

Crime Breakdown in Epping Forest

A detailed analysis of crime types in Epping Forest reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most frequent category, accounting for 35.0% of all reported crimes with a rate of 26.4 per 1,000 residents. Following this, Vehicle crime is the second most common, representing 11.8% of crimes at 8.9 per 1,000, while Shoplifting ranks third, making up 8.7% of the total with a rate of 6.6 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Epping Forest, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 31.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly below the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively lower risk for homeowners and residents in this category. For those living in Epping Forest, understanding these prevalent crime types can help inform personal safety measures and property protection strategies, particularly concerning vehicle security and general vigilance in public spaces.

Crime Trends in Epping Forest

Over the past year, Epping Forest has experienced a stable crime trend, with a slight decrease of 3.8% in total reported crimes. This indicates a consistent or marginally improving safety environment for residents. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents reveals some fluctuations. The rate was 6.6 in October 2024, gradually declining to 5.6 by February 2025, before a slight increase to 6.4 in March 2025. A notable peak occurred in July 2025 at 7.2 per 1,000, followed by a decrease towards 6.2 in September 2025. This pattern suggests seasonal variations, with a potential increase in crime during summer months. Overall, the year-over-year stability, despite monthly shifts, indicates that Epping Forest’s crime landscape is not undergoing significant rapid changes, providing a degree of predictability for residents.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Epping Forest to its neighbouring areas, a broader regional context for crime rates emerges. Harlow, Brentwood, Broxbourne, Redbridge, Havering, and Enfield all contribute to the surrounding crime landscape. Epping Forest's overall crime rate of 75.4 per 1,000 is generally favourable when set against some of these more urbanised or densely populated areas. For example, some of the London boroughs like Redbridge and Havering often experience higher crime volumes due to their larger populations and urban characteristics. This comparison highlights Epping Forest as a relatively safer district within its regional context, offering residents a degree of reassurance. Understanding these local differences is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living within the wider Epping Forest area, providing a benchmark for safety and community well-being.

Protecting Your Property in Epping Forest

Given Epping Forest's property crime rate of 31.7 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly below the national average, proactive security measures are essential for homeowners and residents. Traditional security systems often provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred, focusing on reactive recording rather than prevention. If you are looking for advanced protection, consider a proactive approach to home security.

An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a different philosophy. Instead of simply recording an incident, scOS is designed to detect threats at your property boundary before a break-in can even happen. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring no blind spots, and sophisticated pattern learning recognises your family and routines, alerting you only to genuine threats. Professional-grade equipment provides visible deterrence, which can make potential intruders decide to move on within the crucial 60 seconds they typically take to assess a property. By focusing on prevention and real-time intervention, solutions like scOS offer a significant advancement over traditional systems, helping to protect your property in Epping Forest effectively.