Buckhurst Hill Crime Rate

Buckhurst Hill is one of the safest urban settlements in the region, with an overall crime rate of 56.0 per 1,000 people—significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in an excellent safety score of 86/100, well above the national benchmark of 79. Recent data shows a strong downward trend, with crime decreasing by 12.1% year-over-year. While violence and sexual offences are the most reported incidents, vehicle crime and burglary are also notable factors. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics, including temporal patterns and practical safety advice, to help residents of this affluent neighbourhood maintain their high standard of security and protect their property effectively.

Crime in Buckhurst Hill

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Buckhurst Hill, accounting for 234 incidents (35.3% of total crime) at a rate of 19.8 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is the second most common at 16.6%, followed by burglary at 8.6%. These figures indicate that while Buckhurst Hill is statistically very safe, property-related offences are a primary concern for the local community.

Property crime in Buckhurst Hill—including burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 24.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. However, the vehicle crime rate of 9.3 per 1,000 is notable, likely influenced by the area's affluent residential status and commuter links. Burglary occurs at a rate of 4.8 per 1,000. For residents, this data suggests that while the overall risk is low, high-value assets like vehicles and residential properties are the most likely targets for opportunistic crime, necessitating robust and proactive security measures.

Buckhurst Hill Crime Trends

The crime trend in Buckhurst Hill is currently decreasing, with a significant year-over-year reduction of 12.1%. This is a very positive indicator for the area's safety. Analysis of the monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows a general downward trajectory. The highest crime rate was recorded at the start of the period in January 2025 (6.4), but this fell steadily to a low of 3.9 in July 2025.

Since that low point, the rate has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 4.0 and 4.5. This consistent performance suggests that Buckhurst Hill is successfully managing its safety environment. For residents, this downward trend provides peace of mind, though the slightly higher rates in the winter months (Dec/Jan) suggest that continued vigilance with home and vehicle security is important as the nights draw in. Overall, Buckhurst Hill remains a safe and improving residential community.

How To Keep Safe in Buckhurst Hill

The highest crime type in Buckhurst Hill is violence and sexual offences. While Buckhurst Hill is a safe residential area, maintaining awareness in public spaces remains important for all residents.

1. When walking to or from Buckhurst Hill Tube station at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts through residential alleys or parkland.
2. Given that vehicle crime is the second most common offence, always double-check that your car is locked and use a Faraday bag for keyless entry fobs to prevent relay theft.
3. Be particularly vigilant about home security during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), as this is the peak time for burglary. Ensure all windows and doors are securely locked.
4. Keep high-value items like luxury cars, jewellery, and electronics out of clear view from the street to avoid attracting opportunistic thieves.
5. Join the Buckhurst Hill Neighbourhood Watch to stay connected with your community and receive regular safety updates from local police teams.

Crime Timing in Buckhurst Hill

Crime in Buckhurst Hill follows distinct temporal cycles. During the morning (6am - 12pm), vehicle crime is the most frequent offence at 38%, followed by theft-related crimes at 24%. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees a notable shift, with burglary peaking at 32% and theft at 29%. This is the primary time for residential break-ins, often occurring while residents are away from their properties.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), vehicle crime (34%) and 'other' offences (34%) share the highest frequency. However, the most significant pattern occurs during the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to 62% of all reported incidents. This indicates that vehicles parked overnight are at the greatest risk in Buckhurst Hill. Understanding these patterns allows residents to tailor their security, such as ensuring vehicle protection is at its maximum overnight and home security is fully active during the afternoon.

In a local context, Buckhurst Hill is an exceptionally safe choice. Its crime rate of 56.0 per 1,000 people is lower than its immediate neighbours, including Chigwell (65.1), Chigwell Row (61.1), and Loughton (86.2). While the very small settlement of High Beech reported 0.0, Buckhurst Hill remains one of the most secure urban residential areas in the Epping Forest district. Its significantly lower crime rate compared to the UK average (91.7) highlights its status as a safe haven for residents. The consistent decrease in crime further reinforces its reputation as a secure and well-managed community for those looking to live in the area.

With a property crime rate of 24.7 per 1,000 people and vehicle crime accounting for over 16% of all offences, Buckhurst Hill residents should focus on proactive property protection. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive; they provide footage after a crime has occurred. In an affluent residential area, the goal should be to prevent the crime from happening in the first place.

scOS offers a proactive solution by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time. It can distinguish between your family members and potential threats, triggering autonomous responses like light and speaker activation before an intruder reaches your door. For Buckhurst Hill homeowners, scOS’s ability to verify vehicles and identify suspicious activity at the property line is a significant advantage. This professional-grade deterrence makes your home a hard target, ensuring that opportunistic thieves move on to easier properties. Preventative protection is the most effective way to safeguard your high-value assets.