Buckhurst Hill Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Buckhurst Hill's overall crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents in February 2026 places it 35.9% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This positions the area as significantly safer than the national picture. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 49% of all incidents—24 cases in total. These figures are 14% below the UK average for this category, suggesting a lower prevalence of violent crime compared to other parts of the country. Vehicle crime, at 0.6 per 1,000, stands out as 71% above the UK average, pointing to a specific challenge in this area. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain crimes, though the pre-spring lull does not fully explain the elevated vehicle crime rates. The balance between property and violent crime shows a notable shift: 48% of incidents fall under violent offences, while property crimes account for 40.8%. This mix contrasts with broader UK trends, where property crime typically exceeds violent crime in most regions. The area's built-up character within Epping Forest may influence these patterns, with a mix of residential and commercial spaces creating unique conditions for different types of crime. While the overall rate is reassuringly low, the concentration of violent offences and the outlier status of vehicle crime warrant closer attention to local factors that might be shaping these trends.

February 2026 saw a marked increase in burglary, with a 100% rise from zero to two incidents. This jump, though small in absolute terms, reflects a shift in criminal activity patterns during the winter months. Other theft also doubled from three to six cases, suggesting a potential seasonal spike in property-related crimes. Conversely, drug-related offences dropped by 85.7%, from seven to one incident—a significant decrease that may indicate successful local interventions or changes in community dynamics. Anti-social behaviour fell by two-thirds, from three to one case, though this reduction must be viewed against the backdrop of a generally low baseline. The crime mix reveals a stark contrast with national averages: while violent crimes are 14% below the UK rate, vehicle crime is 71% above. This disparity may be linked to Buckhurst Hill's location within Epping Forest, where traffic patterns or parking arrangements could create vulnerabilities. Public order offences are 51% below the UK average, reflecting a stable community environment. These findings highlight both areas of strength and specific concerns, offering insights for local authorities and residents alike.

The crime rate in February 2026 rose slightly from 4.0 to 4.1 per 1,000 residents compared to the previous month, marking a 4.3% increase. While this small upward trend is within normal fluctuations, it contrasts with the area's overall position well below the UK average. On a daily basis, Buckhurst Hill experienced roughly two crimes per day in February, a figure that may seem high to some residents but remains in line with the area's historically low crime profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 242 residents, translating to a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to national standards. This statistic provides context for residents: the likelihood of being directly affected by crime is significantly lower than in most parts of the UK. The population-scaled perspective underscores the effectiveness of local crime prevention efforts, though the 71% above-average rate for vehicle crime suggests targeted measures may still be needed. The combination of a rising trend in burglary and other theft, alongside a drop in drug-related offences, illustrates the dynamic nature of local crime patterns. These figures, while modest in absolute terms, offer valuable insights for community planning and policing strategies.