Chigwell Crime Rate

Chigwell recorded a crime rate of 67.2 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000 residents, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to many areas across the country. While the overall crime rate is comparatively low, understanding the specific types of crimes occurring and their trends is crucial for maintaining community safety. The area benefits from a generally affluent demographic and a lower population density, which often correlate with reduced crime rates, though certain types of crime remain a concern.

The crime landscape in Chigwell reveals a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.4% of all recorded crimes. These offences represent 307 incidents out of the total 818 recorded during the period from January 2025 to December 2025. Vehicle crime is also a significant issue, with 119 incidents reported, constituting 14.5% of all crimes. Criminal damage and arson, alongside burglary and other theft, each account for approximately 8% of recorded incidents, demonstrating a broader pattern of property-related concerns. Shoplifting, while comparatively less frequent, still contributes to the overall crime statistics. The nature of Chigwell as a prosperous suburb may attract opportunistic crime, while the affluent lifestyle can also be a factor in certain offences.

Crime rates in Chigwell have remained relatively stable year-on-year, demonstrating a 3.8% change from the previous period. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in reported incidents in October (6.4 per 1,000) and December (7.5 per 1,000). January (4.8 per 1,000) and March (4.7 per 1,000) recorded the lowest monthly rates. While these variations are typical, the overall consistency suggests that proactive community engagement and existing safety measures are proving effective in maintaining a stable crime environment.

How To Keep Safe in Chigwell

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be particularly vigilant when out alone, especially at night. Avoid walking in poorly lit areas and consider using well-populated routes. Vehicle crime is another concern; always park in well-lit areas and consider using a steering wheel lock. Secure your property thoroughly; ensure all doors and windows are locked, and consider installing an alarm system. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly – even seemingly minor incidents can be valuable in identifying patterns and preventing future crimes. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Crime in Chigwell tends to fluctuate throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), burglary is most prevalent, accounting for 15% of incidents. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a rise in theft and property crime, particularly during commercial hours. The evening (6pm-12am) witnesses an increase in vehicle crime, with 31% of incidents occurring during this period. However, it is during the night (12am-6am) that vehicle crime peaks, representing 59% of incidents, indicating a potential vulnerability during these hours.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Chigwell demonstrates a moderate crime rate. Chigwell Row and Buckhurst Hill have slightly lower rates (56.0 and 55.9 per 1,000 respectively), while Loughton reports a considerably higher rate (85.9 per 1,000). Redbridge, another nearby area, also exhibits a higher crime rate (98.2 per 1,000), highlighting Chigwell’s position as relatively safer than some surrounding locations, but with room for improvement compared to the closest areas.

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