Chigwell Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Chigwell

Chigwell reports an overall crime rate of 63.7 per 1,000 residents annually, which is significantly lower than the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This translates to an impressive safety score of 84 out of 100, indicating that Chigwell is a much safer area compared to the UK average of 78. Over the past year, the crime rate in Chigwell has shown a positive decreasing trend, with a reduction of 5.8%. This overview provides essential insights into Chigwell's crime figures, offering context for residents and those interested in the area's safety profile.

Crime Breakdown in Chigwell

In Chigwell, Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 38.0% of all reported crimes with a rate of 24.2 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is the second most common, representing 14.9% of crimes at 9.5 per 1,000, indicating a notable concern for vehicle owners. Burglary ranks third, making up 8.3% of the total with a rate of 5.3 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Chigwell, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 25.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. While Chigwell generally experiences lower property crime, residents are still advised to maintain vigilance, particularly concerning vehicle security and home protection, to ensure continued safety.

Crime Trends in Chigwell

Chigwell has experienced a positive decreasing crime trend over the last year, with a reduction of 5.8% in total reported crimes. This indicates an improving safety environment for residents. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents reveals some fluctuations. The rate was 5.2 in October 2024, decreasing to 4.7 in March 2025. A notable peak occurred in July 2025 at 6.0 per 1,000, followed by a slight increase to 6.2 in September 2025. Despite these monthly shifts, the overall year-on-year decrease suggests a positive long-term trajectory for crime rates in Chigwell.

Crime Time Patterns in Chigwell

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Chigwell reveals distinct shifts in activity. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a higher incidence of theft (29%) and vehicle crime (33%), likely correlating with daily commutes and commercial operations. Burglary also accounts for 17% during this period. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains dominant at 35%, with burglary significantly rising to 31%.

In the evening (6pm-12am), there's a notable increase in 'Other' crime types (33%) and vehicle crime (31%), while theft reduces to 12%. This period often correlates with social activities and less supervised properties. Night-time (12am-6am) sees a significant surge in vehicle crime, which accounts for 58% of offences, alongside a stable rate of burglary at 22%. This suggests that overnight hours are when vehicles are most vulnerable, and properties may be targeted when occupants are asleep or away.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Chigwell to its surrounding areas, including Chigwell Row, Buckhurst Hill, Redbridge, and Loughton, a regional perspective on crime rates emerges. Chigwell's overall crime rate of 63.7 per 1,000 is notably lower than some of its more densely populated neighbours like Redbridge and Loughton (88.2 per 1,000), and even slightly lower than Buckhurst Hill (59.7 per 1,000). Its impressive safety score of 84/100 further solidifies its position as one of the safer areas in the region. This comparison provides valuable context for residents and those considering the area, highlighting Chigwell's favourable safety profile within its local context.

Protecting Your Property in Chigwell

With Chigwell's property crime rate of 25.9 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average, the area generally benefits from a good safety profile. However, vigilance remains key, and proactive security measures can further enhance protection. Many traditional security systems offer reactive solutions, primarily recording incidents after a break-in has occurred. For advanced security, consider systems that prioritise prevention.

An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a proactive approach, detecting threats at your property boundary before entry is gained. Its multi-camera intelligence provides comprehensive coverage, ensuring no blind spots, while features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles. Through pattern learning, scOS distinguishes between routine activities and genuine threats, minimising false alarms. The visible deterrence of professional-grade equipment, coupled with autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers, can make potential intruders decide to move on within seconds, providing superior protection for your Chigwell home.