Chipping Ongar Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Chipping Ongar

Chipping Ongar reports an overall crime rate of 60.2 per 1,000 residents annually, which is significantly lower than the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This translates to an excellent safety score of 85 out of 100, indicating that Chipping Ongar is a much safer area compared to the UK average of 78. Over the past year, the crime rate in Chipping Ongar has shown a positive decreasing trend, with a notable reduction of 11.6%. This overview provides essential insights into Chipping Ongar's crime figures, offering context for residents and those interested in the area's safety profile.

Crime Breakdown in Chipping Ongar

In Chipping Ongar, Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 41.0% of all reported crimes with a rate of 24.7 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is the second most common, representing 10.9% of crimes at 6.6 per 1,000. Other theft ranks third, making up 9.4% of the total with a rate of 5.7 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Chipping Ongar, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 23.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. While Chipping Ongar generally experiences lower property crime, residents are still advised to maintain vigilance, particularly concerning vehicle security and general home protection, to ensure continued safety.

Crime Trends in Chipping Ongar

Chipping Ongar has experienced a positive decreasing crime trend over the last year, with a significant reduction of 11.6% in total reported crimes. This indicates an improving safety environment for residents. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations. The rate was 6.3 in October 2024, decreasing to 4.1 in November 2024, before rising to 6.6 in January 2025. A low of 3.2 occurred in June 2025, with the rate ending at 3.4 in September 2025. These monthly shifts suggest some seasonal variations, but the overall year-on-year decrease points to a positive long-term trajectory for crime rates in Chipping Ongar.

Crime Time Patterns in Chipping Ongar

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Chipping Ongar reveals distinct shifts in activity. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a higher incidence of theft (42%) and vehicle crime (30%), likely correlating with daily commutes and commercial operations. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains significantly dominant at 53%, often linked to peak shopping hours, with burglary also rising to 9%.

In the evening (6pm-12am), there's a notable increase in 'Other' crime types (42%) and vehicle crime (32%), while theft reduces to 18%. 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 64% of offences, alongside a stable rate of burglary at 7%. 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 Chipping Ongar to its surrounding areas, including Shelley (Epping Forest), Stondon Massey, Paslow Wood Common, and Fyfield, a regional perspective on crime rates emerges. Chipping Ongar's overall crime rate of 60.2 per 1,000 is comparable to Shelley (Epping Forest) (61.6 per 1,000) and significantly lower than the UK average. Its impressive safety score of 85/100 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 Chipping Ongar's favourable safety profile within its local context.

Protecting Your Property in Chipping Ongar

With Chipping Ongar's property crime rate of 23.8 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 Chipping Ongar home.