Chipping Ongar Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Chipping Ongar, within Epping Forest, reveal a crime rate of 55.5 per 1,000 residents over the period of Jan 2025 to Dec 2025. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. However, a closer examination of the data reveals specific areas of concern. While the overall trend demonstrates a decrease in crime, understanding the nature of reported incidents is crucial for promoting community safety and implementing targeted preventative measures. This report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and trends within Chipping Ongar, alongside practical advice for residents to enhance their personal safety.

Chipping Ongar’s crime statistics reveal a concerning pattern across several categories. Violence and sexual offences account for the largest proportion of reported incidents, numbering 98 crimes, representing 40% of total recorded offences. Shoplifting and vehicle crime are closely behind, each with 28 reported incidents, contributing 11.4% and 11.4% respectively. The prevalence of these crimes, particularly violence and sexual offences, suggests challenges related to social cohesion and potentially opportunistic criminal activity. Anti-social behaviour is also a factor, with 24 incidents reported, demonstrating a need for community engagement and preventative measures. While other theft, criminal damage and arson, and public order offences contribute to the overall picture, the concentration in these top three areas requires focused attention and targeted interventions to address the root causes and improve community safety.

Crime rates in Chipping Ongar have been steadily decreasing over the period from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, representing a 15.2% year-on-year reduction. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a notable dip in February 2025 and a slight increase in June 2025. However, the overall trend remains positive. The lowest recorded monthly crime rate was in October 2025, with just 2.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. This decline suggests the effectiveness of ongoing crime prevention initiatives and the commitment of local law enforcement.

How To Keep Safe in Chipping Ongar

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Secure your vehicle diligently, utilising alarms and parking in well-lit areas to deter vehicle crime. Be mindful of your belongings when shopping to reduce the risk of shoplifting. Ensure your home is well-lit and consider installing security cameras to deter potential burglars. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly; your vigilance contributes to the overall safety of the community.

Crime in Chipping Ongar exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are relatively evenly distributed, with a slight concentration in the afternoon. Vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night, particularly between 11pm and 6am, suggesting opportunistic theft. Theft and other crimes tend to peak during commercial hours in the afternoon. Violence and sexual offences show a tendency to increase in the evening, potentially linked to social activities and nightlife, although there is limited nightlife data available for Chipping Ongar itself. These patterns highlight the importance of targeted preventative measures during specific times of the day.

Comparing Chipping Ongar to nearby areas highlights significant differences in crime rates. Shelley records a higher rate of 62.3 per 1,000, indicating a potentially less safe environment. Conversely, Stondon Massey, Paslow Wood Common, and Fyfield report zero crimes, showcasing a remarkably low crime rate. These variations underscore the localised nature of crime and the importance of understanding specific area characteristics when assessing safety concerns.

Traditional CCTV provides a record of events, but often after the crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. scOS offers a proactive approach to home security, using AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures constant vigilance, while DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. The pattern learning feature recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds - the visible deterrence of scOS, with its autonomous response of lights and speakers, often makes them move on, preventing the crime altogether. While DIY systems have their place, a professional-grade system like scOS provides a level of protection significantly beyond reactive recording.