Epping Forest Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 137,451 residents, Epping Forest recorded 938 crimes in January 2024 — a rate of 6.8 per 1,000 people. This figure is 8.1% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, placing the area in a safer position relative to national trends. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (32.3% of total incidents), followed by vehicle crime (18.3%) and other theft (10.0%). These patterns align with the area's characteristics: violence and sexual offences may be lower due to Epping Forest's largely suburban and rural nature, which typically sees fewer concentrated populations than urban centres. Vehicle crime, however, stands out as 160% above the UK average, likely linked to the district's commuter routes and road networks. Seasonal context also plays a role — January's post-holiday period, shorter days, and reduced retail activity may have contributed to lower shoplifting rates than typically seen during busier months, yet the 52.6% increase from December still indicates a concerning upward trend. The data suggests a mix of local factors and broader national comparisons, with Epping Forest's crime profile reflecting both its unique geography and shared patterns across the UK.

January 2024 saw significant month-on-month increases in vehicle crime (+50.9%, from 114 to 172), shoplifting (+52.6%, from 38 to 58), and bicycle theft (+100.0%, from 0 to 2). These shifts highlight a growing concern in property-related offences, particularly vehicle crime, which is 160% above the UK average. Conversely, robbery fell sharply by 62.5% (from 16 to 6), and possession of weapons dropped by 33.3% (from 9 to 6). The contrast between these trends underscores a complex mix of factors — for example, vehicle crime's above-average rate may be linked to Epping Forest's commuter infrastructure, while the drop in robbery could reflect seasonal patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained 15% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may relate to the area's lower population density and suburban character.

Epping Forest's crime rate in January 2024 rose by 9.5% compared to December 2023, moving from 6.2 to 6.8 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while modest, reflects a shift in patterns that may be influenced by seasonal transitions. With 938 crimes reported over 31 days, the daily average equates to roughly 30 crimes per day — a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. On a monthly scale, this translates to one reported crime for every 147 residents, a ratio that provides a clear snapshot of the area's exposure. While this rate is 8.1% below the UK average, the month-on-month rise suggests a dynamic that warrants attention to specific crime types. The population context further highlights that, despite the overall lower rate, the distribution of crimes across categories presents a nuanced picture compared to national trends.