Epping Forest Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 137,451 residents, Epping Forest recorded 810 crimes in January 2026, translating to a crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 people—10.6% below the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000. This figure marks a continuation of the area's historically lower crime rates compared to national benchmarks, though seasonal factors may influence the pattern. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.9% of all reported incidents, followed by vehicle crime (10.6%) and drug-related offences (9.3%). These figures align with Epping Forest's character as a mix of rural and semi-urban landscapes, where public spaces and transport networks may contribute to specific crime types. The post-holiday period, shorter daylight hours, and reduced retail footfall in January likely influenced the distribution of crimes, with fewer outdoor-related incidents compared to busier months. While violent crime remains the largest category, the proportion of property crimes (316) to violent crimes (291) was nearly balanced, suggesting a diverse range of criminal activity. This balance contrasts with some urban centres where property crime often dominates, highlighting Epping Forest's unique mix of community dynamics and geographic features.

January 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with robbery increasing by 150% (from 4 to 10 incidents) and drug-related offences rising by 70.5% (from 44 to 75). These spikes suggest potential shifts in local criminal activity patterns. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 30.6% (from 72 to 50), and burglary fell by 34.9% (from 63 to 41), possibly reflecting seasonal trends or ongoing community initiatives. Epping Forest's vehicle crime rate (0.6 per 1,000) was 62% higher than the UK average (0.4 per 1,000), a disparity that may relate to the area's road networks and commuter activity. In contrast, shoplifting (0.4 per 1,000) was 27% below the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), due to lower retail density compared to more commercialised regions. The sharp rise in 'other crime' (from 11 to 21, +90.9%) raises questions about underreported or emerging criminal behaviours, though further analysis is needed to identify specific trends. For residents, the marked increase in drug-related offences may warrant attention, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or community gathering spaces.

The crime rate in Epping Forest dropped by 4.4% from 6.2 per 1,000 in December 2025 to 5.9 per 1,000 in January 2026, reflecting a modest but consistent decline over the winter months. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 26 crimes per day in January, a figure that, while lower than some urban counterparts, underscores the ongoing presence of criminal activity in a mixed-use district. When scaled to the population, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 170 residents over the course of the month—a rate that, while notable, remains significantly below the UK average. The area's lower population density compared to major cities likely contributes to this difference, as rural and semi-urban regions often see fewer crimes per capita. However, the elevated rates of vehicle crime and drug-related offences compared to the UK average highlight specific vulnerabilities in Epping Forest's infrastructure and community dynamics. These disparities suggest that while the overall crime rate is lower than national benchmarks, targeted interventions may be necessary to address the unique challenges posed by vehicle-related crimes and illicit drug activity in the area.