Epping Forest Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 137,451, Epping Forest recorded 810 crimes in January 2026, translating to a crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the area 13.2% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, a position that reflects the district's mixed rural-urban character and potentially lower exposure to high-risk environments. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 35.9% of all reported incidents—though this rate (2.1 per 1,000) was 16% below the UK average, suggesting effective policing strategies in this category. Vehicle crime, however, presented a stark contrast, with a rate of 0.6 per 1,000—62% above the national average. This divergence highlights the influence of local factors such as traffic density and parking infrastructure. The breakdown also revealed drug-related offences at 0.6 per 1,000 (114% above the UK average), a trend that may be linked to the area's proximity to transport hubs or changes in local demographics. Seasonal context further shaped these patterns, with reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours contributing to a 4.4% decline in the overall crime rate compared to December 2025. The relatively low violent crime rate, coupled with higher property crime rates in specific categories, underscores the need for tailored community engagement initiatives that address both local vulnerabilities and broader national trends. This data provides a nuanced picture of Epping Forest's crime profile, balancing overall safety with targeted challenges that require specific attention.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in robbery (+150%, from 4 to 10 incidents) and drug-related offences (+70.5%, from 44 to 75 cases), marking notable shifts in crime patterns. These rises may be linked to post-holiday economic activity or seasonal transitions affecting local law enforcement priorities. Conversely, burglary fell by 34.9% (from 63 to 41 cases), a decline that could reflect reduced retail footfall during the post-Christmas period. Vehicle crime remained a standout concern, with Epping Forest's rate at 0.6 per 1,000—62% above the UK average—highlighting a localised challenge in this category. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 30.6%, though this decrease may be partially attributed to the shorter days and colder weather typical of January. The area's violent crime rate, at 2.1 per 1,000, was 16% below the UK average, suggesting effective community policing efforts in this category. For residents, the significant deviation in vehicle crime rates offers a concrete data point for local safety planning and resource allocation.

Epping Forest's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 5.9 per 1,000 residents, a 4.4% decrease from the previous month's 6.2 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical January patterns, where reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours contribute to lower outdoor crime rates. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 26 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of a mixed rural-urban district. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 170 residents—a rate that underscores the relatively low crime exposure for a population of 137,451. When compared to the UK average, Epping Forest's overall rate remains 13.2% below the national figure, a consistent position that highlights the area's distinct demographic and geographic characteristics. The population-scaled perspective reveals that residents face a crime risk significantly lower than the UK average, though specific categories like vehicle crime show marked deviations from national trends. This contrast between overall safety and localized challenges illustrates the complexity of crime patterns in areas with diverse land use and community structures.