Loughton Crime Rate

Loughton is an urban settlement within the Epping Forest district that maintains a positive safety profile. With a safety score of 80/100, it sits above the UK average of 79/100. The area's overall crime rate is 86.2 per 1,000 people, which compares favourably to the UK national average of 91.7. Importantly, the recent trend for Loughton shows that crime is decreasing, with a -5.5% change year-over-year. This reduction suggests that Loughton is becoming safer over time. While it experiences the typical activity of a busy commuter town, the statistical data indicates that Loughton is a relatively secure environment for its 33,387 residents, offering a lower risk of crime than many comparable urban areas across the country.

Crime Breakdown in Loughton

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes in Loughton, with 939 incidents representing 32.6% of the total. Shoplifting is the second most common at 18.2% (524 crimes), followed by vehicle crime at 9.3% (269 crimes).

The overall property crime rate in Loughton is 39.7 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 32.3. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, criminal damage, and theft. The high rate of shoplifting suggests significant activity around Loughton's commercial areas and high streets. Vehicle crime also represents a notable risk, with 269 reported cases. For residents, this means that while the area has a high safety score, property-related offences are a primary concern. Burglary accounts for 4.2% of total crime (120 incidents). Homeowners should be particularly mindful of securing their homes and vehicles, as these opportunistic crimes form a substantial part of the local crime profile. The prevalence of these offences indicates that proactive security measures are more than just a precaution; they are a necessary part of maintaining a safe home in this urban settlement.

Crime Trends in Loughton

Loughton is currently experiencing a downward trend in criminal activity, with a -5.5% change year-over-year. This decrease is a positive sign for the community. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals some notable peaks and troughs. The year started with relatively low rates, with January at 6.5 per 1,000 and February at 6.6.

However, crime rates rose significantly during the late spring and summer. May (8.4) and June (8.8) saw the highest levels of activity, followed by a slight dip in July (8.3). This seasonal increase is common in urban areas. Fortunately, the rates dropped back down towards the end of the year, reaching a low of 6.0 in both September and November. For residents, this trend suggests that while summer months may require heightened awareness, the overall trajectory of safety in Loughton is improving. The sustained reduction in total crime over the 12-month period indicates that local safety strategies are effectively managing and reducing offences.

How To Keep Safe in Loughton

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Loughton, often concentrated around busy transport links and nightlife areas. To stay safe, we recommend being particularly vigilant when using Loughton Underground station, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit main roads such as the High Road and avoid poorly lit shortcuts through the forest or residential alleyways.

Shoplifting and theft are also high in Loughton’s commercial heart. When shopping, keep your personal belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings in crowded areas. For vehicle owners, the high rate of vehicle crime means you should always park in well-lit areas or secure garages. Never leave any items, even those of low value, visible inside your car.

In residential areas, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can provide an extra layer of security through community awareness. For home safety, ensuring that your property looks occupied when you're away is a simple but effective deterrent. By staying alert in public spaces and reinforcing your home and vehicle security, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to Loughton's most frequent crimes.

Crime Patterns in Loughton

Crime in Loughton follows distinct patterns throughout the day, closely tied to the area's commercial and commuter activity. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is the busiest for theft-related offences, with 44% of all local thefts occurring during these hours. This coincides with peak shopping times on the High Road. Morning hours also see significant theft activity (38%), as businesses open and footfall increases.

As the day transitions into evening and night, the nature of crime shifts. Vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night (12am - 6am), accounting for 56% of offences in that period. This suggests that vehicles parked overnight are at the highest risk. Burglary remains a steady threat but peaks slightly in the afternoon (21%) and evening (17%), likely targeting homes while residents are at work or out for dinner. Understanding these time-based trends allows residents to be more vigilant when it matters most, particularly regarding vehicle security overnight and home security during the day.

Loughton is part of a cluster of settlements in the Epping Forest area. When compared to its immediate neighbours, Loughton’s crime rate of 86.2 is higher than the more rural Theydon Bois (42.1) and the suburban Buckhurst Hill (56.0). It also has a higher rate than Abridge (64.5). However, Loughton is a much larger commercial and transport hub than these areas, with a higher population density and a busy high street, which naturally results in more recorded incidents, particularly shoplifting. Despite these local differences, all these areas, including Loughton, remain safer than the UK national average, providing a high standard of safety for the region as a whole.

With a property crime rate of 39.7 per 1,000 people, which exceeds the UK average, residents of Loughton should prioritize advanced home security. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, merely providing footage of a crime after it has occurred. In an area where vehicle crime and shoplifting are prevalent, a proactive approach is far more effective. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that prevents crime by detecting threats at your property boundary.

The system uses multi-camera intelligence to watch your entire property simultaneously, never blinking or missing a detail. For Loughton residents, the ability of scOS to recognise routines and verify vehicles is a significant advantage. Instead of just notifying you of a break-in, scOS intervenes in real-time with autonomous responses such as activating lights and speakers. This destroys the element of surprise that most burglars rely on. By choosing a proactive system like scOS, you are not just recording crime; you are stopping it before it starts, ensuring your home remains a secure environment.