Shelley (Epping Forest) Crime Rate

Shelley (Epping Forest) is a notably safe urban settlement within the district, featuring an overall crime rate of 63.1 per 1,000 people. This is well below the UK national average of 93.1, earning the area a good safety score of 83/100 (compared to the UK average of 78). The crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 1.2% increase year-over-year. This combination of a low current crime rate and a steady trend makes Shelley a secure and stable environment for residents and businesses alike, offering a high level of safety within its suburban setting.

Crime Breakdown in Shelley (Epping Forest)

Violence and sexual offences are the primary crime type in Shelley, accounting for 46.8% of the total with 81 reported incidents. Vehicle crime is the second most common at 12.7% (22 incidents), followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.8% (17 incidents). The high percentage of violence and sexual offences is a key focus for local safety.

The property crime rate in Shelley is 20.8 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts. For homeowners, the low burglary rate (only 1.5 per 1,000) is exceptionally encouraging. However, the fact that vehicle crime and criminal damage are in the top three suggests that opportunistic theft and vandalism are the main property-related concerns in the local area. Drugs and other theft also account for around 8.1% and 6.4% of total crimes respectively. Overall, the data points to a very safe community where the primary concerns are related to vehicle security and personal safety in public spaces.

Crime Trends in Shelley (Epping Forest)

The crime trend in Shelley is currently stable, with a minor 1.2% increase in total offences over the last year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate reached a high of 7.7 per 1,000 in August 2025 and a low of 3.7 in December 2024 and July 2025. The rate has fluctuated somewhat throughout the year but has generally remained low, ending at 6.2 in October 2025. This consistency in criminal activity is an encouraging sign for the community and suggests that Shelley continues to be a safe place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Shelley (Epping Forest)

As violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported incidents, personal safety remains a priority despite the area's high safety score.

1. When walking late at night, stick to well-lit main streets and be mindful of your surroundings.
2. Given the vehicle crime rate, always ensure your car is locked and avoid leaving any valuables visible inside, even for short periods.
3. For business owners, especially those in the retail or service sector, ensure your premises have modern security and that staff are aware of personal safety protocols.
4. Keep your home's entry points secure and consider installing motion-sensor lighting to eliminate dark spots around your property.
5. Join a local community safety group or Neighbourhood Watch to stay informed about any suspicious activity or crime trends in your specific street.

Crime Timing in Shelley (Epping Forest)

Crime in Shelley follows a pattern typical of a safe residential area. Morning hours see a significant amount of vehicle crime (36%) and theft (34%) as residents head to work. The afternoon is the peak period for theft-related offences (47%), likely driven by opportunistic incidents during the day. Evening hours bring a rise in public order and anti-social behaviour issues. Overnight, vehicle crime becomes the dominant concern, representing 67% of all incidents between midnight and 6am. This pattern suggests that while daytime crime is largely focused on opportunistic theft, the night-time is when vehicles are most at risk. For residents, robust overnight vehicle security and daytime vigilance are the most important safety priorities.

Regional Comparison

In the local context, Shelley is a safe area in the district. Its crime rate of 63.1 is slightly higher than nearby Chipping Ongar (56.6). While it is more active than the very small neighbouring villages of Fyfield, Moreton, and Paslow Wood Common—all of which recorded no crimes in this period—it offers a much higher level of safety than the national average. For those seeking a suburban atmosphere with a strong safety profile and good links to nearby towns, Shelley stands out as a solid choice in the Epping Forest area.

Proactive Home Security in Shelley

With a property crime rate of 20.8 per 1,000, Shelley is a safe place to live, but residents should not be complacent, particularly regarding vehicle crime. Traditional security systems like basic CCTV are reactive; they record footage of an incident but rarely prevent it from happening. In a quiet suburban area, the presence of a camera may not be enough to stop a determined opportunistic thief.

scOS offers a proactive solution that focuses on prevention. This AI-powered operating system monitors your property boundaries in real-time and identifies threats before they reach your home. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can distinguish between a neighbour and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like high-intensity lighting or clear audio warnings. This immediate response removes the element of surprise and forces intruders to move on. For Shelley residents, scOS provides a professional-grade defence that actively protects your home and vehicles, offering a much higher level of security than standard recording-only devices.