Shelley (Epping Forest) Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Shelley (Epping Forest)

Shelley (Epping Forest) reports an overall crime rate of 61.6 per 1,000 residents annually, which is notably lower than the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This translates to an excellent safety score of 84 out of 100, indicating that Shelley (Epping Forest) is a considerably safer area compared to the UK average of 78. Over the past year, the crime rate in Shelley (Epping Forest) has remained stable, experiencing a slight decrease of 1.7%. This overview provides essential insights into Shelley (Epping Forest)'s crime figures, offering context for residents and those interested in the area's safety profile.

Crime Breakdown in Shelley (Epping Forest)

In Shelley (Epping Forest), Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 46.8% of all reported crimes with a rate of 28.8 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is the second most common, representing 14.2% of crimes at 8.8 per 1,000. Drugs offences rank third, making up 8.9% of the total with a rate of 5.5 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Shelley (Epping Forest), which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 19.0 per 1,000 residents. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. While Shelley (Epping Forest) generally experiences lower property crime, residents are still advised to maintain vigilance, particularly concerning vehicle security and general home protection, to ensure continued safety.

Crime Trends in Shelley (Epping Forest)

Shelley (Epping Forest) has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a slight decrease of 1.7% in total reported crimes. This indicates a consistent safety environment for residents. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations. The rate was 4.7 in October 2024, rising to 6.9 in March 2025. A subsequent dip to 3.7 occurred in July 2025, with the rate ending at 4.0 in September 2025. These monthly shifts suggest some seasonal variations, but the overall year-on-year stability points to a relatively consistent crime environment in Shelley (Epping Forest).

Crime Time Patterns in Shelley (Epping Forest)

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Shelley (Epping Forest) reveals distinct shifts in activity. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a higher incidence of theft (30%) and vehicle crime (38%), likely correlating with daily commutes and early commercial activity. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains dominant at 40%, with vehicle crime also at 17%.

In the evening (6pm-12am), there's a notable increase in 'Other' crime types (42%) and vehicle crime (36%), while theft reduces to 13%. This period often correlates with social activities and less supervised properties. Night-time (12am-6am) sees a significant surge in vehicle crime, which accounts for 67% of offences, alongside a stable rate of 'Other' crimes at 21%. This suggests that overnight hours are when vehicles are most vulnerable, and properties may be targeted when occupants are asleep or away.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Shelley (Epping Forest) to its surrounding areas, including Chipping Ongar, Fyfield, Moreton (Epping Forest), and Paslow Wood Common, a regional perspective on crime rates emerges. Shelley (Epping Forest)'s overall crime rate of 61.6 per 1,000 is comparable to Chipping Ongar (60.2 per 1,000) and significantly lower than the UK average. Its excellent safety score of 84/100 further solidifies its position as one of the safer areas in the region. This comparison provides valuable context for residents and those considering the area, highlighting Shelley (Epping Forest)'s favourable safety profile within its local context.

Protecting Your Property in Shelley (Epping Forest)

With Shelley (Epping Forest)'s property crime rate of 19.0 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average, the area benefits from a strong safety profile. However, maintaining this level of security requires continued vigilance and proactive measures. Many traditional security systems offer reactive solutions, primarily recording incidents after a break-in has occurred. For advanced security, consider systems that prioritise prevention.

An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a proactive approach, detecting threats at your property boundary before entry is gained. Its multi-camera intelligence provides comprehensive coverage, ensuring no blind spots, while features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles. Through pattern learning, scOS distinguishes between routine activities and genuine threats, minimising false alarms. The visible deterrence of professional-grade equipment, coupled with autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers, can make potential intruders decide to move on within seconds, providing superior protection for your Shelley (Epping Forest) home.