Waltham Abbey Crime Rate

Waltham Abbey is an urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 92.7 per 1,000 people, which is marginally higher than the UK average of 91.6. Despite this, the area maintains a safety score of 78/100, reflecting a generally secure environment for its population of over 20,000 residents. The most recent data from January 2025 to December 2025 shows a very encouraging trend, with a 9.3% decrease in total crime compared to the previous year. While the town faces challenges with vehicle crime and violence, the overall trajectory is one of improvement. This analysis provides a detailed look at the types of crime occurring in Waltham Abbey and offers insights into local safety patterns.

Waltham Abbey's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 36.8% of all recorded incidents, a rate of 34.1 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is the second most common offence at 11.6%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 10.6%. Criminal damage and arson also represent a significant portion of local crime at 10.2%. These figures indicate that the town faces a mix of personal safety concerns and property-related disorder.

Property crime as a whole is a major issue for the area, with an overall rate of 34.2 per 1,000 people. This includes vehicle crime (10.8 per 1,000), other theft (5.5 per 1,000), shoplifting (3.5 per 1,000), and burglary (3.1 per 1,000). For residents, the high rate of vehicle crime is particularly noteworthy, suggesting that car security should be a primary focus for homeowners. While burglary rates are lower than the national average, the combined volume of theft and criminal damage indicates that opportunistic crime is a persistent threat in this urban settlement. Robust security measures for both homes and vehicles are essential for mitigating these risks.

Waltham Abbey is experiencing a positive shift in safety, with a 9.3% year-over-year decrease in total crime. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates were relatively stable throughout the year, with a notable peak in June at 8.8 per 1,000. This mid-year spike is common in urban areas and often correlates with warmer weather and increased public activity.

Following this peak, the crime rate remained consistently between 7.4 and 8.3 per 1,000 for the remainder of the year. The lowest rate was recorded in May at 6.3, which was an outlier in an otherwise steady downward trend. For residents, this overall reduction in crime is a reassuring sign that the town is becoming safer. While specific crimes like vehicle theft remain a challenge, the significant drop in total offences suggests that local community and policing efforts are having a measurable impact on the town's safety profile.

How To Keep Safe in Waltham Abbey

The most common crime type in Waltham Abbey is violence and sexual offences, followed by vehicle crime. To maintain your safety in the town, consider these practical tips:

1. Secure Your Vehicle: Vehicle crime is a major concern, particularly at night. Always lock your car, use a steering lock, and ensure no valuables or bags are left on the seats.
2. Stick to Well-Lit Paths: When walking home at night, especially from the town centre or bus stops, stay on main roads with good street lighting and avoid unlit shortcuts through parks.
3. Be Aware in Public Spaces: Anti-social behaviour is also prevalent. If you encounter groups causing a disturbance, it is best to keep your distance and report the incident to the local authorities.
4. Home Security Visibility: Ensure your home security is visible from the street. Burglars are less likely to target properties that appear well-protected and monitored.
5. Communal Vigilance: Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch or staying active on community safety forums can help you stay informed about recent crime trends in your specific street.

Crime in Waltham Abbey follows a clear daily cycle. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft (32%) and vehicle crime (31%) are the primary concerns as people commute and shops open. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft-related offences peak at 40%, likely due to increased activity in retail and commercial areas.

In the evening (6pm-12am), the focus shifts significantly toward "other" crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which account for 48% of incidents. However, the most distinct pattern occurs during the night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime becomes the dominant threat, representing a substantial 59% of all recorded offences. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and retail-focused, the hours of darkness pose a very specific risk to vehicles parked on streets and driveways, making overnight security a high priority for residents.

In comparison to its immediate neighbours, Waltham Abbey sits in a varied landscape. Its crime rate of 92.7 is nearly identical to Cheshunt (92.5) but remains lower than the busier Waltham Cross (106.7). Conversely, the nearby rural settlements of Sewardstone and High Beech reported no recorded crimes during this period, highlighting the difference between urban and rural safety profiles in the region. For those looking at the local area, Waltham Abbey offers a mid-range crime profile that is improving year-over-year, making it a competitive choice for safety compared to other nearby urban hubs.

Waltham Abbey's property crime rate of 34.2 per 1,000 people highlights the need for effective home security. Standard security measures like traditional CCTV or DIY smart doorbells are often reactive, meaning they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. For residents who want to stop crime before it happens, a proactive system like scOS is recommended.

scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. In Waltham Abbey, where vehicle crime accounts for 59% of all night-time offences, scOS's ability to verify vehicles and identify threats autonomously is a significant advantage. The system can trigger deterrents like lights or audio warnings the moment an intruder is detected, removing the element of surprise and making your home a "hard target." Most burglars decide within 60 seconds if a property is worth the risk; a visible scOS system provides a powerful reason for them to move on, protecting your assets and your peace of mind.