Waltham Abbey Crime Rate

Waltham Abbey maintains a safety profile that is very much in line with national benchmarks. The area's overall crime rate stands at 91.6 per 1,000 people, which is nearly identical to the UK average of 91.7. This is reflected in a safety score of 78/100, just one point below the UK average of 79/100. However, the most encouraging data for Waltham Abbey is its trend direction; crime is currently decreasing at a significant rate of -11.5% year-over-year. This substantial downward trend suggests a rapidly improving safety environment for the town's 20,037 residents. While property crime remains a consideration, the overall statistical picture shows a town that is successfully reducing its crime levels.

Crime Breakdown in Waltham Abbey

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crimes in Waltham Abbey, with 656 reported incidents representing 35.8% of the total. Vehicle crime is the second most common at 11.1% (203 crimes), followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 10.9% (200 crimes).

The overall property crime rate in Waltham Abbey is 33.5 per 1,000 people. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.3 and includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage. Criminal damage and arson are particularly notable, with 185 reported cases (10.1% of total crime). While burglary accounts for a smaller 3.4% of crimes (62 incidents), the relatively high rate of vehicle crime and criminal damage suggests that property-related offences are a significant concern for the local community. Residents and homeowners should be aware that opportunistic crimes against property and vehicles form a substantial part of the local crime landscape, necessitating robust security measures to protect homes and assets in this historic market town.

Crime Trends in Waltham Abbey

Waltham Abbey is experiencing a very positive shift in its safety profile, with an overall crime decrease of -11.5% year-over-year. This downward trend is consistent across most of the year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people remained relatively stable through the winter and spring, ranging from 6.3 in December to 7.7 in March.

A notable peak occurred in June 2025, where the rate rose to 8.8, followed by a steady period around 8.1 through the late summer and autumn. However, the year ended with a decrease to 7.8 in November. This overall reduction in total crimes is a strong indicator that local policing and community safety measures are proving effective. For residents, this trend provides reassurance that Waltham Abbey is becoming a safer place to live, with a significant reduction in the total number of offences being recorded compared to the previous year.

How To Keep Safe in Waltham Abbey

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Waltham Abbey. To enhance your personal safety, we recommend staying aware of your surroundings, especially when walking near the town centre or the Abbey gardens after dark. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid isolated paths or shortcuts through the parklands.

Vehicle crime is also a significant concern in the area. Always ensure your vehicle is locked, even if left for a short time, and never leave valuables like bags, phones, or tools on display. If possible, park in a secure garage or a well-lit area covered by security cameras. Using a visible deterrent like a steering wheel lock can also be effective.

Given the rate of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, it is beneficial to engage with local community safety groups. For homeowners, ensuring your property looks occupied when you are out—by using smart lighting—can deter opportunistic crime. By combining physical security for your home and vehicle with personal awareness in public spaces, you can significantly reduce your risk of being affected by local crime.

Crime Patterns in Waltham Abbey

Crime in Waltham Abbey follows a clear temporal pattern, largely influenced by commercial activity and the cover of darkness. Theft and shoplifting are most prevalent during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), accounting for 40% of all theft-related offences. This aligns with peak shopping hours in the town centre. Morning hours also see significant theft activity at 32%.

In contrast, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour are more frequent during the night and evening. Vehicle crime is particularly high between 12am and 6am, representing 59% of offences during that period. This indicates that cars parked overnight are at the greatest risk. Burglary also shows a peak in the afternoon (15%) and evening (11%), suggesting that opportunistic thieves target homes when residents are away or as evening falls. Understanding these patterns helps residents focus their security efforts, such as ensuring vehicle safety overnight and home security during the day and early evening.

Waltham Abbey is located in a busy corridor on the Essex-Hertfordshire border. When compared to nearby Waltham Cross, which has a higher crime rate of 108.8, Waltham Abbey is a safer option. It is very similar in profile to Cheshunt (91.2). In contrast, more rural areas like High Beech and Sewardstone report much lower or even zero crime rates in this dataset. This positioning shows that while Waltham Abbey experiences the typical crime levels of a medium-sized urban settlement, it is performing better than some of its more densely populated neighbours, and its strong downward trend in crime is a positive differentiator for the local region.

With a property crime rate of 33.5 per 1,000 people, residents of Waltham Abbey are facing a risk level slightly above the national average. This makes effective home security a priority. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they record a crime as it happens but rarely stop it. For true protection, a proactive system is essential. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it occurs.

By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property’s boundaries, scOS identifies potential threats in real-time. In an area where vehicle crime and criminal damage are notable, scOS’s ability to verify vehicles and recognise routines is a game-changer. The system doesn't just watch; it responds autonomously by activating lights and speakers to deter intruders. Most burglars decide to move on if they encounter a professional-grade system that removes their element of surprise. By choosing scOS, you are investing in a system that prevents your home from becoming a statistic.