Waltham Abbey Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Waltham Abbey

Waltham Abbey reports an overall crime rate of 94.2 per 1,000 residents annually, which is very similar to the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This translates to a safety score of 78 out of 100, aligning with the UK average score. Over the past year, Waltham Abbey has experienced a decreasing crime trend, with a notable reduction of 7.5%. This section offers a detailed analysis of the local crime landscape, providing residents with context on crime types, trends, and safety measures.

Crime Breakdown in Waltham Abbey

In Waltham Abbey, Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant crime category, accounting for 35.1% of all reported crimes with a rate of 33.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, making up 11.1% of crimes at 10.5 per 1,000, indicating potential community concerns. Vehicle crime ranks third, comprising 11.0% of the total with a rate of 10.3 per 1,000.

Property-related crime in Waltham Abbey, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 34.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly above the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Residents and homeowners in Waltham Abbey should therefore be mindful of securing their properties and vehicles to mitigate these risks, as property crime contributes notably to the overall crime statistics.

Crime Trends in Waltham Abbey

Waltham Abbey has experienced a positive decreasing crime trend over the last year, with a significant reduction of 7.5% in total reported crimes. This indicates an improving safety environment for residents. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations. The rate was 9.3 in October 2024, decreasing sharply to 6.3 in December 2024, before rising to 7.7 in March 2025. A subsequent dip to 6.3 occurred in May 2025, followed by an increase to 8.8 in June 2025 and remaining around 8.1-8.3 towards September 2025. Despite these monthly variations, the overall year-on-year decrease suggests a positive long-term trajectory for crime rates in Waltham Abbey.

Crime Time Patterns in Waltham Abbey

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Waltham Abbey reveals distinct shifts in activity. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a higher incidence of theft (33%) and vehicle crime (30%), likely correlating with daily commutes and commercial operations. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the most dominant category at 40%, often linked to peak shopping hours, with burglary also rising to 16%.

In the evening (6pm-12am), there's a notable increase in 'Other' crime types (45%) and vehicle crime (29%), 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 58% of offences, alongside a stable rate of burglary at 11%. 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 Waltham Abbey to its surrounding areas, including Waltham Cross, Sewardstone, High Beech, and Cheshunt, a regional perspective on crime rates emerges. Waltham Abbey's overall crime rate of 94.2 per 1,000 is comparable to some of these neighbouring areas, particularly those with similar urban characteristics like Waltham Cross and Cheshunt. Its safety score of 78/100 aligns with the UK average, suggesting a broadly typical safety profile within its local context. This comparison offers valuable insights for residents and those considering the area, helping to understand how Waltham Abbey's crime statistics fit into the broader regional picture.

Protecting Your Property in Waltham Abbey

With Waltham Abbey's property crime rate of 34.6 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the UK average, securing your property is a crucial consideration. Many traditional security systems primarily record incidents after they've happened, offering reactive evidence rather than preventing the crime itself. For a more effective approach, consider proactive crime prevention strategies.

An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a distinct advantage by detecting threats at your property boundary, stopping intruders before they gain entry. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, while features like DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles instantly. By learning your routines, scOS minimises false alarms, focusing only on real threats. The visible presence of professional-grade security, coupled with autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers, can deter most burglars within their critical 60-second decision window. Investing in such a system can significantly enhance the protection of your Waltham Abbey home.