Harlow Crime Rate

Harlow is a significant urban area with an overall crime rate of 103.0 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 93.1. Consequently, it has a safety score of 75/100, slightly below the national benchmark of 78/100. Recent statistics show that crime in Harlow is stable, with a 3.1% decrease year-over-year. While the area faces typical urban challenges, particularly in violence and property crime, the stable trend is an encouraging sign for residents. Understanding these figures and the local dynamics is key for maintaining personal and property safety. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the crime types, trends, and regional context of Harlow.

About Harlow

Harlow is a major town in Essex, designed as a New Town with a mix of residential neighbourhoods, commercial centres, and industrial areas. Its position as a significant regional hub, with large retail parks and proximity to the M11 corridor and London, contributes to its crime profile. The town's layout, featuring many green spaces and pedestrian paths, can influence certain types of anti-social behaviour and public order issues.

Harlow's diverse economic base, including technology and manufacturing sectors, attracts a large workforce, leading to a significant transient population during the day. This high volume of activity in shopping centres and transport links often correlates with higher rates of opportunistic theft and shoplifting. Additionally, the town's active nightlife and community hubs contribute to the prevalence of public order and violence-related reports. Understanding these urban dynamics is essential for interpreting Harlow's crime statistics and safety score.

Crime Breakdown in Harlow

Harlow's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 39.2% of all reports (40.4 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour and public order offences follow at 8.6% and 8.5% respectively. Criminal damage and arson also represent a significant portion of police activity at 8.2%.

Property crime in Harlow, which includes burglary, theft, shoplifting, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 35.0 per 1,000 people. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.9. Shoplifting is the most common property offence at 8.1% of total crime, followed closely by vehicle crime at 6.9% and other theft at 5.7%. Burglary accounts for 2.2% of reports. For residents and business owners, these figures indicate that while violent crime is the primary concern, property-related offences—particularly shoplifting and vehicle crime—are persistent issues that require robust security and prevention strategies.

Crime Trends in Harlow

The crime trend in Harlow is currently classified as stable, with a 3.1% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. Analysis of the monthly trend data throughout 2025 shows a relatively consistent pattern, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuating between a low of 7.5 in February and a peak of 9.6 in July.

Other notable peaks occurred in March (9.5) and May (9.3). The data suggests a slight seasonal increase during the spring and summer months, which is common in many UK towns. For residents, this stability is encouraging, indicating that local law enforcement and community safety measures are effectively managing crime levels without experiencing significant upward surges. The overall trajectory suggests that Harlow is maintaining its safety profile despite the challenges faced by a major urban centre.

When comparing Harlow to its immediate surrounding local authority districts, there is a stark difference in reported crime. Nearby areas such as Epping Forest, Broxbourne, East Hertfordshire, Enfield, Brentwood, and Welwyn Hatfield all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people in this specific dataset. This disparity highlights Harlow's role as a major regional hub with a much higher density of commercial activity, transport links, and population than its more rural or suburban neighbours. While the surrounding areas appear exceptionally quiet, Harlow's status as a local centre naturally results in a higher volume of reported incidents typical of a major Essex town.

Protecting Your Property in Harlow

With a property crime rate of 35.0 per 1,000 people, Harlow residents and business owners face risks that are slightly higher than the national average. This makes effective security a priority. Most traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras, are reactive. They are designed to record a crime as it happens, which often leaves you with footage of a masked intruder but no way to stop the event in real-time.

For genuine protection, a proactive approach is required. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that monitors your property boundaries and identifies potential threats before they can escalate. Unlike traditional systems, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect suspicious activity and can autonomously engage deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audible warnings. In a town like Harlow, where vehicle crime and shoplifting are significant issues, the visible presence of a professional, AI-driven system serves as a powerful deterrent, forcing criminals to seek easier targets elsewhere. Investing in proactive prevention is the most effective way to protect your property from the local crime trends.

How To Keep Safe in Harlow

The most prevalent crime type in Harlow is violence and sexual offences. To enhance your personal safety, it is recommended to stay in well-lit areas at night and remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in the town centre and near transport hubs.

Given that anti-social behaviour and public order offences are also common, reporting any recurring issues to the local authorities can help maintain community safety. For homeowners and vehicle owners, the property crime rate of 35.0 highlights the need for vigilance. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and that no valuables are left on display, as vehicle crime accounts for nearly 7% of reports. For residential properties, maintaining good lighting and clear lines of sight can deter opportunistic theft and criminal damage. Finally, community vigilance and reporting suspicious behaviour are vital tools in continuing the current stable trend in Harlow's crime levels.