Maldon Crime Rate

The Maldon district is one of the safest regions in the UK, boasting a high safety score of 88/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 47.7 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. Recent data shows a positive trend, with crime in the area decreasing by 8.1% year-over-year. Property crime is also notably low at 13.8 per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 32.9. These figures place Maldon in the top tier of safe local authority areas, providing a secure environment for its 69,131 residents and highlighting the district's appeal as a peaceful place to live and work.

About Maldon

The Maldon Local Authority District is a predominantly rural and coastal area in Essex, defined by its extensive shoreline along the Blackwater and Crouch estuaries. The district is home to historic market towns like Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch, which serve as commercial and social hubs for the surrounding villages. The local economy is heavily influenced by maritime activities, agriculture, and a growing tourism sector, particularly during the summer months when visitors flock to the coast for sailing and heritage attractions. This seasonal influx can lead to a transient population that occasionally influences local crime statistics.

Maldon's demographics generally reflect a stable, ageing population with a high rate of homeownership. The district lacks the high-density urban sprawl found in neighbouring areas, which contributes to its relatively low crime profile. However, its transport links, including the Crouch Valley rail line, provide easy access to larger urban centres like Chelmsford and London, which can occasionally facilitate cross-border criminal activity. The combination of quiet residential neighbourhoods and concentrated commercial centres in the main towns creates a unique safety profile that remains one of the most secure in Essex.

Crime Breakdown in Maldon

In the Maldon district, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 47.6% of the total with 1,568 incidents annually. This is followed by public order offences at 7.9% and criminal damage and arson at 7.3%. These figures suggest that a significant portion of local crime is related to interpersonal issues and social conduct rather than professional property theft.

The overall property crime rate in Maldon is 13.8 per 1,000 residents. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various forms of theft. While this is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, it remains a key area of concern for homeowners. Burglary specifically accounts for 3.2% of total crime, with 106 incidents reported. Vehicle crime is also notable, representing 5.2% of offences. For residents across the district, these statistics highlight that while Maldon is generally very safe, there is a persistent level of property-related offence that necessitates proactive home and vehicle security measures. Ensuring that homes are resilient against opportunistic theft is essential for maintaining the district's high safety standards.

Crime Trends in Maldon

The crime trend in the Maldon district is currently on a downward trajectory, with total offences decreasing by 8.1% over the last year. This is a very encouraging sign for the community, reflecting a general improvement in safety. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations. The year began with a rate of 4.0 in November 2024, dipping to a low of 2.9 in February 2025.

Activity saw a slight increase during the summer months, peaking at 5.0 in July 2025, which may be attributed to the seasonal increase in visitors to the district's coastal areas. However, by October 2025, the rate had returned to a steady 4.2. These patterns suggest that while there are minor seasonal peaks, the overall trend is one of decline. For residents, this means that Maldon is not only a safe place to live but is statistically becoming more secure over time.

When compared to its larger Essex neighbours, the Maldon district is a clear leader in safety. While nearby cities and larger towns like Colchester, Chelmsford, and Southend-on-Sea often face the complex safety challenges of high-density urban environments, Maldon maintains a significantly lower crime profile. Other neighbouring areas like Braintree, Rochford, and Tendring also typically see more criminal activity than Maldon. This regional context highlights Maldon as a particularly secure pocket of the county, making it an attractive location for those who prioritise a low-crime environment while remaining connected to the wider Essex and London regions.

Proactive Home Security in Maldon

With a property crime rate of 13.8 per 1,000 residents, Maldon is a secure district, but homeowners should not be complacent. Burglary and vehicle crime still account for a notable portion of local offences. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarm kits or standard CCTV cameras, are essentially reactive. They notify you or record footage only after a breach has occurred. In many cases, this leaves homeowners with evidence of a crime but does nothing to prevent the emotional and financial impact of the event itself.

scOS offers a fundamentally different approach through proactive AI protection. By monitoring multiple camera feeds with intelligent algorithms, scOS identifies potential threats at the property boundary—before they reach your front door. Whether it's a suspicious individual loitering or an unrecognised vehicle, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like lighting or audio warnings to deter the intruder. For residents in Maldon's peaceful neighbourhoods, this proactive stance provides a powerful deterrent, ensuring that your home remains a difficult target and helping to maintain the district's excellent safety record.

How To Keep Safe in Maldon

The most common crime in the Maldon district is violence and sexual offences, which includes a wide range of incidents from verbal altercations to more serious assaults. To stay safe across the local authority area, consider the following regional advice:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when in town centres like Maldon or Burnham, especially during weekend evenings when footfall and social activity are higher.
2. If you encounter anti-social behaviour or public disorder, do not engage; move to a safe, well-lit area and report the incident to Essex Police.
3. Ensure your home and vehicles are always locked; even in low-crime areas, opportunistic theft can occur if property is left unsecured.
4. Use well-lit routes when walking at night and, where possible, travel with others.
5. Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch or community safety group to stay informed about specific issues in your part of the district.
6. For rural property owners, ensure outbuildings and expensive equipment are marked and securely stored, as these can be targets for opportunistic theft.