Great Totham Crime Rate

Great Totham is a remarkably safe and peaceful urban settlement, featuring an overall crime rate of just 23.4 per 1,000 residents. This is far below the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an outstanding safety score of 94/100. The crime trend is currently stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of -3.2%. Property crime is exceptionally low at 9.4 per 1,000 people, which is less than a third of the national average of 32.9. These figures reflect a community where serious criminal activity is rare and residents enjoy a very high standard of security. For the 3,923 residents of Great Totham, the area represents one of the safest living environments within the Maldon local authority.

Great Totham is an exceptionally safe community, with the top three crime categories being violence and sexual offences (45.6%), other theft (14.1%), and vehicle crime (13.0%). While violence and sexual offences are the most recorded, the actual volume is very low at 42 incidents annually. Property-related crime is also remarkably infrequent, with an overall rate of just 9.4 per 1,000 residents, which is far below the UK average. This total includes 13 cases of 'other' theft, 12 vehicle crimes, 6 instances of criminal damage and arson, and 5 burglaries. Shoplifting is also very rare, with only 1 reported case. For homeowners, these figures represent an extremely low risk of property crime, contributing significantly to the area's high safety score.

The crime trend in Great Totham is stable, with a minor -3.2% decrease in total incidents over the last year. Monthly data shows that crime rates remained low for most of the year, with a significant peak in August (3.8 crimes per 1,000). While there were minor increases in December, January, and March (all 2.6), the overall trajectory has been downward. This sustained low-crime environment is a strong indicator of a secure and cohesive community. For residents, this means a consistent safety environment and a very low risk of crime compared to previous years.

How To Keep Safe in Great Totham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Great Totham, though the overall volume is low. Maintaining personal safety and being aware of your surroundings are the best ways to preserve the town's secure environment.

• Be Aware in Public: Even in very safe areas, it is wise to stay observant of your surroundings, especially when walking alone during the evening hours.
• Secure Your Property Exterior: Given that vehicle crime is one of the more common offences, ensure your property is well-lit and that any gates or fences are kept in good repair.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Active community participation is key to Great Totham's safety. Report any anti-social behaviour or unusual activity to local authorities promptly.
• Protect Your Vehicle: Always ensure that valuables are removed and windows are closed, especially if parking on the street overnight, as vehicle crime is a notable component of local activity.
• Use Smart Home Technology: Consider basic smart home features like timer lights to make your home appear occupied when you are away, further deterring the low risk of opportunistic theft.

Crime in Great Totham follows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 57% and 67% of incidents respectively. This is likely due to daytime activity and visitors in the area. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), the crime profile shifts, with vehicle crime increasing to 34% and 'other' crimes like public order increasing to 19%. This trend reaches its peak during the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to 64% of all recorded incidents. Notably, burglary risk is relatively consistent throughout the day, peaking slightly in the evening (16%) and night (15%), suggesting property is at a higher relative risk during the quietest hours.

In comparison to nearby areas, Great Totham's crime rate of 23.4 per 1,000 people is highly competitive. It is significantly safer than Tiptree (54.1) and very close to the rate of Wickham Bishops (22.7). Only the smaller villages of Little Totham and Tolleshunt Major recorded a lower crime rate of 0.0. This regional context highlights Great Totham as a premier choice for those prioritising safety while still desiring the amenities of a larger settlement. Its safety profile is far superior to many other towns in the region, making it a standout location for residents and families alike.

Despite the exceptionally low crime rates in Great Totham, the property crime that does occur—such as vehicle crime or burglary—can be deeply impactful. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV are reactive; they only record footage of an incident after it has happened. For Great Totham residents who want to maintain their high standard of safety, a proactive solution like scOS is recommended. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that focuses on preventing crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time. If a potential intruder or vehicle-related threat is detected, the system can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—to deter them immediately. This destroys the element of surprise and prevents the crime from ever taking place. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the best way to ensure your home remains a safe haven in this secure community.