Latchingdon Crime Rate

Latchingdon maintains a favourable safety profile with an overall crime rate of 62.6 per 1,000 people, which sits comfortably below the UK national average of 93.1. This is reflected in its high safety score of 85/100, positioning the area as a secure residential choice within the Maldon local authority. However, recent data indicates an upward trend, with total crime increasing by 8.1% year-over-year. Despite this rise, the property crime rate of 25.6 remains lower than the UK average of 32.9. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the specific crime types, temporal patterns, and local comparisons that define the safety landscape for Latchingdon's 1,486 residents.

Crime Breakdown in Latchingdon

The local crime landscape in Latchingdon is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.6% of all recorded incidents (23.6 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by 'other theft' at 15.1% and burglary at 9.7%. When examining property-related crime collectively—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—the rate stands at 25.6 per 1,000 people. This combined category represents a significant portion of local police activity. For residents, this underscores the importance of maintaining robust home security, as property-based offences, while lower than the UK average of 32.9, remain a persistent presence in the community. Homeowners should be particularly mindful of opportunistic theft and vehicle-related incidents which occur alongside residential burglary.

Crime Trends in Latchingdon

The overall crime rate in Latchingdon has experienced an upward trend, rising by 8.1% over the last year. Analysis of the monthly trend data reveals a fluctuating pattern throughout 2024 and 2025. The crime rate per 1,000 residents remained steady at 6.1 in late 2024, before reaching a peak of 7.4 in April 2025. There was a notable dip in August 2025, where the rate fell to its lowest point of 2.7, before climbing back to 5.4 by October 2025. These fluctuations suggest that while the long-term trend is increasing, crime in Latchingdon is subject to significant monthly variance. Residents should be aware that the recent rise indicates a need for increased vigilance, even if the area remains generally safer than the national average.

How To Keep Safe in Latchingdon

The most prevalent crime type in Latchingdon is violence and sexual offences. To enhance your personal safety, consider the following practical steps:

1. Maintain high situational awareness when walking alone, especially during evening hours, and stick to well-lit, familiar routes.
2. Utilise personal safety apps or share your live location with trusted friends or family members when travelling across the area.
3. Trust your instincts; if a situation or individual makes you feel uncomfortable, remove yourself from the environment immediately and head toward a public place.
4. Engage with local community safety groups or Neighbourhood Watch programmes to stay informed about recent incidents and safety initiatives in the Maldon area.
5. Report any suspicious behaviour or non-emergency incidents to the local police via the 101 service to help build a clearer picture of local safety needs.

Crime Timing and Patterns in Latchingdon

Crime in Latchingdon follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. The morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 60% and 64% of crimes respectively. This suggests that daytime activity is primarily opportunistic. As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts toward residential vulnerability, with burglary rising to 25% of incidents between 6pm and midnight. The night-time hours (12am to 6am) see a significant spike in vehicle crime, which accounts for 48% of all recorded offences during this period. This data indicates that while residents are most at risk of theft during the day, their vehicles and property become the primary targets under the cover of darkness.

Nearby Area Comparison

When compared to surrounding settlements in the Maldon region, Latchingdon exhibits a higher crime rate. Neighbouring areas such as Cold Norton, Althorne, and North Fambridge all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people, representing exceptionally low activity. Mayland also presents a safer profile with a crime rate of 35.9 per 1,000. While Latchingdon's rate of 62.6 is still well below the national average, it is the most active area among its immediate peers. This regional context suggests that Latchingdon serves as a local hub where more incidents are recorded compared to the highly rural or smaller neighbouring villages.

Proactive Security in Latchingdon

With a property crime rate of 25.6 per 1,000 people, Latchingdon residents should consider the limitations of traditional security. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which often does little to prevent the initial loss or trauma. To truly secure a home in Latchingdon, a shift toward proactive protection is necessary.

The scOS operating system offers an AI-driven approach that identifies threats at the property boundary. Instead of simply recording a burglary, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect suspicious patterns and trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or speakers, before an intruder gains entry. In an area where burglary and vehicle crime are notable, the ability to destroy the element of surprise is a powerful deterrent. Most criminals decide whether to target a home within seconds; a visible, professional-grade AI system signals that a property is actively defended, encouraging them to move on.