Purleigh Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Purleigh, Essex, reveal a crime rate of 27.9 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000 residents, indicating a greater risk of crime in this area. While fluctuations occur month-to-month, the overall trend has been upwards. Understanding these trends and the specific types of crimes prevalent in Purleigh is crucial for residents and local authorities to implement effective preventative measures and ensure community safety. This analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and offers practical advice to enhance personal safety.

The crime landscape in Purleigh, as indicated by data from January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern. Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest portion of recorded crimes, accounting for 48.9% of all incidents (23 crimes). Vehicle crime follows with 10.6% (5 crimes), alongside 'other theft' at the same percentage. Criminal damage and arson contribute 8.5% (4 crimes), while drug-related offences represent 6.4% (3 crimes). Burglary, a significant concern for homeowners, accounts for a relatively smaller proportion at 4.3% (2 crimes), though any burglary represents a direct impact on residents. Anti-social behaviour, possession of weapons, and public order offences each account for a minor percentage of the overall crime picture. This distribution highlights a need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of violence, vehicle theft, and broader property crime within the community.

Crime rates in Purleigh have experienced a concerning upward trend, increasing by 11.9% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reflects this pattern, with peaks observed in February (1.8 per 1,000/month), June (3.0 per 1,000/month), October (4.8 per 1,000/month) and November (3.6 per 1,000/month). While December shows a return to lower levels (3.0 per 1,000/month), the overall trajectory indicates a persistent challenge that requires proactive and targeted interventions to mitigate the risk to residents.

How To Keep Safe in Purleigh

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's essential to be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. Secure your vehicles properly, using alarms and immobilisers to deter vehicle crime. Consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to foster community vigilance. Ensure your home is well-lit and that doors and windows are locked, particularly during evening hours. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly, contributing to a safer environment for everyone in Purleigh.

Crimes in Purleigh tend to occur across various times of the day. Burglary incidents are most frequently recorded during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), potentially coinciding with periods of reduced neighbourhood activity. Vehicle crime exhibits a peak during the night (12am - 6am), suggesting opportunities for theft or damage while vehicles are unattended. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a higher proportion of ‘other theft’ and violence, possibly linked to increased social activity. Understanding these patterns can help residents and authorities tailor crime prevention strategies to specific times and locations.

Compared to Purleigh’s crime rate of 27.9 per 1,000 residents, neighbouring areas present a varied picture. Cold Norton and Woodham Mortimer report no recorded crimes, demonstrating a notably safer environment. However, Latchingdon has a significantly higher crime rate of 63.3 per 1,000, highlighting a disparity within the region. Gay Bowers also reports no crime. These comparisons underscore the localised nature of crime and the importance of understanding specific area characteristics when assessing safety.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a record of incidents after they occur, offering little in the way of actual prevention. In areas like Purleigh, where the crime rate is higher than the national average, a proactive security system is increasingly valuable. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, represents a paradigm shift in property protection. Unlike traditional systems, scOS utilises multi-camera intelligence and AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary before they escalate. Its DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles, and its pattern learning capabilities recognise family members and deliveries, minimising false alarms. The visible presence of scOS, with its intelligent lighting and speaker system, serves as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their actions. The right security system doesn't just record a burglary; it prevents it – a crucial difference for residents of Purleigh.