Tillingham Crime Rate

Tillingham is a safe and quiet urban settlement in the Maldon local authority, featuring a safety score of 87/100. This is notably better than the UK average of 78/100, reflecting a secure environment for its 2,300 residents. The overall crime rate in Tillingham is 45.9 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the national average of 93.1. Furthermore, the area is seeing a positive trend in safety, with an 8.5% decrease in total crime year-over-year. Property crime is particularly low in Tillingham, occurring at a rate of just 6.8 per 1,000 people, which is one of the lowest in the region. This data suggests that Tillingham remains a low-risk area for residents and homeowners alike.

Crime Breakdown in Tillingham

In Tillingham, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 58.3% of all local incidents. With 63 reported cases annually, this represents a rate of 26.8 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 12.0% (13 crimes), followed by public order offences at 7.4% (8 crimes). These statistics indicate that personal safety and community conduct are the primary focus of law enforcement in the village.

Property crime in Tillingham is exceptionally low, with a rate of just 6.8 per 1,000 people. This is far below the UK average of 32.9 for property-related offences. Specifically, burglary is extremely rare, with only one incident reported in the last year, making up less than 1% of total crime. Vehicle crime is slightly more frequent at 4.6% (5 crimes), and other theft accounts for 3.7%. For homeowners and residents, this means the risk of home intrusion is statistically negligible. However, the data shows that vehicle crime and criminal damage (5.6%) are more likely than burglary, suggesting that while the home interior is safe, exterior property and vehicles require more attention. Maintaining high levels of security for vehicles and outbuildings is recommended to mitigate these low but present risks.

Crime Trends in Tillingham

Tillingham has seen a positive overall shift in its safety profile, with an 8.5% decrease in total crime year-over-year. This downward trend is a reassuring sign for the community, indicating that the area is becoming even more secure over time. However, monthly data reveals some volatility within this broader trend.

The crime rate remained relatively low and stable during the winter months of 2024 and early 2025, hovering between 1.7 and 3.8 per 1,000 residents. A notable increase occurred in May 2025, with the rate rising to 5.5, before settling back down during the summer. Interestingly, the highest monthly rate was recorded in October 2025, reaching 7.2 per 1,000. These fluctuations suggest that while the long-term trend is decreasing, specific months can see sudden spikes in reported activity. Despite these occasional increases, Tillingham's property crime remains consistently low, and the village maintains its status as a high-safety settlement within the Maldon local authority.

How To Keep Safe in Tillingham

The most prevalent crime type in Tillingham is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over 58% of all reported incidents. To enhance personal safety, residents should stay aware of their surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night, and stick to well-lit main routes. Carrying a personal safety alarm and ensuring your phone is easily accessible are simple but effective precautions.

For the theft and vehicle-related crimes that occur, the data shows a peak in the afternoon and night. Ensure that vehicles are always locked and that no valuables are left on display, as this can attract opportunistic theft. If you have a garage, use it; if not, park in the most visible and well-lit area possible. Consider installing motion-activated lighting around your driveway and property perimeter. Finally, engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can help keep the community informed of any suspicious activity, helping to maintain the area's overall downward crime trend.

Crime in Tillingham follows distinct time-based patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 46% to 54% of all activity. This suggests that opportunistic crimes often occur during daylight hours when residents are busy or away from home.

As the day transitions into the evening and night, the focus of criminal activity shifts. Between 6pm and 12am, 'Other' crime types (including anti-social behaviour and public order) become the majority at 51%. Most notably, the night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a dramatic rise in vehicle crime, which accounts for 46% of all incidents during these hours. Burglary risk remains relatively consistent throughout the day, peaking slightly at 10% during the afternoon and night, highlighting the need for vigilant security across all 24 hours.

In the context of the Maldon region, Tillingham is a relatively safe settlement. It is notably safer than Ramsey Island, which has a crime rate of 60.7 per 1,000 people, and is very similar in profile to Southminster (45.2). However, it does have a higher crime rate than some of its immediate, more rural neighbours; Tollesbury, for example, has a very low rate of 13.9, while Steeple recorded no crimes at all during the same period. For those looking for a balance between local amenities and safety, Tillingham offers a secure middle ground, maintaining a much lower crime profile than the busier parts of Essex.

Tillingham’s property crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 is exceptionally low, but the data shows that vehicle crime and criminal damage are the more likely threats to property. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, are often reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has happened, which is of little comfort once your vehicle has been tampered with or your property damaged.

scOS offers a proactive approach to security that is better suited to maintaining Tillingham’s safe environment. By using AI to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can detect a potential threat before it reaches your car or home. It can distinguish between normal activity and suspicious behaviour, alerting you only when it matters. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers. This proactive stance is designed to prevent crime rather than just record it, ensuring that Tillingham's low property crime rates stay that way.