Rochford Crime Rate

Rochford is a local authority district in Essex that maintains a strong reputation for safety and community well-being. The area currently holds a safety score of 87/100, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 78/100. Rochford's overall crime rate is 48.5 per 1,000 people, well below the national average of 93.1. More encouragingly, the crime trend in Rochford is decreasing, with a year-over-year drop of 5.5%. This downward trajectory suggests that the district is becoming even more secure for its residents and businesses. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of local crime types, temporal patterns, and advice for maintaining property security across the Rochford local authority area.

About Rochford

Rochford is a local authority district in Essex that blends historic market towns, suburban residential areas, and expansive rural landscapes. The area is characterised by its high quality of life and relatively low crime rates compared to its more urbanised neighbours. Key commercial hubs like Rayleigh and Rochford town provide local employment and retail activity, while the district's proximity to Southend-on-Sea and London makes it a popular choice for commuters.

The safety profile of Rochford is influenced by its predominantly residential nature and strong community ties. However, the presence of major transport links, including Southend Airport and key rail routes, contributes to a more transient population in certain pockets. Economic factors are generally stable, with high employment rates and a focus on small-to-medium enterprises. The district's mix of urban and rural environments means that crime patterns vary, with retail-related offences concentrated in town centres and different challenges, such as rural crime and isolated property security, present in the more sparsely populated areas. Overall, Rochford remains a highly desirable and secure region within the Thames Gateway.

Crime Breakdown in Rochford

Rochford's crime statistics are primarily led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 46.3% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 22.5 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows at 8.7%, while criminal damage and arson make up 8.2%. These figures suggest that personal safety and the protection of property from vandalism are the main areas of concern for the local authority.

Property crime in Rochford, including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 14.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, underscoring the district's status as a secure region. Within this category, other theft accounts for 6.8% of total crime, while vehicle crime represents 5.7%. Burglary is relatively rare, making up 3.9% of reports. For homeowners, these statistics are very positive, indicating a low risk of serious property-related offences. However, the prevalence of criminal damage and vehicle crime suggests that maintaining visible security and well-lit driveways can help deter opportunistic vandalism and theft across the district's residential neighbourhoods.

Crime Trends in Rochford

The crime trend in Rochford is currently positive, with a notable year-over-year decrease of 5.5%. This reduction is a strong indicator of the district's improving safety profile. Analysis of the monthly data reveals that the crime rate typically fluctuates between 3.6 and 4.5 crimes per 1,000 people, which are very low figures compared to national averages.

The highest crime rate of the year was recorded in July 2025 at 4.5, which may be linked to increased seasonal activity. Conversely, the lowest rate was recorded in January 2025 at 3.6, with another low point in February 2025 at 3.7. The most recent data shows a steady rate around 4.2. For residents, this decreasing trend is highly reassuring, indicating that the Rochford district is becoming a safer place to live and work. The consistent reduction in offences allows for greater confidence in local security and community well-being across the entire local authority area.

Rochford sits within a region of Essex with varied safety levels. When compared to nearby Castle Point, which has a higher crime rate of 59.5 per 1,000, Rochford is notably more secure. While data for Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, and Chelmsford is currently reported at 0.0 in this context, Rochford's 48.5 rate remains very low in a national framework. For residents, Rochford offers a peaceful suburban and rural environment with safety levels that compare very favourably to the larger industrial and coastal hubs of the Thames Gateway. The district's decreasing crime trend further reinforces its position as a secure regional choice.

With a property crime rate of 14.8 per 1,000 people, Rochford is one of the more secure districts in the region. Despite this, the impact of burglary or vehicle theft remains a concern for many residents. Traditional security systems like basic alarms or standard CCTV are reactive; they notify you after an incident has occurred or provide footage of a crime after the fact. In an area where crime is already low and decreasing, maintaining that momentum requires a more advanced, proactive approach.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats before they reach your door. The system's advanced AI distinguishes between normal activity and suspicious behaviour, ensuring you are only alerted to genuine risks. In an area like Rochford, where criminal damage and vehicle crime are the main secondary concerns, scOS can act as a powerful deterrent. By triggering autonomous responses like lighting or audio warnings, scOS can discourage offenders before they even attempt a crime. This proactive detection provides a superior level of protection, ensuring your home remains as safe as the statistics suggest.

How To Keep Safe in Rochford

The most common crime type in the Rochford local authority area is violence and sexual offences, which are often concentrated in public spaces or linked to specific social incidents. To stay safe across the district, consider the following practical advice:

1. When walking through town centres or near transport hubs at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through unlit alleys or parks.
2. Be mindful of your personal belongings in retail areas like Rayleigh and Rochford town, particularly during peak shopping hours when theft is most common.
3. Ensure your property is well-lit at night; while criminal damage is low, good lighting is a simple and effective deterrent against opportunistic vandalism and vehicle crime.
4. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local police; community reporting is essential for maintaining the district's high safety standards.
5. If you witness a public order incident, avoid engaging with the individuals involved and move to a safe location before seeking help from authorities.