Great Wakering Crime Rate

Great Wakering presents a robust safety profile, characterised by an overall crime rate of 58.8 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area a safety score of 84/100, which is well above the national benchmark of 78. Despite this positive standing, the area has experienced a recent upward trend in reported incidents, with crime increasing by 5.2% over the last twelve-month period. While the settlement remains a safe residential choice within the local authority of Rochford, this slight increase suggests a shift in the local security landscape. The following data provides a detailed analysis of Great Wakering's crime types, seasonal trends, and temporal patterns to help residents understand and mitigate local risks effectively.

Crime Breakdown in Great Wakering

Great Wakering's crime landscape is predominantly defined by three main categories: violence and sexual offences, public order offences, and criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of local reports, accounting for 200 incidents, which equates to 52.1% of the total crime in the area. This is followed by public order offences and criminal damage and arson, which both recorded 33 incidents each, representing 8.6% of the total respectively.

When examining property-related crime—a combined category including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and robbery—Great Wakering maintains a relatively low rate of 14.2 per 1,000 residents. This is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Within this category, vehicle crime is the most frequent concern, with 22 reported incidents (5.7% of total crime), followed by other theft and burglary. Despite these figures, the overall volume of property crime remains modest for a settlement of this size.

For residents and homeowners, these statistics suggest that while Great Wakering is generally safe, there is a persistent level of opportunistic crime, particularly involving vehicles and criminal damage. The high percentage of violence and sexual offences often includes domestic incidents and non-stranger violence, but the prevalence of criminal damage indicates a need for robust perimeter security. Homeowners should remain vigilant about securing outbuildings and vehicles, as these are the most likely targets for the property-related offences occurring within the community.

Crime Trends in Great Wakering

Great Wakering has experienced a 5.2% increase in total crime over the last 12 months, indicating a slight upward trend in local offences. A month-by-month review of the crime rate per 1,000 residents shows notable fluctuations throughout the year. The safest period was recorded in April 2025, with a rate of 3.5, while a significant peak occurred in July 2025, where the rate jumped to 8.4 per 1,000 people.

Other months, such as March 2025 (6.7) and October 2025 (5.1), also showed higher than average activity. The sharp increase in July suggests a seasonal spike, potentially linked to warmer weather and increased outdoor activity, which often correlates with higher reports of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. For residents, this trend means that while Great Wakering remains statistically safe, there is a need for consistent vigilance, particularly during the summer months. The overall 5.2% rise suggests that local law enforcement and the community may need to address emerging issues to return the area to its previous lower crime levels.

How To Keep Safe in Great Wakering

The most prevalent crime type in Great Wakering is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over half of all reported incidents. While many of these are non-stranger related, maintaining personal safety in public spaces is still essential.

To stay safe in Great Wakering, consider these three actionable tips:

1. Stay Aware in Public Spaces: When walking alone, especially during the evening, stick to well-lit, populated routes. Avoid using headphones or being distracted by your phone, as maintaining situational awareness is the first line of defence against personal crime.
2. Utilise Personal Safety Tech: Consider using personal safety apps that allow you to share your live location with trusted friends or family members when travelling home late at night.
3. Report Suspicious Behaviour: Great Wakering benefits from a close-knit community. If you notice unusual activity or individuals loitering near residential properties, report it to the local non-emergency line to help police build an accurate picture of local risks.
4. Secure Your Perimeter: Given the prevalence of criminal damage, ensure that gates are locked and that there are no easy-to-throw objects (like loose bricks or heavy garden ornaments) left in accessible front gardens.

An analysis of crime timing in Great Wakering reveals distinct patterns associated with different offence types. The most striking data points occur during the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime accounts for a significant 47% of all recorded incidents in that window. This suggests that vehicles parked on streets or driveways are most vulnerable during the early hours of the morning when natural surveillance is at its lowest.

In contrast, the afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is the peak time for theft-related offences, which comprise 50% of the crimes committed during these hours. This likely reflects the higher volume of people moving through the area, providing more opportunities for opportunistic theft. Burglary also shows a slight peak during the afternoon (13%), potentially targeting homes left empty during the working day. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a rise in 'other' crime types, which often includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences, likely linked to social activity and the local evening economy. Understanding these windows of vulnerability allows residents to be more targeted in their security habits.

When comparing Great Wakering to its surrounding Essex neighbours, the area holds a favourable position. It is substantially safer than the major urban hub of Southend-on-Sea, where the crime rate reaches 107.6 per 1,000 people. It also compares well against Rochford, which has a higher rate of 83.0. While smaller, virtually unpopulated areas like Stonebridge and Creeksea report zero crimes, Great Wakering represents one of the safer populated settlements in the region. For those looking for a balance between urban amenities and a secure living environment, Great Wakering offers a significantly lower risk profile than the larger coastal and administrative centres nearby, making it a preferred choice for safety-conscious residents.

With a property crime rate of 14.2 per 1,000 people, Great Wakering residents face a lower risk than the national average, but the presence of vehicle crime and criminal damage necessitates a professional approach to security. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV, often function reactively—providing evidence only after a crime has been committed. In an area where criminal damage and arson are among the top three crime types, reactive recording is often insufficient to prevent loss or damage.

Modern protection requires a shift toward proactive AI-powered systems. scOS (Security Operating System) offers this by monitoring all camera feeds simultaneously to detect threats at the property boundary. Instead of simply recording a vehicle being tampered with, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or speakers, to deter an intruder before they reach your car or home. This "prevention over reaction" model is particularly effective against the opportunistic vehicle crime and criminal damage seen in Great Wakering, ensuring that your home remains a hardened target that burglars and vandals would rather avoid.