Rayleigh Crime Rate

About Rayleigh Crime Statistics

Rayleigh, a Built-Up Area within Rochford, demonstrates a strong safety profile with an overall crime rate of 51.9 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. Property crime in Rayleigh stands at 17.0 per 1,000, also well below the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. These statistics contribute to Rayleigh's high safety score of 87 out of 100, surpassing the UK average of 78. The area has also experienced a positive trend, with a 7.3% decrease in overall crime year-over-year, indicating an improving safety environment for its 32,250 residents.

Crime Type Breakdown in Rayleigh

In Rayleigh, the most frequently reported crime type is Violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45.7% of all incidents with 765 crimes (23.7 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by Anti-social behaviour at 8.9% (149 incidents, 4.6 per 1,000), and Shoplifting, which is the third most common at 7.8% (130 incidents, 4.0 per 1,000). These figures provide a clear picture of the predominant criminal activities within the area.

Property-related crime, encompassing offences such as burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, represents 17.0 incidents per 1,000 people in Rayleigh. This is substantially lower than the UK average. Other theft accounts for 6.5% of total crimes, vehicle crime for 6.2%, and burglary for 4.2%. For residents and homeowners, understanding these patterns is key to effective personal and property protection. While the overall risk is lower than the national average, awareness of specific vulnerabilities, particularly concerning theft and vehicle crime, can help inform security decisions.

Crime Trends in Rayleigh

Rayleigh has experienced a positive shift in its crime figures, with an overall year-over-year decrease of 7.3% in crime. This downward trend suggests improving safety within the area. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals some fluctuations, but an underlying pattern of reduction. For example, after rates of 4.3 in October and November 2024, there was a slight increase to 4.5 in December, followed by a dip to 3.3 in January 2025. While there was a peak in July 2025 at 5.0, the most recent data for September 2025 shows the rate at 4.4, consistent with the overall decreasing trend. This general reduction in crime should offer reassurance to residents about the continuing efforts to maintain safety in Rayleigh.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Rayleigh

Crime in Rayleigh exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day, influenced by various activities and community routines. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is the most significant concern, accounting for 43% of crimes, followed by vehicle crime at 20% and burglaries at 13%. This period often coincides with residents leaving for work and businesses opening.

As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the dominant category at 47%, with burglaries also seeing an increase to 22%. This aligns with peak shopping hours and times when properties may be unattended. In the evening (6pm-12am), the crime landscape becomes more varied, with 'Other' crimes peaking at 41%, alongside notable vehicle crime (21%) and burglaries (20%). This period often sees increased social activity.

Nighttime (12am-6am) is primarily characterised by vehicle crime, which makes up a substantial 46% of incidents, followed by burglaries at 21%. This pattern is typical for hours when streets are quieter and properties are more vulnerable to specific types of offences.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When evaluating Rayleigh's crime statistics, comparing them with neighbouring Built-Up Areas provides valuable local context. Rayleigh's overall crime rate of 51.9 per 1,000 is generally higher than that of more rural settlements like Rawreth and Battlesbridge, which typically experience lower crime volumes due to their smaller populations and less dense environments. However, Rayleigh's rate remains competitive and often lower than larger, more commercially active areas such as Thundersley and South Benfleet, which form part of a larger urban expanse. Its safety score of 87 also positions it favourably among these local comparisons, indicating a relatively secure environment for residents within the immediate region.

Protecting Your Property in Rayleigh

With Rayleigh's property crime rate at 17.0 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, safeguarding your home remains a priority. While traditional security systems like Ring or Nest cameras record incidents, they often provide footage of a burglary rather than preventing it. For genuine peace of mind, consider a proactive approach to security.

scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers advanced prevention by detecting threats at your property boundary, stopping criminals before they gain entry. Unlike reactive DIY systems, scOS intervenes in real-time. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, and features like DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles instantly. By learning your routines, scOS intelligently filters out false alarms, only alerting you to real threats.

Professional-grade deterrence is crucial, as most burglars decide whether to proceed within 60 seconds. A visible scOS system, with its autonomous response features like activating lights and engaging speakers, destroys the element of surprise and makes intruders move on. This proactive, intelligent security offers a robust alternative to systems that merely document a crime. For residents in Rayleigh, upgrading to a professional solution like scOS means actively stopping threats at your property line, rather than just recording them.