Southend-on-Sea Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea, with a population of 185,256, experiences an overall crime rate of 106.0 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is slightly higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area’s safety score is currently 74 out of 100, which is a positive indication compared to the UK average safety score of 78/100, suggesting a generally moderate level of safety. Property crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, is recorded at 37.0 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Over the past year, the crime trend in Southend-on-Sea has remained stable, showing a minor 2.4% change year-over-year. This report delves into the specifics of these statistics, offering a comprehensive understanding of crime patterns and safety within the area.

About Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is a vibrant coastal town and unitary authority, characterised by its mix of residential, commercial, and tourist areas. Its identity as a popular seaside resort, home to the world's longest pleasure pier, significantly influences its daily dynamics. The area attracts a substantial number of visitors, particularly during peak seasons, which can contribute to a transient population alongside its 185,256 residents. Major activities include tourism, retail along the High Street, and a growing presence of creative and digital industries. As a transport hub with good rail links to London, Southend also sees a considerable commuter population. These characteristics, including the bustling nightlife associated with a tourist destination and town centre, can play a role in shaping the local crime statistics, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour, public order offences, and certain types of theft, aligning with patterns often observed in busy urban and tourist-heavy environments.

Crime Type Analysis in Southend-on-Sea

An examination of crime types in Southend-on-Sea reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 8,104 crimes, or 41.2% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 43.7 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting is the second most prevalent crime, with 1,939 reported incidents, representing 9.9% of the total and a rate of 10.5 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the third highest, with 1,854 incidents, making up 9.4% of all crimes at a rate of 10.0 per 1,000. These figures indicate that residents and local businesses are most frequently affected by these specific types of offences.

Beyond these top three, property-related crime is a notable concern. This category, which includes burglary (3.0 per 1,000), vehicle crime (6.5 per 1,000), other theft (6.4 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (7.3 per 1,000), bicycle theft (1.2 per 1,000), robbery (1.2 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.8 per 1,000), collectively contributes to a property crime rate of 37.0 per 1,000 residents. This elevated rate, surpassing the UK average, suggests that homeowners and vehicle owners in Southend-on-Sea should be particularly vigilant regarding the security of their possessions and properties.

Crime Trends in Southend-on-Sea

The crime landscape in Southend-on-Sea has remained stable over the last year, with a minimal 2.4% change year-over-year. This indicates that the overall volume of crime has neither significantly risen nor fallen. Analysing the monthly trend data provides a more granular view. Crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year, starting at 8.6 in October 2024 and dipping to 7.5 in December 2024, a common pattern around the festive period. A notable increase was observed from March 2025 (8.7) through to July 2025 (10.9), suggesting a seasonal rise in crime during the warmer months, potentially linked to increased outdoor activity or tourism. Rates then saw a decline into September 2025 (8.3). For residents, this stable trend suggests that while there isn't a dramatic improvement in safety, the situation is not deteriorating significantly either. Awareness of seasonal peaks, particularly in summer, could be beneficial for personal and property security planning.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When assessing the crime statistics for Southend-on-Sea, it is valuable to consider its performance relative to neighbouring areas. Southend-on-Sea's overall crime rate of 106.0 per 1,000 is higher than that of Rochford, which often benefits from a more rural character, and Castle Point, a largely residential area. It also stands above Maldon, another comparatively quieter district. However, its rate is broadly comparable to other larger urban centres in the region, such as Medway and Basildon, which typically experience higher crime volumes due to their population density and urban characteristics. Chelmsford, while a city, often presents a more varied crime profile. This regional context highlights that while Southend-on-Sea has a higher crime rate than some of its immediate, less urbanised neighbours, it aligns with patterns seen in more developed and populated towns within the wider Essex and Kent area. Understanding these comparisons can help residents contextualise local safety concerns.

Protecting Your Property in Southend-on-Sea

Given Southend-on-Sea's property crime rate of 37.0 per 1,000 residents, which is above the UK average, proactive home security measures are particularly pertinent. It is crucial to consider security solutions that prevent crime rather than merely recording it after an incident has occurred. While systems like Ring or Nest cameras provide valuable footage, they often only notify you once a break-in is in progress or or has already happened.

For those seeking robust protection, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a significant advantage. Instead of reacting, scOS is designed for proactive crime prevention. It detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence, watching all cameras simultaneously without ever missing a detail. This means potential intruders are identified before they even reach your door, destroying the element of surprise. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly catch fake plates, and its pattern learning capabilities recognise your family and routines, ensuring alerts are only for genuine threats. With scOS, an autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, can deter most burglars who typically decide within 60 seconds to move on if faced with serious protection. Choosing professional-grade equipment and proactive deterrence over reactive recording can make a substantial difference in safeguarding your home and belongings in Southend-on-Sea.