Tendring Crime Rate

Tendring currently records a crime rate of 87.4 per 1,000 people, which is below the UK average of 91.7. The district maintains a solid safety score of 77/100, indicating that it is a relatively secure place for its 156,759 residents. The recent crime trend is classified as stable, showing a negligible 0.6% increase year-over-year. This data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, highlights that the area remains a secure environment, though it does face unique challenges common to coastal regions. While the main urban centres and seaside resorts see more activity, particularly during the peak summer months, the overall safety profile suggests that Tendring continues to offer a stable and secure environment for its community.

About Tendring

Tendring is a coastal district in Essex, encompassing the popular seaside resorts of Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea, and Walton-on-the-Naze, as well as the historic port of Harwich. The area is a major destination for tourism and retirement, with its economy heavily influenced by the seasonal visitor trade and the maritime industry. Its varied landscape includes bustling coastal towns and quieter rural villages.

The district's crime statistics are influenced by its unique geography and seasonal activity. During the summer months, the influx of tourists can lead to an increase in incidents, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Clacton, as the main urban and commercial centre, naturally sees more activity than the more residential areas of Frinton or the rural hinterland. The district's demographics, with a high proportion of older residents, also shape the local safety profile. Overall, Tendring manages the challenges of a busy coastal region while maintaining a respectable safety score, reflecting a community where safety and tourism are carefully balanced by the local authority and its 156,759 residents.

Crime in Tendring

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Tendring, with 6,584 incidents recorded, making up nearly half (48.1%) of the total. Criminal damage and arson follow at 9.1%, with anti-social behaviour close behind at 8.5%. These figures suggest that personal safety and property damage are the primary areas of concern for local residents and visitors.

Property crime in Tendring occurs at a rate of 26.3 per 1,000 people. This includes 367 burglaries, 519 vehicle crimes, and 901 shoplifting offences. Burglary itself accounts for 2.7% of total crime, with a rate of 2.3 per 1,000 residents. Although these rates are below the national average for property crime (32.3), the high proportion of criminal damage and arson (9.1%) remains a significant factor for homeowners and business owners. Ensuring that properties are well-secured against both theft and damage is essential for long-term peace of mind in the district. Protecting homes against the lower but persistent risk of burglary remains a key priority for maintaining the area's safety standards.

Tendring Crime Trends

The crime trend in Tendring is currently stable, with a minor 0.6% increase in total offences recorded over the last year. Monthly data shows a clear seasonal pattern, with the crime rate per 1,000 starting at 6.3 in December 2024 and reaching a peak of 9.2 in July 2025. This summer peak is a very common pattern in coastal districts as the influx of tourists leads to more reported incidents.

Following the summer high, the rate saw a steady decrease, ending at 7.0 in November 2025. Despite these monthly variations, the overall year-over-year stability indicates that crime levels are well-managed. For residents, being aware of these trends can help in taking extra precautions during peak periods, while the district's overall safety score of 77/100 remains a positive indicator of its long-term consistency. Monitoring these seasonal spikes allows local authorities to better allocate resources during the busiest times of the year.

Tendring is situated in a relatively safe part of the East of England. When compared to the nearby urban centres of Colchester or Ipswich, Tendring's crime rate is lower, making it an attractive option for those seeking a coastal lifestyle. It also shares a similar safety profile with other Essex districts like Braintree and Maldon, and is significantly lower than the very low-crime areas of Mid Suffolk or Babergh. For those considering the region, Tendring offers a good balance of coastal convenience and safety, especially when compared to the higher-activity areas of South Essex or larger nearby cities. Understanding this local context helps residents appreciate the district's overall secure standing.

Protecting Your Property in Tendring

With a property crime rate of 26.3 per 1,000 people, Tendring residents face a consistent risk of theft and burglary, particularly in the district's more urbanised coastal areas. However, a notable factor in Tendring is the rate of criminal damage and arson, which accounts for 9.1% of all crime. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, are often reactive—they only provide evidence after a crime or damage has been committed. In an area with these specific risks, proactive protection is essential.

scOS offers a significant step forward in home security by using AI to monitor your property's perimeter. Unlike traditional systems, scOS can distinguish between normal activity and a genuine threat at your boundary. If a potential intruder is detected, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, often deterring the criminal before they even attempt a break-in or cause damage. For Tendring homeowners, this shift from recording a crime to preventing one is vital. A visible, intelligent security system sends a clear message to opportunistic thieves and vandals that your home is a difficult target. In an area where property crime and damage are factors, the peace of mind provided by proactive, real-time detection is invaluable for protecting your home and family.

How To Keep Safe in Tendring

The most common crime in Tendring is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 48.1% of all recorded incidents. While the district is generally safe, the following tips can help you maintain your personal security:

1. Stay Aware in Coastal Resorts: When visiting Clacton or other seaside areas, especially during the busy summer evenings, stick to well-lit main roads and be mindful of your surroundings.
2. Secure Your Property: With criminal damage making up over 9% of all offences, ensure your home and outbuildings are well-secured and consider installing motion-activated lighting.
3. Be Vigilant in Crowded Areas: In busy shopping and tourist areas, keep your personal belongings secure to prevent opportunistic theft, which can sometimes escalate.
4. Join Neighbourhood Watch: Engaging with local community safety groups can help you stay informed about specific crime trends in your part of the district.
5. Trust Your Instincts: If you feel uncomfortable in a particular location or situation, move to a busier, well-lit area or enter a local business that is open to the public.