Frinton-on-Sea Crime Rate

Frinton-on-Sea is characterised by a high level of safety, significantly outperforming national averages. The area holds an impressive safety score of 85/100, which is notably higher than the UK average of 79. With an overall crime rate of 69.2 per 1,000 residents, Frinton remains a secure choice for its 5,302 inhabitants, especially when compared to the UK-wide rate of 91.7. However, recent trends show a 43.4% year-over-year increase in recorded incidents, a change largely attributed to a rise in shoplifting and retail-related offences. Despite this upward shift, the area's property crime rate remains manageable, and it continues to be one of the safer urban settlements in Essex. This guide provides a detailed look at the local crime statistics to help residents understand their environment.

Crime in Frinton-on-Sea

Shoplifting is the most significant crime concern in Frinton-on-Sea, representing 33.2% of all reported incidents with 122 cases. This is followed by violence and sexual offences at 29.2% and anti-social behaviour at 9.8%. The high proportion of shoplifting suggests that commercial security is a primary challenge for the local business community.

Property crime as a whole, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 35.3 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, vehicle crime is a notable factor with 22 reported cases (4.2 per 1,000), while burglary remains relatively low with 10 recorded incidents (1.9 per 1,000). For homeowners, while the risk of burglary is statistically low, the overall property crime rate indicates a need for vigilance regarding vehicle security and general theft prevention. The concentration of crime in retail areas and on the streets means that residents should be particularly aware of their surroundings in the town centre.

Crime Trends in Frinton-on-Sea

Frinton-on-Sea has experienced a notable increase in its crime rate over the past year, with a 43.4% year-over-year rise. While this percentage sounds high, it is important to view it in the context of Frinton's historically very low crime levels. The data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year, starting at 3.8 in December 2024 and reaching a peak of 8.3 in July 2025.

The summer months, particularly March through July, saw sustained higher levels of activity, likely reflecting increased seasonal footfall in the town. However, by November 2025, the rate had returned to 3.8, matching the previous year's low. This suggests that while there was a significant mid-year surge—largely driven by shoplifting—the underlying crime rate is not in a permanent state of escalation. Residents should remain aware of these seasonal fluctuations, especially in the town's commercial heart, while taking comfort in the fact that crime levels often settle during the winter months.

How To Keep Safe in Frinton-on-Sea

The most common crime in Frinton-on-Sea is shoplifting, followed by violence and sexual offences. While much of the crime is retail-focused, residents should still take practical steps to ensure their personal and property safety.

In the town centre and shopping areas, stay alert and keep personal belongings secure. For local business owners, implementing visible security measures and ensuring staff are trained in loss prevention can significantly reduce the impact of shoplifting. If you are walking home late at night, stick to well-lit streets and be particularly mindful of vehicle security, as vehicle crime is the primary night-time concern.

To protect your home, ensure that all doors and windows are locked when you are out, and avoid leaving high-value items in plain sight inside your car. Installing a professional security system that offers proactive monitoring can provide peace of mind in an area where property crime has seen a recent uptick. Reporting any suspicious activity to the local authorities helps maintain the community's high safety standards.

Crime in Frinton-on-Sea displays clear temporal trends that relate to the town's retail and residential cycles. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is the busiest period for recorded crime, largely driven by shoplifting and theft, which accounts for 47% of incidents during these hours. As the evening progresses, the focus shifts slightly, though theft remains a factor. The most striking pattern occurs at night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 59% of all reported incidents. This indicates that while the town is quiet, unattended vehicles become the primary target for opportunistic offenders. Burglary also shows a peak in the afternoon (17%) and evening (15%), suggesting that homes are often targeted when residents are likely to be away or preoccupied. Morning hours are relatively quieter but still see a significant proportion of theft and vehicle-related reports as the town wakes up.

In the local context, Frinton-on-Sea sits in the middle of the safety spectrum. Its crime rate of 69.2 per 1,000 is lower than that of its immediate neighbour, Walton-on-the-Naze (86.4), but higher than the more residential Kirby-le-Soken (54.3) and Kirby Cross (35.3). Great Holland remains the safest nearby area with no recorded crimes. For those looking for a balance between town amenities and a secure environment, Frinton offers a very competitive safety profile compared to the busier coastal towns in Tendring, despite the recent increase in retail-based crime.

With a property crime rate of 35.3 per 1,000 people, Frinton-on-Sea is slightly above the national average, making home and vehicle security a pertinent consideration for residents. While the burglary rate specifically is low, the overall theft and vehicle crime figures suggest that opportunistic criminals are active in the area. Standard security systems, like Ring or Nest, are often reactive—they provide you with a video of a crime that has already occurred, which does little to prevent the initial loss or trauma.

The scOS platform represents a shift toward proactive protection. By using AI to monitor camera feeds in real-time, scOS identifies threats at the property line. If an unauthorised person lingers or approaches, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, destroying the element of surprise. This level of deterrence is crucial; most criminals will move on if they perceive a property is actively guarded by intelligent systems. For Frinton residents, investing in a system that prevents crime before it happens is the most effective way to maintain the high standard of safety the town is known for.