Harwich Crime Rate

Harwich, a historic port town, currently has a crime rate of 94.8 per 1,000 residents, which is marginally higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Despite this, the area boasts a solid safety score of 76/100, indicating a level of security that many residents find reassuring. The recent trend data shows a stable environment, with a slight year-over-year decrease of 0.9% in total reported crimes. This stability suggests that Harwich remains a consistent community in terms of safety. Our analysis, spanning December 2024 to November 2025, provides a detailed breakdown of the most common crime types and their timing, offering valuable insights for both long-term residents and those considering a move to this significant maritime hub.

Crime in Harwich

Harwich's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 46.1% of all reported incidents, or 43.7 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.8% and anti-social behaviour at 9.5%. These three categories represent the majority of police activity in the town, reflecting a mix of high-harm incidents and community-level disturbances.

Property crime in Harwich, including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at a rate of 29.8 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly below the UK average of 32.3, suggesting that Harwich is relatively secure in terms of property protection. Shoplifting (7.6%) and other theft (6.3%) are the most common property-related offences. For local homeowners, the 2.4% burglary rate indicates a lower risk than in many other port towns, but the concentration of vehicle crime at night (29% of night-time incidents) remains a specific concern. Maintaining visible security and ensuring all property is locked are essential steps for residents to mitigate these risks.

Crime Trends in Harwich

The crime trend in Harwich is currently stable, with a minor 0.9% decrease in total reported crimes year-over-year. This indicates a very consistent safety environment for the town. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals that the crime rate fluctuated from a low of 6.6 in December to a peak of 10.2 in July.

The summer peak in July is a common pattern for coastal towns, likely influenced by increased footfall and seasonal activity. Following this peak, the rate steadily declined through the autumn, returning to 7.2 by November. This seasonal predictability is useful for residents and local authorities in planning security and policing resources. While the overall trend is stable, the higher rates in the summer months suggest that residents should be particularly vigilant during this period. For homeowners, the consistent property crime rate throughout the year reinforces the need for year-round security measures.

How To Keep Safe in Harwich

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Harwich, representing nearly half of all reports. While these statistics include a wide range of incidents, staying safe in public areas is a key concern for the community.

To stay safe in Harwich, especially near the port and town centre, try to stick to well-traversed and well-lit routes when walking at night. Avoid isolated areas like the beach or unlit alleyways after dark. If you are out socialising, staying in a group is one of the most effective ways to deter unwanted attention. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables out of sight to prevent opportunistic theft. For residents, participating in local neighbourhood watch schemes can provide an extra layer of community-based security. By staying alert and taking these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk and enjoy all that Harwich has to offer.

Crime Timing in Harwich

Crime in Harwich follows a distinct temporal pattern that residents should be aware of. Theft is primarily a daytime issue, making up 42% of morning crimes and 46% of afternoon incidents. This correlates with the town's commercial activity and the movement of people during the working day. Burglary also shows a notable presence during the afternoon (12%) and night (13%), suggesting criminals target homes when they are either empty or when residents are asleep.

As evening approaches, the nature of crime shifts. Between 6pm and 12am, 'other' crimes—which include public order and anti-social behaviour—dominate, accounting for 62% of reports. Overnight, vehicle crime becomes a major concern, spiking to 29% of all incidents between 12am and 6am. This data indicates that while personal safety and theft are daytime and evening priorities, property and vehicle security are the most critical concerns during the late-night hours. Understanding these rhythms allows Harwich residents to better tailor their security habits to the actual risks present.

Harwich sits in an interesting regional context. Its crime rate of 94.8 per 1,000 is lower than Clacton-on-Sea's 123.8, making it one of the safer urban centres in the Tendring district. However, it is busier than surrounding villages; Great Oakley (30.0) and Shotley Gate (25.0) have much lower rates. Areas like Parkeston and Shotley reported 0.0 crimes, likely due to their very small residential populations. For those seeking an urban environment with more amenities than a village but a better safety profile than the larger resorts, Harwich presents a balanced and relatively secure option within the local region.

Protecting Your Harwich Property

With a property crime rate of 29.8 per 1,000 residents, Harwich homeowners enjoy a relatively secure environment, yet the risk of vehicle crime and burglary remains, particularly under the cover of darkness. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV or basic alarms are reactive—they only tell you a crime has happened after the fact. In Harwich, where 29% of night-time crime involves vehicles, reactive systems often provide little more than grainy footage of a theft that has already occurred.

For true security, a proactive approach is essential. The scOS AI-powered security system shifts the focus from recording to prevention. By monitoring your property boundaries in real-time with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify potential threats before they reach your door. It learns to recognise your family and regular deliveries, ensuring that it only alerts you—and intervenes—when a real threat is detected. Autonomous responses like activating floodlights or audible warnings can deter a criminal in the critical 60 seconds before they commit to a break-in. For Harwich residents, this AI-driven proactive protection is the most effective way to safeguard their homes and vehicles.