Harwich Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Harwich

Harwich records an overall crime rate of 95.9 per 1,000 residents annually. This is slightly above the national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area's safety score of 76 out of 100 places it just below the UK average of 78. Over the past year, crime rates in Harwich have remained stable, showing a minor increase of 1.8% year-over-year. These figures offer an initial overview of the local crime situation, with subsequent sections providing a more detailed analysis of specific crime types, trends, and comparisons with nearby areas.

Crime Type Analysis in Harwich

In Harwich, the most frequent crime types are Violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45.6% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 43.8 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by Criminal damage and arson at 10.9% (10.5 per 1,000) and Anti-social behaviour at 10.2% (9.8 per 1,000). These statistics highlight a primary concern around personal safety and public order within the area.

When examining property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Harwich reports a rate of 29.4 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the national average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively lower risk for residents' possessions. For homeowners, understanding these figures suggests that while general vigilance for personal safety is important, the risk of property-specific crimes is somewhat reduced compared to the broader UK context.

Crime Trends in Harwich

Harwich has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a slight increase of 1.8% year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals some fluctuations. Starting at 7.7 in October 2024, the rate dipped to 6.6 in December 2024, before showing a general upward trend through the spring and summer, peaking at 10.2 in July 2025. Following this summer peak, the crime rate saw a slight decrease to 8.1 by September 2025. This pattern suggests a potential seasonal influence on crime activity, with higher rates observed during the warmer months. Residents should be aware of these trends and remain vigilant, particularly during periods of increased activity.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Harwich

An analysis of crime patterns by time of day in Harwich reveals key shifts in activity. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 41% of crimes, alongside 11% vehicle crime and 7% burglary. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) sees theft remain high at 46%, with burglary increasing to 13%, likely reflecting increased activity in commercial and residential areas. As the evening progresses (6pm-12am), 'Other' crimes (including violence, public order, and anti-social behaviour) surge to 62%, while theft drops to 16%. This indicates a shift towards personal safety and public order concerns during later hours. Overnight (12am-6am), vehicle crime becomes a significant factor at 29%, coupled with 14% burglary and 48% 'Other' crimes, suggesting a focus on opportunistic property crimes when properties are less attended.

Regional Crime Comparison

To provide regional context, Harwich's crime rates can be compared to several nearby areas. Parkeston, a close neighbour, may share similar crime dynamics due to proximity and shared characteristics. Further afield, Shotley Gate and Shotley, across the estuary, offer different rural or semi-rural contexts, which often result in distinct crime profiles. Great Oakley, another nearby settlement, also contributes to understanding the regional crime landscape. These comparisons help residents and prospective movers in Harwich to contextualise their local safety within the immediate regional area, highlighting how it stands relative to its neighbours.

Protecting Your Property in Harwich

With Harwich's property crime rate of 29.4 per 1,000 residents being lower than the national average, it's still prudent for homeowners to consider robust security. Traditional security solutions, such as basic alarm systems or CCTV, often only provide alerts or footage after an intrusion has occurred, offering a reactive response rather than proactive prevention. If you are looking for a more advanced approach, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a compelling alternative. Designed to detect threats at the property boundary, scOS aims to prevent crime before it escalates to a break-in. Its multi-camera intelligence and ability to learn routines help distinguish real threats, triggering an autonomous response with lights and speakers to deter intruders. This professional-grade deterrence can be critical, as many burglars decide whether to proceed within 60 seconds. Prioritising prevention over reactive recording offers a stronger defence for your property and belongings.