Lawford Crime Rate

Lawford, within Tendring, experienced a crime rate of 41.0 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is considerably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, highlighting a greater propensity for criminal activity within the area. While there has been a stable 1.0% year-on-year change in crime rates, the elevated baseline demands attention. Understanding the nature of these crimes and implementing preventative measures are crucial for enhancing the safety and well-being of Lawford’s community. This report aims to provide a detailed overview of crime statistics and offer practical advice for residents.

Lawford exhibits a concerning crime profile, with Violence and Sexual Offences representing the largest proportion of recorded incidents. A total of 93 such crimes were documented between January 2025 and December 2025, accounting for 47.2% of all reported offences and a rate of 19.4 per 1,000 residents. Following violence, Other Theft is the next most prevalent crime, with 28 incidents recorded (5.8 per 1,000). Public Order offences contribute significantly, with 17 reported incidents (3.5 per 1,000), alongside Anti-social Behaviour (3.1 per 1,000) and Criminal Damage and Arson (2.3 per 1,000). While Vehicle Crime (1.9 per 1,000) and Burglary (1.0 per 1,000) represent a smaller portion, they nonetheless contribute to the overall crime picture. The higher incidence of violent crime, relative to other areas, warrants careful consideration.

Crime rates in Lawford have remained stable, showing a slight increase of 1.0% year-on-year. Examining monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations throughout the year. Notably, crime rates peaked in May 2025 at 5.6 per 1,000/month, while a relative low was observed in February 2025 at 2.1 per 1,000/month. Despite this fluctuation, the overall trend remains consistent, emphasizing the need for sustained preventative measures and ongoing monitoring of crime patterns.

How To Keep Safe in Lawford

Given the prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences in Lawford, it’s vital to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider travelling in groups or utilising well-lit routes. With Other Theft being a common issue, secure your belongings carefully in public places and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Be vigilant about suspicious activity and report anything concerning to the authorities. Finally, ensure your home is well-lit and that windows and doors are securely locked, particularly during evening hours.

Crime in Lawford exhibits varied patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents tend to peak in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), with 10% occurring during this period. The evening (6pm - 12am) sees a rise in both Violence and Vehicle Crime, with Vehicle Crime particularly prevalent during the night (12am - 6am), accounting for 40% of incidents. Theft is most common during commercial hours in the afternoon, while a significant proportion of Vehicle Crime also occurs during the night. This pattern highlights the importance of heightened vigilance during these specific times.

Lawford’s crime rate contrasts sharply with that of neighbouring areas. Manningtree, with a rate of 87.9 per 1,000, experiences significantly higher levels of crime. Brantham, however, presents a stark contrast, reporting a notably lower rate of 26.3 per 1,000. Foxash Estate boasts a remarkably low crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, while Mistley reports a rate of 74.1 per 1,000. These variations underscore the localised nature of crime and the importance of targeted safety initiatives within Lawford.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, takes a proactive approach. By utilising multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification, scOS detects potential threats at the property boundary, before a break-in can even begin. The pattern learning feature recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms, while autonomous response, like activating lights and speakers, creates a significant deterrent. Most burglars decide within that crucial 60-second window – the visible presence of scOS can make that decision easy: they move on.